Fashionable checks are anything but square, whether you go for high-contrast impact or a subtle combination of colours. Be creative and make use of those gorgeous leftovers in your stash to create your one-of-a-kind accessory.

Check is a two-colour cowl, knit in stripes well-placed increases and decreases give it a checkered look. Adjustable in length and width, use any yarn weight from fingering to DK with needles that give you the density you prefer.

Pink cowl in Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light 1 skein Mansfield Garden party and 1 skein Neon Rose 100% Merino, 420 yd/ 384 m per 100g on 3 mm (US 4) needles. Finished size: width 25 cm circumference 104 cm (10 x 41 inches).

Multi colour cowl in Noro Silk Garden Sock, 1 skein Natural and 1 skein Rainbow 40% Wool, 25% Silk, 25% Nylon, 10% Mohair 328 yd/ 300 m per 100g on 4 mm (US 6) needles. Finished size: width 21 cm circumference 62 cm (8 x 24 inches).