Norse by Norse West Cowl
By Lizabeth Towers

From today through November 19, 2023, (Central Standard Time) if you purchase my Norse by Norse West pullover pattern, this Norse by Norse West Cowl pattern (regularly $5.00) will be free.

Designed specifically to teach stranded knitting to students, this pattern requires no securing of floats. The use of 16” 40 mm circular needles means there is no need for double pointed needles or magic loops, keeping it simple and fun.

Norse by Norse West is worked seamlessly from the bottom up. The lower ribbing is worked flat, then joined and the stranded colorwork is worked in the round, as is the ribbing at the top.

If desired, make a shorter cowl by inserting only Chart A or Chart B between the top and bottom ribbing instead of using both charts. This significantly decreases the yarn amounts needed.

About the name, what can I say? This cowl is comprised of traditional Norwegian motifs put together by an American of Norwegian descent. Hence, Norse by Norse West. See my pullover pattern, also called Norse by Norse West.

To my skillful test knitters at Marine Mills Folk School, thank you so much!!

Sizes: Small (Medium, Large) Sample in photo is size Small.
Finished Cowl Measurements:
Circumference: 22 (24, 26)inches, 56 (61, 66) cm
Height: 11 (11, 11)inches, 28 (28, 28) cm

Yarn:
Sample is knit in Malabrigo Worsted in Polar Morn for main color, 210 yds 192 m per 100 g. Contrast colors are worsted weight merino scraps from my stash.
Choose a worsted weight yarn, preferably in 100% merino, which has a good memory, performs well in stranded colorwork, and is soft enough to wear next to the skin. Other yarns to try include Cascade 220 Superwash Merino, Universal Yarns Deluxe Worsted Superwash, and Queensland Collection Falkland Worsted.

Main Color (grey): Approximately 132 (144, 156) yards 121 (132, 143) meters
Contrast Color 1 (white): Approximately 34 (37, 40) yards 31 (34, 37) meters
Contrast Color 2 (black): Approximately 72 (79, 85) yards 66 (72, 78) meters
Contrast Color 3 (red): Approximately 14 (15, 17) yards 13 (14, 16) meters

Suggested Needles:
For ribbing: US 4 3.5 mm 16” 40 cm circular needle
For main fabric: US 5 3.75 mm 16” 40 cm circular needle or size needed to obtain gauge

Notions:
Stitch marker, tapestry needle, blocking tools

Gauge: 20 sts and 27 rnds = 4” 10 cm in stranded stockinette stitch in the round on larger needle after blocking. The fabric achieved at this gauge is neither stiff nor loose.
Note: Please take time to check your gauge. Treat your gauge swatch just as you will treat your garment. Knitters’ gauge varies. Go up or down a needle size if needed to achieve the correct gauge. Many knitters find that to get gauge when stranding, they need to go up one needle size. I have to go down one needle size when stranding. Use needles that will give you the correct gauge.

Thanks for your interest in my pattern!