The all-over geometric pattern of the Saqqara cowl interlocks together like pieces of an archeological puzzle. Halfway around the cowl’s circumference, the colors reverse for added visual interest. This cowl is generously sized for a comfortable fit when doubled. The stranded knitting and double thickness add extra warmth and coziness to the cowl. Choose any two contrasting colorways to make the geometric pattern pop. Slipped stitches every other round help the garment to lie flat and not twist on itself.

This is an intermediate level pattern. Knitters should have experience with provisional cast-on, Kitchener Stitch, stranded knitting technique, and following two-color charts. However, there is no shaping, and the cowl construction is very simple. This pattern is sized for the average adult: 8.5” (22cm) width (doubled) and 64” (162cm) circumference.

The gauge is 28 stitches and 29 rows over 4” (10cm) in stranded stockinette stitch, blocked.

This pattern can be made with any two fingering weight sock yarns in contrasting colorways. You will need approximately 680 yds of each color. The cowl is shown here in KnitPicks Palette(100% Peruvian Highland Wool; 231 yards/50g): 3 balls each of MC (Cream #23730) and C1 (Asphalt Heather #24243).

You will also need two sets of 16” or 24” (40 or 60 cm) circular needles in size US 4 (3.5mm) or whatever size necessary to obtain gauge (one set will be used for grafting at the end), and a size D (3.25mm) crochet hook for the provisional cast on.

This pattern includes two black and white charts, written instructions, and notes on the provisional cast-on and Kitchener Stitch techniques.