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Pattern available in English and Dutch.

Bitflower Mobius cowl is a snuggly 2-strand colorwork mobius cowl worked in the round, knit sideways. The cowl knits up quickly thanks to its bulky weight yarn. It is cast on with a provisional cast on and later kitchenered with a half twist at the ends for an invisible seam. It takes its name from its digital yet seemingly floral appearance.

It is part of an ongoing series of knitting patterns integrating algorithmic computing and digital aesthetics with knitwear design, which I call Algorithmic Knitting Design. The patterns being developed under this project implement mainly standard, even basic techniques, but challenge the knitter with large, complex and non-repeating patterns. As knitters, I think it’s interesting to re-consider and recontextualize our own craft and unique skill sets. The project strives to approach knitting as a form of applied science and mathematics, and takes advantage of your wonderful skills as a knitter, whether a beginner, intermediate, or master knitter. <3

Cellular automata are dynamic non-linear algorithms which create emergent textures that evolve over space and time. They are used to study complex processes in a variety of fields, including biology, chemistry, sociology, computer science, and more. This cowl takes its colorwork pattern from several of these ceullular automata, and was created in collaboration with artist and researcher Stelios Manousakis.

MATERIALS AND TOOLS

Recommended Yarn
Bulky weight yarn in 2 colors.

Sample was knit with CaMaRose Snefnug in Braendt Orange (MC) and Lys Pink (CC).

This design works well with a variety of yarns although heavy yarns such as cotton or alpaca are not recommended, as they may sag out with time and be excessively heavy – blown yarns (as shown in sample) are highly recommended as they provide durable loft and airiness.

Needles
6mm / US 10 / UK 4 40-60cm/16-24” circular needles or size needed to obtain gauge

Gauge (Per 10 cm / 4” after blocking)
18 stitches x 19 rows in colorwork pattern, in the round

Size
Pattern as based on recommended gauge results in a cowl of 86cm/34” circumference and 27cm/11” wide.

Yardage
~320 m / 350 yds of main color
~180 m / 200 yds of contrast color,
based on recommended gauge.

Notions

• 2nd 40-60cm/16-24” circular needle, same size or smaller, for kitchener stitch, and provisional cast on, if choosing spare cable method
• crochet hook, if choosing crochet hook method for provisional cast on
• Stitch markers or waste yarn in various colors
• highlighter (for marking completed rows on printed charts)
• colored pens/pencils for delineating charts
• tapestry needle
• tape measure