Stranded colorwork creates visual interest and added warmth, but doing stranded colorwork with a gradient set of mini skeins and a contrast color takes the technique to another level.

This cowl uses a six pack of gradient mini skeins and a contrasting skein of DK yarn. Worked seamlessly in the round, it’s a quick knit that has maximum impact. The stranded pattern is easy for a beginner, with no long floats needed and a short repeat. The pattern includes advice on how to get your contrasting colors to really pop.

The stranded motif in this pattern is charted only.

Tech editing by eledixon