Designers note
This ultimately Dutch Bicycle Cowl is an easy and fast knit. Also perfect as stashbuster, in all around 53gr/180m (196yds) is needed. This pattern also includes a Christmas version with a slightly adapted chart and definitely different colors! The multiple repeat is 20 sts, with which you can easily adjust width to your own taste.

Finished measurements
Circumference 47 cm/18,5” and length 23 cm/9”.

Skill
Intermediate: this pattern involves working in the round and stranded colorwork, 2 colors per row.

Yarn
British Breeds, Bluefaced Leicester, Exmoor, Wensleydale & Zwartbles sheep breeds, 25g/85m (92yds).
For the Blue Version I used 5 colors:
Eau de nil (light turquoise) 25g = 85m/92yds > MC
Mallard (middle turquoise) 7g = 24m/ 26yds > CC3
Raw (beige) 16g = 54m/59yds > CC2
Silver Birch (light grey) 4g = 14m/15 yds > CC4
Woad (dark blue) 14g = 48m/60yds > CC1
For the Chrismas Version I added Dansk Pelsuld 8/2 for the red.
Dark Apple (dark green) 12g = 41m/44yds > CC1
Lime Flower (light green) 5g = 17m/18yds > CC5
Raw (beige) 12g = 41m/44yds > CC2
Red 4g = 14m/15yds > CC4
Silver Birch (light grey) 23g = 78m/85yds > MC
Wood (dark brown) 8g = 27m/29yds > CC3

Needles
3 mm (US 2,5) 16” circular needle or you can use magic loop with longer circulars. Other materials: stitch marker, tapestry needle.

Gauge
30 sts x 34 rounds = 10 x 10 cm (4x4 in) in stockinette colorwork after blocking.

Techniques
Stranding: For this project I interlock strands after 3 to 4 sts at most to prevent long floats.

As we in Holland cycle a lot, I keep the cowl ready in my coats’ pocket. You never know when the wind will blow!

A knitters’ greeting from Amsterdam,
Antoinette aka Beauxknits