From Cowltopus to Hoodola: The Cozy Appeal of Hooded Cowls
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There’s no denying it—knitted hoods are the snow-stopping accessory of the season! Whether you’re bundling up for a frosty walk, running errands or headed to the slopes, hoods are stealing the spotlight this year.
My fashion forecasting skills must be on fire because, in 2024, I designed two Hooded Cowls: Cowltopus and Hoodola. Cowltopus was 2024’s MKAL (mystery-knit-a-long) and was inspired by the mantle of an octopus. Cowtopus is worked in two colors, from the top of the hood downwards, and it has detailed video tutorials for walking knitters through every step of the pattern. Hoodola came along after Cowltopus’s reveal. It has the same shaping as Cowltopus, but the stitches are simpler… the Hoodola pattern is accessible for all, from fearless beginners to expert knitters looking for a soothing knit to sink their needles into.
One thing I adore about these hoods is all the ways you can wear them:
- With the hood over your head, and the cowl neck hanging down!
- With the hood dropped down, ready to pull up at a moment’s notice!
- As a Balaclava: Just tuck the long cowl neck inside your hood and pull it over your nose
Seeing as they’ve both gotten a lot of attention lately, I thought I would pull together a little resource page to provide everything anyone could ever need to knit either (or both!) of these cozy hoods!
Cowltopus
It’s a top-down hood knit in DK weight yarn. Cowltops starts with Judy’s Magic Cast-On. The hood is worked flat with textured two-color stitches and then joined in the round to shape the hood and start the cowl. You can choose between two options for the cowl portion: Complextopus (brioche) or Simplopus (2x2 ribbing). If you’ve been curious about trying brioche, this is the perfect project to dive in! Cowltopus’ video tutorials will walk you through every step. Prefer to keep it simple? Ribbing is equally stunning and a little more straightforward. Since the pattern was originally a mystery knit-a-long it is broken down into clues, which were released one at a time. When you purchase the pattern you will receive all four clues at once; Clues 1 and 2 are the hood, and Clues 3 and 4 are the neck.
Get the Cowltopus pattern today!
Looking for a kit to knit Cowltopus? Four Purls just posted kits in 7 different colors.
I knit my original Cowltopus in Fiber MacGyver's Merino DK, her kits are sold out, but I'll link here when they are back in stock!
Hoodola
This design offers a more streamlined knit, perfect for anyone who wants a hooded cowl without the extra complexity. The construction is unique and satisfying: it starts at the top with Judy’s Magic Cast On, worked flat in stockinette down to the neck with shaping, then joined in the round and finished with ribbing until it’s the perfect length for you. Hoodola is an inviting clean slate just waiting for your personal touch.
You can choose DK, Worsted, or Aran weight yarns —to make it
as light or as toasty as you like.
The pattern has been updated to include an optional casing — my girl asked for one on her holiday present and I found out y’all wanted one too!
Get the Hoodola pattern today!
FAQ
Do you have a crochet version?
No, sorry! I’m not a crochet designer, and I’m not quite sure where to start to convert these to crochet!
Do you sell finished Hoodola’s or Cowltopuses?
GAH, I wish I could… I am not a fast enough knitter, nor do I have enough hours in the day. If you really want one, maybe it is time to learn to knit! I suggest starting with a simple washcloth or two, and once you have knit and purl stitches down pat it is time to attack Hoodola!
Which pattern is better for a new knitter?
Hoodola! It has the same shape as Cowltopus but the stitches are way simpler.
I love Cowltopus but I’m scared of brioche…is there another option?
Yes! Cowltopus comes with two options for the neck. You can work it in two by two ribbing or brioche. The videos walk you through both options.
Purchase the patterns for Hoodola or Cowltopus today... knit one and stay WARM this winter!
Thanks for the video! It’s SO helpful! I’ve been knitting for 70 years, but this cast on is totally new to me.
ReplyDeleteAh! I love teaching new tricks!!! There is always more to learn!
DeleteQuestion about clue 3. I'm using 2 balls of yarn, plenty of yardage, did not weigh before starting. How many inches, roughly, of brioche should I have when I'm finished clue 3 and ready to start clue 4?
ReplyDeleteWhere do I find yarn for the cowltops?
ReplyDeleteAh, great question! The original yarn kits that were sold for the mkal are no longer available BUT there are tons of yarn choices! I suggest looking at yarns other people used for theirs. And watching the "pre" clue video, that goes over choosing yarn in detail!
Deletehttps://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cowltopus-mkal/yarns
This has been such a fun pattern and because I'm having so much fun I can't wait to get my hands on it every chance I get and it's whipping up fast. I'm a bit stuck on transferring to ndl band setting up the neck.
ReplyDeleteYeah! I'm so glad you are having fun!!! Watch the Clue 3 video for Cowltopus, that will show you that join!
DeleteThank you, I have already bought the Hoodola pattern and will try it this weekend
ReplyDeleteWAHOO!!!
DeleteI'd really like to purchase one of these from you. You have beautiful work. I have never seen anything like this before. I am going to buy a pattern, but I have NEVER stitched a stitch in my life, nor do I even know the language - its foreign to me, like a different language. I run a nonprofit that provides household furniture and items to people coming out of homelessness and do not have a couch, chair, etc. I also am the financial manager and I pay peoples shut off notices and evictions. But we are so small. I'd LOVE to have your hat. Partnership Center 2115 Ring Street Saginaw, MI 48638 You work is unbelievable! You would laugh at holes that I have tried to stitch up.. its quite embarrassing actually.
ReplyDeleteSorry! I don't sell finished pieces, on the patterns! I think it is time to learn to knit!
DeleteHello! I have known the knit and peal stitch my whole life but have only completed scarves! I am thrilled to be almost finishing my first Hoodola, and will soon be starting my second one. I am so glad Inhave found your patterns!
ReplyDelete☝️ One question….I have just completed the neck ribbing and about to cast off. I’m not sure what to do with the opening at the top of the hood to finish it off. Actually, I casted on not using Judy’s Magic Method and I’m wondering now if I had, would the top be joined already?
Ah, if you cast on with a different cast on you need to seam along the top!
DeleteI just finished clue 1 and I’m really enjoying this pattern. I am wondering, however, if I can now pull my stitches to knit flat as you suggested in clue 1. I thought you might say something again in clue 2 but you didn’t. I:have to be told EVERYTHING. Is it safe to do so?
ReplyDeleteYes, once you are onto Clue 2 you can definitely work flat from here on out!
DeleteI have tried starting Hoodola right times now and have not yet made it work. each time has been a learning experience, but i still haven't made it work yet. the last attempting was literally 5 stitches away from finishing set up row two, but i could not get the needles to cooperate... i technically could not get the last few stitches from one needle to the other. I have a 40 inch cable, so maybe i need an even longer cable? I don't know what else to change to make it work. any ideas?
ReplyDeleteWould you consider putting these patterns on your website for those of us that can't use Ravelry?
ReplyDeleteYes! They are both in my Etsy shop! www.nelkindesigns.com/etsy
DeleteThis is genius!! I can't wait to try it!! Thank you for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteIs there any way to get this pattern without using Ravelry?
ReplyDeleteYes! They are both in my Etsy shop! www.nelkindesigns.com/etsy
DeleteSorry! I don't sell finished pieces, on the patterns! I think it is time to learn to knit!
ReplyDeleteWhat do you mean by “modified version” of Jenny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off? How is this different from the regular version?
ReplyDeleteOh! Check out this video!
Deletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcriIufuVcQ&t
In a nutshell I only make yarnover's before the knit stitches, and work the purl sts without a yarnover before them!