From Weldon’s Practical Knitter, Twenty-Fifth Series (published in 1894) and reprinted in Weldon’s Practical Needlework Volume 9.

“These cravats are especially suited to the present style of dress, which ordains that for walking our coats and jackets shall be cut with revers opening in V shape upon the chest. The cravat is worn round the neck, underneath the jacket, and the ends being crossed upon the chest will fill the vacant aperture, give the neck a neat appearance and be useful in warding off colds.”

The original pattern calls for two balls of white Cockatoo (a boucle type yarn), and No. 6 needles. “Cockatoo is a peculiar kind of wool spun in a series of little rings and done up in ounce balls; it is stocked by most fancy dealers, as it is useful for shawls, wraps, and other purposes.”