The Compulsive Cowl can be hard to set aside! The zig-zag patterning is made with elongated and slipped stitches, meaning only one color is used per round, and the effect is striking in two vibrant shades of Marianated Yarns Playtime DK. The “wrong side” has an interesting look of its own, too! You may find yourself speeding through the knitted rounds to get to the fun of more zig-zags.

NERDY TRIVIA - The cowl in Plucky Knitter yarn was photographed at the Lehi Roller Mills, the flower mill where Renn (Kevin Bacon’s character) worked in 1984’s Footloose.

This pattern contains both fully charted and written instructions.

Recommended Yarn:
The Plucky Knitter Primo Sport — 75% extra fine Italian superwash merino / 20% cashmere / 5% nylon — 275 yds (251 m) to 100 g per skein.

Two-Color Sample:
Main Color (ribbing and zig-zags, shown in colorway Mini-Skirt) — approx. 245 yds (224 m)
Contrast Color (background, shown in colorway Hats Off) — approx. 175 yds (160 m)

or,

Marianated Yarns Playtime DK — 100% superwash merino — 274 yds (251 m) to 100 g per skein.

Two-Color Sample:
Main Color (ribbing and zig-zags, shown in colorway Drizzly Day) — approx. 245 yds (224 m).
Contrast Color (background, shown in colorway Sunset on Tatooine) — approx. 175 yds (160 m).

Gradient Sample:
Main Color (ribbing and zig-zags, shown in colorway Drizzly Day) — approx. 255 yds (233 m).
Contrast Color (background, shown in Jujubee Gradient Set, colorway Fairy Tale) — approx. 200 yds (183 m).

Sizing (width and height can be easily adjusted):
Two-Color Sample — 12” (30.5 cm) high and 23” (58.5 cm) around.
Gradient Sample — 13.75” (35 cm) high and 23” (58.5 cm) around.

Gauge:
28 sts and 41 rows to 4” (10 cm) in main body pattern, knit in the round on larger needle and blocked. (Gauge is most easily measured across a purl ridge in pattern.)

PLEASE NOTE: Pattern is not entirely dependent on gauge, but changes in gauge will affect finished size, drape of fabric, and amount of yarn used. To meet these dimensions and to ensure enough yarn, be certain to use needle size that gives gauge.

Needles:
US 4 (3.5 mm) circular needle in 16” length, plus US 2.5 (3 mm) needle for bind-off only.

Other Materials:
One stitch marker, tapestry needle.