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Rocky Rivulets Cowl

Fit and flared cowl – flare achieved by sizing up needles.

Worked top-down in the round on ascending size needles.
May be done as a straight tube.

No blocking necessary. When the time comes to clean it, it will need dry cleaning to retain full dimension - see comparison image for difference with blocking.

Intermediate Skills -
Non Standard: Directional YO Closures.
Standard: k, k2tog, ktbl, p, ssk, yo, shifting repeat boundaries (marker movements).

This stitch pattern is based from rigidly geometric staggered and opposing K&P lace triangles. (see final pic for reference).
I replaced the standard knit or purling into the yarn overs with Direction YO Closures and used tight stitches.
The offset k/p triangles combine with the ‘tuck behind’ factor of the Directional YO Closures to create a deeper dimension.
It retains a systematic flow but with a much more organic rivulet -ish movement in the tighter portion, slowly opening up into the look of jagged mountains.

Yarn

300 y (275 m) of Sport Weight Yarn
at approximately 304 y (278 m) per 100 g

Sample knit with Wonderland Yarns, Mad Hatter
Down the Rabbit Hole - 5 Mini Skein Pack
#21 Too Much Pepper (gray gradient)

100% Merino Superwash (Plied)
430 y (399 m) in 5 oz (141 g)

Sample usage: 230 y (210 m) 75 g

Needles and Notions

US 4, 5 & 6 (3.5, 3.75 & 4 mm) Circular Needles
with a 16 – 20” (40 – 50 cm) Cord
Or sizes that get gauge/desired fabric.

Row Counter
Stitch Markers (15, 14 + 1 Different)
Tapestry Needle

Measurements

21.5” (54.6 cm) Upper Circumference – taken just below ribbing.
25.5” (64.75 cm) Lower Circumference – taken at lower edge.
8.33” (21 cm) Tall – to points.

Gauge

Gauge is not critical but will affect size and yarn requirements.

Unblocked Stockinette in the Round on smallest needles =
23 sts x 32 Rows = 4” (10 cm) square.
This gauge provided for yarn & needle pairing, to get an appropriate fabric density without knitting the entire repeat.

1 repeat in pattern stitch on smallest needles:
10 stitches by 12 rounds = 1.5” (3.8 cm) by 1.75” (4.45 cm)

Notes and Tips

Repeat multiple is 10 stitches.

Flare is achieved by sizing up needles:
2 repeats on US 4 (3.5 mm)
2 repeats on US 5 (3.75 mm)
2 repeats (1 Main and 1 Lower Edge) on US 6 (4 mm)

If you want a straight sided cowl, ignore size up instructions.
A firm fabric with snug stitching
will maximize, and better retain, dimension.