Frieze cowl by Sari Nordlund

Frieze cowl

Knitting
September 2026
yarn held together
Fingering
+ Lace
+ Lace
+ Fingering
= DK (11 wpi) ?
20 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches
in Stockinette stitch or the colorwork pattern in the round, after blocking.
US 4 - 3.5 mm
580 yards (530 m)
One size Circumference: 72 cm / 28.5 inches Height: 33 cm / 13 inches
English
This pattern is available for €6.90 EUR buy it now

A frieze traditionally encircles a building as a continuous ornamental band. In this infinity cowl, three-color Scandinavian motifs wrap seamlessly around the fabric, allowing repetition and contrast to unfold in steady rhythm.

Knitted as a seamless tube, the piece begins with a provisional cast-on and is worked in the round before the ends are joined using Kitchener stitch to form a continuous ring. It can be joined straight for a classic cowl or given a half twist before seaming to create a Möbius-style loop.

Work the cowl in a single strand of DK weight yarn for crisp, defined stitches, or pair fingering weight yarn with mohair, suri alpaca, or cashmere for a softer, slightly blurred effect. The finished design balances structure and warmth, offering a modern interpretation of traditional patterning. Please note that the colorwork motif is charted only.

Size
One size
Circumference: 72 cm / 28.5 inches
Height: 33 cm / 13 inches
The circumference of the cowl is easily adjusted for a longer infinity scarf that can be looped around the neck twice (in that case make the piece approximately 120 cm / 47.25 inches long, note that you need more yarn for a longer piece)

Yarn

MC: 250 m / 280 yards
CC1: 100 m / 110 yards
CC2: 180 m / 200 yards

If holding two strands together, you will need the listed amount of each yarn. If working in a single strand of DK weight, you will need the listed amount in total.

Sample:
MC: Sandnes Garn Tynn Peer Gynt (100% wool; 205 m / 224 yds per 50 g) in 5585 and Isager Silk Mohair (75% mohair, 25% silk; 212 m / 232 yds per 25 g) in 100.

CC1: Knitting For Olive Merino (100% merino wool; 250 m / 273 yds per 50 g) in Limestone and Soft Silk Mohair (70% mohair, 30% silk; 225 m / 246 yds per 25 g) in Cream.

CC2: Knitting For Olive Merino (100% merino wool; 250 m / 273 yds per 50 g) in Pink Daisies and Soft Silk Mohair (70% mohair, 30% silk; 225 m / 246 yds per 25 g) in Pink Daisies.

Needles
3.5 mm / US 4 circular needle with a cable length of 40 cm / 16 inches

Gauge
20 sts and 26 rounds = 10 cm / 4 inches of Stockinette stitch or the colorwork pattern in the round, after blocking. Note: Always use the needle size that gives you the right gauge!

Notions
1 stitch marker
waste yarn or cable cords
tapestry needle
blocking tools