Key patterns (angular spirals) are a prominent feature in Pictish and Celtic art. This cowl features an all-over repeating key pattern, ideal as an introduction to Celtic-style cable knitting.

The size of this cowl can easily be adjusted by varying the number of horizontal and vertical repeats of the cable chart. When working at the gauge listed, one single repeat of the chart measures 2¼˝ (5.5 cm) wide and 2˝(5 cm) high, and uses approx. 7.5 yds/(6 m) of yarn. The cable chart set-up requires a cast-on of a multiple of 12 sts.

Finished Measurements
22½˝/(57 cm) circumference
9½˝/(24 cm) length

Skills required
• provisonal cast-on
• cable knitting
• i-cord cast-off

Materials/tools required
• 2.75 mm/US size 2 (or size needed to obtain gauge) short circular needles [24˝/(60 cm) recommended length]
• 1 skein of Blacker Tamar 4-ply (100% pure new wool, 380 yds/(350 m) per 100 g, sample shown in ‘Tala Water’)
• Cable needle
• 1 stitch marker
• Waste yarn