Lagertha is an elegantly simple, ribbed cowl with a braid. Worked in a two-row repeat, the plait is used to hide the joined edges and complete the cowl loop.

The small and medium sizes are made in one panel with one braid. The large cowl is made by joining two panels together with two separate braids.

The pattern is inspired by Lagertha, the best known Shield Maiden. Depicted in the Vikings tv show, Lagertha always went into battle with braided hair and her signature sea-blue shield.

Yarn
Down the Allotment DK by John Arbon Textiles; 50g/ 112m/ 122yds; 65% Falklands Merino/ 35% West Country Jacob. Small sample is in shade Scotch Bonnet, medium is in shade Bird Bath and large sample is in shade Garden Shed.

Hook
5mm (US H/8) hook, with optional 5.5mm (US I/9) hook for starting chains.

Notions
3 x stitch markers

Tapestry needle

Tension/gauge

This project uses most of the yarn, so I suggest you use unblocked gauge rather than making a tension square. 17.5 sts and 18 rows over 10cm/4” (unblocked). 16 sts and 18 rows over 10cm/4” (blocked) across repeats of Rows 2-3.

Yarn requirements
Small: 100g/ 224m. 245yds
Medium: 150g/ 336m/ 367yds
Large: 200g/ 448m/ 490yds

Terminology:
UK terminology used within pattern.

Pattern format:
Lagertha is a six-page, A4 document with large, clear text.