Eleanor

Eleanor Cowl by Anna Nikipirowicz

What is Being Made

Eleanor is an advanced knitted cowl designed by independent designer Anna Nikipirowicz. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a luxurious neck accessory that measures 27cm (10.6 inches) in height and 75cm (29.5 inches) at its widest points when laid flat. The finished cowl is substantial enough to provide warmth and style, making it suitable for layering over various garments.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern calls for 2 balls of Rowan Brushed Fleece yarn in aran weight. The photographed sample is shown in Rowan Brushed Fleece colorway Cove (shade 251), though crafters may select alternative colors from the Rowan Brushed Fleece range. The pattern also requires 6mm (US 10/UK 4) knitting needles and 2 buttons approximately 3cm in diameter for finishing details.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Eleanor employs advanced knitting techniques appropriate for experienced crafters. The pattern utilizes a 1 x 1 rib stitch as the primary fabric structure, which creates vertical lines of texture and elasticity characteristic of ribbed knits.

Specialized techniques featured in this pattern include:

• Cluster stitch – an advanced slip-stitch manipulation technique that involves slipping stitches with yarn positioned at the back, moving yarn to the front, slipping the same stitches back to the left-hand needle, repositioning yarn to the back, and slipping the stitches once more with yarn at the back. This creates decorative textural elements.
• Knit stitches (K) – fundamental knit stitch
• Purl stitches (P) – fundamental purl stitch
• Knit two together (K2tog) – a right-leaning decrease
• Purl two together (P2tog) – a purl-based decrease
• Purl three together (P3tog) – a multiple purl decrease
• Pass slipped stitch over (Psso) – a left-leaning decrease technique
• Pass two slipped stitches over (P2sso) – a double decrease variation

Tension and Finished Dimensions

Proper tension is essential for achieving the correct finished size. The pattern specifies a tension of 13 stitches and 19 rows to 10cm square measured over the 1 x 1 rib pattern using 6mm (US 10/UK 4) knitting needles. Maintaining this tension ensures the cowl reaches its intended finished measurements of 27cm in height and 75cm at the widest points.

Difficulty Level

Eleanor is classified as an advanced knitting project, making it suitable for experienced knitters who are comfortable with complex stitch abbreviations, specialized techniques like cluster stitches, and various decrease methods. The combination of rib work with decorative slip-stitch manipulations requires strong foundational knitting skills and the ability to read and interpret advanced pattern instructions.