The Velvet Bloom Collar: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Sculptural, Textured Necklace

The Velvet Bloom Collar: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Sculptural, Textured Necklace

Craft a stunning, oversized rose necklace that drapes like a luxurious collar, using a unique combination of garter stitch and i-cord to create a soft, sculptural statement piece. This pattern transforms simple knitting into a wearable work of art, perfect for adding a touch of handcrafted elegance to any outfit. Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for a quick, satisfying project or a beginner ready to try something new, this pattern will guide you through creating a beautiful, three-dimensional rose that blooms from your hands.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick (or any super bulky weight yarn, 100% acrylic or wool blend, 106 yds/97 m per 170g skein): 1 skein in 'Rose' (or a deep burgundy like 'Wine'), plus a small amount in 'Grass' (or a contrasting green) for the leaves.
• Needles: US 15 (10 mm) straight knitting needles, US 10 (6 mm) double-pointed needles (for i-cord)
• Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers
• Gauge: 8 sts x 12 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in garter stitch on US 15 needles. Gauge is not critical, but consistency is important for the rose shape.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Part 1: The Giant Rose

Note: The rose is built by knitting a long, shaped strip and then gathering it into a spiral. This creates a beautiful, layered bloom with natural texture.

Row 1: Cast on 20 stitches using the long-tail method on US 15 needles.

Row 2 (and all even rows): Knit all stitches.

Row 3: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 stitches, ssk, k1. (18 sts)

Row 5: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 stitches, ssk, k1. (16 sts)

Row 7: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 stitches, ssk, k1. (14 sts)

Row 9: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 stitches, ssk, k1. (12 sts)

Row 11: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 stitches, ssk, k1. (10 sts)

Row 13: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 stitches, ssk, k1. (8 sts)

Row 15: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 stitches, ssk, k1. (6 sts)

Row 17: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 stitches, ssk, k1. (4 sts)

Row 19: K1, k2tog, k1. (3 sts)

Row 21: K1, k2tog. (2 sts)

Row 23: K2tog. (1 st)

Cut yarn, leaving a 12-inch tail. Thread through the last stitch and pull tight to secure. This creates a long, triangular strip.

Assembling the Rose:

1. With the right side facing you, start at the narrow tip of the triangle. Roll the strip tightly into a spiral, creating the center of the rose. The garter stitch ridges will naturally create a ruffled, layered effect.
2. Continue rolling the strip around the center, allowing the wider end to form the outer petals. The strip will naturally curve and create a 3D bloom.
3. Using the long tail and a tapestry needle, sew through the base of the rose (the bottom edge of the spiral) to secure all layers together. Stitch firmly, but don't pull too tight. Weave in the end.

Part 2: The Collar Band

Using US 10 double-pointed needles and the green yarn:

1. Cast on 3 stitches.
2. Work an i-cord for approximately 18 inches (or desired necklace length, measuring to fit comfortably around the neck with a 2-inch overlap). To work i-cord: Knit 3 stitches, do not turn the work. Slide the stitches to the other end of the needle, pull the yarn tightly across the back, and knit the 3 stitches again. Repeat until the cord is the desired length.
3. Bind off loosely. Cut yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail.

Part 3: Leaves (Make 2)

Using US 10 double-pointed needles and green yarn:

1. Cast on 2 stitches.
2. Row 1: K1, yarn over (yo), k1. (3 sts)
3. Row 2: Knit all stitches.
4. Row 3: K1, yo, k1, yo, k1. (5 sts)
5. Row 4: Knit all stitches.
6. Row 5: K1, yo, k3, yo, k1. (7 sts)
7. Row 6: Knit all stitches.
8. Row 7: K1, yo, k5, yo, k1. (9 sts)
9. Row 8: Knit all stitches.
10. Row 9: K1, ssk, k3, k2tog, k1. (7 sts)
11. Row 10: Knit all stitches.
12. Row 11: K1, ssk, k1, k2tog, k1. (5 sts)
13. Row 12: Knit all stitches.
14. Row 13: K1, ssk, k2tog, k1. (3 sts)
15. Row 14: Knit all stitches.
16. Row 15: Sl1, k2tog, psso. (1 st)
17. Cut yarn, pull through the last stitch. Weave in ends.

Final Assembly

1. Position the rose at the center of the i-cord collar. Sew the base of the rose firmly to the i-cord using the tapestry needle and matching yarn.
2. Sew the leaves to the i-cord, one on each side of the rose, angled slightly outward.
3. Weave in all remaining ends. To wear, simply wrap the i-cord around the neck and tie a loose knot or tuck the ends under the rose.

Your Velvet Bloom Collar is now complete! This sculptural, textured necklace is sure to become a conversation starter and a cherished addition to your handmade jewelry collection. Enjoy wearing your unique creation, and don't forget to share your finished project with the crafting community!