Sometimes, knitting the same old shapes gets boring. Pixelex is perfect to break up the monotony: Knit in two interestingly shaped pieces and then joined in the round, Pixelex’s twist on classic elements (like bias knitting and mosaic) will capture and hold your interest.

Though it’s written for two main colors and one contrast, Pixelex can be worked in any number of colors, making it a great way to use up mini skeins and leftover tidbits (as test knitters proved!). You could even use a single main color with a rainbow of contrasting mosaic bands, if that’s your cup of tea.

Why “Pixelex”? There’s something about the geometry of its little dots and angular mesh that put me in mind of the pixelated graphics of the computer games I played as a child. As I worked with colors I could see mirrored out my window—twilight sky, shady foliage, smooth stone—the juxtaposition of natural and digital in Pixelex came to feel like a metaphor for our modern life as we all try to find balance and wholeness.

The pattern is both written and charted and has been tech edited and test knit, so you can cast on with confidence!

SIZE
Length: 85.5” / 217 cm
Width: 19” / 48.5 cm
Measurements taken after firm blocking.

YARN
C1: approximately 352 yd / 322 m of fingering weight yarn
C2: approximately 357 yd / 327 m of fingering weight yarn
CC: approximately 326 yd / 298 m of fingering weight yarn

Shown in Kathryn Frank Fiber Arts Flutter (80% Merino, 10% Cashmere, 10% Nylon; 400 yd / 366 m per 100 g / 3.53 oz skein)
C1: 1 skein; shown in Canopy Lite
C2: 1 skein; shown in Mussel
CC: 1 skein; shown in Bright Navy

NEEDLES
US 4 3.5 mm needles of choice for working flat, or size needed to obtain gauge; 40” 100 cm or longer circular needles are recommended to accommodate large number of stitches when joining in the round
US 4 3.5 mm needles of choice for working in the round (DPNs, magic loop, or two circulars), or size to match needles for working flat

NOTIONS
4 stitch markers (one of which is unique), waste yarn or spare cable to hold 115 live stitches, tapestry needle

GAUGE
22 stitches and 32.5 rows = 4” 10 cm in Stockinette Stitch after firm blocking. Gauge is not crucial but will affect yardage used and final dimensions.

TECHNIQUES
Single and double decreases, single increases, yarn overs, mosaic knitting. Pattern includes links to more information about required stitches and techniques.

Here’s how testers described knitting Pixelex: Exciting, intriguing, satisfying, absorbing, pleasant, unique, comfortable, fun, challenging, a great stashbuster.

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