Rapid Eye Movement

Rapid Eye Movement Cowl by Rachel Molenaar

What Is Being Made

Rapid Eye Movement is an intermediate-level knitted cowl design that combines two distinct yarns to create visual depth and texture. This downloadable PDF pattern produces a finished cowl measuring 7 inches deep by 52 inches around at the smaller edge, making it a versatile neckwear piece suitable for layering or wearing as a statement accessory.

Yarn Materials and Fiber Content

The pattern calls for a two-yarn construction using complementary fibers. The primary yarn is Dream in Color Classy with Cashmere, requiring 2 skeins. This yarn contains 70% Superwash Merino, 20% Nylon, and 10% Cashmere, with approximately 200 yards per 4-ounce skein. The secondary yarn is Dream in Color Wisp, requiring 1 skein. This yarn is composed of 50% Merino and 50% Silk, yielding approximately 550 yards per 2-ounce skein. The pattern sample shown features the Classy with Cashmere in Gothic Rose paired with the Wisp in Sangria.

Knitting Tools and Equipment

This project requires US size 6 (4mm) circular needles as the primary tool for constructing the cowl. Additional supplies include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends, and an optional crochet hook for executing a crochet cast-on edge.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 15 stitches over 4 inches when measured in garter stitch using the Classy with Cashmere yarn. This gauge measurement is essential for achieving the finished dimensions of 7 inches deep by 52 inches around.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Rapid Eye Movement employs several intermediate-level knitting techniques. The foundation of the fabric is garter stitch, created by knitting every row, which produces a reversible, textured fabric with horizontal ridges. The pattern incorporates yarn overs (yo) to create decorative eyelets and shaping. Decreases are achieved through knit three together (k3tog) and knit four together (k4tog) techniques, which reduce stitch counts and create visual interest.

A signature technique in this design is the Join stitch, a special construction method that integrates the two contrasting yarns. This technique requires identifying a specific stitch directly below the stitch on the left-hand needle, reaching behind the work to lift that stitch onto the needle, and then knitting four stitches together—three stitches from the Wisp yarn and one stitch from the Classy yarn. This creates a unified fabric where both yarns are structurally integrated rather than simply alternated.

Additional stitches include make one (M1) increases for shaping and the (k, yo, k) in 1 technique, which creates decorative elements by working three stitches into a single stitch. These techniques combine to produce a cowl with dimensional texture and visual movement.

Pattern Format

This is a downloadable PDF pattern designed for intermediate knitters. The pattern includes comprehensive abbreviations, special stitch instructions, finished measurements, materials list, and gauge information to guide knitters through the construction process.