I recently stumbled on a pattern containing a technique for knitting a heel-less sock that first appeared in the 1938 edition of Mary Thomas’ Knitting Book. It involves knitting a staggered 3x3 rib, such that the fabric biases to form a helical structure. While knitting up my new socks it occurred to me that this would also be a great technique for a cowl - it would stretch to fit over the head but then twist up for a cozy close fit around the neck. And so the Helical Cowl was born. Being a ribbed structure, the cowl is also completely reversible, and is perfect for tucking in your bag or pocket for those chilly spring or fall mornings.

Difficulty: Easy

Finished Circumference: 17 ¼ in 44 cm, unstretched. Stretches to approximately 28 in 71 cm.

Finished Length: 5 ¾ in 14.5 cm.

Yarn: Approximately 140 yds DK weight yarn. Shown in Swans Island Organic Washable DK 100% merino; 140 yd/128m per 1.76 oz/50g skein; color: Cayenne.

Gauge: 24 sts/ 36 rnds = 4 in 10 cm in St st.32 sts/35 rounds = 4 in 10 cm in pattern stitch.

Needles: US #5 (3.75mm) 16 in circular needle, or size needed to obtain gauge.
US # 6 4.0mm straight or circular needle for bind off (optional).

Notions: tapestry needle, stitch marker.

Tech editing by Tian Connaughton. Photography by Kerry Bullock-Ozkan.