Frieze Cowl

A frieze traditionally encircles a building as a continuous ornamental band. In this infinity cowl, three-color Scandinavian motifs wrap seamlessly around the fabric, allowing repetition and contrast to unfold in steady rhythm.

Knitted as a seamless tube, the piece begins with a provisional cast-on and is worked in the round before the ends are joined using Kitchener stitch to form a continuous ring. It can be joined straight for a classic cowl or given a half twist before seaming to create a Möbius-style loop. 

Work the cowl in a single strand of DK weight yarn for crisp, defined stitches, or pair fingering weight yarn with mohair, suri alpaca, or cashmere for a softer, slightly blurred effect. The finished design balances structure and warmth, offering a modern interpretation of traditional patterning. Please note that the colorwork motif is charted only.

Size

One size

Circumference: 72 cm / 28.5 inches

Height: 33 cm / 13 inches

The circumference of the cowl is easily adjusted for a longer infinity scarf that can be looped around the neck twice (in that case make the piece approximately 120 cm / 47.25 inches long, note that you need more yarn for a longer piece)

Yarn

MC: 250 m / 280 yards

CC1: 100 m / 110 yards

CC2: 180 m / 200 yards

If holding two strands together, you will need the listed amount of each yarn. If working in a single strand of DK weight, you will need the listed amount in total.

Sample: 

MC: Sandnes Garn Tynn Peer Gynt (100% wool; 205 m / 224 yds per 50 g) in 5585 and Isager Silk Mohair (75% mohair, 25% silk; 212 m / 232 yds per 25 g) in 100.

CC1: Knitting For Olive Merino (100% merino wool; 250 m / 273 yds per 50 g) in Limestone  and Soft Silk Mohair (70% mohair, 30% silk; 225 m / 246 yds per 25 g) in Cream.

CC2: Knitting For Olive Merino (100% merino wool; 250 m / 273 yds per 50 g) in Pink Daisies and Soft Silk Mohair (70% mohair, 30% silk; 225 m / 246 yds per 25 g) in Pink Daisies.

Needles

3.5 mm / US 4 circular needle with a cable length of 40 cm / 16 inches 

Gauge

20 sts and 26 rounds = 10 cm / 4 inches of Stockinette stitch or the colorwork pattern in the round, after blocking. Note: Always use the needle size that gives you the right gauge! 

Notions

1 stitch marker

waste yarn or cable cords

tapestry needle

blocking tools