Get ready to add a touch of elegance to your wardrobe with the gorgeous bandana cowl, a free lace knit pattern that will surely turn heads. Made with just half a skein of sock yarn, this cowl works up quick with your favorite sock yarn scraps.
This fabulous knit lace cowl features a beautiful lace design that adds a delicate and intricate touch to the cowl. The pattern is worked flat (don’t worry, half of it’s garter stitch) to create that stylish bandana shaping with a simple join at the back. The best part of a bandana cowl, it displays your lace stitching for all to see!
With this free lace knit pattern, you’ll be able to create a stunning cowl that will become a staple in your 3 season wardrobe. So grab your knitting needles and get ready to create a beautiful and functional accessory with Lakes of Titan, a gorgeous bandana cowl knit pattern.
- Why Choose Bandana Shaping for a Knit Cowl
- Make It Scrappy: A Free Lace Knit Pattern for Fingering Weight Scraps
- A Free Lace Knit Pattern to Suit Every Season
- Details for the Free Lace Knit Cowl Pattern
- Glossary for Lakes of Titan
- The Free Lace Knit Pattern: Lakes of Titan
- Get the PDF for Lakes of Titan!
- Final Thoughts
Why Choose Bandana Shaping for a Knit Cowl
Bandana-shaped cowls offer a unique and stylish alternative to traditional circular cowls. The pointed shape creates a flattering drape that naturally enhances the neckline, making it a versatile accessory for any outfit. Unlike standard cowls that sit evenly around the neck, a bandana cowl adds depth and dimension, creating an effortlessly chic look.
Another advantage of bandana shaping is its functionality. The tapered front provides extra coverage and warmth without unnecessary bulk, making it perfect for transitional weather. Whether you’re layering it over a coat in the winter or wearing it as a statement piece in the fall, the design ensures a cozy yet breathable fit.
For knitters, bandana-shaped cowls offer an engaging and rewarding project. The combination of garter stitch and lacework keeps the knitting process interesting while allowing for skill-building in lace techniques. Additionally, the flat construction with a simple join at the back makes it an approachable pattern for beginners looking to expand their repertoire.
Lastly, a bandana cowl beautifully showcases intricate stitchwork. Unlike traditional cowls that bunch up, this shape lays flatter across the chest, ensuring that the lace pattern remains visible. If you’ve put effort into knitting a stunning lace design, this shaping is ideal for showing off your craftsmanship with every wear.
Make It Scrappy: A Free Lace Knit Pattern for Fingering Weight Scraps
One of the best things about this bandana cowl pattern is that it’s an excellent project for using up leftover fingering weight yarn. The smallest size requires only 240 yards—about half a skein of sock yarn—while even the largest size uses just 390 yards. If you’ve got scraps left over from knitting socks or shawls, this is the perfect way to turn them into a stylish and functional accessory.
A great way to make this free lace knit even more unique is to incorporate different colors in the garter and lace sections. You can create stripes, fade colors together, or use colorblocking techniques to make your cowl one-of-a-kind. The garter stitch sections are ideal for playing with speckled or variegated yarns, as they provide a lovely texture that highlights shifting colors beautifully.
For the lace sections, a solid, semi-solid, or tonal yarn is recommended to allow the intricate pattern to shine. Since lace relies on open spaces and defined stitches, a busier yarn might obscure the design. By choosing a complementary solid for the lace and a fun, wild variegated yarn for the garter sections, you can create a visually striking and well-balanced cowl.
This project is also perfect for mini skeins or small scraps you’ve been holding onto. Mix and match colors from your stash, experiment with bold contrasts, or stick to a coordinated gradient—there’s no wrong way to make it scrappy! With just a little creativity, you can transform leftover yarn into a gorgeous, lightweight cowl that adds charm and warmth to any outfit.
A Free Lace Knit Pattern to Suit Every Season
Knitting with sock yarn makes this bandana cowl an incredibly lightweight and versatile accessory, perfect for year-round wear. The fine gauge of fingering weight yarn creates a delicate drape that enhances the lace pattern while keeping the cowl breathable and comfortable in any season. Unlike heavier knits, this cowl won’t feel bulky, making it easy to style even during milder weather.
In the colder months, this cowl can be layered over sweaters and coats, adding both warmth and a stylish touch to winter ensembles. The intricate lace pattern stands out beautifully against solid-colored outerwear, making it a great statement piece. The natural fibers commonly found in fingering weight yarn, like wool or alpaca blends, provide warmth while remaining soft and lightweight.
For spring and fall, this cowl is the perfect transitional accessory. It offers just enough coverage for chilly mornings and breezy evenings without overheating during the warmer parts of the day. Pairing it with a light jacket or a simple dress can instantly elevate your outfit, showcasing both the texture and craftsmanship of the lace knit pattern.
Even in summer, this cowl remains a stylish addition to your wardrobe. To make it even more versatile, choose a fingering weight yarn that include breathable fibers such as cotton or bamboo, which help keep the fabric cool against the skin. Drape it loosely over a tank top or sundress for a touch of elegance at summer gatherings or evening strolls. With its lightweight feel and intricate lace design, this bandana cowl proves to be a versatile accessory for all seasons.
