The Ember Glow Twisted Cowl: A Free Knitting Pattern for Brioche & Cable Lovers

Wrap yourself in the cozy embrace of the Ember Glow Twisted Cowl, a luxurious knit that combines plush brioche with intricate twisted cables for a modern, textured look. This pattern is perfect for intermediate knitters seeking a rewarding project that yields a stunning, wearable accessory. With its rich, two-tone color palette of burnt orange and deep teal, this cowl evokes the feeling of a glowing ember against a twilight sky—making it the perfect statement piece for autumn and winter wardrobes.

Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking to expand your brioche skills or a confident beginner ready for a challenge, this pattern offers clear, step-by-step instructions to guide you through every round. The result? A seamless, reversible tube of warmth that's as beautiful as it is functional.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in two complementary colors:
  • Main Color (MC) – Burnt Orange: approximately 250 yards
  • Contrast Color (CC) – Deep Teal: approximately 250 yards
• Needles: US Size 8 (5.0 mm) 16-inch circular knitting needle
• Notions: Cable needle, stitch markers, tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (after blocking)

Pro tip: Choose a yarn with good stitch definition, such as a wool or wool-blend, to make the brioche texture and cables truly pop.

Finished Measurements & Abbreviations

Finished Measurements: Approximately 24 inches in circumference and 10 inches tall.

Abbreviations:

• k = knit
• p = purl
• k2tog = knit two together
• sl1yo = slip one stitch with yarn over (bring yarn to front, slip stitch purlwise, bring yarn over needle to back)
• brk = brioche knit (knit the slipped stitch together with its yarn over)
• brp = brioche purl (purl the slipped stitch together with its yarn over)
• C4F = cable 4 front (slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in front, knit 2, knit 2 from cable needle)
• C4B = cable 4 back (slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in back, knit 2, knit 2 from cable needle)
• pm = place marker
• sm = slip marker

Pattern Notes

Worked in the round, this cowl features a two-color brioche stitch that creates a plush, reversible fabric, with a central panel of twisted cables for visual interest. The brioche sections are worked with MC and CC alternately every round, creating a beautiful gradient effect. The cowl is designed to be worn doubled or single, and its vibrant, warm colors make it a versatile accessory for any cold-weather outfit.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Setup

With MC, cast on 120 stitches. Place marker and join in the round, being careful not to twist.

Ribbing

Rounds 1-6: *K2, P2; repeat from * to end.

Brioche Section

Round 7 (MC): *Sl1yo, k1; repeat from * to end.

Round 8 (CC): *Brp, sl1yo; repeat from * to end.

Round 9 (MC): *Sl1yo, brk; repeat from * to end.

Round 10 (CC): *Brp, sl1yo; repeat from * to end.

Repeat Rounds 9-10 until piece measures 3 inches from cast-on edge, ending with a CC round.

Cable Panel Setup

Round 11 (MC): *Sl1yo, brk; repeat from * for 20 stitches, pm, work cable panel over next 20 stitches as follows: (C4F, C4B) twice, pm, then continue *Sl1yo, brk; repeat from * to end.

Round 12 (CC): *Brp, sl1yo; repeat from * to first marker, sm, work cable panel as: (k2, p2) five times, sm, continue *Brp, sl1yo; repeat from * to end.

Cable Rounds

Repeat Rounds 11-12, but on Round 13 (MC), work the cable panel as: C4F, C4B, C4F, C4B. On Round 14 (CC), work the cable panel as: (k2, p2) five times. Continue in this manner, working the cable twist every 8 rounds (i.e., on Rounds 19, 27, 35, etc.), until the piece measures 8 inches from cast-on edge, ending with a CC round.

Detailed cable instructions: For the C4F, slip 2 stitches onto your cable needle and hold it to the front of your work. Knit the next 2 stitches from your left needle, then knit the 2 stitches from the cable needle. For the C4B, slip 2 stitches onto your cable needle and hold it to the back of your work. Knit the next 2 stitches, then knit the 2 stitches from the cable needle. This creates the twisted, braided effect that gives the cowl its name.

Final Brioche Section

Work Rounds 9-10 (as above) for 1 inch, ending with a CC round.

Ribbing

With MC, work Rounds 1-6 (K2, P2 ribbing) as established.

Bind Off

Bind off loosely in pattern with MC. Weave in all ends. Block gently to shape.

Tips for Success

• Keep your tension consistent: Brioche stitch is forgiving, but maintaining even tension will ensure a plush, uniform fabric.
• Use stitch markers wisely: Place markers at the beginning of the round and around the cable panel to keep track of your place.
• Block gently: After weaving in ends, wet block the cowl to open up the cables and even out the brioche texture. Lay flat to dry.
• Practice the brioche stitches: If you're new to brioche, practice the sl1yo, brk, and brp stitches on a small swatch before starting the cowl.

The Ember Glow Twisted Cowl is more than just a knitting project—it's a journey into texture, color, and craftsmanship. With its plush brioche body and bold twisted cables, this cowl is sure to become a favorite in your handmade wardrobe. Happy knitting!