This pattern was inspired by a friend of mine from South Boston who told me he asks his barber to give him a “Disney pilot style” cut whenever he sits in the chair. I was instantly inspired to make a dashing scarf to pair with the full head of wind-swept hair he takes so much pride in. Every “Disney pilot,” no matter how vain, needs a decent white scarf accessory. I’m looking at you, Launchpad McQuack.

Because I personally dislike scarves and cowls with a “wrong side,” I often opt for tube-knit or reversible stitch patterns. But for this design, not only did I want there to be no “wrong side,” I also didn’t want any visible seams or jogs, because who doesn’t love a challenge?

For further spice (as if it needed more), I wanted to add some texture, since I was going with a solid color. I’ve long adored the look of this Diamond Honeycomb Stitch pattern I found for free online. The trouble was, that pattern was designed to be knit flat, but the cowl would be knit in the round. After some experimentation, I converted the flat pattern to circular knitting, and even figured out how to hide the jog.

As for the invisible seam to close the tube into a hollow donut shape, the ends of the cowl would need to be grafted. Unfortunately, the Diamond Honeycomb Stitch did not lend itself to the usual kitchener stitch grafting technique very well, at least not without breaking the pattern at the join. After much head-scratching and a half-dozen attempts, I found a way to graft the piece—in pattern—to hide that seam as well. Unfortunately, what I came up with is outrageously complicated, but it does hide the join perfectly. I’ve done my best to explain the unique grafting technique, which is the hardest part of this pattern.

I strongly recommend making the Optional Headband on the last page to check your gauge and practice the grafting instructions before you begin a cowl. This pattern is not for the faint of heart.

Someday soon I will publish a YouTube tutorial for this pattern and link it in the description. Stay tuned!