Woodwrae cowl

Woodwrae Cowl by Lucy Hague

What Is Being Made

The Woodwrae cowl is a Celtic-inspired neck accessory featuring an all-over repeating key pattern design. This cowl measures 22½ inches (57 cm) in circumference and 9½ inches (24 cm) in length, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various neckline styles. The design draws inspiration from Pictish and Celtic art, where angular spirals and key patterns are prominent decorative elements historically significant to these cultures.

Techniques and Stitches Used

This intermediate-level knitting project introduces knitters to Celtic-style cable knitting through a structured, repeating cable chart. The cowl is worked in the round using stocking stitch as the base fabric, with cables integrated throughout the design. The pattern requires understanding cable techniques, as the key pattern motifs are created using cable manipulations that twist and cross stitches to form the characteristic angular spiral designs.

The cable chart operates on a multiple of 12 stitches, allowing for flexible sizing. Each single repeat of the chart measures 2¼ inches (5.5 cm) wide and 2 inches (5 cm) high, consuming approximately 7.5 yards (6 meters) of yarn per repeat. Knitters can easily adjust the finished cowl size by varying the number of horizontal and vertical repeats of the cable chart, making this design adaptable to personal preference and yarn availability.

Materials and Gauge

The Woodwrae cowl is worked at a gauge of 24 stitches and 37 rounds over 4 inches (10 cm) in stocking stitch after blocking. This gauge is achieved using 2.75 mm (US size 2) short circular needles, with a recommended needle length of 24 inches (60 cm) for comfortable in-the-round knitting.

The project requires 1 skein of Blacker Tamar 4-ply yarn (100% pure new wool, 380 yards per 100 grams), providing ample yardage for the cowl construction. The sample shown in the pattern is worked in the colorway Tala Water. Additional notions include a cable needle for manipulating stitches during cable work, 1 stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats, and waste yarn for securing stitches during construction or finishing.

Yarn Weight and Fiber Content

This cowl uses 4-ply yarn, a lightweight yet durable yarn weight that creates a fabric with excellent stitch definition, making the intricate cable patterns clearly visible. The 100% pure new wool fiber provides warmth, elasticity, and the traditional aesthetic appropriate for Celtic-inspired knitwear. The 4-ply weight allows the cowl to drape elegantly around the neck while maintaining structural integrity in the cable work.