Take a skein of DK- or fingering-weight yarn, a four-stitch repeat, and a little shaping fun and Escherite’s snuggly optical illusion is the result. The pattern is as perfect showcasing a skein of special yarn as it is for getting the look of a triangular shawl with a lot less yarn—and a lot less styling fuss.

Knit from the top down, Escherite incorporates paired increases along a center spine to create a cowl with a front point like that of a triangular shawl. Its four-stitch, eight-round repeat makes it easy to modify. Want to customize your version? The pattern has you covered. Mix and match stripe direction and yarn weight for four different options, or modify the length or circumference to suit your preference or yardage.

As for the name: As a child, I found the artwork of M.C. Escher intriguing. Watching Escherite’s diagonal motif morph into horizontal lines along the front center line of the cowl put me in mind of the mind-bending staircases for which Escher is known. Flip which side the k3togs and sssks are on, and you get vertical lines instead. I think Escher would approve.

SIZE
Fingering (DK)

• Top Circumference: 21.5” / 54.5 cm (22.5” / 57 cm)
• Bottom Circumference: 45.25” / 115 cm (39.5” / 100.5 cm)
• Center Depth: 17.25” / 44 cm (15” / 38 cm)
• Back Height: 14” / 35.5 cm (10.75” / 27.5 cm)

Measurements taken after firm blocking.

YARN
Fingering (purple sample):

• Shown in Madelinetosh Tosh Sock (100% Merino; 395 yd / 361 m per 100 g / 3.53 oz skein), 1 skein, in Curiosity
• To substitute another fingering-weight yarn: approximately 400 yd / 366 m (sample took slightly less; yardage here is for the version with horizontal stripes).

DK (red sample):

• Shown in Madelinetosh Tosh DK (100% Merino; 225 yd / 206 m per 115 g / 4 oz skein), 1 skein, in Byzantine
• To substitute another DK-weight yarn: approximately 218 yd / 199 m

Total includes a 5% buffer. Pattern includes a note about altering the size to accommodate different put-ups.

NEEDLES
Fingering: US 5 / 3.75 mm 16” / 40 cm circular needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
DK: US 8 / 5.0 mm 16” / 40 cm circular needles, or size needed to obtain gauge

NOTIONS
3 stitch markers (one unique, to indicate start of round), tapestry needle

GAUGE
Fingering: 18 stitches and 32 rounds = 4” / 10 cm in Vertical Body Stitch after firm blocking
DK: 15 stitches and 26 rounds = 4” / 10 cm in Horizontal Body Stitch after firm blocking

Gauge is not crucial but will affect yardage used and final dimensions.

TECHNIQUES
Yarn overs, single and double decreases, knitting in the round. Pattern includes links to more information about required stitches and techniques.

Here’s how testers described Escherite: Fun, speedy, straightforward, addictive, hard to put down, versatile, soothing, repetitive, mindful, elegant, adaptable, classic, easy to memorize, enjoyable, relaxing, beautiful, satisfying, surprising, quiet, a great gift knit, “looks much more difficult to knit than it really is,” and “a perfect pattern for every need.”

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