The Guardian Cowl is based on several mythological dragons like the Celtic wuivre and beithir, and the Germanic wyrm. The choice to call these intertwined creatures “guardians” comes from the ancient dragon’s association of strength, wisdom, gate-keeping passage to other worlds, and the guardianship of the universe’s secrets and treasures. Inspired by never-ending Celtic knots and the intricate decorations of Medieval tapestries, each dragon’s tail makes up all of the filigree throughout this design!

TECHNIQUES UTILIZED

This pattern is worked with stranded colorwork, where floats are caught every few stitches at the back your work. Other unique techniques utilized in this pattern include:

Split Single Crochet (Waistcoat Stitch) - Used for the colorwork chart, gives the appearance of knitted fabric

Front and Back Post Double Crochet - Used for top and bottom hem, gives the appearance of ribbing

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Hook
2.75 mm crochet hook, or size needed to obtain listed gauge.

(Optional) Hook 1 or 2 sizes smaller than what is used for colorwork to be used for ribbing.

Yarn & Yardage
Two high-contrasting colors in sport or fingering weight yarn.
Color A: 300 yds / 275 m
Color B: 213 yds / 195 m

If you would like to use a different color for the borders at the top and bottom of the colorwork chart, use 55 yds / 50 m of Color C and subtract that amount from Color B’s total above.

Notions
Tapestry needle
3 locking stitch markers
Scissors

SIZING

Size & Finished Measurements
One size
13” W x 14.5” H / 33 cm W x 37 cm H laid flat (26” / 66 cm circumference) when finished and blocked

Gauge
22 stitches and 25 rows for 4” (10 cm) square measured over colorwork pattern in the round after blocking

If sharing your progress and finished piece on Instagram or other social networks, please use the hashtag #GuardianCowl, happy crocheting friend!