Vis-à-vis by You-Shan Feng

Vis-à-vis

Knitting
June 2017
both are used in this pattern
Worsted (9 wpi) ?
18 stitches and 32 rows = 4 inches
in Garter
US 8 - 5.0 mm
164 - 219 yards (150 - 200 m)
One Size
English
This pattern is available for free.

One of my favorite childhood was playing with a paper Möbius band in school. My mind was blown the first time I cut one apart lengthwise and instead of forming two loops, the Möbius band magically unwound into a longer loop with two full twists. Vis-à-vis is a tribute to the paper Möbius band: a cowl with a half twist which can be unzipped into a larger twice-twisted thinner cowl.

Seemingly simple at first glance, this cowl has a challenging cast on, is seamless and reversible with a hidden cast on edge. It is also a great transitional piece for changing seasons: keep it zipped for a squishy and thick cowl or unzip it for a warmer weathered thin cowl.

SIZE
Unisex: One size, adjustable (see pattern notes)

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Circumference: 24.5 inches/62 cm
Total Width: 14 inches/35.5 cm

GAUGE
18 sts/24 rows = 4 inches/10cm in stockinette stitch
18 sts/32 rows (16 ridges) = 4 inches/10cm in garter stitch

MATERIALS

Yarn
(MC) Malabrigo Rios (100% Pure Merino; 210yd/192m per 100g skein); 855: Aguas; 1 skein

(CC) Cascade 220 Heathers (100% wool; 220yd/201m per 100g skein); 9338: Lichen; 1 skein

Note: although the pattern is written for these two yarns, this pattern will work for a variety of yarns. See pattern notes for suggestions on choosing yarn.

Recommended needle size
US #8/5mm circular needle, length 40-inch/100-cm

always use a needle size that gives you the listed gauge - every knitter’s gauge is unique

Notions

  • 24-inch/60-cm separating zipper
  • fabric chalk, pencil or pen
  • a ruler
  • sharp pointed tapestry needle with a wide eye or a “Knit Picker” for cast on (see pattern notes)
  • regular tapestry needle for zipper edge finishing and weaving in ends