Barna Cowl

About: 

The Barna Cowl is named for a small village nestled along the rugged coast of County Galway, not far from Galway City. This worsted-weight, two-color colorwork cowl draws inspiration from the dry-stone walls, built long ago, that create graphic diagonals throughout the landscape.

Written for two sizes, this pattern offers flexibility for both style and stash diving—making it perfect whether you're working with generous skeins or smaller bits of yarn. Charts are provided in both dark-on-light and light-on-dark versions so you don't have to switch them in your head while you knit.

Perfect for the confident colorwork knitter but captivating enough to keep experienced knitters' needles moving, this cowl has a rhythm that pulls you in. There's a helpful marker placement tip included that breaks the pattern into manageable sections, making the knit wonderfully intuitive. The strong diagonal lines propel your stitches forward, creating that addictive just one more round feeling you can't resist.

Needle:

US 6 (4 mm), 16” (40 cm) circular needle or needles needed to get gauge. 

Suggested Yarn: Lang Yarns, Yak, Worsted, 1 (2) skein(s) each of two colors, [70% Extra Fine Merino wool/30% Yak; 131 yards (120 m)/ 50 grams] or any worsted weight yarn of your choosing.

Yardage Needed:

Main Color: 131 (175) yds/120 (161) m

Contrast Color: 113 (151) yds/104 (139) m

Sample knit in short size uses:

Main Color: Off White, approx. 131 yds (120 m) 

Contrast Color: Olive, approx. 113 yards (104 m)

Gauge: 20.5 stitches/25 rounds = 4” (10 cm) square in colorwork using US 6 (4 mm) needles or whatever size needle gives you the fabric you would like. 

Other Notions: Darning needle, 1 BOR marker, 12 stitch markers in 4 colors.

Special Techniques:

Knit & purl, colorwork, working from charts, cast on & bind off.

Sizes: 

Short (Tall)

Final Measurements: 

Short: 21” (53 cm) circumference x 9” (23 cm) tall. Tall: 21” (53 cm) circumference x 12” (30 cm) tall.