The Kelp Forest Cowl was one of my very first designs and, after an extensive round of updates and revisions, it’s ready for more knitters!
As part of MarlyBird’s 24 Days of Quickies 2025, you can get a free PDF of this pattern for a limited time. Just click the button below.
Introduction
This pattern is for a cozy, cabled, knit cowl inspired by the kelp forests in the Santa Barbara Channel. It features cables interspersed with bubbly lace columns. This pattern will be a good fit for any intermediate knitter, and a knitter who has mastered the basics will find it an enjoyable challenge.
I try my very best to make sure that all my patterns are error-free and easy to follow. If you have any trouble with this pattern, please let me know! Please send help requests to help@abeeinthebonnet.com.
And of course, if you share photos of your project on social media, I’d love to see them! Please tag your photos with #KelpForestCowl and #ABITBKnits to share with others.
Pattern Specs
Sizes One size, adjustable. Finished cowl dimensions: 8.25” (21 cm) high by 23.5” (60 cm) in circumference.
Materials Fingering weight yarn, 490 yds (448 m), held double throughout. Sample shown knit in Sea Change Fibers Swale Fingering, 80% merino/Rambouillet wool, 20% cashmere, 490 yds (448 m) per 3.5 oz (100 g).
Gauge 4” (10 cm) square = 21 stitches x 36 rows in pattern
Needles One set of 24” (60 cm) circular knitting needles in a size to match gauge listed above. Suggested needle size: US 7 (4.5 mm).
Tools One stitch marker for beginning of round; optional additional markers between pattern repeats. Tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
Skill Level Intermediate. Techniques include cabling, decreases, knitting in the round.
