The structure and shape of this cowl are a perfect blend of art and practicality. Made entirely with single crochet, slip stitches and a bit of decorative embellishment, it is proof that simple beauty can also be remarkably utilitarian. The shape of the piece is that of a lampshade, close enough to the neck and chest to ward off breezes from all directions, but not at all constraining around the shoulders and arms. And the simplicity of the underlying crochet makes a perfect canvas for decoration of the maker’s choice. The stitches created by the single crochet are excellent anchors for everything from sashiko-inspired stitches, embroidery, surface crochet and…. more! Not feeling the stitching on top? No worries, you can make this piece your own by choosing a beautiful palette of yarns, or making stripes, or using scraps, or…. well, the possibilities are endless! You’re the artist and this is your cowl canvas!
This pattern is written for all sizes, ages, genders and any weight of yarn. Directions are given for taking measurements of the wearer and how to do simple calculations based on your gauge to complete the design. I provide my measurements and calculations based on my size and gauge to help guide the process.
Please note that this pattern does not provide instructions on how to embellish the cowl canvas. It is intended to be a blank slate for you to decorate as you please. Embroidery motifs are available here.
I am teaching classes on the technique of adding embroidery to crochet. In these classes, we will stitch four motifs (Chevron, Stair Steps, Bird's Eye and Wedding Rings) together. In addition, we dive deeply into topics like color possibilities, impact on drape, ideal placement and designs that are perfect canvases for this stitching. You can find my class schedule here. All four motifs listed above are included in the cost of the class.
For my cowls, I opted to use fingering weight yarn for the canvas and DK weight yarn for the side seams and stitching.
Yarn:
Navy Sample:
2 skeins of
Marianated Yarns Practicality 75/25
75% Superwash Merino / 25% Nylon
Fingering weight with approx
463 yards per 100 gram skein
Squidward’s Ink
1 skein of
Marianated Yarns Playtime DK
100% Superwash 8 ply Merino
274 yards per 100 gram skein
Stone Basin
Grey Sample:
2 skeins of
Marianated Yarns Practicality 75/25
75% Superwash Merino / 25% Nylon
Fingering weight with approx
463 yards per 100 gram skein
Greige
Marianated Yarns Jujubee Gradient Set
DK Weight
100% Superwash 8 ply Merino
6 skeins, 50 yards each
Racing Silks
Tools:
For the cowl:
G – 7 (4.5 mm) crochet hook
4 removable stitch markers
Tape measure
Blocking mat
Pins
For the optional embroidery:
F – 5 (3.75 mm) crochet hook
Darning needle(s)
Gauge:
Before embroidery:
6.5 sts and 8 rows / inch
Abbreviations:
(using US crochet terminology)
ch chain
sc single crochet
sc2tog single crochet two sts together
sl st slip stitch
sts stitches