TriColor Cowl

The Tricolor Cowl moves through three colors, one row at a time, cycling through them as the stitch pattern builds. That steady rotation is the whole appeal. You always know which color comes next, the fabric grows quickly, and the changing colors turn a simple stitch pattern into something with real movement.

Here is the part that will win you over. You do not fasten off at the end of each row. You carry the colors up the side as you go, and a final edging is worked right over those carried strands to hide them, so you reach the end with almost nothing to weave in. It is also a fine way to use up leftover skeins, since three coordinating partial balls are all it takes.

You work the piece flat and then seam it into a cowl, finishing with an edging around the top and the bottom. It measures 24 inches long and 12 inches wide when laid flat before seaming, which makes a cowl that sits close and keeps the chill off. It is a satisfying, quick make that looks like far more than three colors and a repeat.

Yarn: 600 yards / 549m of fingering weight yarn in three coordinating colors.

The sample uses Nanette Wake Studio Fingering (85% merino, 15% nylon, 1.76 oz / 50g = 218 yards / 199m) in three coordinating colors, A, B, and C.

Hook: US size E/4 (3.5 mm), or the size needed for gauge. Make sure you take the time to check it before you start.

Notions: Steel yarn needle.

Gauge: 22 stitches and 14.5 pattern rows = 4 inches / 10 cm. Check your gauge before you begin. It sets the size of the cowl and how far your yarn will take you.

Finished Size: Laid flat and blocked, before seaming, the piece is 24 inches / 61 cm long and 12 inches / 30.5 cm wide.