Parentheses

Parentheses Knitting Pattern by Justyna Lorkowska

What is Being Made

Parentheses is a coordinated 2-piece accessory set designed by Justyna Lorkowska featuring a seamless slouchy hat and an infinity loop cowl. Both pieces showcase the distinctive Parenthetical Rib stitch pattern and are completely reversible, making them versatile additions to any wardrobe. This downloadable knitting pattern offers beginner-friendly construction suitable for knitters new to seamless in-the-round and flat knitting techniques.

Parentheses Hat

The Parentheses Hat is a seamless slouchy design worked in the round from the bottom up. The hat features a long 1x1 rib foundation that transitions into the Parenthetical Rib pattern through the body and crown shaping. This construction method creates a garment with no seams, resulting in a smooth, professional finish. The slouchy silhouette provides comfortable coverage and a relaxed fit.

• Sizing: One size designed to fit an average adult head with 56–58 cm (22–23") circumference and approximately 24 cm (9.5") length
• Construction: Seamless, worked in the round
• Stitch Pattern: 1x1 rib followed by Parenthetical Rib

Parentheses Loop (Infinity Cowl)

The Parentheses Loop is an infinity-style cowl knitted flat in back-and-forth rows using a provisional cast-on. After working the required length, the two ends are joined using either Kitchener stitch (also known as grafting) or the 3-needle bind-off method, creating a seamless loop. This technique allows knitters to practice both provisional casting and grafting or binding-off techniques while creating a versatile accessory.

• Sizing: Approximately 24 cm (9.5") in height and 110 cm (44") in length
• Construction: Knitted flat with provisional cast-on; joined seamlessly using Kitchener stitch or 3-needle bind-off
• Stitch Pattern: Parenthetical Rib

Techniques Used

This pattern introduces several fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginner knitters:

• Seamless in-the-round knitting: The hat is constructed using circular needles to create a garment without seams
• Provisional cast-on: Used to begin the infinity loop, allowing for seamless joining later
• Kitchener stitch (grafting): An advanced finishing technique that creates an invisible seam by grafting live stitches together
• 3-needle bind-off: An alternative joining method that binds off two pieces together simultaneously
• Wet blocking: The pattern includes guidance on finishing through wet blocking to enhance stitch definition and drape

Stitches Used

The Parentheses pattern employs classic knit and purl stitches combined into two primary stitch patterns:

• 1x1 Rib: An alternating knit and purl stitch worked in single columns, creating vertical texture and elasticity. This stitch is used as the foundation for the hat and provides a snug, comfortable fit around the head.
• Parenthetical Rib: A signature stitch pattern unique to this design that creates visual interest through the interplay of knit and purl stitches, forming the main decorative element of both the hat and loop

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Parentheses pattern is worked in DK weight yarn, a versatile weight suitable for creating garments with excellent stitch definition and drape.

• Yarn: MALABRIGO Rastita, 100% Merino wool, 310 yards per 100 grams. The complete 2-piece set requires 2 skeins of yarn. The sample was knitted in color #33 Cereza.
• Needles: Circular needles are required for the seamless in-the-round construction of the hat, and straight needles or circular needles in the appropriate size for the DK weight yarn are used for the flat-knitted infinity loop
• Finishing: The pattern includes wet