‘Celtic Art’ is a very broad term, this cowl samples several different genres of motifs from many areas and time frames. This pattern was originally written as an advent pattern from 2021 using 24 different colours. It is named after St. Ninian, who is believed to have brought Christianity to Scotland in the 4th Century AD.

This cowl is a very simple construction, you cast on and knit in the round, repeating the motifs with whatever colours and placement you want until it is the length you want, then graft the ends together. The exact colours and order of the sample has been used which will give you a close-fitting single loop cowl. If you repeat the motifs you can make a longer cowl and the colour placement is entirely up to you.

The cowl uses approximately 750m of 4ply yarn in various colours. The sample is worked in 15 colours of 10g Miniballs (approx. 50m in each) but it works just as well in two contrasting colours or a larger number. You will have yarn left over to make the cowl a bit longer if wished, for a double loop you will need about 240g/ 1200m. The colours in the sample were inspired by the Book of Kells. Sample colours: Spring Meadow, Pagan, H. Orchid, Midnight, Marzipan, Petrel, Cottage, Putty, Tusk, Braes, Atlantic Spray, Teal Dust, Sea Pearl, Grenadine and Laurel.

A 3.25mm 40cm circular needle is best for this pattern but it can be worked on DPNs or magic loop.