Neko, The Cozy Cat Cowl, offers warmth, luck and even a much needed cuddle on those blustery cold days.

Neko was inspired by both my beloved cat ‘Bird’ and the Maneki-neko totems (otherwise known as the Japanese beckoning cat figurines). Bird was a very friendly, cuddly cat with a gray tortoiseshell coat so soft and smooth that it truly felt like a silken cloud. She sat on my shoulder and “chirped” as a kitten, then as an adult would often sleep on my chest and snuggle up close to my neck. The Maneki-neko figurines have a beautiful history dating back to the Edo Period with universal symbolism of bearing good luck and fortune… and wouldn’t you know that a calico colored Maneki-neko is supposedly the luckiest color totem too!

Pattern and Materials Details:
NOTES
Neko is worked seamlessly from the nose to the end of the cowl. Significant short row shaping, using Double Stitch, is used in both the cat’s head and toward the end of the cowl. The ears are added after the head and cowl are knit using the forethought ear method. See pages 3 - 5 for illustrations and abbreviations.

PACK LEVEL
Beta (Intermediate)

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Approximately 25” long from nose to end of cowl and 7” at its widest point.

ADDITIONAL MATERIALS
Stuffing
Tapestry needle
Sewing needle
Black embroidery floss
White thread
Waste yarn (a smooth, cotton yarn that
is slightly thinner than your project yarn)
Split ring stitch marker (optional)

NOTES
These instructions are for an average adult sized cowl. To resize the cowl to suit your needs, simply work fewer or additional repeats of Rows 3 and 4 in the cowl section as desired before working the keyhole.

I recommend reading all instructions, abbreviations and pattern notes prior to beginning this project.
This accessory may not be suitable for some children under 5 years of age. Please consider the intended recipient’s age, maturity and potential to mis-use this accessory when planning your project.