Cygnus olor, more commonly known as the mute swan, formed the inspiration for this cowl. The yarn is soft as swan’s down, the all-over cable pattern resembles rippling water, and one long swan’s wing feather is wrapped around the narrowest part of the cowl. If white isn’t for you, why not make a Cygnus Cowl in the colour of your own favourite bird – flamingo pink, raven black, dove grey, owl brown or teal blue?

Pattern notes
The cowl is knit flat (back and forth). The feather is knit separately and sewn on later. It isn’t a beginner’s knit, but for a slightly more experience knitter it is totally doable. The cables and several other knitting techniques are explained in the pattern, and the description of how the cowl is finished is accompanied by photos.

Yarn
2 balls of Rowan ‘Brushed Fleece’, shown here in shade 251 Cove.

Needles & notions
5.0 mm (US 8) and 6.0 mm (US10) needles, cable needle, tapestry needle, T-pins.

Gauge
15 sts x 20 rows = 10 x 10 cm/4” x 4” in all-over cable pattern with larger needle after soaking and drying (a swatching tip is included in the pattern).

Finished measurements
Approx. 60 cm/23½” around x 25½ cm/10” high (measured at highest point of scalloped edge).

Read the blogpost: Cygnus Cowl - A Swan-inspired Accessory