Apiarist Cowl

Apiarist Cowl
A textured cowl inspired by the geometry of honeycombs

The Apiarist Cowl is designed for knitters who love a combination of structure and softness. Its rhythmic cable and ribbing pattern creates a subtle, honeycomb-like texture that feels sophisticated yet approachable.

With a straightforward repeat and just enough complexity to be satisfying, this cowl is perfect for knitters looking for a relaxing project that’s visually striking and endlessly wearable.

If you’re searching for a pattern that’s cozy, wearable, and elegant, the Apiarist Cowl belongs on your needles.

👉 Purchase the Apiarist Cowl PDF on Etsy

A Perfect Favorite Cowl

The Apiarist Cowl is especially well suited for:

  • Adventurous knitters looking for an achievable cable project
  • Gift knitting for friends and family
  • Cozy winter wear
  • Portable knitting that keeps your hands busy without feeling stressful

This cowl is structured without being stiff, textured without being fussy—exactly what makes it a joy to knit.

Why You’ll Love the Apiarist Cowl

  • Beginner-friendly construction with manageable cable techniques
  • Repeatable pattern for memorization and easy knitting
  • Heavy DK or worsted weight yarn works beautifully
  • Subtle honeycomb-inspired texture
  • Knit in the round for seamless wear

This project is perfect for knitters who want to create something striking, tactile, and cozy without complicated charts or advanced techniques.

Construction Overview

The Apiarist Cowl is worked in the round from a stretchy ribbed base. The body features alternating cables and purl sections to create a textural honeycomb effect.

  • Ribbing on both ends ensures elasticity and shape
  • Cable stitches are rotated for visual interest
  • Pattern repeats are easy to memorize, making this ideal for knitting on the go or while watching a favorite show

Yarn + Needles

This pattern is written for Heavy DK or Worsted weight yarn.

  • Smooth yarns highlight cable and purl texture
  • A DK held together with mohair adds softness and halo
  • Wool blends provide structure while maintaining elasticity

Recommended Yarn: Heavy DK or Worsted Weight

Sample Yardage: ~250 yards

Suggested Needles: US 6 / 4 mm 16” circular needles

Other Notions:

  • Scissors
  • Darning needle
  • Stitch markers (1 for BOR, 11 for repeats)

Size & Fit

  • Circumference: 23” / 58.5 cm
  • Height: 13.5” / 34 cm

This cowl is designed to drape comfortably around the neck with a slight stretch.

Gauge

20 sts x 24 rounds = 4” / 10 cm in pattern

Abbreviations

  • CO – Cast on
  • PM – Place marker
  • K – Knit
  • P – Purl
  • 1/1 LC – Slip next st onto cable needle and hold to front, purl next st from left-hand needle, then knit st from cable needle
  • 1/1 RC – Slip next st onto cable needle and hold to back, knit next st from left-hand needle, then purl st from cable needle
  • 1/2 LC – Slip next st onto cable needle and hold to front, purl next 2 sts from left-hand needle, then knit st from cable needle
  • 1/2 RC – Slip next 2 sts onto cable needle and hold to back, knit next st from left-hand needle, then purl 2 sts from cable needle

Pattern Instructions

CO: Using German Twisted Cast On method, CO 120 sts.

Ribbing:

  • Round 1: *k1, p1; repeat from * to end
  • Repeat round 1 for 11 more rounds

Body:

  • Set up round: knit all
  • Rounds 1-3: *p4, k2, p4; repeat from * to end
  • Round 4: *p3, 1/1RC, 1/1LC, p3; repeat from * to end
  • Round 5: *p1, 1/2RC, p2, 1/2LC, p1; repeat from * to end
  • Round 6: *1/1RC, p6, 1/1LC; repeat from * to end
  • Rounds 7-13: *k1, p8, k1; repeat from * to end
  • Round 14: *1/1LC, p6, 1/1RC; repeat from * to end
  • Round 15: *p1, 1/2LC, p2, 1/2RC, p1; repeat from * to end
  • Round 16: *p3, 1/1LC, 1/1RC, p3; repeat from * to end
  • Rounds 17-20: *p4, k2, p4; repeat from * to end
  • Rounds 21-40: repeat rounds 1-20
  • Rounds 41-50: repeat rounds 1-10
  • Next round: knit all

Ribbing:

  • Round 1: *k1, p1; repeat from * to end
  • Bind off using Jenny’s super stretchy bind off
  • Block as desired and weave in ends

Prefer a Printed Pattern?

If you’d like a professionally formatted, print-friendly PDF, the Apiarist Cowl is available on Etsy.

The PDF includes:

  • Clean layout for easy reading
  • Optimized for printing
  • Instructions designed for offline knitting

👉 Purchase the Apiarist Cowl PDF on Ravelry

Share Your Make

I’d love to see your Apiarist Cowl!
Tag your projects on social media or add them to Ravelry to inspire other knitters.

Happy knitting 🧶

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