Velvet Vine Collar Free Pattern – A Knitted Botanical Necklace

Wrap Yourself in Botanical Beauty: The Velvet Vine Collar Free Knitting Pattern

Imagine adorning your neckline with a lush, sculptural cascade of knitted leaves and berries, inspired by the mystery of a midnight garden. The Velvet Vine Collar is more than just an accessory—it's a wearable piece of art. This statement collar is knitted flat in rich jewel tones of deep emerald, plum, and gold, then fastened with a hidden button for a seamless, organic look. Whether you're dressing up a simple blouse or adding texture to a winter sweater, this botanical necklace is sure to spark conversation. Best of all, this free knitting pattern is designed with beginners in mind, breaking down each element into simple, manageable steps.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to create your own Velvet Vine Collar, from gathering materials to the final assembly. Let's dive into this delightful knitting project that combines simple techniques with stunning results.

Materials Needed for Your Knitted Collar

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Having everything ready will make your crafting session smooth and enjoyable.

Yarn Requirements

• Yarn A (Deep Emerald): Approximately 150 yards of worsted weight yarn
• Yarn B (Plum): Approximately 50 yards of worsted weight yarn
• Yarn C (Gold): Approximately 30 yards of worsted weight yarn

Pro tip: Choose a yarn with good stitch definition, such as a wool blend or cotton, to make the leaf textures pop.

Tools and Notions

• US 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and sewing pieces together
• Stitch markers (optional, but helpful for keeping track of rows)
• 1 button (1 inch / 2.5 cm diameter)

Gauge Information

For best results, match this gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. While gauge isn't critical for this project since it's an accessory, matching it ensures your collar fits as intended.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Velvet Vine Collar

This beautiful collar is constructed in three main parts: the base band, the leaf motifs, and the berry motifs. Don't worry—each piece is simple to knit, and the magic happens when you assemble them together. Let's get started!

Part 1: Knitting the Base Band

The base band forms the foundation of your collar. It's worked flat in a textured rib pattern that gives it elasticity and a sophisticated look.

Instructions:

1. With Yarn A (Deep Emerald), cast on 12 stitches.
2. Row 1 (Right Side): *Knit 2, Purl 2*; repeat from * to end of row.
3. Row 2 (Wrong Side): *Purl 2, Knit 2*; repeat from * to end of row.
4. Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until the band measures 16 inches (40 cm) from the cast-on edge. This should comfortably wrap around your neck. You can adjust the length by adding or removing rows to achieve your desired fit.
5. Bind off all stitches loosely in pattern (knit the knits and purl the purls as they appear).

Shaping the Ring:

1. Fold the band so the short ends meet, right sides together.
2. Sew the short ends together, but leave a 1-inch (2.5 cm) gap for the button loop. This gap will be at the back of your neck.
3. Try the band on to ensure it fits comfortably over your head and sits nicely around your neck. Adjust if needed.

Part 2: Knitting the Leaf Motifs

Now for the fun part—creating the lush leaves that give this collar its botanical charm. You'll make a total of 8 leaves: 5 in Deep Emerald (Yarn A) and 3 in Plum (Yarn B). Each leaf is knitted flat, starting from the stem and working outward.

Leaf Pattern (make 5 with Yarn A, 3 with Yarn B):

1. Cast on 3 stitches.
2. Row 1 (Right Side): K1, yarn over (yo), K1, yo, K1. (You now have 5 stitches)
3. Row 2 and all Wrong Side rows: Purl all stitches.
4. Row 3: K2, yo, K1, yo, K2. (7 stitches)
5. Row 5: K3, yo, K1, yo, K3. (9 stitches)
6. Row 7: K4, yo, K1, yo, K4. (11 stitches)
7. Row 9: K5, yo, K1, yo, K5. (13 stitches)
8. Row 11: K6, yo, K1, yo, K6. (15 stitches)
9. Row 12: Purl all stitches.

