INTRODUCTION

100% That Cowl

by Kris Rossi

This pattern is part of a commitment I made to myself to be more public, in verbal and non-verbal ways, about my beliefs about the importance of diversity and social justice. I was inspired by the beautiful rainbow colorway of this Knit Circus Divine DK yarn in "Love is Love" and knew it would make a beautiful cowl to show my support and allyship for the LGBTQIA community.

The cowl is a simple accessory to make, but the color changes keep it interesting.

model: Kris Rossi

photos: John Rossi

SIZE

Adult, one size

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Height: 13.5 inches/34 cm
Circumference: 26 inches/66 cm

MATERIALS

Yarn
[MC] Anzula Cricket [80% Merino, 10% Cashmere, 10% Nylon; 250 yd/229 m per 114 g skein]; color: Red Shoe; 1 skein
NOTE: Only half of this skein is needed for the cowl
[CC] Knit Circus Divine DK [100% superwash Merino; 260 yd/238 m per 100 g skein]; color: Love is Love; 1 skein

Yarn Characteristics
The sample shown uses two colors of DK-weight plied wool yarn. A synthetic yarn could be substituted but will not have as much drape. The main color is a solid red and the contrast color is a rainbow gradient.

Recommended needle size
[always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below - every knitter's gauge is unique]
US #5/3.75 mm 16-24 inch/40-60 cm long circular needle
1 US #8/5mm needle, for binding off

Notions
stitch marker
yarn needle

GAUGE

18 sts/24 rounds= 4 inches/10 cm in stockinette stitch.

Note: Gauge is not critical for this pattern. Use a needle size that produces a solid fabric with drape to your liking. Changes to gauge will impact the final height and circumference of your finished cowl.

PATTERN NOTES

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

DIRECTIONS

With MC, using long-tail or your preferred method, CO 120 sts. Place marker and join for working in the round.

Edging
Rounds 1-10: (K2, p2) around

Main Pattern section (MC and CC):
Without cutting MC, join CC and begin main pattern:

Knit 2 rounds with CC.
Knit 1 round with MC.

Continue to repeat these 3 rounds until you are almost out of CC, ending with two rounds of CC. The sample has 21 CC stripes. Cut CC.

Edging
Work Ribbing as per first Edging.

Using the larger needle in your right hand to work the stitches, bind off in pattern.

FINISHING

Hand wash and lay flat to dry, or steam, to even fabric out. Once dry, weave in ends.

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Kris is a maker by nature and can't remember a time when she wasn’t involved in some sort of craft activity including crochet, pottery, needlepoint, cross-stitch, and sewing. She learned to knit over 20 years ago, and after a year of hits and misses, something clicked and she has never looked back. When asked if she is a process or a product knitter, the answer is simply, YES. Kris shares her life with her husband, three small dogs, and an ample yarn stash in Dayton, Ohio.

Kris is happy to contribute the honoraria for this pattern to the Rubi Girls who have raised over $2M for HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ+ charities.

Pattern & images © 2022 Kris Rossi