purlJam

# ADEPTUS MECHANICUS COWL
*Inspired by the tech-priests of Mars*

**Skill Level:** Beginner  
**Finished Size:** 24" (61 cm) circumference × 10" (25.5 cm) tall  
**Gauge:** 4.5 sts and 6 rows = 1" (2.5 cm) in stockinette on tension 5

## MATERIALS
- **Main Yarn (MC):** 200g worsted weight in dark grey/charcoal
- **Contrast Yarn (CC):** 50g worsted weight in crimson red
- **Machine:** Standard gauge knitting machine with ribber
- **Tools Required:** Cast-on comb, ravel cord, weights, transfer tool, latch tool

## MACHINE SETUP
- **Bed Configuration:** Main bed + Ribber
- **Cast-on Method:** Closed edge cast-on with ravel cord
- **Tension Settings:** MC = 5, CC = 6 (looser for colorwork)
- **Carriage:** Set for Fair Isle (both yarns feeding)

## PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS

### CAST ON & RIBBING
1. Set up ribber for 1×1 rib configuration
2. Using waste yarn and ravel cord, cast on 108 sts (needle positions -54 to +53)
   *Math check: 108 sts ÷ 4.5 = 24" circumference ✓*
3. Knit 6 rows waste yarn, RC 000
4. Switch to MC, tension 4 on both beds
5. **RC 000-015:** Knit 1×1 rib (15 rows)
   - Carriage alternating COL to COR
   - Check: Should measure approximately 2.5" (6.5 cm)

### TRANSITION TO MAIN BODY
6. **RC 016:** Drop ribber, transfer all rib sts to main bed using transfer tool
   - All 108 needles in work position on main bed
   - Hang cast-on comb and weights
7. **RC 017-020:** Knit 4 rows stockinette, MC only, tension 5
   - Carriage COL to COR, ensure even fabric

### COLORWORK SECTION
*Set carriage for Fair Isle, MC in feeder A, CC in feeder B*

**Rows 021-035: Tech Pattern Border**
8. Follow chart A (geometric tech pattern)
   - **RC 021:** COL, knit row 1 of chart
   - **RC 022:** COR, knit row 2 of chart  
   - Continue through row 15 of chart
   - **RC 035:** End COR

**Rows 036-050: Skull Motif**  
9. Follow chart B (Adeptus Mechanicus skull)
   - **RC 036:** COL, begin skull chart
   - Center motif: sts 45-63 (19 sts wide)
   - Background continues tech pattern
   - **RC 050:** End COL

**Rows 051-065: Tech Pattern Border**
10. Repeat chart A 
    - **RC 051:** COR, begin repeat
    - **RC 065:** End COR

### UPPER RIBBING
11. **RC 066:** Switch to MC only, tension 4
12. Set up ribber again for 1×1 rib
13. Transfer every other stitch to ribber using transfer tool
14. **RC 066-080:** Knit 15 rows 1×1 rib
    - Match lower ribbing length
    - **RC 080:** End COL

### FOLDED HEM
15. **RC 081:** Drop ribber, all sts to main bed, tension 5
16. **RC 081-090:** Knit 10 rows stockinette, MC only (hem allowance)
17. **RC 090:** Fold line - knit 1 row at loose tension 8
18. **RC 091-100:** Knit 10 more rows, tension 5

## FINISHING
19. **Bind Off:** Use latch tool to bind off all 108 sts
20. **Hemming:** Fold hem along fold line, hand stitch in place with MC
21. **Seaming:** Join cast-on and bind-off edges using mattress stitch
22. **Blocking:** Steam lightly, avoiding colorwork areas
23. **Final Check:** Circumference should measure 24" (61 cm)

## COLORWORK CHARTS

**CHART A: Tech Pattern (15 rows)**
```
□ = MC (Main Color - Grey)
■ = CC (Contrast Color - Red)

Row 15: □□■□□■□□■□□■□□■ (repeat)
Row 14: □■□□■□□■□□■□□■□
Row 13: ■□□■□□■□□■□□■□□
...continue pattern
Row 1:  □■■□■■□■■□■■□■■
```

**CHART B: Skull Motif (15 rows × 19 sts)**
```
Center skull design in CC on MC background
Position at stitches 45-63 on needle bed
```

## TECHNICAL NOTES
- **Tension Check:** After RC 025, fabric should measure 4.2" from cast-on
- **Colorwork Tips:** Let yarns hang naturally, don't twist
- **Weight Management:** Redistribute weights every 20 rows
- **RC Verification Points:** 015 (rib complete), 035 (first border), 065 (colorwork complete), 080 (upper rib)

*Final stitch count verification: Cast on 108, maintain 108 throughout, bind off 108 ✓*

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*For the Omnissiah! Blessed be the machine spirits.*