An oyster-patterned modular cowl. Each shell is worked onto the previous two and the top edge is k1, p1 rib, knitted in the round. Don’t be put off by the unusual construction – it’s far easier to knit than it looks.

22cm or 8½ins wide and 56(78)cm or 22(30¾)ins in circumference

You could turn this cowl into a multi-coloured design by using oddments of yarn for individual shells! Each shell will require less than 5g or 10m of aran weight yarn. I’d love to see your Oysterbeds variations!

The inspiration for Oysterbeds comes from the native oysters that have been harvested off the coast of Mersea Island in Essex since Roman times. Naturally-growing oysters attach themselves to old oyster shells, forming clusters and reefs.