Beta Barrel by Laura Nelkin

Beta Barrel

Knitting
October 2021
Lace ?
24 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches
in Stockinette stitch, unblocked
US 3 - 3.25 mm
US 8 - 5.0 mm
710 yards (649 m)
Approx. 42 inches [107 cm] around
English
This pattern is available for $8.00 USD buy it now

Beta Barrel is a soft and cozy cowl knit with Helix, a unique lace yarn custom dyed for The N Club by La Bien Aimee.

Kits for Beta Barrel were sent as the final shipment for 2021’s N Club and will be available to the public in October 2022. Sign Ups for 2022’s N Club open on October 26th!


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Beta Barrel is knit in the round, starting with a provisional cast-on. This cowl gets its name from a barrel-like protein structure of the same name; a structure that is composed of tandem repeats that twist and coil to form something that looks just like a knitted cowl!
Once you knit the long tube, you’ll graft the ends together, again mimicking the protein structure where the first and last strands are bonded together. Who knew knitting could mimic nature quite so literally?!

Continuing the science theme, the cowl is broken down into two distinct sections that are worked four times each: Alpha and Beta. The Alpha section is an utterly fun beaded Shetland lace stitch. The Beta section offers three distinct stitches to choose from; garter stitch, cat’s eye stitch, or more advanced Shetland lace stitch. You can mix and match, or pick one and stick with it. The end result is a choose-your-own-adventure knitting experience!