The giant manta ray (Manta birostris) inspired this design. In 2018, they were listed as threatened under the US Endangered Species Act. Gentle giants, with wingspans reaching up to 29 feet (9 m), they filter feed on zooplankton (tiny shrimp-like animals).

The design is a twisted tubular/infinity cowl with asymmetrical colorwork of schooling manta rays, meant to encapsulate the grace of these animals. There is a band of purled texture representing rippling waves. Knit with a silky wool with lovely drape, the cowl flows like tropical water.

Colorwork charts are included in standard and inverted versions.
Skills needed: Provisional cast-on, stranded colorwork, trapping long floats, Kitchener stitch/Grafting. Links are included to tutorials for these skills.

Measurements
At the stated gauge and yardage, this cowl works up to 10 inches in height with the 30 in circumference. The circumference is entirely customizable (will affect yardage) and I included a conversion table for for knitting at different gauges, with stitch gauges from 22.5-29.5 per 4 inches/ 10 cm.

Yarn and Yardage
DK weight yarn with nice drape, in two contrasting colors
Sample: Malabrigo Silky Merino in Smoke (CC) and Arvada Green (MC)
MC: 450-500 yards (410-460 m)
CC: 150 yards (135 m)
Sample used 1 50g skein of CC and 3 50g skeins of MC.

Gauge
28* sts and 28 rounds in 4 in (10 cm)
It is recommended to check gauge in both colorwork and stockinette and change needle size as needed for consistent stitch gauge
See note above about alternative gauges - this pattern includes a conversion table for estimating final height based on your gauge.

Needles and Notions
16-20 in (40-50 cm) circular needles
US 5/3.75 mm (or size needed to obtain gauge)
Stitch markers, tapestry needle, smooth waste yarn, crochet hook & spare needle (in size used or one smaller) for Kitchener stitch