Elliptic Cowl

Elliptic Cowl by Helen Gipson

What Is Being Made

The Elliptic Cowl is a quick-to-knit neck accessory designed by Helen Gipson that combines a fitted neckline with an extended oval-shaped collar. This cowl hugs the neck while the distinctive elliptic shaping extends coverage across the shoulders, making it a versatile layering piece. The design is sized for a 16-inch neck circumference and works as an intermediate-level knitting project suitable for crafters with foundational skills.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several specialized knitting techniques to achieve its unique elliptic shape and textured appearance. The construction uses magic loop or circular needle methods for seamless in-the-round knitting, allowing for continuous fabric without seams. The pattern incorporates increase stitches strategically placed to create the graduated shaping from the fitted neck to the wider shoulder-covering section.

Key techniques include M1L (Make One Left) and M1P (Make One Purl) increases, which are worked by lifting the bar between stitches to add new stitches without creating visible holes. The pattern also features Twin Stitch techniques—both TSK (Twin Stitch Knit) and TSP (Twin Stitch Purl)—which create textural interest by working into stitches in the row below, adding depth and visual dimension to the finished cowl.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (fundamental stockinette base)
• Purl stitch (for ribbed neck pattern)
• M1L (Make One Left increase)
• M1P (Make One Purl increase)
• TSK (Twin Stitch Knit)
• TSP (Twin Stitch Purl)

The pattern specifies a neck rib pattern as the foundation, which provides elasticity and helps the cowl maintain its fitted shape around the neckline while the body transitions into the textured shoulder section.

Materials and Gauge

This project requires 95 to 115 yards of bulky weight yarn, making it an efficient use of materials for a substantial finished piece. The bulky weight creates a dense, warm fabric that works up quickly despite the intermediate techniques involved.

Needles required include either a 6mm 40-inch circular needle using the magic loop technique, or alternatively two 6mm 32-inch circular needles for working in the round. The pattern calls for size 6mm needles or the size needed to obtain gauge, allowing flexibility for individual gauge adjustments.

The specified gauge is 14 stitches and 20 rows to 4 inches over the neck rib pattern, which is typical for bulky weight yarn and ensures the cowl achieves proper fit and drape. A darning needle is needed for weaving in ends upon completion.