I enjoy the challenge of designing something in a technique or style that I’ve never used before. This Cowichan-inspired cardigan is the result of one such challenge. This oversized cardigan is perfect for chasing away the winter chill, with the shawl collar being ideal for keeping those cold breezes away from your neck.

Once I started playing with ideas, everything came together rather quickly. I wanted to use a bulky, rustic-looking yarn reminiscent of those used by the indigenous Salish women, along with motifs that were more or less universal. I realized I needed to keep the motifs somewhat scaled down to make sure they didn’t overwhelm the sweater, and I found a mosaic knitting pattern that was perfect for the center portion of the main chart across the chest. I was also intrigued by the collar construction mentioned in Priscilla Gibson-Roberts and Deborah Robson’s book Knitting in the Old Way. It’s pure genius!

This cardigan is ideal for both women and men, though men may need to adjust the sleeve length by adding a few more rounds above the last increase. And considering the scale of the yarn, this is a big cardi that will knit up before you know it.