Sander Cowl

This is the first pattern in Chapter Two of the Nordic Knitting Primer.

The Sander Cowl is the tutorial for basic colorwork knitting in my book. It includes step-by-step photo tutorials for knitting colorwork. You may knit any project in Chapter Two to learn and practice basic colorwork skills, but use the tutorials in this pattern to teach you the tricks. That being said, I chose this pattern to be the tutorial on purpose. I love this pattern. I love that it’s all-over colorwork, so you can start knitting in colorwork after just a few rows of ribbing. The cowl is knit with this fabulous Woolfolk Får. I think that things that you wear close to your face should be as soft as possible. That’s why I chose Woolfolk for this project. As an added bonus, worsted yarn the grows quickly, and it’s so soft, you are going to want to wear it all winter to keep you cozy. This pattern is super fun to make. Fun to give as a gift to someone who needs a hug. This pattern is a variation of a traditional Nordic XO pattern. It looks complicated, but it’s not. Just knit what you see on the chart. One of my favorite things about colorwork is watching the pattern grow on my needles. The Sander Cowl is especially fun to watch!

For more information about this and other projects in the Nordic knitting, and more information about my work - including tutorials, check out my new website scandiwork.com.

SIZE: One size fits most
MATERIALS
YARN: Worsted | Woolfolk Får | 100% Ovis 21
Ultimate Merino Wool | 142 yards (130 m) per
1.75-ounce (50-g) skein
MAIN COLOR (MC): 00 (White) | 2 skeins
CONTRASTING COLOR (CC): 1515 (Black) | 1 skein
NEEDLES: One 24-inch (60-cm) circular needle in
size needed to obtain gauge in colorwork
SUGGESTED NEEDLE SIZE: US 6 (4 mm)
One 24-inch (60-cm) circular needle one size
smaller than gauge-size needles
SUGGESTED NEEDLE SIZE: US 5 (3.75 mm)
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS
Stitch marker, tapestry needle, and scissors
GAUGE AND SWATCH
23 stitches and 27 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm)
Worked in stranded colorwork in the round with
larger needles
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
12½ x 8½ inches (31.75 x 21.5 cm)

SKILLS YOU’LL PRACTICE
Long-tail cast on
Joining in the round seamlessly
Working 2x2 ribbing (k2, p2)
Weaving a new yarn color in (and out)
Knitting with two colors in the round, left and right together Reading a chart
Backward loop increase K2tog decrease
Binding off
Duplicate stitch join