The Compass Rose was a key element in hand drawn maps used to orient the viewer in the proper direction. While the only required elements of the compass were the four basic directional “arms,” style and aesthetics were up to the cartographer and were often used to show off their talents and creativity.

The Compass Rose Cowl begins with a provisional cast on. The first half of the stranded colorwork chart has a lighter background and darker motif, switching halfway through to reverse the colors to use equal amounts of both colors. The ends are then grafted using Kitchener stitch, leaving no exposed wrong side, making a cozy cowl perfect for exploring.

Yarn
Miss Babs Killington
85% Polwarth Wool, 15% Tussah Silk; 350 yd/4.2 oz (320 m/120 g) skeins
1 skein each in two colors, shown in Old Gold (Color 1) and Lilacs (Color 2)

Or approximately 325 yards/297 meters of DK weight yarn in each of two colors.

Finished Measurements
Height: 7”/17.5 cm
Circumference: 38”/96.5 cm

Needles
US 6 (4 mm) circular needle, 16”/40 cm long, or size to obtain gauge

Gauge

• Blocked: 20 stitches and 31 rounds = 4”/10 cm square in stockinette stitch.
• Blocked: 24 stitches and 27 rounds = 4”/10 cm square in stranded colorwork.

Notions

• DK weight waste yarn for cast on
• Spare US 6 4 mm needle for Kitchener graft
• Stitch markers
• Tapestry needle
• US H (5 mm) crochet hook for cast on