Double the Fun Cowl by Carolyn Bloom

Double the Fun Cowl

Crochet
February 2021
Worsted (9 wpi) ?
14 stitches and 18 rows = 4 inches
in Single crochet
6.0 mm (J)
600 - 700 yards (549 - 640 m)
O/S - but adjustable!
US
English
This pattern is available for $6.00 USD buy it now

Please read this description before purchasing the pattern.

This pattern does NOT include embroidery motifs. They are available as coaster patterns here on Ravelry and on my website, www.bloomhandmadestudio.com. I will be adding motifs regularly. Follow me on Instagram @bloomhandmadestudio or subscribe to my newsletter on my website for updates.

For now, if you purchase four or more embroidery motifs, this pattern will be free. You must enter the code DOUBLETHEFUN to receive the discount. All designs must be added to your cart and checked out at the same time in order for the code to work. No refunds will be given after the fact.

This pattern uses US terminology.

The design is for a gorgeous, double-wrapped crocheted cowl. Left plain, this cowl serves as a gloriously squishy layer of warmth, perfect for warding off winter’s chill. It is also a lovely canvas for adding embroidery on both sides of the cowl, meaning that it has the potential to become a truly customized accessory that reflects the personality of the wearer!

The cowl is simple to stitch. The only stitches required are chain and single crochet, making it a perfect project for makers who are new to this craft or those who craving soothing, simple repetition. If you are a beginner, I have recorded a podcast to guide you through each step of the underlying crochet. This demonstration is for a coaster, which is obviously smaller than the cowl, but it is a terrific starting point to learning crochet – and for testing your gauge. Please note, however, that you will not add a single crocheted border for this project, as described in the podcast. You will apply an i-cord instead.

The cowl looks its best when finished with an applied i-cord, especially if you are going to be adding embroidery. The tube created when applying an i-cord is a terrific place to hide your embroidery ends, thereby allowing your piece to be reversible. This pattern does not include instructions on how to work an i-cord. However, I have recorded two podcasts demonstrating this technique:

The video demonstrating how to CROCHET the applied i-cord can be found here.

The video demonstrating how to KNIT the applied i-cord can be found here. I demonstrate how to pick up stitches from crochet to work a knitted applied i-cord here, in minute 57:30.

In my opinion, the knitted applied i-cord is less ”fiddly”. However, I prefer the finished look of the crocheted version. I encourage you to try both techniques and pick whichever one you prefer.

Adding embroidery to my cowl caused it to shrink in length by nearly 5 inches (12.5 cm), making it smaller than my preferred length. I turned these lemons into lemonade and added an extension to my cowl, thereby customizing the length to be exactly what I wanted. I demonstrate how to work an extension to the cowl here, in minute 37:20. Depending on your embroidery tension, you may need to employ this technique to increase the length of your piece. If you do not add embroidery, add just a bit of extra stitching or employ a light tension, the dimensions of the cowl will fit most adults quite beautifully without the extension.

All of my podcasts are timestamped, indicating exactly when each step is being demonstrated. Feel free to check the show notes to see all the techniques being shown and when they begin in the episode.

Yarn
For crochet and icord border:
Kraeo Auntie Afghan
100% SW Merino
Worsted 4 ply
195 yards (178 meters)
per 100 gram skein
3 skeins

For embroidery:
Kraeo Little Sister
Fingering Single Ply
100% SW Merino
5 20g minis

Tools
Size J (6.0 mm) crochet hook
Darning needle
3 Removable stitch markers
Waste yarn

This pattern calls for an icord to be applied after the piece has been crocheted. If you prefer to knit it on, you will need 32” or longer
US 8 (5 mm)
circular knitting needles

Gauge
14 sc x 18 rows = 4” (10 cm)
(unblocked, prior to embroidery)

Abbreviations
CC contrast color
ch chain
MC main color
RS right side
sc single crochet
sk skip stitch
sp space
sts stitches
WS wrong side

Final Measurements
(Including i-cord, before embroidery)
55.5” (140 cm) x 7.5” (19 cm)