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As I wander through the sleepy streets, geometric facades greet me. Architectural rhythm dictates my walk as the morning light shines on the golden detailing, straight lines, corners, and staircases, enlivening the elaborate symmetry. Brussels Art Deco monuments stand as testaments to an era of bold geometric vision and beauty.
The Zymétrix cowl / scarf is a play on geometric (a)symmetry. It captures the Art Deco urban grandeur through intricate mosaic and textured stitchwork. Extended squares build upon one another like stepped building facades. Zigzag patterns echo the dynamic lines of staircases and geometric floor designs that spread like intricate puzzles.
Wrap yourself in this geometric embrace and knit a cozy piece of architectural history!

The Zymétrix name is a word fusion that captures the essence of Art Deco’s geometric sophistication. The name merges “escalier” (French for staircase), “étage” (floor/level), and “(a)symmetry”. These elements reference the stepped, tiered quality, lines, and balanced geometry fundamental to this architectural style.
The “Z” opening subtly nods to the geometric staircases and zigzag elements that define the stitch pattern.

For best effect, use a single ply or plied yarn that is reasonably smooth and round to give enough stitch definition. Yarn weights ranging from DK to Super Bulky would be suitable. As for colorways, I would recommend 2 contrasting colorways: 1 solid, semi-solid, or gradient + 1 solid, semi-solid, gradient, self-striping, or tonal variegated yarn.

Do you like the Zymétrix cowl / scarf? You might like those patterns too: The Jigzag cowl, and the Rockscape shawl. For endless fun with mosaic! Check them out!

Yarns
Garnstudio DROPS Snow (Super Bulky; 100% Wool; 50 meters / 55 yards per 50 grams); MC: 4,6 balls, CC: 4,6 balls.
The sample (cowl) uses 159 grams in color 01 Off White (MC), 156 grams in color 27 Brown Mix (CC).
The scarf uses 257 grams in color 01 Off White (MC), 251 grams in color 27 Brown Mix (CC).
Or any of these alternative yarn combinations:
SuperGarne Filzwolle Nr.1 (MC), and SuperGarne Filzwolle Nr.1 Space (CC) or Filzwolle Nr.1 MAXI (CC).
Gründl Wolle Filzwolle Uni (MC), and Gründl Wolle Filzwolle Color (CC) or Gründl Wolle Filzwolle Spectra (CC).

Needles
Cowl: 9 mm (US size 13) 100 cm / 40 inches circular needle or size to obtain gauge.
Scarf: 9 mm (US size 13) 60 cm / 24 inches circular needle or size to obtain gauge.

Gauge
10.5 stitches and 21 rows = 10 cm / 4 inches in Garter stitch, unblocked.
11 stitches and 13 rows = 10 cm / 4 inches in Stockinette stitch, blocked.
11 stitches and 19 rows = 10 cm / 4 inches in Stitch Pattern B – Switchback, blocked with MC and CC.
Note: obtaining the gauge given is not crucial but will affect the finished size and the yardage needed.

Notions
Stitch markers: 4 (optional). Tapestry needle.
For the cowl: Waste yarn (or spare circular needle cable). Shorter cable (60 cm / 24 inches) for the working needle. Spare 9 mm (US size 13) needle for grafting (or three-needle BO).

Size
Two (cowl, scarf); easily customizable.

Final measurements
Cowl: Circumference (c): 121 cm / 47.75 inches, height (h): 35 cm / 13.75 inches cowl.
Scarf: Width (w): 35 cm / 13.75 inches, length (l): 198 cm / 78 inches scarf.

Skill level
Basic stitches, slipped stitches. Multiple increases and decreases. Mosaic knitting. Stitch patterns requiring some attention. Easy patterning on all rows. Working stripes. Dealing with changing stitch counts. For the cowl: Judy’s Magic CO, grafting (or three-needle BO). For the scarf: Long-tail CO, elastic BO. Suggestions are given to customize the pattern.
Charts and written instructions are provided, as well as clear video tutorials for the stitches and techniques used.

Pattern support
For questions about this pattern, please PM me on Ravelry or send me an email. Contact details are provided.

Thank you note
I’d like to send a big thank you to my truly awesome test knitters on Ravelry: kallyknits. Thank you so much for your time and dedication, for helping me make this pattern even better and for showing how the pattern would look like with different yarns!

Want to get a free cowl? Read on!

We all love knitting, right?! I certainly do! I’d like to gift you a cowl and doing so spread the love for knitting even more :-) This gift is available to everyone.

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