Imagine standing in a bustling, chilly train platform in your handknit cowl; now imagine taking your seat, removing your cowl and placing it on your lap, and beginning to trace the labyrinth with your finger as you focus your attention on the texture of the wool.

Labyrinths have seen a resurgence as people rediscover their value as art and architecture, as history and culture, as tools for processing and celebrating, as means of celebrating ritual and creating much-needed stillness. Found in a variety of cultures and religious traditions, labyrinths are versatile tools for wellness, like a friend to help you find your way.

This loose-fitting cowl is comprised of two identical finger labyrinths, the path’s direction being based on the medieval design found in the cathedral in Chartres, France. Knit in the round, the cowl can be knit from fully charted or written directions. The charts are fairly large. To try out techniques, sample colors, and check your comfortability with gauge, first try knitting a Wee Finger Labyrinth (free pattern).

Similar to mosaic knitting, the colorwork is accomplished through slipped stitches, meaning that each round is worked in only one color at a time. Elongated stitches are crossed over the surface without a cable needle to create the impression of rounded corners.

Yarn:
Two contrasting colorways are used:
The foreground color uses roughly 200 yards sport to light worsted weight
The background color uses roughly 300 yards sport to light worsted weight

Video tutorials are offered in the pattern.