This is a perfect project for using up fingering or sock-weight scraps. I always end the year with a lot of random bits and partially used balls of fingering-weight yarn. Magic Ball Cowl is the perfect project for using a bunch of these bits and pieces. This simple, textured cowl features panels of stockinette, a 12 stitch reversible cable, and linen stitch. The result is a subtle pattern of vertical textured stripes combined with the horizontal stripes which are a result of the color changes within the magic ball.

Normally, I would agree that there are no knots in knitting, but the magic knot is an excellent way to turn lots of tiny balls of yarn into a larger ball that will provide you with lots of surprising color changes throughout the project. I was inspired by Katie of Inside Number 23, who did an excellent blog post about making a magic ball. There are lots of blogs and videos about how to make a magic ball.

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Skills:
Knit, Purl, Join for working in the round, Slip knitwise, cable

Materials:
• Needles: Size 2 (2.75 mm) 16 inch (40.64 mm) circular needle, or size to obtain gauge
• 110 grams of fingering weight yarn scraps or mini skeins made into a magic ball
• 12 stitch markers
• Cable needle
• Tapestry needle

Gauge:
25 stitches and 46 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, after blocking.
46 stitches and 52 rows over 4 inches in linen stitch, after blocking.
6 cable pattern repeats over 4 inches, after blocking.

Dimensions after blocking:
10”/25cm x 14”/35cm (20”/50cm circumference)