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I had a few false starts, until I realized I should try working upside down—my foundation chain would create the top edge, and as rounds were added, I could easily insert extra stitches to create the slightly flared shape as I worked my way along.



All of the stovepipe cowls I had made before, were always designed to start at the base and work my way to the top. You get used to seeing the stitches working in the same orientation. When you flip the work upside down, you end up getting a totally different view of things.



The image above on the left, shows how the stitches look as I added the rounds, increasing as I went upwards.

The image above on the right, shows how the stitches look when the cowl is turned upside down, placing the flared edge at the bottom.




I have made stovepipe cowls for a number of years, but was never 100% thrilled with the results. One of my cold intolerant areas is my neck. I have to keep it protected during the winter, so it's an area I have to pay attention to. Taking that into account, there has to be enough fabric, that when it is worn, it creates folds and rouches naturally, which will provide extra warmth. The fabric must also have enough structure to stay somewhat upright, right under the chin, but have soft enough draping to flare out at the bottom to curve around shoulders and collar bone areas.

It took a while, but I finally got there! Specific stitches will help create the structure for the top edge, the pleating for the middle, and the flaring for the bottom.

For this sample, I used a 6.5mm hook and combined a sport weight yarn (dark brown colour) with a fine weight yarn (mid-grey colour). I enjoy combining yarns together because it enables me to create a custom blend from whatever I have in my stash. I've also noticed that a different kind of structure is created in the fabric when compared to using only one yarn.

Dimensions:
13 inches high
10.5 inches diameter at the top (21 inches in total circumference)
14.0 inches diameter at the bottom (28 inches in total circumference)

Amount of yarn used: 180 grams overall weight of combined yarns

Hook Size: 6.5 mm