Inspired by all the forests of Middle Earth, go on a cable colorwork adventure with the Forests of Arda Cowl. Full written instructions, a chart, and cabling video tutorials (for full list of video tutorials see bottom of listing) are included in this pattern, as well as a low vision file in 22pt san serif font. The chart on the low vision file has been blown up for better visibility, which is also helpful for viewing the pattern via your phone.

Level: Advanced. While none of the stitches in this cowl is particularly complicated on its own, the technique of working cables and colorwork simultaneously can take a while to perfect. I’ve done all I can to make this work accessible to anyone who would like to attempt it by providing both a chart and written instructions, but if you are new to both cable knitting and colorwork, it may take some additional practice to achieve even tension.

Sizing: 1 (2, 3, 4) are a circumference of 17.75 (21.25, 25, 28.5) inches or 45 (54, 63, 72) centimeters. The recommended ease is negative 2” (5cm) for a fitted cowl, and up to positive 4”(10.2cm) of positive ease for a loose cowl. Full length cowls are 10” (25.5cm) long; children’s cowls may be shortened to 8.75” (21.5cm) tall if needed.

Yarn: 130 (155, 175, 200) yards or 120 (140, 160, 185) meters in the desired Main Color, and 80 (95, 110, 125) yards or 75 (85, 100, 115) meters in the desired Contrast Color. I recommend De Rerum Natura Gilliatt, a rustic, non-superwash, worsted/aran weight merino. Though 270 yards (250 meters) in 100 grams brings to mind DK weight, the sample yarn knits up as a heavy worsted/aran. If you decide to substitute yarn, look for a non-superwash yarn with a slight amount of stretch that has around 196yds/180m per 100g or less. Thinner yarns may be used, but may require sizing up to compensate for a gauge with more stitches per inch.

Gauge: 18 sts and 22 rounds over a 4 x 4 inch (10.2cm) area of the blocked and finished cowl.

Needles:
US 5 (3.75 mm) for curled edges. 2 sizes smaller than size needed to meet gauge in stockinette, or up to 4 sizes smaller than size needed to meet gauge in pattern.
US 9 (5.5mm) for Rounds 2-33. Or size needed to maintain gauge.
US 8 (5.0mm) for Rounds 1 and 34-49. Or size needed to maintain gauge. Some knitters may be able to maintain gauge without switching needles.

Notions:
Cable needle Tapestry needle
Stitch markers To avoid mistakes, I recommend using stitch markers to mark each repeat.
Color catcher

Video Tutorials Include:
1/1 cables with and without cable needle
2/1 cables
2/2 cables
Color dominance
Fixing cabling mistakes
Duplicate cable stitches (for mistakes and embellishment)

Use #foacowl to share your work on social media. As always, handmade sellers are welcome to make to sell. #lordoftherings