Classic, uncomplicated, and great for a first Fair Isle project, Don’t Be A Square is a basic cowl pattern with easy two-color stranded knitting. Using one average skein of DK for the main color and less than 100 yards of the contrasting color, it’s a fun way to mix bold or monochromatic palettes. You can add interesting texture by holding a fingering strand with Suri Alpaca or Mohair to fill in for one of the DK colorways. Simple ribbed borders surround a colorwork pattern that maintains your interest with frequent but easily memorized color changes. Three unique samples were knit to show the versatility of this simple design - from subtle to bold, smooth to textured, and thin to squishy. Often overlooked in the world of knitting accessories, a cowl is a great way to keep your neck warm and stylish without the bulk of a scarf or shawl.

Size: 29”/ 72.5cm circumference x 10”/ 25.5cm height (adjustable).

Needles: US 6/ 4.0mm or size to obtain gauge, and US 5/ 3.75mm or 0.25mm smaller than gauge needle, both in 16 - 24”/ 40 - 60cm circular needle.

Gauge: 22 sts and 28 rnds = 4”/ 10cm over colorwork, lightly blocked.

Yarn: DK weight: 225 yards/ 205 meters of MC; 75 yards/ 69 meters of CC; additional height will increase yardage.

Notions: stitch marker, tapestry needle.

Samples knit in:
Bombshell Dyeworks Staple DK (100% superwash Merino; 300 yards/ 100g) in Tannin (MC) and Driftwood (CC);
Yarn Geek Fibers Maven DK (100% 5-ply superwash Rambouillet Wool; 154 yards/ 100g) in Helen Augusta Blanchard (MC) and Winter Pinoak (CC); and
Orange Jellyfish Dream DK Single (100% Merino; 240 yards/ 100g) in Rusted Hearts (MC) and Yarn Love Mr. Darcy (60% superwash Merino, 20% Yak, 20% Silk; 420 yards/ 100g) and Catherine of Aragon (76% Suri Alpaca, 24% Silk; 328 yards/ 50g) in Shiny Penny (held together for CC).