When you need to look good at the barricades, here is the essential accessory. Release your inner Enjolras, or change the colours to suit your country, your team or your cause.

This cockade can be varied in size or complexity by changing the yarn weight (though 4-ply would be best) and the number of pleats and layers you add. I forgot to measure my yarn, but the finished cockade is 12cm or 4.5 inches across, and weighs 18g including the safety pin, so probably took no more than 150 metres or yards.

I used two 50cm circulars, though 40cm or 60cm would also work. My DPNs are 15cm long. I haven’t tried magic loop. Short DPNs are more manoeuvrable, but be careful not to drop stitches off the ends.

I have added very detailed instructions for making the pleats, and some photos to help. Some stages of the pattern are very fiddly, but it is great fun, and you will feel triumphantly clever when the pleats take shape.

Details are given of how to make a rosette instead, though I have to admit I have not actually knitted one myself - it’s more a set of guidelines.

This pattern is for personal use only. Do not sell the pattern or sell items which have been made from it.