First Instar Cowl can be knit in any soft yarn, at any gauge, using the guidelines and line instructions provided in the schematic. (I cannot believe I forgot the most important design element; that is it, really. You can use any yarn. It is kind of nifty, and a good way to make a year-in-review scrap project from this pattern. Or any scrap project, really.)

First Instar is a geometric cowl in simple garter stitch—not difficult to knit, but not boring, either. It’s knit diagonally, and then from the top down. Techniques include knitting flat, knitting in the round, and short rows.

Materials:

• about 200 yards of Malabrigo Rios; yardage will vary with yarn weight chosen (Shown in Rios in Cirrus Gray and O-Wool Dk in an unknown grey colorway)
• 24” circular knitting needle in US7/4.5mm, or size needed for gauge, used primarily to knit flat.
• Tapestry needle

Gauge:
For the worsted-weight sample shown, gauge is 18 sts and 30 rows over 4”/10cm of blocked garter stitch. Gauge is not too important for this project, and it will vary, but if you’d prefer results closely resembling the sample, please be sure to check your gauge.

Measurements:
The worsted-weight sample is 12”/30cm deep at its deepest, 10”/25.4cm deep on the shallow side, 28”/71.1cm around at the bottom, and 18”/45.7cm around at the top. Most Keep in mind that these are unstretched measurements, and this cowl is designed to be stretched to fit over the wearer’s head. Using soft wool or another bouncy, flexible yarn is highly recommended.

This .PDF is 20% off through December 12th (midnight, Denver time). This discount is taken from the listed price automatically at checkout, with no need to enter a coupon. Enjoy!