This springtime potpourri cowl uses a pretty cable-like stitch and is a great project for using scrap yarns. This cowl can easily be made longer as needed, whether you want it to hang loosely around the neck or want something to wrap double for more warmth.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Size: 6” x 30”
Gauge: 7 dc = 2” and 4 rnds in pattern (alternating rnds of dc and sc) = 1½”
Materials
Yarn:
Berocco Alpaca Light (50% super fine alpaca, 50% Peruvian wool; 144 yards [Y meters]/50 grams): #4267 Orchid (1 skein), #42112 Concord Grape (1 skein);
Misti Alpaca Tonos Pima Silk (83% pima cotton, 17% silk; 327 yards [300 meters]/100 grams): Berry Rich (1 skein)
Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sport (100% superwash merino wool; 200 yards [183 meters]/70 grams): Berry (1 skein)
Omega Trigo (100% cotton; 295 yards [270 meters}/100 grams): Malva (1 skein)
Manos del Uruguay Silk Blend DK (70% merino, 30% silk; 150 yards [137 meters]/50 grams): Pewter (1 skein)
Malabrigo Rios (100% merino; 210 yards [192 meters]/100 grams): Lotus (1 skein)
Hook: US size 7 (4.5 mm) hook
Pattern Notes
Turn at the ends of rnds to avoid bias in the fabric. After turning, the ch-4 that starts odd numbered rnds is made over last st of previous rnd. The 4th ch counting as ch-1 that falls over the first st of the rnd.
When working Rnd 3 and all odd-numbered rnds, it can be hard to find the correct dc for post stitches. Keep in mind the dc sts sit to the left of the sc above. Check that there are 5 sts between post sts to be sure you’ve placed your post sts correctly.
To make it longer, add multiples of 6 sts to remain in pattern.
Choose 6 or more yarns with colors that blend nicely together. Model includes some worsted and some DK weight yarns. You can use some of the colors twice if you like. Consider using a strong contrast color for border as in model, and have one round in same color near center of cowl.
Special Stitches
Foundation dc (fdc): Yo, insert hook in ch-1 of previous st, yo and draw up loop, ch 1, (yo, draw through 2 loops) twice.
Reverse single crochet (rsc): Insert hook in next st to the right (or left for left-handers), yo, draw up loop, yo, draw through 2 loops.
Double crochet and Front Post double crochet worked together (Dc/FPdc): Yo, insert hook in next st and draw up a loop, yo, draw through 2 loops, yo twice, insert hook around post of st 2 sts to the left and 2 rnds below, yo, draw up a loop, (yo, draw yarn through 2 loops) twice, yo, draw through 3 loops.
Front Post double crochet and double crochet worked together (FPdc/dc) Yo twice, insert hook around post of st 2 sts to the right and 2 rnds below, yo, draw up a loop, (yo, draw through 2 loops) twice, yo, insert hook in next st in current rnd, yo, draw up a loop, yo, draw yarn through 2 loops, yo, draw through 3 loops.
End st: To finish odd numbered rnds, work last st as follows: Yo twice, insert hook around post of st 2 sts to the right and 2 rnds below, yo, draw up a loop (yo, draw through 2 loops) twice, with 2 loops on hook, sl st to 3rd ch of starting ch-4, draw through all loops on hook.
Pattern
Rnd 1: Fdc 106, join in the rnd with sl st at top of starting ch, turn. (106 sts)
Rnd 2 Ch 1, sc in first dc and in each dc across, sl st with new color to first sc, turn.
Rnd 3 Ch 4 (counts as dc and ch 1), *Dc/FPdc, dc in next 3 sc, FPdc/dc**, ch 1, sk next sc: rep from * across, ending last rep at **, work End st, turn.
Rnd 4: Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in each st around, sl st with new color to first sc.
Rnds 5-16: Rep Rnds 3-4, turning at the ends of each rnd and changing color at end of each sc rnd. Fasten off.
Finishing
Join edging yarn at any point on last rnd, ch 1, work rsc around, join with sl st to top of first st. Fasten off.
Join same yarn at bottom of cowl, ch 1, work rsc around, join with sl st to top of first st. Fasten off.