Golden Thread Cowl Scarf - Free Pattern

Hello, everyone! I am reviving my currently sleeping blog to share a pattern for a cowl scarf I have just completed, hoping it will keep you or a loved one warm this coming winter. I have called it the Golden Thread Cowl Scarf due to the recurrent golden thread in the yarn I used (Lang Mille Colori 200g, shade 946.0109), but also because this easy and repetitive pattern has a soothing quality which reminds me of golden thread visualisations you sometimes practice in yoga.

Here's the yarn I used for this project:

And the finished result:

If you look closer, you can see the speckles of gold here and there:

This pattern is all about texture, and I believe it is ideal to showcase variegated yarns with medium to long colour changes, so that the self-striping effect highlights each round. That being said, I think a plain colour yarn would work just as well, giving the texture centre stage.

Scroll down for the pattern!

Notes:
- Crochet size: 4mm
- Terminology used: UK
- Ch3 always counts as a treble unless otherwise stated.
- Tension is not critical for this project, just make sure your foundation chain is long enough to fit loosely around your neck (number of chains has to be even).
- With 48 rows, the scarf has a height of 38cm (15in). Simply omit or add one or several sets of rows to make it shorter or taller.
- Please note that although this project is worked in the round, you do need to turn your work at the end of each round.

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
rd = round
st = stitch
sl st = slip stitch
beg = beginning
dc = double crochet (US single crochet)
tr = treble (US double crochet)
bldc = back loop double crochet (worked in the back loop of stitch from previous row)
bltr = back loop treble (worked in the back loop of stitch from previous row)

PATTERN:
Foundation: chain 120, slip stitch to 1st chain to form a large ring, taking care not to twist your chain.

Round 1: chain 3, 1 treble in next chain till end, sl st to beginning ch3, turn.

Rd 2: ch3, 1 bltr in next stitch till end, sl st to top of beg ch3, turn.

Rd 3: repeat rd 2.

Rd 4: ch4 (counts as 1 tr, ch1), skip next st, *1 tr in next st, ch1, skip next st, repeat from * till end, sl st to 3rd ch of beg ch4, turn.

Rd 5: ch1 (does not count as a stitch), 2 dc in next ch1 space till end, sl st to 1st dc, turn.

Rd 6: ch1 (does not count as a stitch), 1 bldc in next dc till end, sl st to 1st dc, turn.

Rd 7: ch3, 1 bltr in next st till end, sl st to 1st dc, turn.

Rd 8-48: repeat rds 2-7, finishing on a rd 3. Fasten off, weave in ends.

***

Of course, do let me know if you find anything that's incorrect or unclear, I will do my best to clarify things. And please feel free to share your work in the comment section below or on Instagram, @little_crochet__ #goldenthreadcowl.

Thanks for reading, folks!

Geometric Shapes Cowl - Free pattern

Hello, my friends! As spring is tentatively showing signs of possibly wanting to come out here in England, I am emerging from my blogging hibernation with a free pattern for you to try. It's a bit of a winter one, but hey, spring hasn't sprung yet, and worst case scenario, you'll have it all ready for next winter ;-)

So here goes: this is a very simple cowl scarf I recently made, inspired by my love and admiration for Wayuu bags. Here's the finished product:

As you can see, it's an extremely simplified take on the Wayuu geometric shapes, but the technique is roughly similar. It's made using super chunky yarn to ensure maximum warmth on a cold winter's day. Scroll down to learn how to make it!

Materials needed:
- 1 skein of each of the following:
  - Mrs Moon Plump Darjeeling (Colour A),
  - Raspberry Ripple (Colour B)
  or any 2 shades of super chunky yarn
- 1 10mm crochet hook or any size to obtain tension

Tension:
10x10cm = 9 stitches x 8 rows

Notes:
- This cowl is worked in the round, based on the tapestry crochet technique. There are a number of ways to change colours using this technique, however the one I find the simplest and the neatest is to hold the thread not in use at the back of the work and to crochet over it. When changing colours, start working a double crochet, but use the other colour to pull the last loop through (see a photo tutorial here).
- Joining rounds: for an inconspicuous joining seam at the end and beginning of rounds, I use this great technique as demonstrated by Deja Detmir of Knit and Crochet Ever After. Just apply it every time the pattern directs you to do a slip stitch, except in the final row.
- Abbreviations: ch=chain dc=double crochet, ss=slip stictch, bldc=back loop double crochet
- Terminology used is UK (so double crochet = US single crochet)

Pattern:
Foundation:
With colour A, chain 60, slip stitch to first chain, taking care not to twist the chain. Note: Check that the resulting circle fits comfortably over your head and around your neck. If not, add chains in multiples of 6 until you get the desired fit.

Rd 1: Chain 1 (does not count as stitch throughout), 1 double crochet in same stitch, change to B, *1 dc in next 5 stitches, change to A, 1 dc in next stitch, change to B, repeat from * 9 times, change to A, slip stich into beg stitch of previous round
Rd 2: Ch1, 1 bldc in same stitch, 1 bldc in next stitch, change to B, *1 bldc in next 4 stitches, change to A, 1 bldc in next 2 stitches, change to B, repeat from * 9 times, change to A, ss to beginning stitch of previous round
Rd 3: Ch1, 1 bldc in same stitch, 2 bldc in next stitch, change to B, *1 bldc in next 3 stitches, change to A, 1 bldc in next 3 stitches, change to B, repeat from * 9 times, change to A, ss to beginning stitch of previous round
Rd 4: Ch1, 1 bldc in same stitch, 3 bldc in next stitch, change to B, *1 bldc in next 2 stitches, change to A, 1 bldc in next 4 stitches, change to B, repeat from * 9 times, change to A, ss to beginning stitch of previous round
Rd 5: Ch1, 1 bldc in same stitch, 4 bldc in next stitch, change to B, *1 bldc in next 5 stitches, change to A, 1 bldc in next 5 stitches, change to B, repeat from * 9 times, change to A, ss to beginning stitch of previous round
Rd 6: Ch1, 1 bldc in same stitch, change to B, *1 bldc in next 5 stitches, change to A, 1 bldc in next stitch, change to B, repeat from * 9 times, change to A, ss into beg stitch of previous round
Rd 7-11: Repeat rounds 2-6.
Rd 12-15: Repeat rounds 2-5, omitting the last change to colour A.
Rd 16: (In colour B) Ch1, 1 bldc in every stitch around, ss to beg of round. Fasten off.

And that's it! If you try your hand at this pattern, please do send me pics of your finished objects, as I would love to see your work. Also, if you spot any mistake or if anything seems unclear in the pattern itself, please let me know and I will try my best to help you.

Happy hooking!