Madelinetosh Unicorn Stripes Cowl Knitting Pattern

Madelinetosh Unicorn Stripes Knit Cowl and Scarf

What Is Being Made

The Madelinetosh Unicorn Stripes is a knit cowl and scarf project designed by Antonia Shankland for Madelinetosh. This finished accessory measures 75 inches long with a 24-inch circumference, making it a versatile piece suitable for wearing as either a cowl or scarf. The design showcases a striking rainbow effect created by working through 30 distinct colors in sequential sections.

Techniques Used

This project employs several intermediate knitting techniques that add depth and visual interest to the finished piece. The primary construction method involves working in the round, which creates a seamless tubular fabric. The pattern incorporates a provisional cast-on technique at the beginning, allowing for a finished edge that can be grafted closed later. The project also uses the Kitchener stitch, a grafting technique that joins two sets of live stitches together invisibly, creating a seamless connection between the cast-on and bind-off edges.

Stitches Used

The Unicorn Stripes pattern is built on a specialized chevron stitch pattern that creates the distinctive striped and textured appearance. This 25-stitch repeat pattern alternates between two rounds: a simple knit round followed by a shaping round that uses K2tog (knit two together) decreases and KFB (knit front and back) increases to create the chevron effect. The pattern also incorporates ssk (slip, slip, knit) decreases. Additionally, a purl round begins the initial color section, adding textural variation to the design.

Materials and Tools

The yarn specified for this project is Madelinetosh Unicorn Tails, a collection of 30 individual color skeins that allows crafters to work through a complete rainbow spectrum. One tail of each color is used, with each color section consuming one full skein. The needles required are US 6 (4.0mm) circular needles in a 20-inch length, which accommodates the 150 cast-on stitches comfortably. Additional notions include 6 stitch markers, with one being a contrasting color to clearly mark the beginning of each round for easier tracking during the in-the-round construction.

Gauge and Color Sequence

The pattern specifies a gauge of 25 stitches measuring 3¾ inches and 16 rows measuring 2½ inches. Each color section is worked for exactly 16 rounds, resulting in a 2½-inch color stripe. The color sequence progresses through 30 named shades including Coquette, Torchere, Neon Peach, Pop Rocks, Tart, Flashdance, Purple Basil, Dirty Panther, Onyx, Charcoal, Fathom, Mandala, Ink, Worn Denim, Cousteau, Rain Water, Big Sur, Button Jar Blue, Celadon, Silver Fox, Antler, Edison Bulb, Jade, Magnolia Leaf, Glazed Pecan, Whiskey Barrel, Firewood, Dust Bowl, Antique Lace, and Cathedral.

Pattern Construction

The scarf begins with a provisional cast-on of 150 stitches using Color A, then joins into the round with careful attention to avoid twisting. Stitch markers are placed every 25 stitches to delineate each repeat of the chevron pattern, making it easier to track decreases and increases. The crafter then works through each color section sequentially, knitting 16 rounds in the chevron stitch pattern before transitioning to the next color. This process repeats through all 30 colors. At the completion, the provisional cast-on stitches are grafted to the final round using the Kitchener stitch, and yarn tails are woven inside the tube of knitting to create a polished, finished appearance.