Tuesday, January 28, 2014

The 30-Minute Cowl - Free Crochet Pattern

My husband's grandmother is a piano teacher and she requested a short, warm scarf with a button that she could wear with her winter coat. That's how this design was born. I wanted something simple, but elegant. I wasn't necessarily going for a quick project, but I was able to crank these cowls/scarves out in record speed!


The maroon version was made with two strands of Red Heart With Love. 

Upper right was made with Lion Brand Homespun Thick & Quick.

Lower right was made with two strands of Lion Brand Jiffy.

I call this the 30-minute Cowl, because the short version works up super quick since you work into the chain spaces and not directly into the stitches. :-)


This is otherwise known as...

The Piano Teacher's Scarf



Supplies

Size N/P Crochet hook 10 mm
Lion Brand Homespun Thick and Quick (or hold 2 strands of WW together throughout)
Optional: Decorative button for scarf (not necessary for cowl option)


Gauge

7 hdc x 6 rows = 4"

Lengths Available

Neck Scarf/Cowl - Follow the first set of stitch counts.
Infinity Cowl - Follow the stitch counts in parentheses (XX).
NOTE: Rows 2 & 3 are worked the same for both lengths.

The Pattern

Row 1: Ch 41 (83), hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in each stitch across. Turn. (40, 82)
Row 2: Ch 2 (counts as first hdc & ch 1), Skip the next stitch, hdc in next stitch, *ch 1, skip the next stitch, hdc in next stitch* repeat from * through end of row. Ch 1 and Turn (40, 82)
Row 3: *2 hdc in each space across* repeat from * until the last space. In final space, hdc once in space, then hdc once in the turning chain. Ch 2 & Turn (40, 82)
Row 4-7: Repeat Rows 2 & 3 twice.
Note: For a wider scarf, continue repeating rows 2 & 3 until you reach the desired width. Do not cut yarn.

Finishing Off the Scarf

Rotate the piece so that you are working along the short edge. 
Edge Row 1: sc in each stitch across. Ch 1 & Turn (7)
Edge Row 2-3: Repeat Edge Row 1.

Attach large decorative buttons and use the holes created from the pattern to button the scarf. 

Finishing Off the Cowl

With the piece laying flat, fold the two ends together and create one twist.

Whipstitch the ends together. Pay careful attention to your tension...you don't want the seam to buckle (squish), but you also don't want it too loose.

17 comments:

  1. The maroon cowl pictured on your website is lovely. Which directions do I use to make one like it? The regular directions or the ones in parentheses? I look forward to trying this pattern.

    Thanks,
    P. Frederick
    pamfrederick@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Pam - That one is using the counts in parentheses and whipstitching the ends. Enjoy!

      Delete
  2. Very nice. I'm learning to read a pattern & crochet. I've crocheted for years making blankets n scarves but just your basic stitches. Please excuse my dumb question.... pls explain to me what you mean by work into the chain spaces & not into the stitches. Thank you.
    Lori Urey
    Lori.urey64@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. The chain stitch has a V-shape at the top and a bump on bottom. Normally, you would insert your hook between the V and bottom bump. For this design, you insert your hook into the space below the ch, so your stitch is worked around the chain.

    If this is confusing, you may work into the ch instead. It's easier and quicker the way it's written.

    Good luck as you venture into trying new things.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love the scarf, and have tried without success to make it. It comes out way to short. I'm using Red Heart Super Saver worsted 4, and a "N"cochet hook.Please help!
    Jodi fromCT.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I will make one today with Super Saver and add the gauge.

      You can also increase the length by making a longer beginning chain. Just make sure the beginning ch is an odd #. I will update the pattern with gauge soon.

      Delete
    2. Hi, Jodi - I lost my "N" hook after I said I would make the gauge swatch. I finally found it in my husband's truck. The gauge is written in hdc: 7 sts x 6 rows = 4".

      Delete
  5. I just want to say thank you so much for all that provide their beautiful crochet items with directions. I have really enjoyed many of the patterns and have made items for family and friends. Again thank you so very much.

    ReplyDelete
  6. How many skeins of Homespun are needed for the scarf? Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. One skein of Homespun Thick and Quick will be enough for 3 of the short cowls.

      Delete
    2. If you make the long version of the scarf, one may be enough, but I can't say for sure.

      Delete
  7. Are these the directions to make a short cowl for kids?

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thank you for the great pattern. On the finishing off the scarf part, is that written for one end of scarf and then suppose to do the same for opposite end as well?

    ReplyDelete
  9. Question about row 4: the prior row end with a chain 2, then when I repeat row 2, it starts with a chain 2. I just want to confirm that row 4 actually starts with a chain 4?

    ReplyDelete
  10. Is the red scarf wrapped around the girl's neck twice? I did one following the pattern & it's not as bulky as the one shown.

    ReplyDelete

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