Crochet Pattern for a Colorful, One Skein Cowl

Jan 14, 2011
Kristin Dorman

The finished cowl - Kristin Dorman

Craft this cowl with a graduated stitch to emphasize colors in self-striping yarn. This pattern works up in an evening and makes a great gift.

Dying to buy some Lion Brand "Amazing" or another gorgeous self striping yarn? This is the perfect pattern to show off those color changes. By working a series of graduated stitches you create a unique, shifting color scheme.

A perk of this pattern is that it only requires one skein. Try out the yarn you've been craving without breaking your budget. The finished cowl will be about 11 inches wide and 7 inches long. A great pattern for beginners to practice their basic stitches.

Stitches Used & Abbreviations

chain (ch)
single crochet (sc)
half double crochet (hdc)
double crochet (dc)
triple crochet (tr)
slip stitch

Yarn

Use any worsted weight self striping yarn. Less than one skein of Lion Bran "Amazing" was used for this pattern with some left over. One skein of "Amazing" is 147 yards (135 meters). Check the yardage of your ball of yarn to make sure you have enough.

Hook

Ideally you should use a 5.5 mm hook (I-9). Using a bigger or smaller hook could result in a cowl that doesn't fit. Be sure to check your gauge.

Gauge

Check that your joined base chain fits comfortably over your head and around your neck. This loop will be about the same fit as the finished product. You can check back periodically while working the first several rows to make sure it's the right size.

Variations on the Pattern

This project would be fun in self-striping sock yarn, but would require much more yarn. If you want to use sock weight yarn, make a longer base chain and check to see that it fits comfortably around your neck before moving onto row 2. Make sure you have enough yarn before proceeding. If you want to use a bulkier yarn, make a shorter base chain and use fewer yards of yarn.

For a longer cowl, repeat rows 2-5 three or more times. (See instructions for rows 6-14.) Remember that you will need more yarn for a longer cowl.

Pattern Instructions

Row 1: Ch 75. Being careful not to twist your base chain, join into a loop by slip stitching into the first chain made. (If you twist your chain you'll be in for an unpleasant surprise at the end of row 2. You won't be able to slip stitch into the top of your turning chain because it will be upside down.)

Row 2: Ch 3 (turning ch and first dc made). Dc into each stitch around the loop, joining with a slip stitch into the top of your turning ch. (75 stitches)

Row 3: Ch 4 (turning ch and first tr made.) Tr into each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch into the top of your turning ch. (75 stitches)

Row 4: Ch 1 (turning ch and first sc made.) Sc into each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch into your turning ch. (75 stitches).

Row 5: Ch 2 (turning ch and first hdc made.) Hdc into each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch into the top of your turning ch. (75 stitches)

Rows 6 - 14: Repeat rows 2 through 5 twice.

Row 15: Repeat row 2 once.

Row 16: Last row. Loosely slip stitch into each stitch across. Be careful not to pull too tightly or your edge will tighten. Join with another slip stitch into the first slip stitch made. This row highlights the upper edge of your cowl. (The base chain highlights to first row of dc on the other edge.)

Weave in the ends. You're done!