Gone Synco

Gone Synco Cowl by Jamie Bennett

What Is Being Made

The Gone Synco is a textural cowl designed for intermediate knitters seeking a squishy, visually striking accessory. This one-size cowl measures 15 inches (38 cm) tall and 14.5 inches (36.8 cm) wide when laid flat, making it a versatile neckwear piece that drapes comfortably around the shoulders. The design features irregular striping created through a two-color, syncopated brioche stitch technique, resulting in a fabric with distinctive depth and visual interest.

Techniques and Stitches Used

The Gone Synco employs several foundational and advanced knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate-level crafters:

• German Twisted Cast-on: This cast-on method provides a secure, neat foundation edge suitable for in-the-round knitting projects.
• Two-Color Brioche Stitch in-the-Round: The primary construction technique, brioche stitch creates the signature squishy texture and visual dimension. Working in-the-round on circular needles ensures seamless construction and allows the brioche pattern to develop evenly throughout the cowl.
• Syncopated Striping: The irregular striping pattern emerges from alternating the two contrasting yarn colors in a syncopated rhythm within the brioche stitch structure, creating visual movement and preventing monotonous color blocks.
• Simple Stretchy Bind-off: This finishing technique ensures the top edge of the cowl remains elastic and comfortable against the neck, maintaining the garment's stretch and preventing a tight, constricting finish.

Customization Options

The pattern accommodates adjustments for personal fit preferences. To increase height, knitters may repeat pattern sections or add extra rounds in increments of 4. To increase width, cast-on stitches can be increased in increments of 2, allowing for a more generous drape or a snugger fit depending on individual preference.

Materials and Gauge

The Gone Synco requires aran-weight yarn in two contrasting colors, with Cascade Yarns Cascade 220 suggested as the yarn choice. One skein of each color provides sufficient yardage for completion. Knitters will need a US5 (3.75mm) circular knitting needle measuring 22 inches, a stitch marker for tracking the beginning of rounds, and a darning needle for weaving in yarn ends after completion.

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 14 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches when knitted in-the-round using two-color brioche stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished dimensions and fabric drape.

Skill Level

Classified as an intermediate project, the Gone Synco assumes knitters are comfortable with in-the-round construction on circular needles and have foundational knowledge of basic stitches. The brioche stitch technique, while requiring focused attention and practice, is accessible to knitters ready to expand their technical repertoire beyond stockinette and garter stitch basics.