Formerly top-secret, this declassified release of CIA Cowl invites everyone to knit up their own code combination! Knit the base cowl, then choose coding materials like I-cord, crochet chain, or ribbon to connect the dots in your own personal secret code. With over a million combinations it is up to you to decide, will you blend in or stand out in your CIA Cowl?

The tech edited and test knit pattern is fully written. The pattern includes 6 pre-coded secret messages as well as a chart with directions for creating your own. Check out the MKAL FO thread for some additional inspiration! There is a how-to demonstration of the Icord Cast On and Icord Bind Off techniques of the Knit Eco Chic blog here.

Finished Measurements:
40”/ 101.5cm around by 7”/ 18cm tall. Easy to customize!

Materials:
218 yds/ 199m DK weight eco yarn
      Sample shown in Linen Tanguis from socially responsible yarn co, Americo Original. Single skein info: 218 yds/ 199m per 100g/ 3.53oz. 50% linen & 50% Peruvian Tanguis cotton.
US 6/ 4mm circular needles
Yarn needle
1 Stitch marker
Optional Materials:
Cowl yarn in contrasting color with US 5/ 3.75mm DPNs (if creating I-cords as shown) or G-6/ 4mm crochet hook (if creating crocheted chains)
Ribbon, Suede Lacing, or Accent of Choice

Gauge:
20 sts and 26 rows over 4”/ 10cm. Note: exact gauge is not critical to this design. Gauge variations may impact final size and yardage requirements.

The MKALs over, but if you’re knitting along after the fact with the compiled MKAL version, here are the original details.
It’s a Mystery Knit-a-long with prizes!

About the MKAL:
Send a secret coded message in your knits! During the Cold War the CIA used their shoe laces to send covert messages to other agents. The CIA Cowl MKAL applies this theme to your neckwear. Craft your own secret message (or use one of the many I provide in the pattern) to create a totally custom cowl in your favorite DK weight yarn.

MKAL Dates:
Induction: June 1st
Encode code & transport to the front lines: June 15th
Flash your FO behind enemy lines: June 22nd
Escape back to CIA headquarters for FO prize announcements:* June 29th
All the fun happens in the Knit Eco Chic group here!

About the cowl you’ll be creating:
Nautically inspired, the look of this design changes drastically depending upon the accents you use. Leave it plain and let the lace design shine. Add knitted I-cords to mimic ship’s rope. Create crochet chains for a universal crafter look. Or skip the nautical theme and substitute your favorite ribbon or lace.

Once you have your base cowl knit and secret coding materials selected, connect the dots! The pattern includes a worksheet so you can chart out your coded message or use one of the ones provided.