Valley Yarns Sorrel Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Sorrel Cowl: Stranded Colorwork Knitting Pattern

What Is Being Made

The Sorrel is a graphic cowl designed by Julie Turjoman that showcases bold geometric two-color patterning. This neckwarmer is worked as one complete piece in the round, measuring 9.5 inches tall with a 22.5-inch circumference. The finished cowl features a luxurious construction using Valley Yarns Wachusett yarn in complementary cream and charcoal colorways, making it an ideal quick gift project for knitters seeking to expand their stranded colorwork skills.

Techniques Used

The Sorrel employs stranded colorwork as its primary technique, allowing knitters to work with two colors simultaneously while maintaining consistent tension across the fabric. The entire cowl is worked in the round using circular needles, which creates a seamless tube construction. This method eliminates the need for seaming and produces a professional, polished finish. The pattern begins with a solid-color ribbed edge that transitions smoothly into the geometric stranded colorwork section, then concludes with a second ribbed edge. This structure provides both structural integrity and visual interest.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Sorrel incorporates fundamental knitting stitches within a structured pattern framework. The cowl opens with a k2/p2 ribbed edge (knit 2 stitches, purl 2 stitches, repeated around), which creates an elastic border that hugs the neck comfortably. Following the ribbed section, knitters transition into the Tile Colorwork Chart, a repeating geometric pattern that spans 16 stitches and 16 rounds. This charted pattern is worked a total of 3 times to achieve the desired height of approximately 8.5 inches before the final ribbed edge. The stranded colorwork technique requires switching between Color A (Cream) and Color B (Charcoal) as illustrated on the chart, with stitch markers placed between each 16-stitch repeat to maintain pattern accuracy.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Sorrel calls for Valley Yarns Wachusett, a premium blend of 70% Merino Wool and 30% Cashmere. This luxurious fiber composition provides both warmth and softness, making the finished cowl exceptionally comfortable against the skin. One 50-gram skein (163 yards) of Color A in Cream (color code 100002) and one 50-gram skein of Color B in Charcoal (color code 200153) provide sufficient yardage for the complete project. Knitters will need US size 7 (4.50 mm) circular needles measuring 16 inches or the size required to achieve proper gauge. Additional materials include stitch markers to track pattern repeats and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends. The recommended gauge is 20 stitches and 26 rounds per 4 inches when working the stranded colorwork pattern on blocked fabric.

Skill Level and Pattern Structure

Rated as Intermediate difficulty, the Sorrel is designed for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to develop proficiency in stranded colorwork. The pattern provides clear abbreviations and step-by-step directions, including cast-on instructions using a stretchy method to ensure a flexible edge. The one-piece construction in the round simplifies assembly while the geometric tile pattern offers an engaging yet manageable colorwork challenge. This project serves as an excellent opportunity for knitters to practice tension control and color switching techniques that are essential for advanced colorwork projects.