Notice: As of January 1, 2022, this pattern is officially discontinued as a Ravelry Download.

Inspired by the brightly-coloured, often iridescent scales of Betta fish (scientific name Betta splendens), this bottom-up cowl made of waves and scales is a quick knit and surprisingly easy to do, since it is done entirely with slipped stitches – if you can knit stripes, you can do this! It is an excellent way to use up leftover gradient yarn, but it would also work with semisolid, variegated, or even self-striping yarns. This pattern is perfect for your sock yarn leftovers! Paired with a strong solid like black or white, those sad and lonely remnants of beautiful fingering-weight yarn can come alive in this cowl.

The pattern is based on a 10-stitch repeat and therefore is highly adjustable. Gauge details to aid those who wish to alter the size are available in the PDF file. The PDF also includes charts and written instructions, as well as tips, links to video tutorials for useful techniques, and an outline of how to add a reverse side to the base pattern.

Notions

You will need 60 cm (24 inch) 3.5 mm (US 4) circular needles, a cable needle (optional if you plan to cable without a cable needle, which is explained in the pattern), and a tapestry needle for sewing in ends.

Yardage Requirements (for unaltered pattern)

Colour A (solid): 225-275 meters (250-300 yards).

Colour B (gradient/variegated/semisolid): 75-100 meters (80-110 yards).

Happy knitting!