Durham Chevrons Cowl Knitting Pattern

Chevron and zigzag patterns are not just knitters’ motifs. They have been reinterpreted by artists, both ancient and modern, time and again in many mediums. Whether on pottery, in architecture, or embroidered on cloth, these symbols are common to many different cultures around the world. The famous chevron columns of Durham Cathedral in the north of England inspired this cowl, which is knitted as a tube with alternating colors and a bit of texture.

Designing a yarn to meet a grand plan is one of Kate's favorite aspects of handspinning. She choose not only the color of the yarn to create a piece but also its texture, drape, and character. For this project, she designed a cowl with undulating stripes made with two yarns, one airy and sheer and one a bit denser to give the piece shape.

This PDF includes spinning notes, as well as the instructions and charts for this knitting pattern.

Materials

• Fiber MC: handpainted Polwarth/silk top, 4 oz; CC: 100% solid-colored Corriedale roving, 4 oz. Shown here: MC: Copper Corgi Fiber Studio Polwarth/silk top in orange/red; CC: Handspun by Stefania 100% Corriedale roving dyed with cochineal and madder.
• Yarn MC: 3-ply; 215 yd; 900 ypp; 10 wpi; worsted weight. CC: 2-ply; 215 yd; 1,525 ypp; 11 wpi; sportweight.
• Needles U.S. size 6 (4 mm): 16" circular (cir); second cir in same size or smaller to hold sts while grafting. Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.
• Gauge 28 sts and 25 rnds = 4" in chevron patt. Note: A variety of gauges will work for this project. Changing gauge will also change the yardage required and finished size.
• Notions Smooth waste yarn for provisional CO; markers (m); tapestry needle.
• Finished Size 38" circumference and 71⁄4" wide (doubled in tube shape).

See https://spinoffmagazine.com/spin-off-abbreviations/ for terms you don’t know.

Author/Designer: Kate Larson