Paloma, a free knitting pattern from Knitty.com. Free knitting pattern for an easy slip-stitch 2-color cowl. This pattern is the first to be named by a Neural Net in Knitty.

INTRODUCTION

Breckle

beauty shot by Shilo Weir

Mellow

What started as an exercise in improving my own knitting turned into a cowl I couldn’t put down and wanted to share.

This cowl was designed using a chunky, next-to-the-skin soft yarn to create a cozy accessory that is perfect for both gift giving and selfish knitting. Whether you're a beginner looking for something just beyond the basics or an expert looking for a break from complex charts, this project can fill the need. This simple slip-stitch colorwork pattern is easy enough to work comfortably but engaging enough to suck you in.

This pattern makes for excellent last-minute gifts. I chose two contrasting shades of grey not only to show off the stitch pattern but also give knitters a blank canvas upon which to imagine their own favorite color combinations. I can picture Breckle in a jewel-toned variegated yarn paired with a dark solid to make it pop and in shades of purple for a favorite pick at my knit group’s holiday gift exchange. The possibilities are endless.

Though not previously defined*, Breckle will be synonymous with cozy warmth and giving — perfect for the season.

*Editor's note: Breckle is the first Knitty pattern to be named by a Neural Net, a type of machine learning which attempts to imitate the function of the human brain, often producing absurd results. Thanks to Janelle Shane of aiweirdness.com who provided us with a great list of Neural-Net-generated potential pattern names, and the resources to create our own. Future nameless patterns will be named in the same manner. We can't wait.

spacer model: Zoe Weir (aka. itty bitty)

spacer photos: Shilo Weir

SIZE

One

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Circumference: 28 inches/71 cm
 Depth: 8.5 inches/21.5 cm

MATERIALS

Yarn
Plymouth Yarn Chunky Merino Superwash [100% Merino wool; 123 yd/112 m per 100g skein];
[MC] Light Charcoal Heather; 1 skein
[CC] Medium Charcoal Heather; 1 skein

Recommended needle size
[always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below - every knitter's gauge is unique]
US #10/6mm circular needle, 24-inch/60-cm

Notions
1 stitch marker
cable needle
yarn needle

GAUGE

14.5 sts/19.5 rounds = 4 inches/10 cm in stockinette stitch
15 sts/29 rounds = 4 inches/10 cm in pattern

PATTERN NOTES

[Knitty's list of standard abbreviations and techniques can be found here.]

Changing Size:

To increase the depth of the cowl, work additional repeats of Rnds 6-29. Each additional repeat adds about 3 inches/7.5 cm of depth.
To increase or decrease the circumference of the cowl, adjust CO sts as desired, making sure the number is a multiple of 3.

Pattern is worked with one color at a time. Instructions say to break one color and join the other. Alternatively, the color not being used can be carried loosely up the inside of the work.

Long-Tail Cast On can be found here and here.

1/2 LC: Drop next st (elongated slipped st) off needle to the front of work, k2, pick up and k dropped st.

1/2 RC: Slip next 2 sts to cable needle and hold in back, k next st (elongated slipped st), k2 off cable needle.

CHARTS

Stitch Pattern
Work from chart below or written instructions as you prefer.
Round 1: [Sl 1 wyib, p2] to end of the rnd.
Round 2: Knit.
Round 3: [Sl 1 wyib, p2] to end of the rnd.
Round 4: Knit.
Round 5: [Sl 1 wyib, p2] to end of the rnd.
Round 6: [YO, k3] to end of the rnd.
Break MC; join CC.

Round 7: [Drop yo, sl 1 wyib, p2] to end of the rnd.
Round 8: [Sl 1 wyib, k2] to end of the rnd.
Round 9: [Sl 1 wyib, p2] to end of the rnd.
Round 10: [Sl 1 wyib, k2] to end of the rnd.
Round 11: [Sl 1 wyib, p2] to end of the rnd.
Round 12: [1/2 LC] to end of the rnd.
Round 13: [P2, sl 1 wyib] to end of the rnd.
Round 14: Knit.
Round 15: [P2, sl 1 wyib] to end of the rnd.
Round 16: Knit.
Round 17: [P2, sl 1 wyib] to end of the rnd.
Round 18: K2, [yo, k3] to the last st, yo, k1.
Break CC; join MC.

Round 19: [P2, drop yo, sl 1 wyib] to end of the rnd.
Round 20: [K2, sl 1 wyib] to end of the rnd.
Round 21: [P2, sl 1 wyib] to end of the rnd.
Round 22: [K2, sl 1 wyib] to end of the rnd.
Round 23: [P2, sl 1 wyib] to end of the rnd.
Round 24: [1/2 RC] to end of the rnd.
Round 25: [Sl 1 wyib, p2] to end of the rnd.
Round 26: Knit.
Round 27: [Sl1 wyib, p2] to end of the rnd.
Round 28: Knit.
Round 29: [Sl 1 wyib, p2] to end of the rnd.

DIRECTIONS

With MC, using the long-tail method, CO 99 sts.
Place marker and join for working in the round.

Round 1: Work Pattern stitch around.
 Work as set until you have completed chart Round 29, and work chart Rounds 6-29 once more.

BO in MC.

FINISHING

Weave in ends.

Block:
Soak in hot water for approximately 15 minutes, squeeze out excess water without ringing. Roll cowl in towel and press out additional water. Lay flat and pin to final measurements without excessive stretching. Allow it to dry completely.

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

designername Shilo is a knitter, spinner, and craft enthusiast who has been sharing a bit of herself with the fiber community through her blog and podcast (Spin Control) for more than 10 years. She enjoyed a 21-year career in public relations and corporate communication, and is currently trying to decide what she wants to do when she grows up.

To see her take on life, love, and handmade adventure, find her on Ravelry and Instagram, and check out the blog or podcast at foreverhandmade.com.