Bonnie & Clyde are partners in crime. Bonnie is simply knitted in fairisle in the round, whereas Clyde is then steeked and slashed down the middle to accommodate a buttonband. Worked in just 2 colours of Rowans Felted Tweed, a fine DK (sport) weight yarn, Bonnie offers a relatively relaxed knit while Clyde will pose an enjoyable challenge for the more experienced knitter.

I’ve used one of my favourite yarns too - I just love its rustic tweediness and that it’s slightly finer than standard DK weight which is great for stranded knitting. However, you can use any DK weight yarn - you’ll just have a slightly denser finished fabric. Real wool or wool mixes with a slight ’stickiness’ are more forgiving in terms of achieving a neat finish, so if you are new to the fairisle technique I’d recommend going with that type off yarn.

This project is small and achievable so it’s perfect for trying out the fairisle technique, and is also great for gift giving.

SIZE
Bonnie: 33cm (13in) wide laid flat, or 66.5cm (26in) circumference and 29.5cm (11½in) long.
Clyde: 31cm (12¼in) wide laid flat, or 62cm (24½in) circumference and 29.5cm (11½in) long.

YARN
Any DK weight wool yarn, I used:
Rowan Felted Tweed DK 50g/175m/191yds

A Camel 157 - 2 x 50g /350m/382yds
B Watery 152 - 1 x 50g /175m/191yds

NEEDLES

4 mm (UK 8/US 6) circular needle, 40 or 60cm (16 or 24in) long
1 pair 3.75mm (UK 9/US 5) needles
3.25mm (UK 10/US D/3) crochet hook (for Clyde only)

OTHER

15mm (½in) buttons x 5 (for Clyde only)
1 stitch marker
Tapestry needle for darning in ends

TENSION (GAUGE)

24 sts and 29 rnds to 10cm/4ins over fairisle pattern worked in the round on 4mm (UK 6/US 8) circular needle, or size to obtain correct tension.

TECHNIQUES USED

Knit, purl, knitting in the round, stranded colourwork (fairisle), steeking for Clyde only.

This was my first ever experience with stranded knitting, fair isle, steeking.  The pattern is very easy to follow, with clear instructions and the design itself is just right for me as a beginner. I am glad that I took this challenge as I learnt new techniques and I have a beautiful cowl to wear!
Caterina Dodaro