These cowls take their inspiration from the theme for International Women’s Day 2023: #EmbraceEquity, which explores the importance differences between equality and equity. The sale of this pattern includes a £3 donation to women’s charities, which will be split between UK charity Refuge and the international charity Nomi Network

We are not all at the same stage of our journey with knitting, so, to make sure as many knitters as possible can join in, this year there are two patterns to choose from: a stranded colourwork cowl knitted in the round, or a simple striped cowl knitted flat and seamed. Each of the cowls uses three colours of DK weight yarn.

To make this cowl you will need:

DK yarn: 50g in each of your three colours.

3.25mm (for the ribbing) and 3.75mm needles (for the stocking stitch / colourwork sections): either straight needles if you want to knit the cowl flat, or 40–50cm circular needles to make the cowl in the round.

Stitch marker (if knitting in the round).

Tapestry needle to weave in ends.

The colour work cowl is charted. The striped cowl has both chart and written instructions.