Slip Stitch Pattern: Ladder Stitch Knit Cowl

Today, I’m sharing a slip stitch pattern with you. The Ladder Stitch Cowl uses just one color each row to easily make a seemingly complex pattern.

This post contains affiliate links. I may receive compensation (at no added cost to you) if you make a purchase using these links. Yarn for the sample was generously provided by Spinrite.

When I discovered knitting slip stitches, I became a much happier person. That may sound like a bold statement, but it’s true! I always liked the look of knitting color work, but have realized over the years that maintaining tension for stranded knitting some times drives me mad and working with bobbins for intarsia doesn’t seem to go over so well with my cats.

I still love to play around with colors, so slip stitches are the perfect solution. I can make vibrant, colorful projects while using just one color on each row.

I made this cowl as a sample of the Ladder Stitch pattern for one of my knitting classes, using the yarn I had left over from the Hearts and Kisses Cowl, a pattern that was published in the February, 2016 issue of I Like Crochet.

I  have to say that I really liked the way this slip stitch pattern worked up. The texture is wonderful, and I love the colors, too. I’ve included instructions for making a scarf, too.

Scroll down for the free slip stitch pattern for the Ladder Stitch Cowl. If you make your own Ladder Stitch Cowl, I’d love to see it! Share your progress and questions in the Underground Crafters Community or by tagging me on Bluesky as @UndergroundCrafter, Facebook as @UndergroundCrafter, or Instagram as @ucrafter. You can also share a picture in the Underground Crafters Facebook group. Sign up for my weekly newsletter and get a coupon code for your choice of one of my premium patterns and private access to my vault of subscriber goodies. Plus, you’ll never miss one of my free patterns again!

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Ladder Stitch Cowl (or Scarf)

Knit Slip Stitch Pattern by Underground Crafter

Use slip stitches to easily create a seemingly complex color and texture pattern while using just one yarn in each row.

Finished Size

• Adult: 7” (18 cm) width x 22.5” (57 cm) circumference (unblocked).

Materials

• Patons Classic Wool Worsted (100% wool, 3.5 oz/100 g, 210 yd/192 m) – 1 skein each in 77308 Wisteria (CA) and 77404 Orchid (CB), or approximately 100 yd (91.5 m) in each of 2 colors in any medium weight yarn.
• US 7/4.5 mm knitting needles, or any size needed to obtain gauge.
• Yarn needle.

Gauge

• 21 sts x 29 rows in pattern = 4” (10 cm) unblocked. Exact gauge is not critical for this project.

Abbreviations Used in This Pattern

• BO – bind off
• CA – Color A
• CB – Color B
• CO – cast on
• k – knit
• p – purl
• rep – repeat
• RS – right (front) side
• sl – slip stitch
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• wyib – with yarn in back
• wyif – with yarn in front
• * Repeat instructions after asterisk as indicated.

Pattern Notes

• Always slip first stitch of each row knitwise with yarn in back.
• Always slip all other stitches purlwise with yarn positioned as indicated in the pattern.
• Cowl is knit flat and then seamed. Instructions for making a scarf instead are included in the directions. Yarn requirements will vary.

© 2016, 2026 by Marie Segares (Underground Crafter). This pattern is for personal use only. You may use the pattern to make unlimited items for yourself, for charity, or to give as gifts. You may sell items you personally make by hand from this pattern. Do not violate Marie’s copyright by distributing this pattern or the photos in any form, including but not limited to scanning, photocopying, emailing, or posting on a website or internet discussion group. If you want to share the pattern, point your friends to this link:  https://undergroundcrafter.com/2016/03/30/free-knitting-pattern-ladder-stitch-cowl. Thanks for supporting indie designers!