Colorwork Knitting, Mosaic Knitting, Patterns, Scarves & Cowls, Worsted Weight Yarn

Basalt Stone Cowl – Free Worsted Weight Mosaic Cowl Knitting Pattern

Discover the beauty of mosaic knitting with the Basalt Stone Cowl! This beginner-friendly Free Worsted Weight Mosaic Knit Cowl Pattern uses two-color mosaic knitting to create a striking color-blocked, polka-dot pattern. Perfect for trying out colorwork, this design only requires you to knit with one color per row, making it approachable and fun! Scroll down for the full free knitting pattern or purchase the ad-free PDF here.

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Free Worsted Weight Mosaic Cowl Knitting Pattern

The cowl’s name is inspired by the smooth basalt stones that fill the beaches of Lake Superior’s North Shore, ideal for skipping rocks across the water. If you have ever been to the shores of Lake Superior then you know that most of the “beaches” aren’t what you would picture. Instead of white sand they are filled with smooth rocks that have been slowly polished by the waves over time. These Basalt stones make the perfect skipping rocks and offer a fun afternoon of entertainment for anyone attempting to make the most skips. Those rocks, and my time growing up in Duluth, Minnesota are what inspired this cowl mosaic knitting pattern.

Why You’ll Love this Mosaic Infinity Cowl

The Basalt Stone Cowl is a free worsted weight mosaic cowl knitting pattern designed for knitters who love bold colorwork without complicated techniques. This infinity cowl is worked in the round using only knit and slip stitches, making it a no-purl mosaic knitting project that’s perfect for adventurous beginners and intermediate knitters alike. The tube is seamed at the end to create a cozy double wrap cowl that layers beautifully over sweaters and coats.

Using four contrasting worsted weight yarn colors, each section shifts from background to accent to create a modern polkadot mosaic effect. The simple repeat is easy to memorize, making this a relaxing project to knit while watching TV, traveling, or unwinding at the end of the day. If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly mosaic knitting pattern that creates high-impact colorwork with minimal effort, this cowl is a satisfying and wearable project.

How the Mosaic Colorwork Works

This mosaic cowl is knit in the round using slip stitch mosaic knitting, a simple colorwork technique that only uses one color per round. Instead of carrying multiple strands like in stranded knitting, you’ll create the pattern using knit stitches and slipped stitches to form the design.

Each of the four sections rotates the background and accent colors, creating a bold polkadot effect that looks intricate but is surprisingly easy to knit. Because there are no floats to manage and no purling required, mosaic knitting is a great option for adventurous beginners who want to explore colorwork with confidence.

If you’re new to mosaic knitting or would like a step-by-step walkthrough of the technique, I’ve written a detailed tutorial that explains exactly how slip stitch mosaic knitting works. You can read that full guide here: The #1 Secret to Easy Colorwork Knitting – Mosaic Knitting.

Skills Needed for This Beginner Mosaic Knitting Pattern

Here are some skills you will need before you begin this knitting pattern.

  • Knitting
  • Knitting in the round
  • Slip Stiches
  • Seaming

Basalt Stone Cowl Knitting Pattern

Skill Level: Beginner

Supplies:

Yarn:

  • 4 colors of worsted weight yarn, 170 yds each
    (Sample shown in Cascade 220)

Yardage:

  • Color A: 170 yds / 155 m (dark)
  • Color B: 170 yds / 155 m (light)
  • Color C: 170 yds / 155 m (dark)
  • Color D: 170 yds / 155 m (light)

Gauge: 16 sts & 23 rows = 4” / 10 cm worked in stockinette stitch in the round, unblocked.

Finished Measurements:

  • Circumference: 53” (after blocking)
  • Width: 7.5”

Basalt Stone Cowl Notes

  • Construction: The cowl is worked in the round and then seamed together at the end to create an infinity loop.
  • Memorize the Pattern: This can become a mindless knit if you memorize the 8-round stitch pattern. Each color block section includes 24 polka dot rows.
  • Choosing Colors: For the best contrast, select two light colors and two dark colors. This will help the polka dots pop!
  • Blocking Tips: Always block your cowl before seaming for a smooth edge. Soak it in lukewarm water with wool wash, gently squeeze out the water, and lay it flat to dry on blocking mats. For detailed instructions, visit my Blocking Highlights.

Knitting Abbreviations for this Pattern

  • ST(S): Stitch(es)
  • BOR: Beginning of round
  • CO: Cast on
  • K: Knit
  • P: Purl
  • Rep: Repeat
  • PM: Place marker
  • SM: Slip marker
  • SL: Slip stitch purlwise
  • WYIB: With yarn in back

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Basalt Stone Cowl Knitting Pattern Directions

Section One: {Colors A & B}

  1. Using Color A, CO 80 sts and join in the round. Be careful not to twist sts. Place a marker to mark the BOR.
  2. Rounds 1-2: Using Color A, K to the end of round.
  3. Round 3: Join Color B, *K2, SL 2 WYIB; Rep from * to the end of round.
  4. Round 4: Repeat Round 3.
  5. Rounds 5-6: Repeat Round 1.
  6. Round 7: Using Color B, *SL 2 WYIB, K2; Rep from * to the end of round.
  7. Round 8: Repeat Round 7.

Repeat Rounds [1-8] 11 more times for a total of 12 repeats.
Each section should have 24 polka dot rows. Break Color A after Round 98.

Section Two: {Colors B & C}

  1. Rounds 1-2: Using Color B, K to the end of round.
  2. Round 3: Join Color C, *K2, SL 2 WYIB; Rep from * to the end of round.
  3. Round 4: Repeat Round 3.
  4. Rounds 5-6: Repeat Round 1.
  5. Round 7: Using Color C, *SL 2 WYIB, K2; Rep from * to the end of round.
  6. Round 8: Repeat Round 7.

Repeat Rounds [1-8] 11 more times for a total of 12 repeats.
Break Color B after Round 98.

Section Three: {Colors C & D}

Follow the same instructions as Section Two, substituting Colors C & D.

Section Four: {Colors D & A}

Follow the same instructions as Section Two, substituting Colors D & A.

Finishing Instructions

  1. Bind Off: Using Color D, BO all stitches using a standard bind off. Leave a 30” tail for seaming.
  2. Weave in Ends: Flip your cowl inside out and weave in all loose ends.
  3. Block: Block your cowl as detailed in the Notes section.
  4. Seam the Cowl: Once dry, seam the CO and BO edges together using the 30” tail.

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Posted In: Colorwork Knitting, Mosaic Knitting, Patterns, Scarves & Cowls, Worsted Weight Yarn

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