From city grates to garden gates, stained glass to satin sashes, the 1920s and 1930s were all about fantastic design. All of which can still be seen in today’s urban landscapes. Translated through the needles of knitwear designer Kyle Kunnecke, the geometric style, linear intersections, and marvelous motifs of the Golden Age have inspired the gorgeous collection of knitted garments and accessories for men and women found in Urban Knit Collection. Whether your style is uptown, downtown, or somewhere in between, Urban Knit Collection has you covered! Written for a range of skill levels, Kyle’s detailed patterns include tutorials on a variety of construction and finishing techniques, from choosing yarn and reading charts to locking floats. These 18 garments and accessories include sweaters, cardigans, shawls, hats, cowls and more. Each project invites you to stitch details of historic city sights that lead to contemporary finished projects for today’s streets.

We all love a cuddly blanket, and this cowl brings that feeling of security and comfiness to a squishy kerchief-style cowl! This quick-to-knit project begins with just a few stitches that grow into a larger triangle which is then joined in the round. Worked in super-soft Lanalpaca by Urth Yarns, this is the ultimate accessory for windy winter m...

First published in Knit Camp by Olive Knits (2023). Learn more about Knit Camp HERE.

This rad cowl honors the decade of bright colors, big hair, and of course, the mixtape. It was a time when we sat quietly by our tape deck listening to the radio to capture our favorite song. Portable music found its feet with the invention of the Walkman, and our musical lives have never been the same.

Apricate AP-ri-kayt (verb): To bask in the sun. This fun word comes from the latin word apricus, meaning exposed to the sun.

Working a simple sequence of stitches, the colors of Power Ball Happiness are bordered by rows of its solid-color sibling. Because Diffraction uses simple knitting techniques, this blanket is the ideal companion for movie watching or visiting with friends.

Let the lights lead the way! This project begins at one point and slowly grows to a gorgeous, randomly patterned shawl. Read through the pattern to be sure you understand the concept of assigned pooling before beginning.

The Garden Gate cowl features a never-ending swirl pattern on a colorful, shifting background. A bit of Kitchener Stitch grafts the beginning and end of the project together, creating a wonderfully-cozy cowl.

Want both weight versions of the Happiness sweater? Use code Happiness to get both for $9.00. Already purchased one of these patterns? Add the other one to your cart, apply the code, and you’ll get the second pattern for just $3.00!

A bevy of random rainbow stripes fill this fun shawl! Create a cacophony of interest using all the colors of dye in your collection, or opt for a more subtle story with just a few hues. Whatever you decide, the project is certain to be uniquely you! Once the yarn is dyed and dried, work directly from the coil, or wind it into a cake before begi...

Focusing on two colors of HiKoo Popcycle, Copper Mountain is filled to the brim with a repeating, stacked diamond pattern. Edged with i-cord, the fabric is delicate and warm and intriguing.

Every sweet little soul deserves a cuddly blanket. This one was designed for my rescue cat, Lily, and features the fun dual-ply yarn Starke 6 by Schoppel-Wolle. Combining this with a cozy solid color of Sueño by HiKoo® results in a classic blanket that can be cherished for generations.

Crisp, cool evenings. Children giddy with laughter, excitement, and cotton candy overload. Livestock. Local crafts. First place ribbons. Exhibitions. Deep-fried everything. The County Fair Kerchief Cowl honors games on the midway and the incredible craftiness of the local community that comes together to show their very best work during this mu...

Inspired by the streetcar tracks of San Francisco, Cutrera is full of curves and intersecting lines. Its linear design creates a bold, modern statement.

Repeating the same chart in a series of colors creates an adventure in contrast. By combining the magic of Kitchener stitch with the careful ordering of colors found in the ring of Zauber Perlen, this cowl becomes a ring of ever-evolving gradients.

During mitosis, a series of five phases happen where one cell separates into two daughter cells. The process is magical, much like the steps involved in creating a knitting project. Selecting materials, swatching to ensure the finished item will be the correct size, casting on, managing yarns, binding off, and finishing. One step feeds into the...

Want both weight versions of the Happiness sweater? Use code Happiness to get both for $9.00. Already purchased one of these patterns? Add the other one to your cart, apply the code, and you’ll get the second pattern for just $3.00!

This stylish hat features a turned brim with a unique, two-button detail. Full of texture, it is knit using a pre-felted single ply silk and wool yarn that creates amazing stitch definition.

