Hive Mind Cowl by Erika Wine

This cozy duo was inspired by the ‘Bee Stitch’, in which a super squishy texture is achieved by knitting into the row below. The set also features an off-center chunky cable to catch your eye. Generally speaking, the idea of a Hive Mind is a collective through which to share knowledge and opinions to produce a cooperative intelligence. This notion seems, to me, to define the fiber arts community and the support and inspiration it provides. I wanted to create a chunky cabled hat that stands apart from other designs. When I discovered the Bee Stitch, with its plush and comforting texture, I knew right away that I wanted to use it as the main texture for this set, and ‘Hive Mind’ seemed to be the perfect name for a hat that incorporates the Bee Stitch. Through the development of this design, it has also come to represent my own journey as a designer and the process of overcoming challenges with the help and support of the friends I have made in the yarn-craft world.

Size

One size. 9.5 inches (24 cm) deep and 26 inches (66 cm) around.

Yarn

+/- 330 yards (302 m) of chunky-weight yarn to make both the Hive Mine Hat and Cowl. Shown in madelinetosh Tosh Chunky (100% merino; 165 yards [151 meters]/118 grams): ‘Brickdust’ (1.5 skeins – 2 skeins was just enough to make the whole set including the hat and cowl)

Needles

US size 10.5 (6.5mm) 24” (61 cm) circular needle (or size needed to obtain gauge)

US size 11 (7.5 mm) needle for a loose bind off – optional

Notions

Cable needle

Stitch markers

Tapestry needle

Gauge

15.5 sts and 22 rnds per 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch, worked in the rnd, after blocking

12.5 sts and 16 rnds per 4 inches (10 cm) in pattern stitch, worked in the rnd, after blocking

Abbreviations

Please see our standard abbreviations.

lh = left hand

rh = right hand

k1b = knit into the row below (see Special Stitches)

c3l (cable 3 left) = slip next 3 sts onto a cn and hold at front of work, k3 sts from lh needle, then 3 sts from cn.

c3r (cable 3 right) = slip next 3 sts onto a cn and hold at back of work, k3 sts from lh needle, then 3 sts from cn.

Knit into the Row Below (K1B): insert RH needle into the center of the st directly below the next st on your LH needle (you’ll be knitting into both the stitch below the next st on your LH needle AND the next stitch on your LH needle). Knit this st (with the st above it), dropping both loops from the LH needle.

Pattern Notes

The cowl is knit bottom-up, in the round.

Cowl Pattern

Using your preferred method (I used the Chinese Waitress method), CO 88 sts, pm and join for knitting in the rnd, taking care to not twist your sts.

Ribbing

*K1, p1* seven times, k1, *p3, k3* twice, p3, *k1, p1* to end of rnd.

Repeat this Rnd 9 times more.

Set-Up Rnd

*K1, p1* seven times, k1, pm (this will mark your NEW beginning of rnd), *p3, k3* twice, p to NEW end of rnd, removing the first marker you placed when you come to it.

Body

Rnd 1: P3, k9, p3, k1, *k1b, k1*; rep * * to end of Rnd.

Rnd 2: P3, k3, c3r, p to end of Rnd.

Rnd 3: P3, k9, p3, k2, k1b, *k1, k1b*; rep * * to last 2 sts, k2.

Rnd 4: P3, k9, p to end of Rnd.

Rnd 5: P3, k9, p3, k1, *k1b, k1*; rep * * to end of Rnd.

Rnd 6: P3, c3l, k3, p to end of Rnd.

Rnd 7: P3, k9, p3, k2, k1b, *k1, k1b*; rep * * to last 2 sts, k2.

Rnd 8: P3, k9, p to end of Rnd.

Repeat Rnds 1 through 8 three times more, followed by rnds 1 through 7 once more for a total of 39 rnds,

Next Rnd: P3, k9, p3, k to end of rnd.

Ribbing

*K1, p1* seven times, k1, *p3, k3* twice, p3, *k1, p1* to end of rnd.

Repeat this Rnd 9 times more for total of 10 rnds.

Loosely BO all sts in pattern. I recommend using a needle two sizes larger than your working needle to keep your BO sts loose.

Break your yarn and pull it through last st.

Finishing

Weave in all remaining ends on the inside of your work using a tapestry needle. Block lightly before wearing.