Product Description
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.
Abaciscus: Double-Knit Cowl by Alasdair Post-Quinn
What is Being Made
Abaciscus is a quite large double-knit cowl designed by Alasdair Post-Quinn. This pattern appears as the first project in Post-Quinn's 2016 book Double or Nothing, positioned as an introductory pattern for practicing fundamental double-knitting techniques. The cowl features a substantial circumference suitable for developing muscle memory in the double-knitting craft.
Craft and Technique
This is a knitting project specifically focused on double-knitting, a technique that creates a reversible, double-layered fabric. Double-knitting produces a sturdy, dimensional textile and is often considered more complex than standard knitting methods. Post-Quinn recommends that new double-knitters begin with larger projects such as scarves, cowls, or baby blankets to help develop the muscle memory necessary for this technique. Even experienced knitters may find double-knitting feels awkward initially, making repetitive practice essential for comfort and proficiency. This cowl's generous size—measuring 208 pairs around across 2 repeats of a 104-pair chart—provides ample opportunity for practicing the foundational skills of double-knitting.
Stitches and Construction
The pattern uses double-knit stockinette stitch as its primary stitch structure. The design is worked in the round using charted repeats, with the pattern consisting of 2 complete repeats of a 104-pair chart, creating the full circumference of the cowl.
Materials and Tools
- Yarn: Dirty Water Dyeworks Clara (100% Blue Faced Leicester wool; 550 yards per 8.8 ounce skein). Color A: Bluestone 238 (1 skein); Color B: Mauve 232 (1 skein). The two-color yarn selection is integral to the double-knitting technique, which creates reversible patterning using alternating colors.
- Needles: US 6/4.0 mm circular needle, 40 inches in length
- Gauge: 20 stitches and 25 rows equals 4 inches in double-knit stockinette
Difficulty Level
This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty. While positioned as an introductory double-knitting project, it requires familiarity with knitting fundamentals and readiness to learn the specialized techniques of double-knitting. The intermediate classification reflects that double-knitting itself is more advanced than basic knitting, though this particular pattern is designed as an accessible entry point into the craft.
```Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Yarn Weight: | Worsted |
| Pages: | 6 |
| Designer: | Alasdair Post-Quinn |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
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