Tannholz is all about textural contrast – knobbly pinecones in close-up, juxtaposed against the geometric, flattened outlines of conifers viewed from afar. These two patterns are worked in turn over two long sections, then seamed to form a loop.

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The knitter has plenty of options: make a short, wide cowl or a long, double-wrapped one; make it chunky or light. Instructions are given for aran and chunky weight versions (as shown in the samples), with guidance provided for other yarns. Choose a well-rounded, bouncy yarn in any gauge (three-ply structure is ideal).

And don’t worry, you’re not looking at working dozens of tedious bobbles! The pinecone texture is created easily with increases and decreases.

Difficulty: Intermediate
Skills used: increasing and decreasing, provisional cast-on, Kitchener stitch

Sizing and materials:
Aran weight (as shown in brown, short version):
Gauge: 18 sts x 30 rows to 10cm / 4in in stocking stitch
Width: short version – 37cm / 14.5in; long – 25cm / 10in
Circumference: short version – 69cm / 27in; long – 142cm / 56in
Yarn: 2 skeins of Miss Babs Madison in Roasted Pumpkin
5.5mm / US 9 needles

Chunky weight (as shown in green, long version):
Gauge: 13 sts x 18 rows to 10cm / 4in in stocking stitch
Width: short version – 35cm / 14in; long – 27cm / 10.5in
Circumference: short version – 74cm / 29in; long – 147cm / 58in
Yarn: 2 skeins of Miss Babs K2 in Moss
8mm / US 11 needles

Other yarns:
This pattern is very adaptable for different yarns. Allow at least 320g of yarn (in any gauge) for a short cowl, 400g for a long one, and see notes in the instructions on adjusting for your chosen options.

Thank you to Frauke Urban for tech editing, to my very helpful testers, and to stitched.zone for support.