Abaciscus

This cowl is the first pattern in my 2016 book Double or Nothing. Given that I typically arrange patterns in order of complexity, that means I think this is a good pattern to start with as a way to practice basic double-knitting.

In general, I recommend new double-knitters start with a project on the large side — a scarf, a cowl, maybe a baby blanket — to help develop muscle memory. Even for experienced knitters, double-knitting may feel awkward until repetition helps it feel more natural. This pattern, at 208 pairs around (2 repeats of a 104-pair chart), will amply fill that bill.

The yarn I’ve chosen is a luxurious worsted BFL; any worsted weight yarn will do, but it is well worth searching out this one.