We are going to explore a part of the world that I have never been to: Estonia, Latvia and Russia. Sound adventurous? I think so. We’re going to make Estonian Braids… aka : Lateral Braids or Vikkel Braids. We will also make Latvian Braids. And for a grand finale, we will end our knitting with Russian Grafting. No passport is necessary. All you need is an adventurous spirit and a love for knitting.

The pattern includes explanations of how to make Latvian Braids, Lateral Braids and Russian Grafting. I’ve also added video sites for those of you who are like me and like visual aids. All these new techniques will add amazing dimension to your knitting skills.

Don’t be intimidated. These techniques are quite easy to do. If you know how to knit through the back loop (ktbl), knit through the front loop (ktfl) and purl, you can do this.

As you can see you can make your cowl reversible or have both sides the same.

Reversible Cowls:
The Blue and White Cowl was made with Valley Yarns Northampton; 100% wool, 247yds. I skein of Ocean Heather and 1 skein of Natural.

The Maroon and Pink Cowl was made with Valley Yarns Sheffield; 70% Merino, 15% Silk, 15% Angora, 120yds. 2 skeins of # 23 Chianti and 2 skeins #28 Wild Rose.

Both Sides the Same Cowl:
The Brown and Camel was made with Valley Yarns Sheffield; 70% Merino, 15% Silk, 15% Angora, 120yds. 2 skeins #16 dark Brown and 1 skein of # 29 Camel.

Any worsted weight yarn can be used.