Rowan Norrun Cowl Knitting Pattern

Rowan Norrun Cowl by Arne & Carlos

What Is Being Made

The Rowan Norrun is a seamless infinity scarf cowl worked in the round using the stranded colorwork technique. This finished piece measures 26 cm (10 inches) deep and 141 cm (55½ inches) all around, creating a generous loop that can be worn as a cowl or infinity scarf. The design combines ribbed edges with a substantial patterned center section, making it both visually striking and functionally warm.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its finished design:

• Seamless, worked in the round: The entire cowl is constructed in continuous rounds using circular needles, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a smooth, professional finish.
• Stranded colorwork (Fair Isle): The pattern uses the Fair Isle technique, a traditional method of working with multiple yarn colors in a single round. This creates intricate color patterns while maintaining consistent fabric integrity.
• Bottom-up construction: The cowl is worked from the cast-on edge upward, beginning with ribbed edging, moving through the patterned center section, and finishing with matching ribbed edging at the top.

Stitches Used

The Rowan Norrun utilizes fundamental knitting stitches executed with precision:

• Ribbing (K2, P2): A 2x2 rib pattern forms the top and bottom edges of the cowl, providing elasticity and a refined finish. Eight rounds of ribbing appear at both the beginning and end of the piece.
• Stockinette stitch (St st): The main body of the cowl is worked entirely in stockinette stitch in the round (knitting every round), creating a smooth, flat fabric that showcases the stranded colorwork pattern.
• Stranded pattern repeat: A 44-stitch pattern repeat is worked across the rounds, repeated 8 times around each round for a total of 352 cast-on stitches. The pattern chart spans 55 rounds of colorwork.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: This pattern calls for Rowan Felted Tweed, a premium wool blend yarn. The color palette includes four distinct shades:

• Yarn A: Seasalter (shade 178) – 1 x 50gm
• Yarn B: Electric Green (shade 203) – 1 x 50gm
• Yarn C: Clay (shade 177) – 2 x 50gm
• Yarn D: Barbara (shade 200) – 1 x 50gm

The Felted Tweed yarn provides excellent stitch definition for Fair Isle work and creates a durable, beautifully textured finished fabric.

Needles: Two sizes of circular needles are required, each no more than 80 cm in length:

• 3¼mm (UK size 10 / US size 3) circular needle – used for the ribbed sections and cast-on edge
• 4mm (UK size 8 / US size 6) circular needle – used for the main patterned stockinette stitch section

Pattern Specifications

Tension: 20 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm measured over patterned stockinette stitch using 4mm (US 6) needles. Achieving correct tension is essential for the finished dimensions and proper drape of the colorwork.

Finished Size: The completed cowl measures 26 cm deep and 141 cm all around, making it a versatile accessory suitable for layering or wearing as a statement piece.

Skill Level: This pattern is suitable for knitters with intermediate experience, particularly those comfortable with circular needle techniques and Fair Isle colorwork methods.