Featuring a repeating geometric pattern with ribbed edges, this cowl is suitable for stranded colourwork beginners, with no or minimal float-catching. This pattern has an easy-to-follow chart, along with written instructions, to help you create a cosy cowl in a size that suits your needs.

This pattern is written for DK or fingering weight yarns, but can adapt to any yarn weight. While written in two widths (narrow/wide) and two lengths (short/tall), the size is easily customizable.

The Way Home Cowl pattern is based on a sigil developed from the phrase “May your pain guide the way home”. This comes from years of disability and chronic pain shaping my life and my creating, and leading me in directions I never would have thought to take. May it be a support and guide to you, also.

Finished Sizes

DK Height:
Short: 19cm / 7.5”
Tall: 24.5cm / 9.5”

Fingering Height:
Short: 18cm / 7”
Tall: 25cm / 9.75”

Width, measured flat:
Narrow: 23.5cm / 10.5”
Wide: 26.5cm / 12.75”

Size is customisable to suit - instructions on how to do this are included.

Gauge
DK gauge:
In colourwork, worked in the round, blocked.
10cm x 10cm or 4” x 4” = 21 stitches x 23 rows

Fingering weight gauge:
In colourwork, worked in the round, blocked.
10cm x 10cm or 4” x 4” = 29 stitches x 29 rows

Exact gauge does not matter, but will effect final measurements.
It is more important to create a fabric you like and to adjust the number of pattern repeats to suit. Instructions on how to do this are included.

YOU’LL NEED:
Yarn:
Two colours in your chosen weight, measuring approximately:

For DK
Narrow, Short: MC 120m / 135yd, CC 45m / 50yd
Narrow, Tall: MC 150m / 165yd, CC 55m / 60yd
Wide, Short: MC 145m / 160yd, CC 55m / 60yd
Wide, Tall: MC 180m / 195yd, CC 65m / 75yd

For Fingering
Narrow, Short: MC 75m / 85yd, CC 30m / 35yd
Narrow, Tall: MC 110m / 120yd, CC 45m / 50yd
Wide, Short: MC 90m / 100yd, CC 40m / 45yd
Wide, Tall: MC 135m / 150yd, CC 55m / 60yd

Needles:
For DK
4.5mm (US 7) circular needles, or size needed to achieve gauge in colourwork, blocked
3.5mm (US 4) circular needles for ribbing, or 2 sizes smaller than main needle
→ 80cm/32” long for wide cowl, 60cm/24” for narrow cowl, or longer and use travelling loop method

For Fingering
3.5mm (US 4) circular needles, or size needed to achieve gauge in colourwork, blocked
2.75mm (US 2) circular needles for ribbing, or 2 sizes smaller than main needle
→ 80cm/32” long for wide cowl, 60cm/24” for narrow cowl, or longer and use travelling loop method

Stitch markers: 10, 12, 13, 16 (or number of repeats), including a unique one for start of round

The Way Home Cowl is knit bottom-up, in the round, starting with ribbing, then working a repeating colourwork chart, which is included in the pattern in both chart and written formats, before finishing with another section of ribbing and casting off.
It is a great place to start for beginners in colourwork (there is little or no float-catching).

You will need to know (or learn):

• German twisted cast on (or alternative stretchy cast on)
• knit stitch
• purl stitch
• two-colour stranded colourwork from a chart or written instructions
• italian bind-off (or alternative stretchy bind-off)

It is important to me that this pattern is financially accessible, so low-income customers can purchase this pattern at 25% off using the code ‘6PENTS’. This is an honours system. Please respect that I am a disabled creator trying to make a living from my work and if you can afford the full price, I’d appreciate if you paid it. If this is still too expensive for you, get in touch and we’ll work something out.