Death to Fade: a brioche fade cowl.
By Corrado Lark.

The Backstory:

The title is a play on the cowl being “to die for” and (with all love and respect to the Goddess of Fade Andrea Mowry) taking the fade concept to a different, excessive place. It’s time to hit the fade over the head to death, using irregular gradation.

The original design was a commission, and since it made for such a great gift, I knew I had to release the pattern. The small size can feasibly be completed in a couple days, and the large in a week. With two skeins of DK weight yarn, you can get 2 small cowls.

The pattern uses one and two-color brioche stitch to create a gradated fade. It has an easy-to-follow color and brioche chart paired with written instructions. I give multiple recommendations for cast ons, bind offs, and gauge as well as how they’re applicable, which is dependent on the style cowl you want.

This is a really fun first brioche project if you haven’t tried the stitch, and I can’t wait to teach brioche classes with it!

Oh also, I assure you,
we may be mourning now:
but the Fade will live on.

Stitches/Techniques Used:

Brioche Knit and Purl Stitches. One and Two-Color Brioche.

The Needs:

-US 5 (3.75mm) 24” circular needle.
-US 4 (3.5mm) 24” circular needle.
A stitch marker and a darning needle.

-Final measurements: small (medium, large) 12 1/2” ( 14 ¾”, 17” ) wide by 10” ( 13”, 18” ) length.

-Color A: Zinnia (Umber, Hot Dame) Olann Merino DK. 123 yards/50 grams (246 yards/100 grams)
Color B: Guilt Trip (Underwater Ballet, Rice Puddin’) Olann Merino DK. 123 yards/50 grams (246 yards/100 grams)