I came up with this pattern totally out of curiosity. I’ve done so much with the “SC+DC in next, SK next” combo (like here, here and here), and one night I was sitting on the couch with a partial skein of Hobby Lobby’s “I Love This Yarn – Sport” and a G hook, trying to make up some boot cuffs with the same stitch and an added ribbed band, but it just wasn’t working. The double crochet stitch was making the rows too tall for the single crochet banding, and the fabric was getting warped instead of laying flat.
So, wondering what it would look like if I exchanged the SC+DC for SC+HDC, I frogged what I had and gave it a try.
I loved the result!
I love those stitches that look like one thing while you’re making them, and then quite a few rows in when you look at everything together, they look different. Case in point: the SC+HDC combo looked pretty similar to the SC+DC combo as I was making it, but after I had a few inches of fabric done, I noticed that as a whole, it looked like a nice, neat pattern of little textured squares. I thought it was really beautiful against the contrast of the ribbed band, too. So, I went with it — and created a brand new cowl pattern!
This cowl could be pretty easily created with worsted weight yarn as well — you would just want to adjust your stitch counts to match the cowl’s intended measurements (listed in the pattern). But I just love the look and feel of the #3 lightweight yarn. It has this beautiful drape that makes wearing it totally effortless. Anything that is “throw it on and go” is a winner in my book.
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COMFY SQUARES TEXTURED COWL
Size:
Cowl measures 30″ around and is 12″ tall.
Gauge:
With H hook, 5SC = 1” in length
Hook: H (5.0mm)
Yarn: 420-430 yards of #3 (light) yarn (such as Hobby Lobby’s I Love This Yarn Sport)
You’ll also need: Yarn needle
Abbreviations Used:
CH (chain)
SL ST (slip stitch)
SK (skip)
SC (single crochet)
HDC (half double crochet)
SC+HDC (this just means to put a single crochet and a half double crochet in the same stitch)
BLO (back loop only)
Notes:
(1) This pattern is written in American Standard terms.
(2) It is crocheted as a flat piece, then seamed at the end.
(3) CH1 at the beginning of rounds does not count as a stitch.
(4) The phrase “(SK next ST, SC+HDC in next ST) 21 times” means 21 times total.
(5) Only crochet in BLO (back loops only) when specifically instructed. So for instance, here is Row 2, with only the BLO stitches in purple:
Row 2: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. SC in BLO of each of the next 3 STS. (SK next ST, SC+HDC in next ST) 21 times. SC in BLO of each of the next 7 STS. SC in last ST. (54)
(The reason we don’t put the very first and last STS of the row in BLO is because it helps keep the edge nice and neat-looking.)
PATTERN
To begin:
CH55.
Row 1: SC in 2nd CH from hook. SC in each of the next 7 STS. (SK next ST, SC+HDC in next ST) 21 times. SC in each of the last 4 STS. (54)
Row 2: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. SC in BLO of each of the next 3 STS. (SK next ST, SC+HDC in next ST) 21 times. SC in BLO of each of the next 7 STS. SC in last ST. (54)
Row 3: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. SC in BLO of each of the next 7 STS. (SK next ST, SC+HDC in next ST) 21 times. SC in BLO of each of the next 3 STS. SC in last ST. (54)
Rows 4-113 (or until piece measures 30″ in length): Repeat rows 2-3. (54)
Fasten off, leaving a 36″ tail. Use your yarn needle and finishing tail to seam both ends of the cowl together. Fasten off and weave in all ends.
Rebecca,
I’m having a really hard time of finding the comfy squares cowl to print. I’m an all-access pass holder. Can you tell me the steps?
Susie Meurer
What a lovely pattern – the SC + HDC combo looks great! I have also made the comfy squares textured blanket which uses the same stitch combo. It also turned out wonderfully. Thank you so much for sharing.
Congrats on #3. I love the name, my 5 grandchild was named Henry James, great choice!!!! P.s. I will be trying your cowl, just learning crochet. I am a knitter.
I saw this pattern on FB. Loved it and whipped my own cowl out that same day! Thank you for sharing.
Congratulations on the birth of your new baby Henry James. Enjoy this special time.
Esta preciosa no se inglés me gustaría en español por favor gracias
Lo siento, no tengo este patrón en español. (A través de Google Translate)
Love this pattern. Made the boot cuffs, now working on the cowl. I love the simplicity of it but the elegant results 🙂 was wondering if you have a matching pattern for a hat?
The Elena Slouch goes perfectly with this cowl: http://littlemonkeyscrochet.com/elena-slouch/
Rebecca 🙂
Hi Rebecca! Love this neck ring! It puts me in mind of a very lovely one that I bought in a yarn shop in Silver City, New Mexico. I bought it because it was very colorful and I loved the pattern … it was knitted and I don’t knit. If I sent it to you to check out would you be interested in seeing it and taking on the challenge of creating a crochet pattern? No obligation you can say no if that’s not your cup of tea but I thought I would ask.
I’m currently working on your slouch pattern using the #1 yarn. I used a #2 and a G hook and I’m just to the final brim section. I just wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed crocheting with the finer thread and smaller hook. It was absolutely relaxing. I couldn’t find a solid color for the brim so ended up buying enough extra yarn to make it all one multi=colored piece. I’ll send a photo when I’ve completed it.
Thanks for your time and I appreciate you sharing your art. You obviously have a passion.
Thanks Rosalie! I’m not taking on anything new at the moment (I have Baby #3 due at the end of December), but you’re welcome to email me a photo of the cowl and I’ll take a look and perhaps put it on my future to-do list 🙂
littlemonkeyscrochet (at) gmail.com
Hi,
Love your patterns . I would like to make the Marion Slouch hat using the Lion Brand’s LB Collection 100% Superwash Merino Wool. I would really like to make the double infinity wrap to match the hat or the textured Cowl I am wondering if there is a comparable yarn that I can use for both? I am new to crocheting and can not quit get the knack of picking out the correct yarns?. I know I diffently want to make the hat but am looking for a yarn that I don’t have to order online and can make a matching cowl and maybe boot wraps. Any suggestions?
Thanks so much for all of your awesome pattererns and tutorials
If you’re only concerned about the finished look, I think you would be fine to use the yarns recommended in each of those patterns. They will feel a bit different (not as soft) but will work up with about the same stitch definition. I hope that helps!
Loving this pattern! So pretty and fairly easy to work up! Keep up the pattern designs your a natural. This is probably my favorite website ☺
What if I waneed to make this a blanket? How would I go about making it larger?
You can find the blanket pattern here: http://littlemonkeyscrochet.com/comfy-squares-textured-blanket/
Free patterns
Thanks
I love this pattern. Thank you for creating and sharing it. You make such beautiful pieces.
You have a great site. Your patterns are beautiful. I look forward to yoit next posting.
I’m working on this pattern right now.