One of my first knitting loves was Norwegian sweaters: I loved choosing the contrasting colors and watching the little geometric patterns grow across the sweater. Now, many years later, I’m back to stranded knitting and loving it.

Traditional stranded color patterns are re-interpreted in two short cowls. Worked in the round, each has a different design that is easy to memorize. Since the right side of your work is always facing you when you work in the round, it’s easy to “read” your work and keep on track. Both cowls are designed to fit close to the neck.

The finished measurements for both cowls are a height of 9.25” and a circumference of 20”.

The color work patterns are both written and charted.

I started with one skein each of three colors of Quince & Co’s Finch: For Pattern I (triangles), I used about 85 yards of tan (Audouin) and about 145 yards of brown (Caspian). For Pattern II (verticals), I used about 95 yards of tan (Auduoin) and about 185 yards of green (Honey).

You will need a US size 5 (3.75mm) 16” circular needle, a removable stitch marker, and a tapestry needle.

I think that an Adventurous Beginner who has experience knitting in the round and is ready to jump into color work could definitely tackle either of these cowls