SweetGeorgia Cordatus Cowl and Mitts Knitting Pattern

SweetGeorgia Cordatus Cowl and Mitts: Stranded Colorwork Set

What Is Being Made

The Cordatus Cowl and Mitts is a coordinated two-piece knitting set designed by Varian Brandon. The collection features a cowl measuring 29 inches (73.5 cm) in circumference and a pair of mitts each measuring 10¼ inches (26 cm) in length and 4 inches (10 cm) in width. The name "Cordatus" derives from a Latin word meaning "heart shaped," reflecting the primary design motif featured on both garments. This intermediate-level project is ideal for knitters looking to expand their colorwork skills while creating a practical, wearable set.

Design and Motifs

The Cordatus set showcases an elegant stranded-work design that carries only two colors per round, making it accessible for intermediate knitters new to colorwork. The heart-shaped main motif appears on both the cowl and mitts, creating visual cohesion across the set. Supporting the central design are scrollwork details and small crosses found in the border and secondary design areas, adding intricate visual interest and texture to the finished pieces.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Stranded knitting: The primary technique used throughout the set, carrying two colors per round to create the colorwork patterns
• Knitting in the round: Both the cowl and mitts are constructed using circular knitting methods for seamless construction
• Corrugated ribbing: A six-round corrugated rib edge is used on both garments, combining knit and purl stitches in alternating colors to create a structured, decorative border
• Afterthought thumbs: The mitts feature thumbs worked using the afterthought method, allowing for flexible sizing and clean construction

Stitches and Abbreviations

The pattern employs fundamental knitting stitches including knit (k) and purl (p) stitches as the foundation for both the colorwork and ribbed sections. The corrugated rib construction alternates these basic stitches across color changes to create a visually distinct edge. The pattern also includes make 1 (m1) increases for shaping the mitts. Stitch markers are used to track the beginning of rounds and to manage multiple sections within the mitt construction.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Cordatus set is designed to be worked using three skeins of SweetGeorgia Yarns BFL Sock yarn, with each skein containing 400 yards (365 meters) and weighing 4 ounces (115 grams). The yarn composition is 80% superwash bluefaced leicester wool and 20% nylon, providing durability and easy care. The pattern calls for one skein each of three coordinating shades: Shade A in Wisteria, Shade B in Tumbled Stone, and Shade C in Birch. The pattern notes that SweetGeorgia Tough Love Sock yarn is also an acceptable alternative.

Needles and Gauge

The cowl is worked on 2 circular needles measuring 24 inches or 1 set of 4 double-pointed needles, both in US 4 (3.5mm) size, with a gauge of 30 stitches and 31 rounds per 4 inches (10 cm). The mitts are also worked on US 4 (3.5mm) needles with a gauge of 27 stitches and 30 rounds per 4 inches (10 cm). Circular needles are noted as the preferred method for this project. Additional notions include 1 stitch marker for the cowl, 3 stitch markers for the mitts, and scrap yarn for managing the afterthought thumbs.

Sizing and Customization

The pattern provides specific finished measurements for both pieces, with a note that knitters can use smaller or larger needles to create a smaller or larger size. This flexibility allows the set to be customized to individual preferences and fit requirements without requiring a completely new pattern.

Skill Level and Requirements

This pattern is rated as Intermediate difficulty and requires competency in three key skills: stranded knitting, knitting in the round, and corrugated ribbing. The pattern instructions emphasize the importance of reading the full pattern carefully before beginning and checking gauge to ensure proper fit and appearance of the finished colorwork.