Cowichan
Cowichan is Canada. For over 150 years, the native Coast Salish people of Vancouver Island have created these distinctively patterned, hand-knitted sweaters, toques, mitts, and socks. Each piece of Coast Salish Indian clothing is unique, incorporating traditional designs of animals, birds, sea creatures, and geometric shapes. The Salish knitting is a very old traditional art form; and over the decades these hand knitted sweaters have become well known for their beauty and expert craftsmanship. The Coast Salish Indian knitting represents historically the extraordinary resourcefulness, creativity, and adaptability of the people of the Coast Salish Tribes.
The clothing designs have been passed down from generation to generation; typically from mother to daughter, and there are some excellent male knitters as well. Please note the distinction that while we reference the shops of our other artisans, Cowichan sweaters are most often made right in the knitter’s home. The raw wool is hand washed, hand teased, hand carded, and finally hand spun. This meticulous hands on technique helps to preserve all of the natural oils that are found in the wool; making the sweaters water and stain resistant, and perfect for the Northwest Coast winters.
This beautiful art form is still used culturally in the winter dances of the Coast Salish longhouses, and it can be seen being worn by people from all walks of life, including Prime ministers, Presidents, and members of the Royal family.
Cowichan Sweater - Snowflake - Kids
$250.00 $325.00
Cowichan, full zip sweater. 100% wool. Canadian made. Snow flake design. We recommend this to fit someone with chest measurements of 33" to 35" Body Length 23", Sleeve Length 25"...
Cowichan Sweater - Geometric - Kids
$250.00 $325.00
Cowichan full zip sweater 100% wool. Canadian hand made. Snowflake design We recommend for this to fit someone with a chest measurement between 27" to 30". Body length 25", sleeve...
Cowichan Sweater - Totem - SMALL
$250.00 $355.00
Cowichan Sweater - Totem - SMALL Full zip Hand knit in Canada Keeping Canadian tradition alive If your chest measures between 32 and 34 inches this should fit you well...
Cowichan Pullover - Eagle - LARGE
$280.00 $325.00
100% wool. Canadian hand made. Eagle design We recommend for this to fit someone with a chest measurement between 42" to 44". Body length 25", sleeve length 33"- measured from...
Cowichan Pullover - Snowflake - MEDIUM
$280.00 $325.00
100% wool. Canadian hand made. Snowflake design We recommend for this to fit someone with a chest measurement between 38" to 40". Body length 28", sleeve length 33"- measured from the...
Cowichan Sweater - Whale/Eagle - SMALL/MEDIUM
$285.00 $335.00
Cowichan Full zip sweater 100% wool. Canadian hand made. Whale and Eagle design We recommend for this to fit someone with a chest measurement between 36" to 38". Body length...
Cowichan Sweater - Eagle - AVAILABLE IN 8 SIZES
$385.00
Cowichan Sweater - Eagle Full zip Available in XS -XXL This is handmade in Canada with Canadian wool. Supporting local business and craft. Cowichan is Canada. For over 150 years, the...
Cowichan Sweater - Eagle - MEDIUM
$385.00
Cowichan Sweater - Eagle - Medium 100% Wool Full zip Hand Knit in Canada Keeping Canadian tradition alive. If you have a chest measurement between 36 and 38 this should fit...
Cowichan Sweater - Navy Raven - AVAILABLE IN 8 SIZES
$385.00
Cowichan Sweater - Navy Raven Design Available in XS -XXL This is handmade in Canada with Canadian wool. Supporting local business and craft. Cowichan is Canada. For over 150 years, the...
Cowichan - Our Design - AVAILABLE IN 4 SIZES
$385.00
Designed by my daughter, Clare and I. A little shorter, unless you wear it oversized. 100% Canadian = Canadian wool, Canadian design, Canadian hand knit. We love this Cowichan inspired...