Coblynau

Coblynau Cabled Cowls by Fyberspates

What is Being Made

Coblynau is a collection of three squishy cabled cowls designed by Jeni Hewlett for Fyberspates. Each cowl measures 90cm (35½in) in length, making them versatile enough to wrap around the neck twice for extra warmth or wear as a single wrap. The cowls feature a width of 14cm (5½in) at the widest point of the cable pattern for Versions 1 and 2, with Version 3 measuring 16cm (6¼in) at its widest point. These intermediate-level knitting projects showcase beautiful cable work that creates texture and visual interest.

Techniques Used

The Coblynau cowls employ classic cable knitting techniques to create dimensional, sculptural fabric. Cable stitches are central to the design, with the patterns worked over multiple rows to create the characteristic twisted rope effects. The designs use both forward and backward cable crosses to build complex lattice and diagonal patterns. Blocking after completion is essential to achieve the finished measurements and to set the cable definition, with all versions worked on 4mm needles and blocked to specific gauge measurements.

Stitch Patterns

Three distinct stitch patterns are featured across the three versions:

• Diagonal Cable Stitch (Version 1): Features alternating cable crosses worked in a diagonal progression across the rows. The pattern includes C16F (cable 16 stitches forward) repeats that create a dynamic diagonal movement through the fabric.
• Centre Cross Cable Stitch: Incorporates C16F and C16B (cable 16 stitches backward) crosses positioned symmetrically, creating a centered cable design with balanced visual weight.
• Lattice Cable Stitch (Version 3): Uses multiple C16F and C16B crosses in sequence to build an interlocking lattice pattern. This version creates a more complex, interconnected cable structure with greater visual complexity than the other versions.

All stitch patterns are worked over a stockinette stitch base (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows) that allows the cable crosses to stand out prominently. The patterns include multiple knit rows between cable crossing rows to create definition and prevent the fabric from becoming too dense.

Materials

Coblynau is designed to be worked with Fyberspates Faery Wings yarn, a luxurious blend composed of 69% Mulberry Silk, 22% Silk, and 9% Polyamide. Each skein contains 175 meters and weighs 50 grams. The pattern requires 2 skeins of 50g (100 grams total) to complete any version of the cowl. The yarn is worked on 4mm needles to achieve the specified gauge of 57 stitches and 32 rows over 10cm when measured over the cable patterns, or 50 stitches and 32 rows over 10cm for the lattice cable stitch version. The silk-rich fiber content creates a fluid, lustrous fabric that drapes beautifully while the polyamide adds durability and elasticity to the finished cowl.