Would it be overstating it to say that “Sucker Punch” is the perfect project? Not at all!

It’s small enough to carry with you, uses up scraps (or that small skein of handspun you’ve been saving), is an ideal first colourwork project, and makes a great gift! And the finished cowl is equally well suited to the ski hill (neon ski-suit colours, anyone?!) and as a finishing touch to a cool-weather outfit.

Of all my knitted pieces, this one has received by far the most compliments, and everyone who has tried it on instantly wants one. Your face and neck will stay toasty, because the cowl stays up on its own, and there is no end to the possible colour combinations you could create. Obviously, I went for punchy brights, but subtle would be just as effective. By all means, make it your own!

Yarn:
Any worsted weight yarn will work perfectly in this cowl.
Main Colour (White): Cascade Yarns ‘Cascade 220’ in 8505 White (100% wool, 220 yards/ 200
meters, 100g per skein), 1 full skein.
Contrast Colour (Multi): Worsted weight handspun, 165 yards/ 150 meters.
Noro Kureyon would work fabulously to replicate the gradual colour changes of this handspun.

Each zigzag takes 15 yards/13 meters of yarn, if you want to use up your worsted weight scrap yarn! The pink, green, black and white version of this cowl pictured below was made using the principle of 15 yards/13 meters per zigzag.

Needle:
5 mm (US 8) 24 inch circular
4.5-5.5mm (US 7-9) circular needle (for picking up provisional cast-on).

Notions:
tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
stitch marker.
crochet hook.
smooth scrap yarn.

Gauge:
17 stitches and 27 rows over 4 inches in stockingette stitch using 5 mm needles.

Measurements:
13.5 inches wide (laid flat) and 8.5 inches high.

Notes:
This cowl uses a stranded knitting technique called colour dominance. This practice refers to the colour which ‘pops’ more out of the background. It really does make a difference. Regardless of whether you’re a one-handed, two-handed, English or continental knitter, the dominant colour will always be the one that is carried under the other colour.

If you’re low-income and want a free copy of this pattern, shoot me a message and I’ll send one to you. As a person who has been low income for a long time, I have often had nice things through the generosity of my friends. Let me return the favour!