Seven different slipstitch patterns construct intricate textures in this infinity loop cowl, pairing a self-striping contrast yarn with a neutral main color. Slipping stitches using only one color per row lets the yarn do all the work, creating a striking accessory. Fingering weight yarn makes a scarf with a versatile weight that can be worn as one long loop, or doubled for more warmth and a riot of textures.

Techniques & Skills Used: provisional CO, knit/purl, slipstitch colorwork, working in the round, grafting. Instructions for the slipstitch patterns are both fully written and charted, and a link to my grafting tutorials is included.

Size: 54” length and 7” depth.

Yarn: Urth Yarns Harvest Fingering (100% superwash merino wool; 435 yards/400m/100g), shown in Oleaster (A); 1 skein, and Urth Yarns Uneek Fingering (100% superwash merino wool; 435 yards/400m/100g), shown in 3017 (B); 1 skein. The sample used 427 (A) and 409 (B) yards, respectively; see Designer’s Notes for suggestions on adjusting for different yardage.

Other Materials: US 6/4mm 16” circular needle (2); Scrap yarn for provisional CO; Stitch marker; Yarn needle.

Gauge: 26 st and 28 rows/4” in stockinette stitch after blocking. The various slipstitch patterns have slightly different gauges, particularly for the rows. In general, the slipstitch sections will be a bit shorter and narrower; you can even out any discrepancies when blocking. Gauge is not critical for this project, however a different gauge may result in a smaller or larger finished cowl, and different yardage requirements.

Thank you to my wonderful tech editor Kate Vanover.