Sanquhar Cowl

Discover the charm of Sanquhar, a picturesque town in Scotland, renowned for its distinctive two-color knitting technique. If you’ve enjoyed knitting Sanquhar socks and gloves, why not take it a step further with a beautiful Sanquhar cowl? This project serves as the perfect “sampler,” allowing you to showcase a variety of unique motifs that reflect the rich heritage of Sanquhar knitting.

I meticulously charted many of these motifs by studying old photographs of traditional Sanquhar knitting, with only minor alterations to infuse a personal touch into this project. The primary pattern designs are organized into 11 by 11 stitch squares, complemented by alternating “all-over” background patterns to enhance their visual appeal. Each motif presents an opportunity to engage with this historical craft while creating a gorgeous, wearable piece.

Project Overview
This cowl is crafted using a provisional cast-on and is knit seamlessly in the round. At the end of your project, you can effortlessly graft the beginning stitches to the end stitches, resulting in a flawless tubular design. While a cowl is the featured project, you can also opt to create a lovely scarf by binding off each end separately for a classic look.

Size Details
The finished cowl measures 13.5 inches deep with a circumference of 83 inches, providing ample coverage and versatility. If you prefer a smaller cowl, you can easily make it half the circumference without compromising on style. Additionally, to adjust the depth of your cowl, you can follow some straightforward mathematics, as different stitch charts have unique repeat patterns that can be adapted to suit your desired length.

Join us in embracing the beautiful tradition of Sanquhar knitting and enjoy the satisfaction of creating a stunning piece that reflects your personal style and skill. Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or just starting, this cowl project will inspire creativity and warmth!