Modular knitting pattern for a cowl.
How did the design Colorful Scales Cowl has begun?
In May of 2021, I published Reptile Scale Scarf, and later in June a crochet version Tweed on Tweed Scarf. The patterns were very popular during our summer local event #QueenCityDesignerTrunkShow
I got several positive feedback that these patterns with modular knitting techniques are fun and kinda addictive. You work with one small triangle element at a time, and then add one more, and one more, and so on…. Instead of the usual knitter’s mantra ‘one more row’ you’ll say ‘one more triangle’.
I know, scarves are not for everyone and others prefer something smaller around the neck. And I created the cowl with the same modular technique as the scarf.
An interesting thing, you’ll be working the same way as the scarf, one flat triangle at a time, but you’ll create a circle, a tube-like piece instead of flat scarf.
A little bit more info about modular knitting. It’s a technique that creates knitted fabric out of several modules or knitted elements. But you don’t need to finish individual pieces and then sew them together (who needs all these loose ends, right?). With modular knitting, the elements are joined by picking up stitches from one of the edges of the previous element. So, you build your project one by one element and connect them to each other as you progress with the project.
Individual elements can be different shapes, squares for example (maybe you heard about mitered squares, it’s one of the possibilities), rectangles, rhombi, or like with this design triangles.
I added to the pattern several extra pictures on top of the full description, to show you where and how to pick up stitches for the next elements and how to connect them. I usually try to avoid many pictures in the pattern or scoop them on the last page for a sake of the printing. But here I think this was the case you need an extra visual for better understanding especially if you will be working with this technique for the first time.
And when I made extra pictures for the pattern, I accidentally created an extra project. Usually, when I’m making a sample for my design, I try to take pictures at several stages, so I can use it later for the pattern or just as a reference for myself, or use it on Instagram. And with Colorful Scales Cowl it was the same, I snapped some pics as I was progressing with the cowl. When I was writing the pattern after I finished my sample, I wanted one more specific picture, so I made an extra swatch of two triangle elements.
And guess what happened next? I just tied it in a little bow to throw to my pile of swatches in a corner of a craft room, but then the idea came, why not to tie it to my hair? Now I have a hair tie that matches my Colorful Scales Cowl. If you would like to make a hair tie for yourself too, just make the first 2 (or 3 for a longer version) elements from the pattern.
Staying on the topic of extra visual help. Later, in 2022 I published a ‘sibling’ pattern, a crochet version of this cowl Crochet Scales Cowl. And I made a short video on how to connect the first 7 elements into a circle. It is the same way for the knitted version, so I’m adding the link here, just in case someone will need it.
Okay, back to the Colorful Scales Cowl. This cowl is made with 27 triangle elements that connect with each other to form scales. Each element is knitted with a garter stitch. Not even one purl stitch is required for this project.
It is my favorite style for a cowl, bandana style, longer triangular front, and shorter back.
The pattern is written for one size, adult medium but it gives directions on how you can change the size by changing yarn thickness and needle size.
What do you need to know to make Colorful Scales Cowl:
How to knit, do simple decreases: K2tog and Ssk. How to pick up and knit stitches on the side of your work. How to cast on using one of the short tail methods, I added links to Youtube for Knitted cast on and Chinese waitress cast on.
What do you need to make the cowl:
Yarn: 220 yds (200 m) of fingering weight yarn
The sample made with Madelinetosh Twist Light 75% Merino, 25% Nylon, 420 yds (384 m)/4 oz (114 g), color Piñata Pop
Needles: Size US 4 (3.5 mm) needles at least 8” (20 cm) long, circular or double point needles, just personal preference
Notions: Locking markers, tapestry needle
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