Chartres Cowl

I remember as a child, my mom would take my siblings and me to mass every Sunday. As the priest was giving his sermon, I would stare at the stained glass windows and study the details of the ornate designs and pictures around the inside of the church. As an adult, I admired the artwork and details of cathedrals in pictures, books and movies. The inspiration for my cowl design is the Chartres Cathedral that marked a high point in French Gothic Art. The Chartres Cowl was based on the idea of building a cathedral through knitting. Each section of this cowl is my interpretation of some of the notable characteristics of Gothic Architecture. If you enjoy knitting the Chartres Cowl, be sure to check out the Chartres Shawl!

Sizes

One size

Finished Measurements

Neck circumference: 24"/61 cm

Depth: 19"/48 cm

Materials

Approximately 420 yds/384 m of light fingering weight yarn

I used Plucky Sophisticate (50% merino, 30% mohair, 20% silk; 105g [3.7 oz]/510yds [466 m]); color: Strut Your Stuff, 1 skein

US size 4/3.5 mm circular needle 24"/61 cm, or size needed to obtain gauge

One stitch marker (to mark beginning of round)

Optional 24 stitch markers to mark pattern repeats

232 Size #8 round beads for optional beading

Crochet hook size 0.8 mm to place beads (if working with beads)

Tape measure or ruler

Yarn needle

Gauge

24 sts and 32 rows = 4"/10 cm in stockinette st worked flat, after blocking