Gnarled

Gnarled Collar and Cuff Set by BeckyinVT

What Is Being Made

Gnarled is a coordinating set consisting of a matching collar and pair of cuffs, designed as a super-chunky knit accessory project. This intermediate-level pattern creates a luxurious, textured neck warmer and wrist accessories in a single, streamlined design. The set offers versatility with two finished sizes to accommodate different body measurements and preferred fit ease.

Sizing and Fit

The pattern includes two sizes: small and large. The small size features a neck circumference of 16"/40.5 cm, yoke depth of 5.5"/14 cm, and cuff circumference of 6.5"/16.5 cm. The large size increases to a neck circumference of 20"/51 cm with the same yoke depth of 5.5"/14 cm and cuff circumference of 8"/20.5 cm.

Ease flexibility: The bulky lace construction is notably stretchy, allowing the collar to be worn with anywhere from 1"/2.5 cm of negative ease to 4"/10 cm of positive ease at the neck. The cuffs accommodate 1"/2.5 cm of negative ease to 2"/5 cm of positive ease, making this pattern adaptable to individual preference and body variation.

Techniques and Stitches

Gnarled employs leaf lace as its primary stitch pattern, creating an open, textured fabric that contributes to the set's visual interest and stretch. The lace is worked in combination with stockinette stitch sections, likely in the yoke area, to balance structure with drape.

The construction method includes a provisional cast on worked with a crochet needle, a technique that allows for a seamless join when the live stitches are grafted together at the end. This advanced finishing method creates a polished, professional appearance without a visible seam.

The pattern is worked primarily on double-pointed needles (dpns) in the round for the cuffs, with the option to use a circular needle for the collar, providing flexibility based on knitter preference and needle availability.

Yarn and Materials

Gnarled is designed for Malabrigo Rasta, a 100% merino wool yarn in the super-chunky weight category. The yarn is specified in the colorway Coronilla. Each skein yields 90 yards and weighs 150 grams, with yardage requirements of 90 yards for the small size and 138 yards for the large size, meaning knitters will need 1 skein for the small size or 2 skeins for the large size.

Gauges

Two gauges are provided to account for the different stitch patterns used throughout the project:

• Stockinette stitch gauge: 10 stitches and 16 rows per 4"/10 cm square
• Leaf lace gauge: 8 stitches and 14 rows per 4"/10 cm square

Achieving accurate gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements, particularly given the ease flexibility built into the design.

Needles and Notions

The pattern calls for US 11/8 mm double-pointed needles (dpns) or a US 11/8 mm 32-inch circular needle, sized to obtain the specified gauges. Additional notions include one stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats and construction points, and a crochet needle in US L/8 mm (or appropriate size for the yarn) for working the provisional cast on.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate project, Gnarled assumes knitter familiarity with working in the round, reading lace charts, and executing the provisional cast-on and grafting techniques. The super-chunky yarn weight works up quickly, making this an accessible intermediate project despite the advanced finishing methods involved.