Stellatus Cowl is a simple colorwork neck warmer made with a DK weight yarn in two colors. It is a companion piece to a Stellatus Hat – another free pattern available in my Ravelry store.
Simple but striking colorwork pattern is inspired by classical Norwegian motifs. “Stellatus” means – “set with stars” and that is exactly the effect you’ll get from this fast and engaging knit. It can be done in any two colors depending on your personal taste and will result in very different and unique projects. Stellatus cowl doesn’t require a lot of yarn in any given color and can be used as a stash buster!
The construction allows for several different styling options. The ribbing can be visible and hug the lower part of the face, or can be flipped to the inside so only colorwork is shown. The cowl can also be worn upside down to show different edge of colorwork motif.

Difficulty level
Advanced beginner, intermediate, experienced

Techniques used
Knit, purl, working in the round on circular needles, stranded colorwork, working from chart, crochet cast on (optional), Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy bind off (optional).

Sizes
One size

Finished measurements
Approximately 11’’ (28 cm) wide and 10’’ (25 cm) tall lying flat

Gauge
22 sts and 25 rows = 4’’ (10 cm) in round in colorwork on US 6 (4 mm) needles

Yarn
DK weight (10 wpi) - 275 yds /250 m per 100 g
Main color – old gold
Contrasting color – black

Needles
US 2.5 16’’ (3 mm 40 cm) circs for ribbing
US 6 16’’ (4 mm 40 cm) circs or size needed to obtain gauge

Notions
stitch marker
tapestry needle to weave in ends
optional - US E4 (3.5 mm) crochet hook for casting on

Approximate yardage
Main color
50 g (140 yds/125 m)
Contrasting color
20 g (55 yds/50 m)

Pattern Notes
Stellatus Cowl is knit in the round on circular needles.
Crochet cast on provides stable and sufficiently stretchy beginning for a classical 2 by 2 rib. Other stretchy cast on may be used if you have a preferred one.
The body of the cowl continues with colorwork inspired by classical Norwegian starry motif. The same motif is used in Stellatus Hat, which has a complete video tutorial accompanying it. You can use this tutorial for this cowl up to the end of colorwork portion.
After colorwork portion there’s a band of 2 by 2 ribbing matching the other edge.
The cowl is finished with Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy bind off – the only technique that is not present in the tutorial for Stellatus Hat. For this bind off method there’s a separate tutorial available. Other stretchy bind off may be used if you have a preferred one.

Techniques and tutorials
Crochet cast on and joining in the round
Beginner friendly stranded colorwork technique
Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy bind off method
Stellatus Hat free pattern
Stellatus Hat video tutorial