Featured as the April, 2021 Hat of the Month for Makers’ Mercantile, the Hive Hat features a honeycomb pattern that is crafted using slipped stitches.

This pattern was featured as the Hat of the Month for February, 2021.

Who knew that knitting could be an aerobic exercise? This large scale project uses huge needles and chunky yarn and requires larger-than-normal movements to work each stitch. The throw is completed in a flash and provides the opportunity to really see how stitches are made. The tetured beaded rib used in this project features columns of knit st...

Every Thanksgiving, Aunt Voncille would welcome our family to her home with open arms. A row of long tables, covered with plastic tablecloths, were lined with a series of metal folding chairs. Our holiday traditions weren’t fancy. Paper plates, turkey, mashed potatoes & gravy, dressing (both plain and one with oysters), and pies… lots of pi...

Worked top down, these socks feature a simple, textured pattern and an interesting heel.

This shawl begins with a long cast on with sections separated by markers. With increases and textured stitches, each portion of the project slowly begins to take on its own personality. It is an opportunity for newer knitters to become more familiar with how to read their work. Only one cake of Concentric Cotton is needed to make this project.

Working with luxuriously soft Angora Fashion is a treat, and this finished cowl is light-as-air! Audrey boasts an on-purpose off-center stripe of color that adds interest and whimsy. This project is worked flat using intarsia, and then seamed up the back to finish the cowl.

This cowl begins with a provisional cast-on, and then dives into the series of non-repeating charts that celebrate the beauty of hand-dyed, multi-color yarn by pairing it with a deliciously rich solid. Once the charted portion of the cowl is completed, it’s time to divide and conquer by working flat with mirrored decreases on the right side of ...

Wrap and turn your way into a slanted, slouchy beanie! This project is worked in the round and requires knitting knowledge including: cast on, knit/purl, short rows, and decreasing; all on double point needles.

Like the Knit Knit Cowl but want to customize it with your own sayings? This supplementary chart offers the full alphabet as designed by Kyle Kunnecke of Kyle William.

The Coupeville hat is named after the county seat of Island County, Washington. Officially incorporated on April 20, 1910, it’s a small town with a gorgeous waterfront shopping area featuring art shops, cafes, and coffee shops. Stroll along Front Street and down to the beach. Bring a book (or your knitting) and settle in for a leisurely afterno...

This large scale cowl features grape leaves with beaded veins. This project is worked in the round alternating two large charts, and requires knitting knowledge including: I-cord cast on/bind off, knit/purl, reading charts, placing beads, and locking floats; all on circular needles.

What can I say; I love cowls! They are fun to work up, keep the neck cozy, and behave themselves during commutes. There’s little chance they’ll fall off running from point A to point B. This particular design plays with the traditional Norwegian star motif, and features some bold linear details that keep the project interesting. The Nicholas co...

Sample Colors

Based on your feedback, the 2018 Kyle William MKAL is a colorwork cowl!

Inspired by the patterning of tin ceilings in old farmhouses, this design repeats a larger chart across the work and kettle dyed yarns create an impressive wrap. Consider altering the size of the piece for a shawl, or even a bed-size blanket.

This project requires knitting knowledge including: casting on, knit/purl, reading charts, stranded knitting, and binding off; all on circular or double pointed needles. Using the technique of locked floats is helpful with this project.

A fun circle of pattern, this cowl uses two contrasting colors and features a slanted repeating pattern. First released as a LYS tour pattern for Makers’ Mercantile®, the pattern is now available for purchase.

Project shown measures 41¼“ (105 cm).

Inspired by the “Hero Ceiling” at Hearst Castle designed by Julia Morgan, and paying homage to the lettering of ancient times, this cowl

A collaboration with New Zealand based designer (and friend!) Kurt Payne, the Inverness wrap was crafted to make use of two skeins of yarn, which may or may not be related. As each section is completed, the stripe sections lengthen and shift to the side, creating a fun, curved silhouette. Although easy to memorize, the pattern includes a worksh...

There’s a secret to this cowl. The beads are pre-strung in a repeating pattern before you cast on. Then, you’ll work stitch-by-stitch and bead-by-bead as this piece almost knits itself! The process is easy and the result is stunning. The sample uses beads from beadbiz.org, in colors: green iris 06052618, silver-lined emerald matte AB 06052025, ...

