Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

A Crochet Beauty

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cro wendy blanket 1113

 

When I read about Wendy’s adaptation of an older pattern, I was intrigued.  Then, I asked and she sent me this picture of her work.  While Wendy does not assert that this is her original design, she did adapt and improve an older pattern to create this masterpiece.

For a long time I was not a fan of the popcorn stitch.  It seemed to me that it was quite a waste of perfectly good yarn to create dimension that could be more easily achieved with a simpler cluster stitch of some sort.  But, the more I examine work that contains popcorn stitches, the more I see their benefit.  The degree of depth and the dimension achieved with the popcorn stitch can be amazing.  It’s an easy stitch to learn and, in the hands and eye of someone like Wendy, can provide a lot of visual interest with only a single color of yarn.

Wendy has created a visual pattern (otherwise known as a chart or graph) that she has kindly agreed to share with you.  I am including some of her tips that will add to your ease in duplicating her results.  I especially like that she can lay down the project and resume exactly where she left off by using a simple coloring technique.  So, print off a copy of this for yourself (with Wendy’s permission), grab some pretty yarn, and get making one of these beauties for yourself.

Clicking on this link should give you a better version of Wendy’s chart.

cro wendy chart 1113

Here are Wendy’s tips:

I have different shades for different stitches and sections to make the pattern easier to see. Mine was done with a repeat of the sections.
Border – Triangle – Border – Triangle – Border – Triangle – Border which made 192 Foundation Half Double stitches. I marked my foundation as I worked round one. So at the end of the border section I placed a marker in the foundation, at the end of the triangle section I placed a marker and so on. Once the sections are set then the pattern takes shape. I printed off the pattern for the full length of the afghan and hi-lighted the rows as I completed them. This took a lot of confusion out of the pattern. When I walked away I had no problem picking it back up and knowing where I was. The X indicates single crochet.

In response to a couple of queries, Wendy adds this information for you:

I used a J hook and approx. 7-8 skeins of red heart super saver ( I started with 2 partial skeins so it is hard to tell).

Thanks to Wendy for sharing her lovely pattern with us!

Comments

  2. What are the other abbreviations?
    HDC – half double crochet
    DFP – ???
    TR – ???

    Also about how much yarn and what size hook? I would love to make this, but don’t know where to start.

  3. DFP = Double Crochet Front Post
    TR = Treble

    Hook would be suitable for yarn as this pattern will work with almost any yarn. Refer to the yarn label of the yarn you choose for hook size suggestions. Sizing up your hook will make the popcorns easier to make. As to the amount of yarn, I can’t comment. I’ll ask the designer for you.
    jd

  4. So pretty! These one-color popcorn afghans have a lovely vintage feeling, like those old-fashioned chenille bedspreads.

    Popcorn stitch does tend to take a lot of yarn, if I recall correctly… Maybe check out some other popcorn-heavy patterns to get a rough idea of yardage?

    I may try to use just part of the pattern to make a large throw pillow for the couch…

  5. Thank you JD for such a wonderful article. I am shocked at the attention this piece is getting. I had no idea when I shared it that everyone would enjoy it so much. Your abbreviations are correct. I used a red J hook and approximately 7 or 8 skeins of the RedHeart Super Saver (I started with 2 partial skeins). I do apoligize for the lack of some information. This is my first time for someone asking me for my pattern. I hope you enjoy it.

Have you read?

Beginner-Friendly Crochet Scarves and Cowls

If you’re new to crochet and wondering where to start, scarves and cowls are one of the nicest entry points. They feel useful right away, they don’t come with the stress of tricky sizing, and they let you settle into the rhythm of stitching without needing to think too hard about shaping or assembly. That is a big win when you’re still getting comfortable holding the yarn, counting stitches, and figuring out where your row actually ends.

Let’s be honest, a lot of beginners want a project that looks good before they want a project that teaches them patience.

That’s exactly why scarves and cowls work so well. They’re practical, cozy, and giftable, and they often use the same few stitches over and over again. You get to build confidence while making something you can actually wear, wrap up for a friend, or stash away for cooler weather. It feels like real progress, not just practice.

I also love that this category has a nice mix of super simple wins and slightly more textured designs. If you want a one-skein cowl you can finish over a weekend, there are plenty of those. If you want a chunky scarf with a bit more visual interest, you can find that too. It’s a very forgiving place to begin, and for a lot of crocheters it’s the category that turns “I’m trying crochet” into “I think I’m properly into crochet now.”

If you’re building out your beginner pattern stash, you might also want to bookmark our roundup of Easy Butterfly Crochet Patterns for Beginners and this sweet Free Crochet Pattern – Emotional Support Chicken. For readers who want fast finishes, Free Patterns – Quick Crochet Projects is another handy one to keep open in a tab.

