Braided Cable Cowl
How to Knit a Braided Cable Cowl in the Round (Magic Loop + Cable Chart Tutorial)
Ready to take your knitting to the next level? This braided cable cowl is the perfect project to learn how to knit cables in the round using the magic loop method, while also mastering how to read a cable chart for circular knitting.
Whether you're an adventurous beginner or an intermediate knitter looking to expand your skills, this tutorial will guide you through each step to create a beautifully textured, warm, and stylish cowl using worsted weight yarn.
Why You’ll Love This Cowl
Elegant texture: The braided cable creates a bold, dimensional look
Knit in the round: No seaming required—just cast on and go
Magic loop friendly: Use a long circular needle—no need for DPNs
Learn a new skill: Read and follow a cable chart for circular knitting
Materials
• US 8 (5mm) 48” Circular Knitting Needle Amazon
• Stitch Markers Amazon
• Cable Needle Amazon
• Tapestry Needle Amazon
Yarn
• ## yds (## m) Worsted Weight Yarn (#4)
Finished Measurements
Circumference: 26” (66 cm)
Height: 8” (20 cm)
Sizing Note: The pattern creates a one-size-fits-most cowl, with easy instructions to modify circumference or height for a custom fit.
Gauge
1 Cable Repeat (## Sts x ## Rows) = ##” x ##”
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Skills You’ll Learn
Casting on and joining in the round (with magic loop)
Creating braided cables with right and left crosses
Reading a cable chart designed for in-the-round knitting
Finishing your project neatly with blocked cables that pop
Watch the Full YouTube Tutorial
Want a full walkthrough? Watch the YouTube video tutorial where I show you how to:
Set up magic loop for circular knitting
Work the braided cable pattern with confidence
Read a cable chart and track rows in the round
Bind off and block your cowl for the best results
Customize Your Cowl
Want a taller cowl? Just add more cable repeats before binding off. Prefer a looser fit? Add extra stitches in multiples of the pattern repeat. You can even use a tonal or solid yarn to highlight the cable texture.
Cast On
Use the backward loop cast-on (or a similar stretchy method) to cast on 140 stitches total. If you are increasing or decreasing the circumference, do so in increments of 20 stitches. Join in the round to begin working magic loop.
Beginning Ribbing
*Note the ribbing repeat round is also included as Round 1 in the cable chart
Ribbing Repeat Round: *Knit 1, Purl 1*, repeat between the *s across the round
Continue working the Ribbing Repeat Round for 1” (2.5 cm).
Cable Chart Set-Up
Before beginning the Cable Chart Repeat, work Rounds 2 and 3 on the cable chart one time.
As you are working Round 2 it can be helpful to place a stitch marker after each set of 20 stitches, to help you keep track of the chart repeats across the round.
Cable Chart Repeat
Continue repeating cable chart Rounds 4 through 11 until your work measures 7” (17.8cm) including the ribbing. Finish after a round 7 or 11.
Customization: To increase the depth of your cowl, you can increase or decrease the number of inches you work the repeat for!
Ending Ribbing
*Note the ribbing repeat round is also included as Round 12 in the cable chart
Ribbing Repeat Round: *Knit 1, Purl 1*, repeat between the *s across the round
Continue working the Ribbing Repeat Round for just under 1” (2.5 cm).
Cast-Off
Cast-off all stitches in pattern.
Finishing
To block your hat, soak your hat in a bowl of lukewarm water for approx 10 - 15 min. Gently squeeze to remove the excess water then roll it up in a towel to squeeze out remaining water. Lay flat to dry.
Final Thoughts
Cables don’t have to be intimidating—especially when you break them down with charts and a little practice. This braided cable cowl is a satisfying, cozy knit that looks impressive and knits up beautifully in any worsted weight yarn.
Thanks for stopping by—and happy knitting! 🧶
— Madeline