Sometimes you need a soothing, easy-to-memorize project that still lets you unleash a little creativity. Will your yarn choices be subdued or gradient, monochromatic, a special miniskein set, or some treasures from your leftovers bin? Do you want a wide cowl or a skinny one? Long, short, or that sweet spot in between? Sunstripe is designed to let you play without too much extra work. Best of all, you’ll end up with a very wearable, unique accessory to keep or gift.

Sunstripe is knit flat and grafted or joined with the three-needle bind-off—your choice. Its simple repeats make its size easy to tweak. You can even opt for a scarf or wrap, if you prefer; the pattern includes notes on how to make that happen.

My hope is that Sunstripe will provide a home for those fiber-y tidbits you just can’t bear to part with and that when you wear it, it’ll bring a little spark of joy to your day—just like a ray of sunshine making rainbows in a storm.

Pattern is both written and charted and has been tech edited and test knit, so you can cast on with confidence.

SIZE
Circumference: 48” / 122 cm
Width: 17.5” / 44.5 cm
Measurements taken after firm blocking. Cowl will shrink some with wear.

YARN
Shown in Blue Skin Yarns Oliver (75% Wool, 15% Cashmere, 10% Silk; 497 yd / 454 m per 115 g / 4.06 oz skein)
MC: 1 skein; shown in Draft No. 91
CC1-9: 1 skein each; shown in Courage, Arizona, Raffin, Draft No. 87, Joy, Katsa, Baby Blue, Evensong, and Alice Alice

MC: approximately 404 yd / 370 m of fingering weight yarn (adjustable)
CC1-9: approximately 39 yd / 36 m of nine fingering weight yarns (or any combination of fingering-weight yarn in 39-yd / 36-m lengths to make 351 yd / 324 m total in CC yarn; pattern includes a link to a free planning worksheet)

Totals include a 15% buffer.

NEEDLES
US 4 / 3.5 mm needles of choice for working flat, or size needed to obtain gauge

Second set of needles in a similar size for joining; you may use alternate needle configurations for joining, but pattern is written assuming two pairs of needles

Optional: If using three-needle bind-off, additional needle (circular, straight, or DPN) of the same or similar size. You may also use non-working end of one pair holding live stitches if you’re using this setup. Extra needle is not necessary if you will be grafting the cowl.

NOTIONS
9 stitch markers (optional, for marking repeats), waste yarn, crochet hook of similar size to your needles, tapestry needle

GAUGE
26 stitches and 26 rows = 4” / 10 cm in Chevron Stitch after firm blocking. Gauge is not crucial but will affect yardage used and final dimensions.

TECHNIQUES
Single increases, single and double decreases, yarn overs, provisional cast on, grafting OR three-needle bind-off. Pattern includes links to more information about required stitches and techniques.

Here’s how testers described Sunstripe: Scraptastic, Netflix-able, potato-chippy, therapeutic, easily memorized, playful, addictive, satisfying, relaxed, fun, flexible, fast, simple, interesting, meditative, soft, a great stash buster, stylish, serene, versatile, highly wearable, delicious, flowing, zen, easy but engaging, rhythmic, and “definitely a make-more-than-one pattern!”

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