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.