Quadratum (Latin for square), was created in response to the need for a pattern that a place to practice basic intarsia. Garter stitch blocks are used to create this comfy, modern-looking scarf. Using a Seed Pack gradient mini-skein set arranged light-to-dark and 2 skeins of Sprout from The Fiber Seed, it’s a easy knit that anyone would be prou...

Traditional stranded knitting creates an almost pixelated design. My goal with this pattern was to see how the combination of cabling and colorwork would affect the perception of line within the piece. Pleased with the almost organic feel of the finished work, I’m happy to share it with you.

With proper preparation and planning, steeking can be a fearless act. Use this project to build confidence with the steps involved in cutting knitted fabric. The Diamond bag pattern is well supported in my online workshop, Fearless Steeking; available as an online workshop at Interweave.com.

Combining intarsia and stranded color work with the technique of locked floats, the finished piece is soft, graphic, and almost reversible (with the back appearing almost woven).

This shawl begins simple enough, with the comfort of garter stitch leading to a finale of stranded bliss. With its i-cord bind off, the final piece is substantial, interesting, and cozy.

Celebrating the theatre facades of the Art Deco era, the Apollo Wrap is designed with bands of intarsia garter stitch. Working from the top down, the texture of garter stitch builds continuity through the piece. Using solid or kettle dyed yarns will help to highlight the angled sections. The generous size of this wrap also makes it ideal as a l...

Vertical, repeating motifs are the epitome of Art Deco, the style I think of as the universal marker of urban architecture in the United States. The body of this sweater is filled with simple patterning, while each sleeve holds one strip of lacework down its center. The finished piece is warm, lightweight, and timeless.

The stacked, pierced arches of a stone grill seen in the auditorium of an old theater sparked the inspiration for this scarf full of undulating cables. The repeating pattern is mirrored, dancing down the length of this wonderfully wide scarf, which is high enough to protect the back of your neck from a frosty wind.

This men’s pullover features a quiet color work pattern on the front, with a textured stitch filling the arms and back that lies flat, isn’t stretchy, and offers texture and a thickness similar to that of the front. For even more impact, consider selecting colors with greater contrast for the front panel.

The D’Amour Wrap is perfect for the knitter interested in a stranding adventure. The entire wrap is mapped out in a series of detailed charts to navigate the journey. At first glance, the charts appear symmetrical, but upon further exploration you’ll see that each side has its own variations, making it unique. Using the technique of locked floa...

This classically styled unisex cardigan draws inspiration from a 1930s stained-glass light fixture with panes stacked in a cascading brick pattern. Placed at the sides and under the arm, the intarsia adds just a touch of drama. Want a little less contrast? Choose two shades of the same color for a subtler pattern.

The Dorian cowl honors urban public transit maps by interpreting them

This vest is all about structure and symmetry. Beginning at the center, mirrored lines of traveling stitches angle, overlap, and intersect with each other. The cabled panels are separated by narrow stockinette- stitch columns. The back is also filled with these cables, and once assembled, the intersecting lines join together at the seams. My fa...

Inspired by stacked brickwork on an old building in New York City, this

This wrap could be worn constantly in the cooler months and perhaps even in the summer if, for example, your office constantly runs the air conditioner. The merino yarn is luxurious, and I love how it knits up in this easy lace and cable pattern. The edging is thick and creates structure while offering a bit more warmth for the neck. Worked fro...

Savoy is one of my favorite designs. I love how the coloring of the yarn shifts as it progresses up the garment and how its bold patterning demands attention. Charts detail the placement of each stitch. The fronts and back use the same chart, while the sleeves feature a centralized pattern surrounded by stripes. Because of Savoy’s repeating pat...

Featured as the December, 2020 Hat of the Month for Makers’ Mercantile, the Skyscraper hat with a brim!

Surrounded by a seed-stitch border, the pattern in this scarf found its inspiration in the wrought-iron doors of a public school in Romania. The Greek key pattern lends itself to this type of repetitive pattern. Even after it was transformed into fabric, it reminds me of the iron gates guarding doorways throughout downtown San Francisco.

Playing with increases and cabling, this wrap uses easy 2/1 and 1/1 cables to create stacked diamonds in different thicknesses. Using the lovely yarn Kenzington from Skacel, the traveling stitches and simple cables create a fun, allover pattern. The curve at the neck allows the shawl to sit on the shoulders comfortably.

