Yarn kits for all three versions shown are available from The Wee Yarn Company here.

ABOUT THIS PATTERN

Turing Cowl is a variable yarn weight cowl pattern knit in the round with no seams, using only knit and purl texture. In fingering weight yarn it knits up as a delicate, close-fitting neck gaiter, in DK weight a roomier cowl and in aran a snuggly oversized cowl / snood.

Turing Cowl takes its name from Alan Turing, the pioneering mathematician and computer scientist often regarded as the father of theoretical computer science and artificial intelligence, as well as a queer figure who serves as a reminder of the loss that discrimination creates.

Turing Cowl is part of an ongoing series of knitting patterns integrating algorithmic computing and digital aesthetics with knitwear design, called Algorithmic Knitting Design. The patterns being developed under this moniker implement mainly standard, even basic techniques, but challenge the knitter with large, complex and non-repeating patterns. As knitters, I think it’s interesting to re-consider and re-contextualize our own craft and unique skill sets. The project strives to approach knitting as a form of applied science and mathematics, and takes advantage of your wonderful skills as a knitter, whether a beginner, intermediate, or master knitter. <3

Cellular automata are dynamic non-linear algorithms which create emergent textures that evolve over space and time. They are used to study complex processes in a variety of fields, including biology, chemistry, sociology, computer science, and more. This cowl takes its texture pattern from one such cellular automata, and was created in collaboration with artist and researcher Stelios Manousakis.

Finished dimensions (according to recommended gauges)

• Neck gaiter (Fingering/sock): 44 cm / 17.5” circumference x 32 cm / 12.5” tall
• Cozy cowl (DK/sportweight): 62 cm / 24.5” circumference x 37 cm / 14.5” tall
• Oversized cowl (Aran/Heavily Worsted): 77 cm / 30.5” circumference x 42 cm / 16.5” tall

GAUGE (Per 10 cm / 4” after blocking)
Gauge is not extremely critical in this project, and the gauges listed here serve as a guideline for creating the desired size cowl.

• Neck gaiter (Fingering/sock): 29 stitches x 36 rows
• Cozy cowl (DK/sportweight): 20 stitches x 28 rows
• Oversized cowl (Aran/Heavily Worsted): 17 stitches x 22 rows

Needles

• Neck gaiter: 3mm / US 3 / UK 11 40cm/16” OR 80cm/32” (for magic loop) circular needles (or size to obtain gauge)
• Cozy cowl: 4mm / US 6 / UK 8 40-60cm/16-24” circular needles (or size to obtain gauge)
• Oversized cowl: 5mm / US 8 / UK 6 60cm/24” circular needles (or size to obtain gauge)

Recommended Yarns

• Neck gaiter / headband: The Wee Yarn Company’s Yaldi Yak Sock or other fingering weight or sock yarn
• Cozy cowl: The Wee Yarn Company’s Agnes DK or other DK or sportweight yarn
• Oversized cowl / snood: The Wee Yarn Company’s Bonnie BFL Aran or other aran or heavily worsted weight yarn

Lightly variegated, lightly speckled to solid color yarns with good stitch definition are recommended. Tweedy yarns, fuzzy / haloed yarns or heavily variegated / speckled yarns are not recommended as they will obscure the difference between the knit and purl stitches on which this pattern depends.

Samples:
Fingering weight sample knit with The Wee Yarn Company’s Yaldi Yak Sock in Jaffa Cake

DK weight sample knit with The Wee Yarn Company’s Agnes DK in No Teal No Shade

Aran weight sample knit with The Wee Yarn Company’s Bonnie BFL Aran in Pastel Goth

Yardage

• Neck gaiter: ~250m / 275yds
• Cozy cowl: ~225-275m / 250-300yds
• Oversized cowl: ~300m / 330yds

Notions

• Different colored stitch markers or waste yarn

• highlighter (for marking knitted rows on printed charts - this is essential for keeping track of where you are in the pattern!)

• row counter (optional)

• tapestry needle

• tape measure