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!