Details for the Free Lace Knit Cowl Pattern
Size:
Circumference: 18 (22, 26)”/46 (56, 66) cm
Depth: 15 (17, 19)”/38 (43, 48) cm
Yarn:
240 (310, 390) yds/220 (285, 355) m of fingering weight yarn
Suggested Yarn:
7th Floor Yarn Dreamy (65% Superwash Merino, 20% Nylon, 15% Yak) 465 yds/425 m, 100 g — 1 skein in Heron
Needles & Notions:
US 4/3.5 mm – circular needles recommended to accommodate stitches (or needles needed to obtain gauge!)
Stitch markers, tapestry needle
Techniques to Indulge In:
Garter stitch
Increases – kfb & yo
Simple lace
Knits and purls
Knitting flat
Whip stitch or mattress stitch
Glossary for Lakes of Titan
BO – bind off
CO – cast on
k – knit
k2tog – knit 2 sts together
kfb – a 1-st increase – knit front back
p – purl
rep – repeat
RS – right side (the side seen when wearing)
ssk – slip 2 sts knitwise one at a time, then knit the two stitches together through the back loop
WS – wrong side (the side facing the body when wearing)
yo twice – yarn over two times — on the WS row, drop the second yo every time
The Free Lace Knit Pattern: Lakes of Titan
Set Up
CO 26 sts, using a long-tail cast on. Turn and knit across.
The Repeat
Row 1 (RS): K2, kfb, k across – 27 sts.
Rows 2 & 4: K across.
Row 3: K3, yo twice, k across – 28 sts.
Rows 5-18: Rep Rows 1-4 three more times , and rep Rows 1 & 2 one additional time – 35 sts.
Row 19 (RS): K3, yo twice, k1, pm, *yo twice, ssk, p2, k5, p2, k2tog, yo twice, k1, rep from * to last 3 sts, pm, k3 – 37 sts.
Row 20 (WS): K3, *p1, k1, p1, k2, p5, k2, p1, k1, rep from * to m, p1, k4.
Row 21: K3, yo twice, p1, k1, *p1, yo twice, ssk, p3, k1, p3, k2tog, yo twice, p1, k1, rep from * to m, k3 – 38 sts.
Row 22: K3, *p1, k2, [p1, k3] twice, p1, k2, rep from * to m, p1, k5.
Row 23: K3, yo twice, p2, k1, *p2, yo twice, ssk, p2, k1, p2, k2tog, yo twice, p2, k1, rep from * to m, k3 – 39 sts.
Row 24: K3, *p1, k3, [p1, k2] twice, p1, k3, rep from * to m, p1, k6.
Row 25: K3, yo twice, p3, k1, *p3, yo twice, ssk, p1, k1, p1, k2tog, yo twice, p3, k1, rep from * to m, k3 – 40 sts.
Row 26: K3, *p1, k4, [p1, k1] twice, p1, k4, rep from * to m, p1, k7.
Row 27: K3, yo twice, p2, k3, *k2, p2, yo twice, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo twice, p2, k3, rep from * to m, k3 – 41 sts.
Row 28: K3, rm, *p3, k2, [p1, k1] twice, p1, k2, p2, rep from * to m, rm, p3, k6.
Rep Rows 1-28 an additional 4 (5, 6) times. Then repeat Rows 1-18 one additional time — 105 (119, 133) sts.
Wind Down
Row 1 (RS): K4, pm, *yo, ssk, p2, k5, p2, k2tog, yo, k1, rep from * to last 3 sts, pm, k3.
Row 2 (WS): K3, *p1, k1, p1, k2, p5, k2, p1, k1, rep from * to m, p1, k3.
Row 3: K4,*p1, yo, ssk, p3, k1, p3, k2tog, yo, p1, k1, rep from * to m, k3.
Row 4: K3, *p1, k2, [p1, k3] twice, p1, k2, rep from * to m, p1, k3.
Row 5: K4, *p2, yo, ssk, p2, k1, p2, k2tog, yo, p2, k1, rep from * to m, k3.
Row 6: K3, *p1, k3, [p1, k2] twice, p1, k3, rep from * to m, p1, k3.
Row 7: K4, *p3, yo, ssk, p1, k1, p1, k2tog, yo, p3, k1, rep from * to m, k3.
Row 8: K3, *p1, k4, [p1, k1] twice, p1, k4, rep from * to m, p1, k3.
Row 9: K4, *k2, p2, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, p2, k3, rep from * to m, k3.
Row 10: K3, *p3, k2, [p1, k1] twice, p1, k2, p2, rep from * to m, p1, k3.
Rows 11-28: K across.
Rows 29-38: Repeat Rows 1-10.
Rows 39-45: K across.
Finishing
BO all sts using Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy BO. Wet block and pin to measurements. When completely dry, join the CO edge to the straight edge of the Wind Down section – see photo below to sew A to a. I used a whip stitch to join the two (photo below), which allows the cowl to be more reversible, but you could also use the mattress stitch seam.
Get the PDF for Lakes of Titan!
If you prefer an ad-free PDF of this fab knitting pattern, I totally get it! That’s why I created a beautifully and thoughtfully organized PDF version of Lakes of Titan. You can get it for just a few bucks on Ravelry or Etsy. And what’s more, it helps me to continue release awesome new patterns just like this one!
Final Thoughts
This free lace knit pattern is a great way to use up leftover sock yarn while creating something stylish and functional. Whether you’re an experienced knitter or just venturing into lace knitting, the bandana cowl is a rewarding and enjoyable project. Happy knitting!
