Eclipse Cowl Knitting Pattern

Eclipse Cowl in Juniper Moon Farm Moonshine Chunky

Project Overview

The Eclipse Cowl is a downloadable knitting pattern designed by Pamela Wynne as part of the Supermoon Collection. This cowl is a sophisticated wrap-style accessory that combines elegant construction with striking visual interest through lace patterning. The finished piece measures 10 inches by 32 inches before seaming, creating a generous cowl that drapes beautifully when worn.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a cowl—a versatile neckwear accessory that wraps around the shoulders and chest. The Eclipse Cowl is constructed as a rectangular piece that is then folded and seamed to create its final three-dimensional shape. When worn, the seam sits near the shoulder, with the outer corner of the bind-off edge positioned at the center front chest, allowing the cowl to frame the neckline elegantly.

Yarn and Materials

The Eclipse Cowl is worked in Juniper Moon Farm Moonshine Chunky yarn in the colorway #101 Toasted Marshmallow. The pattern requires 3 hanks of this yarn. The yarn is held double throughout the project, meaning two strands are worked simultaneously. To prevent twisted strands during knitting, the pattern recommends pulling working yarns from two separate balls rather than using the center and outer strands from a single ball.

Needles and Gauge

This project is worked on US 15 (10mm) needles, or the size needed to obtain the correct gauge. The pattern gauge is 10 stitches and 14 rows over 4 inches in pattern stitch with two strands of yarn, after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the finished measurements and ensuring the cowl drapes as intended.

Techniques and Stitches Used

The Eclipse Cowl employs several fundamental knitting techniques to create its distinctive appearance:

• Yarn Over (yo): This stitch creates decorative holes in the fabric, contributing to the lace pattern that gives the cowl its visual interest and allows for drape.
• Slip Stitches (sl): The pattern uses slip stitches worked knitwise and with yarn in back to create clean edges and structural definition. Slipped stitches are worked on both right-side and wrong-side rows.
• Knit Two Together Through Back Loop (k2tog tbl): This decrease stitch is paired with yarn overs to create the lace motif. Working the decrease through the back loop creates a specific directional slant in the fabric.
• Purl Stitches (p): Used on wrong-side rows to balance the pattern and create texture.
• Knit Stitches (k): The foundational stitch used throughout the pattern.

Pattern Construction

The cowl begins with a loose cast-on of 26 stitches. The main pattern consists of two rows that are repeated 55 times total (110 rows), creating a rectangular fabric with consistent lace patterning throughout. Row 1, worked on the right side, begins and ends with slipped stitches and features the yarn over and decrease sequence across the middle stitches. Row 2, worked on the wrong side, follows a similar structure with purl stitches at the edges. This two-row repeat creates a balanced, reversible-looking pattern that works beautifully from both sides of the fabric.

Finishing and Assembly

Once the knitting is complete, the piece is bound off loosely in pattern to maintain the fabric's drape and flexibility. The cowl is then blocked to the specified measurements of 10 inches by 32 inches. The final assembly involves folding the rectangular piece and seaming the cast-on edge to the opposite long edge (the bind-off edge). The seaming is done with careful attention to corner placement: the outer corner of the cast-on edge matches with the inner corner of the bind-off edge, creating the three-dimensional cowl shape that sits properly when worn.

Design Characteristics

The Eclipse Cowl is an elegant, intermediate-level project that combines chunky yarn with delicate lace patterning. The use of yarn held double creates a fabric with excellent drape and warmth while maintaining the visual lightness of the lace design. The Toasted Marshmallow colorway provides a neutral, versatile shade suitable for various styling options. The finished cowl is substantial enough to provide warmth while remaining elegant and refined in appearance.