Herb Garden Cowl

A herb garden is a delight to the senses, a haven for bees, and a fantastic flavour toolkit. My own little pot of herbs inspired the Herb Garden Cowl’s stylised sprigs and leaves framed by delicate linework. Options are included in the pattern for short or tall versions, as well as my favourite tips for knitting beautiful colourwork. The matching Herb Garden Hat is available separately.

Skills & Techniques

• The Alternate Cable Cast On (optional)

• Working stranded colourwork in the round

• Following colourwork charts

Materials Needed

• 1 skein in each of 2 colours of Vintage Purls Superstar (70% NZ Polwarth, 20% Tussah Silk, 10% Black NZ Merino; 415yds/380m per 100g skein), or another fingering weight yarn suitable for colourwork

  Main Colour (MC): 136 (256)yds/124.5 (234)m

  Contrast Colour (CC): 212 (335)yds/194 (306.5)m

  Sample colourways: ‘Carina’ (MC) + ‘Natural Talent’ (CC)

• US 3 / 3.25mm needles (or needle size that gives you the right gauge) for working in the round

• US 2 / 2.75mm circular needles (or a couple sizes smaller than your main needles) for working in the round

• You will also need one end-of-round stitch marker + 11 optional markers for between repeats, and a needle for weaving in the ends

Finished Measurements

• Relaxed after blocking:

  24”/61cm circumference, and 9.75 (16.25)”/25 (41.5)cm height

• Shown in tall version

• The circumference can be altered by adding or subtracting a multiple of 16 sts to the cast on.