Knit in Barbara Walker’s “Zig Zag Checks” pattern (adapted for working in the round), the Compulsive Loop has an intriguing look on both sides of the fabric! The patterning is made with elongated and slipped stitches, meaning only one color is used per round, and the resulting long loop is thick and warm in two shades of The Plucky Knitter’s Bulky yarn. A matching headband makes the most of your yardage, while keeping your ears toasty!

NERDY TRIVIA - This was photographed at the Lehi Roller Mills, the flower mill where Renn (Kevin Bacon’s character) worked in 1984’s Footloose.

This pattern contains both fully charted and written instructions.

Recommended Yarn:
The Plucky Knitter Bulky — 100% superwash merino — 135 yds (123.5 m) to 100 g. Both pieces can be made with two skeins of each color (four skeins total).

Loop, Color A (garter edges and zig-zags, shown in colorway Magnet & Steel) — approx. 210 yds (192 m)

Loop, Color B (background, shown in colorway Melba) — approx. 155 yds (142 m)

Headband, Color A (garter edges and zig-zags, shown in colorway Magnet & Steel) — approx. 30-35 yds (27-32 m)

Headband, Color B (background, shown in colorway Melba) — approx. 20-25 yds (18-23 m)

Sizing:
Loop — one size — 7.5” (19 cm) high and 52” (132 cm) around (height and width can be easily adjusted).

Headband — XS, (S, M, L) sizes — 3.75” (9.5 cm) high and 17”, (18”, 19”, 20”) (43, 45.5, 48, 51 cm) around. Shown in size L on 23” (58.5 cm) head.

Gauge:
16 sts and 28 rows to 4” (10 cm) in main body pattern (not stockinette), in the round and on larger needle, washed and blocked. (Gauge is most easily measured across a purl ridge in pattern.)

16 sts and 24 rows to 4” (10 cm) in garter stitch, in the round and on smaller needle, washed and blocked.

Needles:
US 7 (4.5 mm) and US 9 (5.5 mm) circular needles, 32” (loop) and 16” (headband) lengths

PLEASE NOTE: I knit very tightly. I actually used a US 8 (5 mm) needle for the garter edges, with a US 10 (6 mm) needle for the body, but knitters who are typically “on gauge” will likely need to use a US 7 (4.5 mm) needle for the garter edges, with a US 9 (5.5 mm) needle for the body. Very loose knitters may need to go down even further. Always use a needle at least two sizes smaller for garter edges.

Changes in gauge will affect finished size and amount of yarn used—to meet these dimensions, be sure to use the needle size that gives gauge.

Other Materials:
Stitch marker to indicate beg. of round, tapestry needle.

With sincere thanks to The Plucky Knitter for their support!