Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Heavy Duty Crochet Cowl Pattern

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I’m a serious walker.  You can see my other blog to learn more about that.  In the St. Louis area, it’s often to cold and blustery to walk outside without protecting my throat from all that cold air.  The very cold air is an asthma trigger for me so I work hard to avoid it.  I have used all kinds of scarves and cowls, zip up high collared tops to cover my ears and mouth, and anything else I could find to protect myself.  Then, I came upon this idea.

The inspiration for this specific cowl was a shop sample of a regular scarf using Schachenmayr Bravo Big Color in the same colorway I eventually purchased.  It’s super bulky and 100% acrylic so that it can be thrown often into the washer and dryer.  Being such a thick yarn, it worked up very quickly.  I started by creating a cylinder/tube that is the circumference that I need.  Then, I simply added a ‘hump’ to one side of it that became the front so the increased height would protect my nose and mouth without fogging up my sunglasses.  That’s a persistent problem.

cro my cowl 2 0114

So, while I don’t have a specific pattern for you, with these pictures and the information I’ve just provided, I think you can work one up for yourself easily if you have even beginner crochet skills.  The entire project is worked with chains, half double crochets, and single crochets.  No rocket science here!

Sheesh!  Wouldn’t you think I would comb my hair before having a picture taken?  Or turn my fleece right side out?  No.  This is the unadulterated jd after a walk – clothing inside out so the tags won’t bother me, oversized sun glasses, sweaty fleece and cowl.  I did take off my vintage (1970’s) navy blue with red trim down jacket that is reserved for my walking since both the 1970’s and the trash bin are demanding it!  That’s the warmest coat ever – and my dog doesn’t care what I look like when I walk her.  And, I don’t care much what anyone else thinks of my fashion ensemble when I’m walking either!  The cowl is definitely the show-stopper here!

BTW – don’t you just love my ‘after walk’ hair and my snazzy walking clothes?  I’m no fashionista.  However, I probably should try to clean up a bit for photos.  Naw!  This is just for my crochet pals….

Looking for more Crochet Cowl patterns? Check out these crochet cowl patterns we found on Etsy.

Comments

  3. JD, you are so authentic. We are truly blessed to be the people you share with. Everything you write makes me smile. I sure miss you on here.

Have you read?

Crochet Christmas Dove Ornaments With a Printable Gift Poem

There is something especially lovely about a handmade gift that comes with a few thoughtful words. These crochet Christmas birds pair a folded yarn ornament with a decorative poem card, turning a little crochet project into a keepsake.

The design has a rounded head, a tiny embroidered eye and beak, and a forked tail. A broad overlapping section forms the wing, giving the bird that folded, origami-inspired appearance. It is a simple-looking shape with plenty of handmade charm.

A Crochet Bird That Doubles as a Gift Topper

What appeals to me most is the idea of using the bird twice. Tie it onto a wrapped present as a gift topper, then let the recipient hang it on their Christmas tree afterwards. The wrapping gets recycled, the ribbon goes into somebody’s “far too useful to throw away” drawer, and the bird becomes part of next year’s decorations.

Cream would be a lovely choice for a Christmas dove, while cranberry red, sage green and dusty blue offer a different seasonal look. Keeping the wing plain lets the crochet texture and folded layers stand out.

For a personalised crochet gift tag, an embroidered initial is a sweet addition. One small letter gives the ornament a purpose without needing to squeeze an entire name onto the wing.

The Printable Christmas Dove Card

The accompanying printable brings the gift together. Watercolour-style holly, evergreen branches, berries and gold accents frame the card, with space above the poem for attaching the crocheted bird.

The original Christmas poem shares wishes for peace, joy and love, then invites the recipient to hang the dove on their tree. There is also a “With love from” line, so the finished card feels like a complete little present.

I would print it on firm cardstock and attach the bird with a removable thread or ribbon loop. That way, the recipient can lift it off the card easily when it is time to decorate the tree.

It is a thoughtful Christmas gift concept, especially for crafters who enjoy making small decorations with a personal touch. The bird and poem card belong together: a little handmade ornament, a Christmas wish, and something to bring out again next December.