This pattern is provided free for your enjoyment! I design my free patterns to enjoy the process of knitting and to give something back to the knitting community. If you like this pattern and would like to support the creation of future patterns, please consider making a very small contribution via Paypal to: PayPal.me\Viktionary
* Please note, I am Canadian, and Paypal is the only international small payment platform available.

Contributions will go towards purchasing yarn for future designs and the occasional Earl Grey latte to keep the fires of creativity fueled! Regardless of whether you contribute financially or not, thank you for your support and kind words on my patterns.

This cowl was inspired by the pattern on a blouse that my friend Lorraine was wearing during a video chat. The blouse she wore was bright red with white lines and geometric shapes of various sizes covering it. I told my friend that I thought that I could make something similar as a colour-work knitting pattern – and this is the result.

Clothar is a Germanic given name (from “hlut” meaning famous and “heri” meaning warrior) which later evolved into Lothair. In more recent times Lothair further transformed into Lorraine, coming from “Lotharingia” meaning Lothar’s kingdom. While my friend Lorraine may not be a “famous warrior”, she is definitely a strong and capable woman. This is my knitting tribute to her.

Difficulty - Advanced Beginner

Skills used - Knitting in the round, stranded knitting

Sizes - One size

Finished measurements
Circumference: 74 cm / 29 inches unstretched; 92 cm / 36 inches stretched
Height: 36 cm / 14 inches

Gauge – blocked
8 stitches and 10 Rows = 5 cm / 2 inches in stockinette in the round on US 9 (5.5 mm) needles

Approximate yardage
Main Colour (MC) est. 149 g / 5.25 oz. (186 m / 204 yds)
Contrast Colour (CC) est. 49.5 g / 1.75 oz. (91 m / 99 yds)

Yarn Used
Main Colour (MC) Estelle Chunky 125 m / 100 g (137 yds / 3.5 oz), 2 balls. Colour Q63306 Merlot. Any currently available Bulky (#5) yarn with similar yardage may be substituted.
Contrast Colour (CC) Imperial Yarn Erin 206 m / 113 g (225 yds / 4 oz), 1 ball. Colour 01 Natural. Any currently available Bulky (#5) yarn with similar yardage may be substituted.

Needles - US 9 (5.5 mm) circular, 56 cm /22 inches long, or size needed to obtain gauge

Notions - Stitch markers, tapestry needle