Beginner-Friendly Crochet Scarves and Cowls

Free Pattern – Moss Stitch Crochet Cowl

This is exactly the sort of project I love to recommend to newer crocheters. Moss stitch has that neat, slightly textured look that feels polished, but it’s still repetitive enough that you can relax into it once you get going. If you want a cowl that looks a little elevated without becoming fiddly, this is a lovely place to start.

One Skein Cowl

One-skein projects always feel approachable, especially when you’re not ready to commit to something huge. This cowl is a great fit for beginners who want something warm, quick, and satisfying. It also has that nice “I made this in a weekend” energy, which is very motivating when you’re just starting out.

Free Crochet Pattern – Lindsay Cowl

This one feels giftable from the moment you see it. It’s simple, adaptable, and easy to picture in different yarn colors, which makes it a fun pattern if you’re starting to think beyond just “can I make this?” and into “who could I make this for?” I always think those are the projects that keep beginners coming back for more.

Crochet a Colorful Braided Scarf Using Broomstick or Cardboard

This is a fun twist on the usual beginner scarf. It has a more decorative finish without feeling out of reach, and it’s a nice choice if you want something that looks a bit different from a standard straight scarf. It’s also a good reminder that beginner crochet doesn’t have to mean boring crochet.

Chunky Crochet Teal Scarf With Fringe

Chunky yarn and fringe are such a good combination when you want quick payoff. This kind of scarf works up faster, feels cozy almost immediately, and gives beginners that very important feeling of visible progress. And honestly, fringe covers a lot of sins if your edges aren’t perfect yet.

Free Cowl Patterns

This Lion Brand collection is worth bookmarking if you want to browse beyond a single pattern. It’s useful for readers who like having options in one place, especially when they’re still figuring out what shape and style they prefer. A roundup like this always benefits from one broad resource page readers can keep exploring.

Free Scarf Patterns

Same idea here, but for scarves. If someone finishes one beginner project and immediately wants another, this kind of resource page is handy. It gives you room to keep the momentum going without having to hunt around from scratch.

Fast and Easy Cowl

The title alone makes this a good fit for beginners. Fast and easy is exactly what many newer crocheters are looking for, especially when they want to build skill without burning out. A project like this helps you focus on consistency and comfort rather than complicated construction.

Simple Cowl Pattern

Bulky yarn plus a simple shape is a very beginner-friendly combination. This is the sort of project that can make a new crocheter feel successful quickly, and that matters more than people realise. A good first finish can turn someone into a lifelong yarn hoarder. Learned that one the hard way.

Cardiff Cowl

This one feels like a nice next-step option. It still sits in the easy category, but it has a slightly more refined look, which makes it perfect for crocheters who’ve finished a basic beginner piece and are ready for something just a touch more styled. A roundup needs a few of those “you’re ready now” patterns.

Free Ridgeway Cowl Pattern

Mary Maxim always gives you a nice practical read on a pattern, and this one feels like a strong wearable addition to the list. It’s the kind of cowl that looks useful, cozy, and realistic for everyday wear, which is exactly what many beginners want to make first.

Free Autumn Spice Cowl Pattern

This is a really good fit for an easy crochet roundup because chunky yarn and simple structure usually mean a faster finish. It has a cozy, seasonal feel to it too, which makes it ideal if your readers are already thinking ahead to cooler weather projects.

Why scarves and cowls are such good beginner crochet projects

Scarves and cowls let you focus on the part of crochet that matters most at the beginning: getting comfortable with the stitches. You’re not worrying about sleeve shaping, precise fit, or joining twenty awkward pieces together while muttering at your yarn. You’re mostly just crocheting, row by row or round by round, and that repetition is what helps the movements start to feel natural.

They also give you a finished item that feels useful.

That really matters.

A dishcloth is practical, yes, but a cozy scarf or cowl feels more exciting to a lot of people. It looks like a real handmade piece. It can become a gift, part of your winter wardrobe, or the thing that makes you think, “Actually, I can do this.”

If you’re choosing your first project, look for patterns that mention beginner, easy, one skein, chunky yarn, or fast finish. Those usually give you the most encouraging experience. The more success you have early on, the easier it is to keep going.

More easy crochet ideas to explore

If you enjoyed these scarf and cowl ideas, here are a few more beginner-friendly places to head next:

Free Patterns – Quick Crochet Projects
9 Quick & Easy Crochet Patterns
Easy Butterfly Crochet Patterns for Beginners
Beginner-Friendly Crochet Cardigan Idea
Buttoned Plaid Cowl Free Crochet Pattern

This is the kind of crochet category that quietly builds confidence stitch by stitch. Start with one simple cowl, then try a scarf with texture, then maybe a chunky wrap or hooded cowl once you feel brave. Before long, your yarn basket will be full and you’ll be calling it a “collection,” which is a very familiar craft-room trick.