Classic Elite Yarns Hippolyta Cowl Knitting Pattern

Hippolyta Cowl by Classic Elite Yarns

What is Being Made

The Hippolyta is a fringed cowl designed by Susan Mills, originally published in Fall 1610. This is an intermediate-level knitting project that creates a sophisticated neck accessory with a distinctive fringed lower edge and a fitted, tapered silhouette. The finished cowl measures 36 inches in circumference at the bottom, 20½ inches at the top, and stands approximately 12 inches tall (excluding the fringe), making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Techniques Used

The Hippolyta cowl employs several advanced knitting techniques to achieve its unique construction and shape. The project is worked in the round using circular needles, which allows for seamless construction and creates a continuous fabric. The cowl features a distinctive fringed edge that is worked sideways before the main body is constructed, demonstrating a sophisticated approach to garment design.

The shaping of the cowl is accomplished through strategic decrease rounds that progressively reduce the stitch count from 126 stitches down to 72 stitches, creating a tapered fit that transitions smoothly from the wider bottom to the narrower top. This graduated shaping ensures the cowl drapes elegantly around the neck without excess bulk. The pattern also incorporates a turning ridge created by a purl round, which allows for a hemmed finish at the top edge.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure of the Hippolyta cowl is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a polished appearance. The fringe edge features yarn overs and knit two together decreases (yo, k2tog), which create decorative openwork details and contribute to the fringed aesthetic. The hem is finished with a purl round to create a turning ridge, followed by additional stockinette stitch for the hemmed band.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Hippolyta cowl is designed to showcase two complementary yarns from Classic Elite Yarns. The primary yarn is Chateau by Classic Elite Yarns, a luxurious blend of 70% baby alpaca and 30% bamboo that provides softness and drape. This yarn is used for 3 hanks in colorway 1432 Red Violet. The pattern also incorporates Palace by Classic Elite Yarns, which contains 55% baby alpaca, 25% bamboo, and 20% donegal for added texture and visual interest. Three hanks of Palace in colorway 5550 Gold are required.

Both yarns have the same yardage specifications: 50 grams yields approximately 98 yards, making them well-suited for colorwork and striping applications. The combination of baby alpaca and bamboo fibers creates a fabric that is both breathable and insulating, ideal for a cowl that will be worn close to the skin.

The pattern requires circular knitting needles in two sizes. A 16-inch circular needle in US size 9 (5.5 mm) and a 24-inch circular needle in US size 9 are used for the main body and initial rounds. A 16-inch circular needle in US size 8 (5 mm) is used for the hemmed top edge. The gauge is established at 14 stitches and 18 rounds per 4 inches in stockinette stitch using the larger needle size, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements.

Additional materials include a stitch marker for tracking the beginning of each round. The pattern is provided as a downloadable PDF, making it accessible for knitters of intermediate skill level who are comfortable with circular needle techniques and shaping through decreases.