Eline cowl

Eline Cowl by Melissa LaBarre

What Is Being Made

The Eline Cowl is a lacy loop scarf designed by Melissa LaBarre that functions as a versatile neck accessory. This cowl is constructed as a reversible piece, meaning it looks attractive when worn from either side, making it a practical and stylish addition to any wardrobe. The finished cowl is created using the in-the-round knitting method, resulting in a seamless, continuous loop.

Knitting Techniques

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several fundamental techniques suited to cowl construction. The pattern begins with a long-tail cast-on method, which creates a sturdy, elastic foundation ideal for circular projects. The cowl is worked in-the-round using a circular needle, eliminating the need for seaming and ensuring a smooth, professional finish. The pattern incorporates lace stitch work, which creates the openwork design characteristic of the Eline Cowl. Blocking is an essential finishing technique for this project—the pattern calls for blocking using either a water mist or steam, then laying flat to dry, which allows the lace pattern to fully open and display its delicate structure.

Stitches Used

The Eline Cowl features a lace pattern as its primary stitch structure. The pattern is worked from a 20-row repeat that is completed three times throughout the project. Knitters have the option to follow either a stitch chart or written row-by-row instructions, accommodating different learning preferences. The pattern concludes with a loose bind-off, which maintains the elasticity and drape of the lace fabric.

Materials and Specifications

• Yarn: Sport weight yarn, requiring 350 yards total
• Needles: US 6 (4mm) circular needle, 29 inches in length
• Notions: Stitch marker for marking the beginning of rounds, and a blunt needle for weaving in yarn ends
• Gauge: 22 stitches and 34 rows over 4 inches when worked in the lace pattern

Pattern Overview

The Eline Cowl begins with casting on 260 stitches using the long-tail method. After placing a stitch marker and joining the stitches in the round—taking care not to twist the cast-on edge—the knitter works the 20-row lace pattern a total of three times. Once the pattern repeats are complete, the stitches are bound off loosely to preserve the fabric's elasticity. The final step involves weaving in all yarn ends and blocking the finished cowl to enhance the lace pattern's appearance and drape.