Now we'll shape the leaf tip by decreasing:

1. Row 13: K2tog (knit two together), K11, K2tog. (13 stitches)
2. Row 15: K2tog, K9, K2tog. (11 stitches)
3. Row 17: K2tog, K7, K2tog. (9 stitches)
4. Row 19: K2tog, K5, K2tog. (7 stitches)
5. Row 21: K2tog, K3, K2tog. (5 stitches)
6. Row 23: K2tog, K1, K2tog. (3 stitches)
7. Row 25: K2tog, K1. (2 stitches)
8. Row 27: K2tog. Fasten off, leaving a long tail (at least 8 inches) for sewing the leaf onto the band.

Note: The yarn overs create the central vein of the leaf, giving it a beautiful, realistic texture.

Part 3: Knitting the Berry Motifs

These little golden berries add a delightful pop of color and playful texture to your collar. You'll make 6 berries in Yarn C (Gold).

Berry Pattern (make 6 with Yarn C):

1. Cast on 1 stitch.
2. Row 1: K1, then knit into the front and back of the same stitch twice. (You'll have 3 stitches on your needle)
3. Row 2: Purl all stitches.
4. Row 3: K1, yo, K1, yo, K1. (5 stitches)
5. Row 4: Purl all stitches.
6. Row 5: K2tog, K1, K2tog. (3 stitches)
7. Row 6: Purl all stitches.
8. Row 7: K3tog (knit three together). Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Tip: The berry will naturally curl into a round, plump shape. Gently stuff it with a tiny bit of yarn scrap if you want it extra round.

Part 4: Assembling Your Velvet Vine Collar

This is where your creation truly comes to life! Take your time arranging the pieces for a beautiful, organic composition.

Arranging the Leaves and Berries:

1. Lay your base band flat on a table with the seam at the back.
2. Arrange the leaves on the front half of the band in a cascading, asymmetrical pattern. Overlap them slightly for a lush, layered look. Consider placing the plum leaves among the emerald ones for contrast.
3. Intersperse the golden berries among the leaves, clustering a few together for visual interest.
4. Step back and admire your arrangement. Adjust until you're happy with the composition. You can use the photo as a guide or let your creativity run wild!

Sewing Everything Together:

1. Using the long tails from each leaf and berry, sew each piece securely to the base band. Make small, neat stitches on the underside of the band so they're hidden when worn.
2. Weave in all loose ends with your tapestry needle, being careful not to pull too tightly and distort the fabric.

Adding the Closure:

1. Sew the button on the inside of one end of the band, opposite the gap you left earlier.
2. Create a small loop from Yarn A at the other end of the band. To do this, thread a piece of yarn through the edge, make a loop large enough to fit over your button, and secure it with a few stitches.
3. Test the closure to ensure it fastens securely and comfortably.

Final Touches: Blocking Your Collar

Blocking is the secret to a professional-looking finish. It helps shape the leaves and flatten the band beautifully.

1. Fill a basin with cool water and add a drop of mild wool wash.
2. Gently submerge your collar and let it soak for 15-20 minutes. Don't agitate—just let it rest.
3. Carefully remove the collar and press out excess water (never wring!). Roll it in a clean towel to absorb moisture.
4. Lay the collar flat on a blocking mat or towel. Gently shape the leaves, pointing them outward and flattening the band. Use rust-proof pins if needed to hold the leaf shapes.
5. Let it dry completely before wearing.

Wear Your Creation with Pride

Congratulations! You've just created a stunning, one-of-a-kind Velvet Vine Collar. This botanical necklace is perfect for adding a touch of handcrafted elegance to any outfit. Wear it over a simple crew-neck top, pair it with a denim jacket, or layer it over a cozy sweater—the possibilities are endless.

We'd love to see your finished collar! Share your creation on social media with the hashtag #VelvetVineCollar and inspire fellow knitters. Happy crafting!