Interlock Textured Cowl — Reversible Interlock Textured Stitch (DK)

Comfortable, reversible and beautifully woven-looking, this interlock textured cowl uses a simple slipped-stitch sequence (a linen-style variant) to create a dense, interlocking fabric that blocks beautifully and wears warmly. This pattern is written for a flat-knitted cowl (seamed), with notes for adjusting size and knitting in the round if you prefer.

Finished measurements

• Small: circumference ~20 in / 51 cm, height ~9 in / 23 cm
• Medium: circumference ~22 in / 56 cm, height ~10 in / 25 cm (sample shown)
• Large: circumference ~24 in / 61 cm, height ~11 in / 28 cm

Materials

• Yarn: DK / Light Worsted (Category 3). Suggested weight: Imperial: 220 yards per 100 g skein (Metric: 201 m per 100 g). Amount: 1 skein (approx 220 yds / 201 m) for Small/Medium; up to 1.25 skeins for Large or if you want a taller cowl.
• Needles (for flat knitting): US 7 (UK 7, Metric 4.5 mm) recommended for sample gauge; also try US 6 (UK 8, Metric 4.0 mm) for a firmer fabric or US 8 (UK 6, Metric 5.0 mm) for a looser fabric. Use a needle length suitable for the number of stitches (straight or circular for magic loop). Needle sizes summary: US 6–7 — UK (old) 8–7 — Metric 4.0–4.5 mm.
• Tapestry needle for finishing, stitch marker (optional), scrap yarn for provisional cast-on if desired.

Gauge

20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 in / 10 cm in Interlock Textured Stitch after blocking using US 7 (4.5 mm). Always block and measure gauge with your chosen yarn and needles; adjust needle size to match gauge.

Abbreviations

• K = knit
• P = purl
• sl1 wyif = slip one stitch purlwise with yarn held in front (or "with yarn in front")
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side

Notes

• Stitch pattern is a 4-row repeat and is reversible. The fabric is slightly dense and stable; blocking opens the texture and evens the slipped strands.
• Cast-on numbers below are multiples of 2. You may change cast-on to match your gauge and desired circumference (calculate stitches = desired circumference in inches × gauge stitches per inch; round to even number).
• If you prefer to knit seamlessly in the round, work the same stitch logic by substituting the WS rows with rounds purled or worked according to the pattern notes for in-the-round conversion (see "Variations").

Interlock Textured Stitch Pattern (4-row repeat)

Multiple of 2 stitches.

Row 1 (RS): *K1, sl1 wyif; repeat from * to end.
Row 2 (WS): Purl across.
Row 3 (RS): *Sl1 wyif, K1; repeat from * to end.
Row 4 (WS): Purl across.
Repeat Rows 1–4 for pattern.

Cast-on & edge

To create a neat edge, work a 1 in / 2.5 cm garter border at top and bottom, or use 6 rows of garter (knit every row when knitting flat) at cast-on and bind-off. The sample uses 6 garter rows at each edge.

Pattern — Written for 3 sizes

Cast on (long-tail or preferred method):
Small: 100 sts
Medium: 110 sts (sample)
Large: 120 sts

Work 6 rows garter (knit every row) for bottom border.

Set-up row (RS): Work the Interlock Textured Stitch pattern across, keeping the multiple of 2.

Work in Interlock Textured Stitch until piece measures:
Small: ~8.5–9 in / 21.5–22.5 cm from lower edge to desired height (before top border)
Medium: ~9.5–10 in / 24–25 cm
Large: ~10.5–11 in / 26.5–28 cm

Work 6 rows garter for top border. Bind off loosely in pattern or in knit to match the look of the cast-on edge.

Finishing

1. Block gently: soak cowl in lukewarm water with mild wool wash, squeeze out excess water by rolling in a towel, and lay flat to dry. Gently shape to measurements; the slipped-strand texture will relax and even out.
2. Seam short ends with mattress stitch (for invisible join), matching garter ridges. Alternatively seam with a 3-needle bind-off if you used circulars and prefer that method.
3. Weave in all ends. Steam-block lightly if needed to flatten seams.

Variations & tips

• In-the-round conversion: If knitting seamless in the round, cast on an even number of sts. Work rounds as follows to mimic the flat pattern: Round 1: *K1, sl1 wyif; repeat. Round 2: Purl round. Round 3: *Sl1 wyif, K1; repeat. Round 4: Purl round. Repeat these 4 rounds. If you prefer not to purl in the round, you can work the purl rounds as knit rounds using twisted techniques but purling is simplest.
• Make a wider scarf: cast on desired even number of stitches to match width you want; add extra yardage accordingly (roughly 10% more per additional 2–4 in of circumference).
• Color and texture: smooth, plied DK yarn shows the interlock texture best. Tweed or strongly variegated yarn may obscure the woven effect.

Troubleshooting

• If fabric appears too stiff: try one needle size larger or use a slightly softer yarn.
• If the interlock "links" aren’t obvious: check your slipped-stitch tension; slipping purlwise and keeping yarn in front on those slips is key.
• Uneven edges: first and last stitch as selvedge (knit) and use garter border to stabilize.

Abbreviated pattern (for quick use)

CO even number of sts; work 6 rows garter; work Interlock Textured Stitch (Rows 1–4 above) to desired height; work 6 rows garter; bind off; seam and block.

Contact & credits

Pattern by PurlJam. For support or questions: team@verde.uk. Download and pattern details at https://purljam.verde.uk. Share your makes: tag #purljam on socials.

Created by purlJam with the help of magic AI dust. Shop Verde for patterns and yarn.

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