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| The photo above © KnittedWishes |
This beautiful Leaves Bandana Cowl project is based on the popular Bandana Cowl by Purl Soho, a clever free knitting pattern that combines the warmth of a cowl with the pointed shape and extra front coverage of a bandana.
Instead of simply knitting a straight tube, the design uses short rows to create its distinctive shape. The result sits comfortably around the neck while extending farther down at the front — especially useful under a coat or jacket in colder weather.
Bandana Cowl at a Glance
Pattern: Bandana Cowl
Designer: Purl Soho
First Published: October 2011
Craft: Knitting
Category: Cowl / Neck Warmer
Yarn Weight: Aran / 10 ply
Needle Size: US 10 / 6.0 mm
Gauge: 16 stitches × 24 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm
Yardage: About 139 yards / 127 m for the one-color version
Size: One Size
Construction: In the round with short-row shaping
Pattern Availability: Free
About the Purl Soho Bandana Cowl
Purl Soho's Bandana Cowl has become a modern knitting classic because it solves a simple problem: traditional tubular cowls do not always provide much coverage at the front of the neck.
This design adds a pointed section that extends downward like a bandana, while keeping the convenience and secure fit of a cowl.
The shaping is created with short rows rather than by sewing a separate triangular piece onto the cowl.
Finished Size
The current pattern is written in one size. The finished measurements are approximately:
- Neck opening: 17¼ inches in circumference
- Height from the front point: 13½ inches
The neck opening is designed to stretch comfortably when the cowl is pulled over the head.
Yarn and Yardage
The current Purl Soho version uses Plenty, an Aran-weight extra-fine merino yarn.
For the standard one-color version, approximately 139 yards / 127 metres are required.
You do not have to use the original yarn, but when substituting yarn, concentrate on matching the published gauge and choosing a yarn that will feel comfortable against the neck.
Needles and Gauge
The current pattern recommends a US 10 / 6.0 mm, 16-inch circular needle.
The published gauge is:
16 stitches × 24 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm in stockinette stitch
Needle size is only a starting point. Use the needle size that allows you to obtain the correct gauge with your chosen yarn.
How the Bandana Shape Is Created
The clever part of this project is its construction. The cowl is worked in the round, but short-row shaping creates extra fabric at the front.
This gradually develops the distinctive pointed bandana shape without requiring a separate scarf or shawl to be tied around the neck.
If short rows are new to you, read through the designer's complete instructions before beginning so you understand where the shaping occurs.
Skills Used
Helpful skills for this project include:
- Casting on
- Knitting in the round
- Using circular needles
- Stockinette stitch
- Short-row shaping
- Binding off
- Weaving in yarn ends
More Than One Version
Purl Soho has expanded the pattern over time, so the current version offers several styling possibilities rather than only the original solid-color cowl.
Options include a classic one-color version as well as colorblock, Breton stripe, transitional stripe, and monogram variations.
Yarn requirements vary between versions, so check the current pattern before purchasing yarn for a striped or two-color cowl.
Good News: The Pattern Is Still Free
Purl Soho's Bandana Cowl is currently available as a free knitting pattern. Ravelry also provides a free pattern download and links to Purl Soho's current version.
Why This Pattern Has Stayed Popular
The Bandana Cowl has been knitted thousands of times, and its enduring appeal is easy to understand: it uses relatively little yarn, has an unusual but practical shape, and introduces short-row shaping in a manageable accessory-sized project.
It can also be a useful way to turn a special skein of warm yarn into something that is both decorative and practical.
Get the Free Bandana Cowl Pattern
Visit the Ravelry pattern page for the current free pattern information and access to Purl Soho's pattern.
Get the Free Bandana Cowl Pattern →
Pattern credit: Bandana Cowl was designed and published by Purl Soho. The project photo featured on this Amazing Knitting page is credited to KnittedWishes. Pattern specifications and availability may change over time.
More Free Cowl Knitting Patterns
Explore more free cowl knitting patterns, bandana-style cowls, and free scarf knitting patterns from the Amazing Knitting archive.
Before You Start
Check the current Purl Soho pattern before casting on, choose which version you want to make, confirm its yarn requirements, and swatch your chosen yarn if finished size and fit are important to you.
