Alternating rounds of knit and purl stitches in two colors create the subtle magic of shadow knitting, where bands of color appear and disappear depending on the angle of view. The effect is rhythmic and architectural, with the illusion emerging gradually as the piece moves and catches the light.
Worked in the round as a seamless tube, this cowl begins with a provisional cast-on so the two ends can be joined invisibly at the finish. The shadow-knit structure is formed by alternating a plain knit round and a patterned knit/purl round with Color 1, followed by the same sequence with Color 2. Within the patterned rounds, strategically placed purl stitches create the raised geometry that reveals the motif as the fabric moves. Both charted and written instructions are included.

Knitting Knowledge

This project is worked in the round and requires knitting knowledge including:

• Crochet provisional cast-on
• Shadow knitting (knit/purl)
• Kitchener stitch
• Reading charts
• Simple finishing