This is an easy and quick knit - ideal for a panic last-minute present, and great for people who are new to knitting (and anyone in a hurry). The pattern is a 12-line basket weave, and it is easily adapted to make a wider or longer cowl.

When knitted in Colinette’s Giotto, the cowl is warm in the winter and not too warm for the rest of the year. It is important, however, not to pay any attention to the gauge Colinette recommend for Giotto (or their suggested needle size) as that makes far too loose a knit.

About three-quaters of a skein makes a satisfactory cowl for most people; it’s easily adapted for wider or longer cowls but they - of course - will need more yarn.