We have been in an Extreme Cold Warning for about two weeks, with wind chills hovering in the -30C to -40C range. That inspired me to make a couple of toques to match the Fast Forward Cowl pattern. Didn’t inspire me to go outside for my photos though - that will need to wait until it warms up at least 15 degrees!

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Fast Forward Toque is a simple pattern that can be knit in one or two nights using worsted weight wool. There are three sizes: 18”, 20” and 22”. The ribbing is long enough to fold up for a double layer at the ears, then transitions to the stranded colourwork. The colourwork chart is available in three colour and five colour versions, same as the cowl pattern. The three colour version has a different colour for the brim and crown, while the five colour version has one main colour for both. The crown is knit in a simple slip stitch pattern to keep the gauge tight and ensure a warm top!

Gauge is 22/24 in 4” (10cm) using 4.5mm needles on stranded colourwork in the round. The ribbing is knit on 3.75mm needles.

Yarn Required:
Three Colour Toque:
C1 (Brim): 77(85, 94) yds, 70(78, 86)m
C2: 26(32, 35) yds, 24(29, 32) m
C3 (Crown): 48(59, 64) yds, 44(54, 59)m

Five Colour Toque:
C1: 105(117, 128) yds, 96(107, 117)m
C2 - C5: 12(14,16) yds, 11(13,15)m EACH

I recommend that you do not use alpaca or alpaca blend yarns for C1 - they will not be able to hold the required shape and elasticity in the ribbing.

Techniques Used:
Working in the round
Stranded Knitting with two colours
Three Needle bind-off