Despite its popular name of “Saber-Toothed Tiger”, Smilodon was not actually related to modern-day tigers, or even cats as we know and love; their evolutionary split happened some 20 million years ago! Regardless of origin, these murder kitties stole our hearts and imaginations in books, museums, and movies, and now you can keep one close to your heart (and around your neck)! Don’t worry, it won’t bite, but you sure will look fierce!

TECHNIQUES UTILIZED

This pattern is worked with stranded colorwork, where floats are caught every few stitches at the back of your work. Other unique techniques utilized in this pattern include:

Split Single Crochet (Waistcoat Stitch) - Used for the colorwork chart, gives the appearance of knitted fabric

Front and Back Post Single / Double Crochet - Used for top and bottom hem, gives the appearance of ribbing

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Hook
2.5 mm crochet hook, or size needed to obtain listed gauge.

(Optional) Hook 1 or 2 sizes smaller than what is used for colorwork to be used for ribbing.

Yarn & Yardage
Color A: 298 yds / 273 m
Color B: 252 yds / 231 m

Yarn is knit with Little Loopy yarn (littleloopy.com) in Bay View (teal) and Nightshade (dark gray/purple).

Notions
Tapestry needle
3 locking stitch markers
Scissors

SIZING

Size & Finished Measurements
14” W x 16.5” H / 35.5 cm W x 42 cm H laid flat (28” / 71 cm circumference) when finished and blocked

Gauge
22 stitches x 24 rounds for 4” (10 cm) square measured over colorwork pattern in split single crochet stitch in the round after blocking

If sharing your progress and finished piece on Instagram or other social networks, please use the hashtag #SmilodonCowl, and happy crocheting, friend!

Photo credit: Katherine Trull