Free Stranded Colorwork Knit Cowl Pattern – Evermore Cowl
Bold colorwork doesn’t have to mean complicated knitting — and the Evermore Knit Cowl proves it 🧶✨. This free stranded colorwork knit cowl pattern is designed to help knitters build confidence with colorwork while creating a modern, wearable accessory that looks far more intricate than it actually is.
Worked in the round using two colors, Evermore is the kind of project that feels satisfying from the very first chart repeat and results in a cozy cowl you’ll reach for again and again.
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Quick Pattern Overview
The Evermore Knit Cowl is a stranded colorwork accessory worked in the round using a repeating chart motif. Ribbed cuffs frame the design, while the colorwork body creates bold visual impact without complicated shaping.
In this post, you’ll learn:
- What stranded colorwork knitting is (and what it’s not)
- Why cowls are a great way to learn colorwork
- How charts are used in stranded knitting
- Tips for managing floats comfortably
- Where to learn more stranded colorwork techniques
What Is Stranded Colorwork Knitting?
Stranded colorwork knitting uses two colors worked in the same round, with the unused yarn carried loosely across the back of the fabric as floats. This technique creates dense, warm fabric and allows for beautiful geometric or pictorial designs.
While Fair Isle is a specific regional style of stranded knitting, the Evermore Cowl uses general stranded colorwork techniques, making it flexible, modern, and approachable.
Learn more about stranded knitting here:
https://marlybird.com/blog/knit-colorwork/
What You Will Love About This Pattern 💖
- Free stranded colorwork knit cowl pattern
- Worked in the round — no seaming
- Bold design using just two colors
- Repeating chart that’s easy to memorize
- Perfect first stranded colorwork project
- Cozy, gift-worthy finished piece
✨ Designer Tip: Cowls are ideal for learning stranded colorwork because the small circumference helps you manage floats without feeling overwhelmed.
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Yarn, Fit, and Construction Notes
- Knit in worsted-weight yarn
- Worked in the round on circular needles
- Ribbed cuffs for stretch and polish
- Charted colorwork worked in stockinette
- Designed to sit comfortably around the neck without bulk
EVERMORE STRANDED KNIT COWL PATTERN DETAILS
Designed by Marly Bird
SKILL LEVEL
Adventurous Beginner
MEASUREMENTS
Finished Measurements
Cowl is 32″ [81.5 cm] in circumference by 8.5″ [21.5 cm] in length.
Gauge
20 sts and 24 rows = 4″ [10 cm] in Stranded Knitting Technique
MATERIALS
Yarn
MC: Plomo
CC: Fucsia
Needle
U.S. 9 [5.5 mm] 24” [61 cm] circular needle, or size required for gauge
Notions
- Stitch Markers
- Tapestry Needle
- Scissors
- Tape Measure
- Leather tags (Optional)
- Leather rivets(Optional)
ABBREVIATIONS
CC – Contrasting Color
K – Knit
K2tog – Knit Two Stitches Together
M1 – Make One
MC – Main Color
P – Purl
St(s) – Stitches
SPECIAL STITCHES
Stranded Knitting or Fair Isle Technique: these patterns may appear intricate, but they’re simply crafted in stockinette stitch with a two-color-per-round approach: one hue for the motifs and another for the backdrop. The yarn not currently in use is carried, or ‘stranded’, across the back of the active stitches, remaining concealed on the fabric’s right side. These carried yarns form ‘floats’ behind the stitches, resulting in a denser and cozier material than single-yarn knitting, though with a bit less give.
PATTERN STITCHES
2×2 Ribbing (stitch multiple of 4)
Round 1: *K2, p2; repeat from * to end of round.
Repeat round 1 for desired measurement.
CHART
COLOR BLOCKS
The color blocks are completely identical to the chart. The numbers within the color blocks indicate how many times the color is repeated.
VIDEO TUTORIALS
- Long Tail Cast-On >> Click Here for Video Help <<
- Knit Stitch (continental style) >> Click Here for Video Help <<
- Purl Stitch (continental style) >> Click Here for Video Help <<
- Stranded Knitting (one color each hand) >> Click Here for Video Help <<
- Tuck or Weave Floats >> Click Here for Video Help <<
- How to Tink >> Click Here for Video Help <<
- How to Add Lifeline >> Click Here for Video Help <<
- How to Bury Ends >> Click Here for Video Help <<
- How to Bind Off in Pattern >> Click Here for Video Help <<
NOTES
- Use the stranded or Fair Isle technique to complete the body of the cowl. Read stitches on charts from right to left, and rounds from bottom to top.
- The chart represents a portion of the project, therefore each row of the chart will be worked on repeat until all the stitches of the round are complete.
- It is recommended to use stitch markers between repeats to keep count.
- When stranding a color beyond 4-6 sts, tuck the float (see Video Tutorials).
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I’m thrilled to share this amazing pattern with you, many patterns on my blog are absolutely free! I kindly request that you don’t copy and paste or distribute this pattern. Prefer an ad-free experience? Buy a digital PDF pattern for a small fee from one of my online stores for a seamless crafting journey.
I appreciate your support and readership. You are the reason I can keep doing what I love and sharing it with others. So, thank you from the bottom of my yarn-loving heart! Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no cost to you.
EVERMORE STRANDED KNIT COWL PATTERN
BEGINNING CUFF
With MC, and long tail cast-on, cast on 144 sts, place marker, join to work in the round.
Work in 2×2 ribbing for 1” [4 cm].
Next round (increase round): * K9, M1; repeat from * around — 160 sts.
BODY
Using the stranded knitting technique (see Video Tutorials), work in Stockinette St following the color chart for Body of Cowl through Round 39. There are 10 total repeats for each round of the chart.
Cut CC leaving a long tail. With MC continue with pattern.
Next round (decrease round): *K8, k2tog; repeat from * around — 144 sts.
ENDING CUFF
Work in 2×2 ribbing for 1” [4 cm] to match beginning cuff.
Bind off in pattern.
FINISHING
Weave in all loose ends. Wash and Block Cowl.
Want to Learn More About Stranded Colorwork?
If Evermore sparks your interest in colorwork knitting, Camp Colorwork is where the magic really happens. Inside the course, you’ll learn how to read charts, manage floats, choose colors confidently, and knit stranded colorwork with ease.
👉 Learn more about Camp Colorwork here:
https://marlybird.com/blog/camp-colorwork/
More Stranded Colorwork Patterns You’ll Love
- Northern Gleam Knit Hat:
https://marlybird.com/blog/northern-gleam-hat-free-one-day-knit-colorwork-pattern/ - Heartstrings Knit Socks:
https://marlybird.com/blog/heartstrings-knit-socks-free-stranded-colorwork-sock-pattern/ - Kaleidoscope Harmony Knit Hat:
https://marlybird.com/blog/kaleidoscope-harmony-knit-hat/ - Penguin Shuffle Sweater:
https://marlybird.com/blog/penguin-shuffle-sweater-free-knit-yoke-sweater-pattern/
FAQ – Evermore Knit Cowl
Is this pattern beginner-friendly?
Yes — confident knitters ready to try stranded colorwork will feel supported.
Is this pattern free?
Yes! The pattern is free on MarlyBird.com, with an optional ad-free PDF.
Do I need special tools?
Just standard circular needles and stitch markers.
Final Thoughts
The Evermore Knit Cowl is proof that stranded colorwork can be fun, approachable, and incredibly rewarding. If you’ve been curious about colorwork knitting, this is a fantastic place to start.
❤️ Your BiCrafty Bestie,
Marly Bird
