Valley Yarns Tutti Frutti Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Tutti Frutti Cowl

What is Being Made

The Tutti Frutti is a kerchief cowl designed by Julie Turjoman that combines a close-fitting neck with a soft, draped silhouette. The design features a distinctive dipped front that creates visual interest without adding bulk at the back of the neck. This versatile accessory can be worn traditionally with the point centered in front, or rotated to position the point on the side for styling variety. The finished cowl measures 17½ inches in height at the back and 20½ inches at the kerchief point, with an 18½-inch circumference at the top of the neck and 25¼ inches at the shaped base.

Techniques Used

This cowl is worked in the round using circular needles, which allows for seamless construction and even stitch development. The pattern employs striping techniques with multiple colors to create visual interest throughout the piece. The design incorporates basic shaping techniques that are appropriate for an adventurous beginner, including strategic increases and decreases that create the distinctive kerchief silhouette. The combination of different stitch textures adds depth and dimension to the finished fabric.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern is Dot stitch, which is worked over a multiple of 8 stitches and repeats every 12 rounds. The Dot stitch pattern combines knit and purl stitches with strategic yarn overs and decreases to create texture. Specific stitch techniques include:

• K1, p1 ribbing elements for structure
• K5tog (knit 5 together) for bold decreases
• M1p (make 1 purl) for increases
• K2tog (knit 2 together) for standard decreases
• SSK (slip, slip, knit) for left-leaning decreases
• Yarn overs combined with [p1, k1, p1] into 1 st for textural increases

Materials and Tools

The Tutti Frutti cowl is crafted using Valley Yarns Hawley, a luxurious blend of 50% cotton, 30% silk, and 20% nylon/polyamide. This fiber composition provides both comfort and durability, making it an ideal choice for a close-fitting neck accessory. The yarn is worked at a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in Dot stitch when blocked.

The pattern requires three colors of Valley Yarns Hawley:

• Color A: 1 ball in Slate Blue (50 g / 135 yards)
• Color B: 2 balls in Sandstone (50 g / 135 yards each)
• Color C: 1 ball in Beet Red (50 g / 135 yards)

Needles required include US size 6 (4 mm) circular needles in both 16-inch and 24-inch lengths, or the size needed to achieve the specified gauge. Additional materials include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Skill Level and Suitability

Designated as an Adventurous Beginner project, the Tutti Frutti cowl is perfect for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to explore new stitch textures and shaping methods. The pattern teaches fundamental shaping while working in the round, making it an excellent educational project that produces a wearable, fashionable accessory.