Designed using HiKoo CoBaSi DK, this accent pillow combines stranded two-color knitting with intarsia to create a multi-layered floral pattern. The flip side of the pillow is all two-color stranding. Worked flat, the piece is completed with applied i-cord and a zipper.

Designed as the class project for the workshop “Creating and Navigating Complex Stranded Knitting Charts”, this cowl is a sort of “warm-up” for those eager to venture into large-scale charts that feature spectacular non-repeating patterns.

My “Personal Story” is featured in the Spring issue of “Spin Off” magazine as part of a contest sponsored by Schacht Spindle Co. This cowl was created for that event.

During an excursion into the Sacred Valley outside of Cusco, Peru, we asked our driver to take us somewhere for lunch. He drove us to a small town and we were guided into a hidden gem of a restaurant. While waiting for our food, I noticed the bold geometric patterning on the floor and my mind began to ponder how this simple, repeating pattern m...

This cowl is chock full of beads in an overlapping argyle pattern. Bead placement is simple; using the crochet hook method, and once complete it’s a unique accessory bound to be noticed.

Designed for the new knitter wanting to make something special, this pattern provides the direction to craft a simple, comfortable rolled brim hat. Using Universal Yarn’s Cotton Supreme Batik, it’s the perfect hat to make and donate to your local Oncology ward or cancer center.

Ambiente (a highly patterned merino yarn with incredible bounce) and CoBaSi DK (a wonderful blend of cotton, bamboo, silk, and nylon) join forces in this wonderfully textured cowl that offers the perfect amount of warmth for late winter/early spring outings. The color patterning on Ambiente is obscured by the design characteristics of linen sti...

A series of angled stripes in unpredictable colors fills this graphic cowl. Showcasing unique color-changing yarns, the finished piece is guaranteed to be one-of-a-kind.

Some of the restrictions of stranded knitting are removed by twisting the floating yarn more often than usual. Being inspired by the fine gauge Shoppel-Wolle’s Zauberball Starke 6, Selwin explores the Armenian stranded knitting technique with an intricate tiled pattern full of undulating color on the front, and structured columns of stripes on ...

Designed in collaboration with Fibras Andinas; a nonprofit that worked to improve trade and the impoverished quality of life of the Andean llama, alpaca, guanaco and vicuña herders in South America.

Inspired by the architecture at San Francisco’s War Memorial Opera House, Cabaletta pairs a repeating geometric with a multi-color background. It’s a symphony of pattern that’s entertaining to knit! The dance of color comes from Crystal Palace Yarns Sausalito. Because this yarn is made of two plies, the color shifts are gentle and constant. Tak...

This men’s half-zip pullover uses a gently shifting motif to create a modified houndstooth design. Carefully tailored with set in sleeves, and solid cuffs and hem, a zipper finishes off the neckline and completes this timeless design.

Sample | Size Small (Burgundy)

Featuring a subtle texture, this reversible scarf is sure to become a winter wardrobe staple. With just enough detail, the pattern is ideal for the beginner yearning to venture beyond garter stitch or simple ribbing, and, for the more experienced knitter, it’s wonderful for movie or knit night! Crafted in any worsted weight yarn, this is the pe...

Part of the ebook from Quince & Co., Scarves, Etc. 2013. The patterns are available individually or as a collection in the book!

Inspired by geometric designs found in vintage quilt patterns, Alden uses stranded knitting and alternating color changes to create a vibrant, graphic hat. Change up the colors to create a bold, patriotic, or conservative version of this unisex design.

Emeline, comfortable and stylish, celebrates the unpredictable and unexpected adventures of working simultaneously with two skeins of Noro Silk Garden Lite. The pattern, inspired by 18th Century ironwork, is interesting to knit and satisfying to wear. As a compliment to the rigid structure of the chart, gentle color changes within the yarn guar...

Deceptively simple, the Rialta scarf pattern takes full advantage of yarns that slowly change color. Combining a simple stitch pattern with the technique of alternating two skeins of yarn results in a beautiful scarf that will bring a bit of unpredictability to your knitting.

This pattern was included as part of the workshop offered at the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles on June 26, 2011. The workshop fee included all materials necessary to complete the hat, as well as hands-on instruction by the designer.