Cozy Colorwork Cowl: One-Size Knitted Pattern in Three Contrasting Colors
This cozy, one-size knitted cowl uses a simple stranded colorwork repeat for a warm, stylish accessory that layers easily over jackets and sweaters. Worked seamlessly in the round, the design pairs a garter-style garter border with a textured stranded section for clear stitch definition. The pattern shown uses three solid or semi-solid colors — choose non-variegated yarns for best results.
Size
One
Finished measurements
Circumference: 31 inches / 79 cm; Depth: 11 inches / 28 cm
Materials
- Yarn: The Knitting Boutique Anacostia [100% superwash merino; 160 yd / 146 m per 113 g skein] — sample uses this discontinued yarn
- Colorway: [CC1] Goldenrod; [CC2] Chocolate; [CC3] Cyan — 1 skein each
- Alternate: Halcyon Yarn Norumbega [100% US wool; 160 yd / 146 m per 100 g skein] — #0410 yellow (CC1), #0510 chocolate (CC2), #0260 turquoise (CC3)
Yarn characteristics
The sample uses an aran-weight, 2-ply merino with good plied structure and excellent stitch definition. The suggested substitution is non-superwash but otherwise a close match. Use solid or semi-solid colors and avoid busy variegated yarns for the clearest colorwork.
Recommended needles
- US #6 / 4.0 mm circular needle, 20–30 in / 50–75 cm (for borders)
- US #8 / 5.0 mm circular needle, 20–30 in / 50–75 cm (for stranded colorwork)
- Always use the needle size that gives the gauge listed below — every knitter's gauge is unique.
Notions
Stitch markers, tapestry needle
Gauge
16 sts / 20 rounds = 4 in / 10 cm in stockinette on smaller needles
18 sts / 22 rounds = 4 in / 10 cm in stranded colorwork on larger needles
Pattern notes
Construction is seamless in the round from the bottom up. Use smaller needles for the garter-style lower and upper borders; switch to larger needles for the stranded colorwork section. Placing a marker between each chart repeat can help keep track of your place.
Chart
Directions (summary)
Using smaller needles with CC2 and long-tail cast-on, CO 140 sts. Place marker and join for working in the round.
Lower border: Work [k1 round, p1 round] three times. Switch to larger needles.
Main section: Work the provided chart 5 times around. Continue until all 57 rounds of the chart are complete.
Upper border: Switch to smaller needles. With CC2, work [k1 round, p1 round] three times. Bind off knitwise in CC2.
Finishing
Weave in all ends. Wet block by soaking in cold water with wool wash for ~15 minutes; to limit color bleeding add white vinegar or a color-catcher sheet to the bath. Gently roll in a towel to remove excess water and lay flat to dry — no stretching or pinning required. To neaten the colorwork, a light steam can be applied when dry.