Minerva by Anna Richardson
This frothy lace Möbius cowl uses the reversible stitch pattern
Roman Stripe, taken from Barbara Walkers Second Treasury of
Knitting Patterns.
The pattern is based on a 2 stitch repeat which makes it easy to
add or subtract circumference to the scarf, to give two or even
three wraps around your neck. Yarn quantities are given for one
and two wrap versions. An optional scalloped edging is given for
those who want an extra challenge.
Originally knit in a thick-thin Tussah silk, equivalent to a 4ply
yarn this pattern can also be adapted to make a denser, warmer
winter scarf by using a DK or Aran weight yarn on the same
needles, just match the yardage requirements (approx. 435yds/
400m per wrap).
Knit in the round on circular needles from a Möbius cast-on this
pattern includes full written instructions and charts (depending
on your preference). The pattern is suitable for a moderately
experienced knitter and requires less than one day to knit!
The Möbius cast-on is an entertaining technique which creates a
Möbius loop in your knitting and allows you to knit both edges
at once – you’ll be amazed.
A photo tutorial demonstrating the Möbius cast-on can be found
at:
http://www.onehandknits.com/blog/2010/12/mobius-scarvesmastering-the-cast-on/
Minerva was the Roman Goddess of wisdom, crafts, medicine
and doctors.
MATERIALS
100g (200g) 4ply yarn (approximately 400m/ 435yards to 100g)
6.5mm circular needles at least 100cm in length
1 stitch marker
TENSION
9st x 14 rows = 10cm/ 4 inches over pattern on 6.5mm needles.
Achieving the exact tension is not required because the addition/ subtraction of one or two stitches at the cast-on quickly increases or
decreases the dimensions meaning your tension can be accommodated for.
DIMENSIONS & SIZING
Cast-on numbers are given for one wrap (64cm/ 25” circumference) and two wraps of the neck (127cm/ 50” circumference). The two
wrap version is suitable for wear around the shoulders for UK Size 14 and over. For a smaller shoulder wrap (UK size 12 and under)
pitch your cast-on approximately midway between the two suggested.
If you want to knit the scalloped cast-off ensure that your cast-on number is divisible by five
Please note for all versions, only the stitches above the needle are counted during a Möbius cast-on (see tutorial).
Photographs and text copyright ©Anna Richardson 2011: http://www.onehandknits.co.uk
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Symbols & Abbreviations:
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knit
purl
YO: yarn over
K2tog: knit 2st together
P2tog: purl 2st together
no stitch
yarn over twice
ì
SSK: slip stitch, slip stitch, pass both stitch back onto left-hand needle
and knit together through the back loop
work 5st into the double yarn over by knitting into the front, back,
front, back and front again.
vertical decrease: slip 2 stitches as if to knit them together, knit 1st, pass
both slipped stitch over
Sk2togpo: slip stitch, knit 2 stitches together, pass slipped stitch over
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TO BEGIN
Cast on 65 (125) stitches using the Möbius method on 100-120cm long, 6.5mm diameter circular needles. Place a stitch marker for
the beginning of the round before joining in-the-round and commencing round 1 of the main pattern.
Main Pattern
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round 1:
purl all stitches
round 2:
(YO, knit 1) repeat to end of the round. Stitch
count doubles
14
13
12
round 3:
knit all stitches
round 4:
(K2tog) repeat to end of the round. Stitch count
returns to same as cast-on
11
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6
round 5:
(P2tog, YO) repeat to end of the round
round 6:
(K2tog, YO) repeat to end of the round
round 7:
purl all stitches
round 8:
knit all stitches
round 9:
(purl 1, YO) repeat to end of the round. Stitch
count doubles
5
4
round 10: purl all stitches
3
round 11: (P2tog) repeat to end of the round. Stitch count
2
returns to same as cast-on
1
round 12: (YO, K2tog) repeat to end of the round
round 13: (P2tog, YO) repeat to the end of the round
round 14: knit all stitches
Repeat the 14 round main pattern four times in full before casting off loosely purl-wise or alternatively using the edging pattern to
create a scalloped edge before casting off. For an added flare work this edging in an alternate colour yarn
Edging
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round 1:
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(purl 3, K2tog, YO twice, SSK, purl 3) repeat to
end of the round
round 2:
(knit 2, K2tog, YO, knit front, back, front, back,
front of the double YO [to create 5 st from 2], YO,
SSK, knit 2) repeat to end of the round
round 3:
(purl 1, K2tog, YO, knit 1, YO, knit 5, YO, knit 1,
YO, SSK, purl 1) repeat to end of the round
This design has been kindly donated to Médecins Sans Frontières MSF (Doctors Without
Borders) as part of the p/hop project. p/hop = pennies per hour of pleasure, so please
feel free to use this pattern and donate what you think it was worth to you to MSF.
MSF is an independent humanitarian medical aid organisation, committed to providing
medical aid wherever it is needed, regardless of race, religion, politics or gender. We
currently work in over 60 countries helping victims of war, natural disasters, disease
epidemics and those who simply have no access to even basic healthcare. For more
info, please visit www.msf.org.uk
round 4: (YO, K2tog, YO, knit 3, YO, SSK, knit 1, K2tog,
YO, knit 3, YO, SSK) repeat to end of the round
round 5: K2tog, (YO, knit 5, YO, Sk2togpo)repeat to end of
the round: note on the last repeat of the round
To donate and find out more about p/hop, please visit the p/hop blog at
you will have 1 stitch where 3 are needed. Pass
www.p-hop.co.uk
this stitch over the 1st stitch of the next round
Thank you for supporting MSF!
Photographs and text copyright ©Anna Richardson 2011: http://www.onehandknits.co.uk
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