Exact Opposite

EXACT OPPOSITE is a knit cowl that includes all my favorite things! It combines modular reversible garter-stitch stripes finished with a tidy icord edge. The 2 rectangles are exact opposites of each other and come together seamlessly through modular garter stitch joining. The clever shape allows for multiple styling options while showing off 2 special skeins of yarn. Pop the collar or turn and wear the split in front or to the side. The choice is yours!

Sample is shown in a DK weight yarn alternating with a long-color-change sportweight yarn. This design is also suitable for handspun yarn and would also look striking in 2 solid colors.

This pattern is offered for free on Knitty.com.
If you create a pattern page, I’d love to have you link to my pattern on Ravelry and add this design to your favorites!

Exact Opposite on Ravelry

Exact Opposite on Knitty.com

Find full gallery images here.

YARN
MC: Suburban Stitcher Merino DK [100% Superwash Merino, 250 yd / 229 m per 115 g], 1 skein. Colorway: Yarn Lang Syne. Sample used 197.5 yd / 180.6 m (91 g).
www.suburbanstitcher.com

CC: Spincycle Dyed in the Wool [100% wool, 200 yd/183 m per 50g skein]; 1 skein. Colorway: Eventide. Sample used 152 yd / 139 m (38 g)
www.spincycleyarns.com/

YARN CHARACTERISTICS
MC: The sample shown uses a smooth DK weight 100% superwash merino wool with light speckling. Tonal, variegated, or speckled DK weight wool is suggested.

CC: The sample shown uses a long color-change sport weight 100% wool yarn with a high twist. Handspun yarn could be used for CC, or fingering weight mini-skeins held double to form a gradient.

GAUGE
20 stitches & 40 rows = 4” / 10 cm in garter stitch knit flat

SUGGESTED NEEDLE SIZE
[always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below – every knitter’s gauge is unique]
US 5 / 3.75 mm needles for working flat: straight needles or a circular needle 20-32 inch/50-80 cm long
Note: circular needles are recommended for this pattern as it makes the construction slightly simpler.
A spare needle of a similar size for using as a stitch holder; recommend a circular needle
1 crochet hook in similar size for provisional cast-on

NOTIONS
Locking or clip stitch markers to note RS of work
Ring-style stitch markers (optional)
Smooth waste yarn in contrast color for provisional cast on
Waste yarn, barber cords, or stitch holders for holding live stitches
Yarn needle

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Height: 11.5 ” / 30 cm
Circumference: 24.5″ / 62 cm

CONSTRUCTION METHOD
This cowl is knit flat with a join-as-you-go modular technique and finished with a 2-stitch icord bind off in the round. Each side begins with a provisional cast-on and uses 2-row garter stitch stripes. The second side of the work is joined perpendicularly to first side, leaving equal thirds open on one side, joined completely for the middle third, and open on other side for the final third. The piece is finished with a 2-stitch icord trim on both top and bottom.

ADJUSTING THE SIZE
You can adjust height of cowl by adding a multiple of 3 stitches to the first side cast-on (to be able to divide joining work into equal sections). Adjust width of cowl by changing cast on number for joining side, adding more stitches for a wider cowl or taking away stitches for a narrower cowl.

To make the piece completely reversible, alternate colors on joining side on WS of work. Bring both strands of yarn to WS and alternate working color at the start of each WS row.

When working the Sl 2 wyif, you will be slipping 1 st from working stitches and 1 st from the previously-held sts of the first side.

TECHNIQUES
Provisional cast-on, knit stitch, modular join-as-you-go knitting, picking up stitches, icord bind off

PATTERN ATTRIBUTES
This is a written pattern with a photo diagram. The design is gender-inclusive and reversible.

EXPLORE ON INSTAGRAM
#ExactOppositeCowl

Tech editing: Kate Atherley
Test knitting: Cathy A., Laura H., & Gloria K.