Designed by Sydney O’Shaughnessy for Knit for Wildlife.
You can find Sydney @sydneyraeo on Instagram.

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This pattern has been created through Knit for Wildlife’s “Knitters in Residence”. Exploring the global decline of seabirds through the remarkable story of Vega World Heritage. A unique symbiosis between people and eiders.

Seabird Inspiration: Adapt the colors in this pattern to represent any seabird by choosing colors inspired by its plumage. I encourage you to explore seabirds in your region and select a local species. This can help foster a sense of place while knitting and celebrate the birds that call your region home.

Construction:
This pattern is worked flat from the nape of the garment to the tip. The pattern utilizes 6-row repeats, where every first row includes a cable crossover.

Yarn
Sample 1 - Sport Weight Yarn (shown in cream with green and charcoal stripes)
Color 1: 170m/185yds used
Color 2: 13m/14yds used
Color 3 (optional, used for stockinette stripe 2): 13m/14yds used
Sample used with Berroco Lanas Light 100% wool in Cream, Charcoal, and Sorrel

Sample 2 - Fingering Weight Yarn (shown in light brown with dark brown stripes)
Color 1: 150m/164yds used
Color 2: 23m/25yds used
Sample used Knitting for Olive merino in Ocher Brown and Dark Ocher

Pattern Size:
Finished Measurements (after blocking)

Sample 1 Measurements:
Depth (top center to tip): 31cm (12 inches)
Wingspan (along the top edge): 109cm (43 inches)

Sample 2 Measurements:
Depth (top center to tip): 25cm (10 inches)
Wingspan (along the top edge): 86cm (34 inches)

You can increase the size of the pattern by working more repeats in Sections 2 or 6, or by selecting a thicker yarn weight. If you do use a different yarn, choose an appropriate needle. Note that working at a different gauge will affect required yardage.

Needles
Sample 1: US 4/3.5mm - 32-inch/80 cm long or longer
Sample 2: US 2.5/3.0mm - 32-inch/80cm long or longer
Optional: A single needle two or three sizes larger, for binding off

Gauge
Sample 1: 23 sts/50 rows = 10 cm/4 inches in garter stitch
Sample 2: 28 sts/64 rows = 10 cm/4 inches in garter stitch