Brynhild Cowl

Brynhild Cowl by Corrine Walcher

What is Being Made

The Brynhild Cowl is a knitted neck cowl designed by Corrine Walcher, inspired by Norse mythology and the Saga of the Volsungs. This cowl features a distinctive braided cable pattern reminiscent of an old Norse rune, making it both a functional and decorative accessory. The finished cowl measures 21 inches around and 8.75 inches tall, providing comfortable coverage for the neck and upper shoulders. The Brynhild Cowl is part of a coordinated collection that includes matching accessories: the Sigurd hat and Aslaug fingerless mitts, allowing crafters to create a complete Norse-inspired set.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This intermediate-level knitting project is worked in the round, which creates a seamless, tubular fabric ideal for cowl construction. The pattern employs cable techniques as the primary design element, with braided cables forming the signature Norse rune motif. The cowl is knitted using either a set of five double-pointed needles or a 16-inch circular needle in size 6 US (4.00 mm), depending on the crafter's preference. Working in the round eliminates the need for seaming and creates a professional, polished finish. The braided cable design requires attention to cable crossing techniques but remains accessible to intermediate knitters with basic cable experience.

Stitches Used

The Brynhild Cowl utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined with cable techniques to create its distinctive appearance. The base fabric is worked in stockinette stitch, which provides a smooth, classic background that allows the cables to stand out prominently. The pattern incorporates cable stitches, specifically:

• 2/1 LPC (Left Purl Cable): Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold in front; purl 1; knit 2 from cable needle
• 2/1 RPC (Right Purl Cable): Slip 1 stitch to cable needle and hold in back; knit 2; purl 1 from cable needle

These cable crosses create the braided effect that defines the Norse rune pattern. The pattern also uses standard abbreviations including knit (K), purl (P), place marker (PM), and slip marker (SM) for construction and stitch tracking.

Yarn and Materials

The sample cowl was knitted using Dragonfly Fibers Valkyrie, a 100% superwash merino yarn that provides softness, breathability, and easy care. The yarn comes in a worsted weight with a yardage of 200 yards per 4 ounces. The sample shown was knitted in the colorway Nymeria and required 150 yards of yarn to complete, though yardage may vary depending on individual gauge and tension. The pattern is suitable for yarn weights ranging from DK to aran weight, including heavy worsted and standard worsted options, providing flexibility for yarn substitution.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 19 stitches and 26 rows per 4 inches in blocked stockinette stitch, knit in the round. While gauge is noted as not critical for this cowl, it will affect both the drape of the finished piece and the total amount of yarn required. Blocking the finished cowl helps even out the stitches and enhances the definition of the cable pattern, resulting in a more polished final appearance.