Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Heavy Duty Crochet Cowl

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Pattern Review: Georgie Granny Square Bucket Hat Crochet Pattern

The Georgie Granny Square Bucket Hat Crochet Pattern is one of those fun wearable crochet projects that has just the right mix of retro charm and modern festival style. If you have been seeing granny square bucket hats popping up everywhere and thinking, “I could make that,” this pattern is a lovely place to start.

This crochet bucket hat is worked in the round using granny-style clusters, giving it that familiar textured look without requiring you to join lots of separate squares. That is a definite win if, like me, you enjoy the look of granny motifs but don’t always feel emotionally prepared for a mountain of seams and ends.

The pattern uses worsted weight #4 yarn, with cotton or a cotton blend recommended, which makes sense for a summer hat. Cotton gives the hat a bit more structure and keeps it feeling breathable rather than floppy and sweaty. You’ll need around 80g of yarn, a 5.5mm crochet hook, scissors, and a yarn needle. The finished hat is designed to fit a head circumference of approximately 51–55cm / 20.1–21.7 inches, which puts it in the adult small/medium range.

What I like about this pattern is that it includes practical fit notes rather than pretending every head and every crocheter’s tension is magically the same. The granny mesh has stretch, and the pattern suggests trying the crown on after Round 5 before continuing with the body section. That is such a useful little check-in point, especially with hats, because nobody wants to finish the whole thing only to discover it either perches on top like a teacup or slides down over your eyes like a lampshade.

The instructions are written in US crochet terms and include a clear stitch key covering chains, clusters, double crochet, repeats, slip stitches, and spaces. The pattern also explains how the rounds are closed, how the beginning chain functions, and how to count the clusters at the end of each round, which is helpful for keeping the shape on track.

The construction is straightforward: you begin at the crown, continue down into the sides, and then work the brim. The brim shaping comes from an increase round that helps kick the edge outward into that classic bucket hat shape. Rounds 15–17 then hold steady to smooth out the brim edge, giving the hat a neat finish without making the shaping feel overly complicated.

I would call this an easy to confident beginner crochet pattern rather than a very first crochet project. You’ll want to be comfortable working in the round, counting repeats, and making double crochet clusters. Once the rhythm clicks, though, it becomes a relaxing, repeat-friendly project — the sort of crochet you can work on while half-watching TV, provided you don’t lose count during the increase rounds. Ask me how I know.

This pattern also has great colour-play potential. The yellow version feels sunny and wearable, the scrap yarn version has brilliant festival energy, and a red-and-green version would make a surprisingly cute Christmas market hat. It would also be a good stash-busting crochet project if you have leftover cotton yarns hanging around from dishcloths, bags, or summer tops.

Overall, the Georgie Granny Square Bucket Hat is a cheerful, wearable crochet pattern with strong Etsy appeal. It hits that sweet spot between nostalgic granny square style and modern handmade fashion, making it a great pattern for festival outfits, summer wardrobes, handmade gifts, and market sellers looking for a trendy crochet accessory.

Best for: confident beginners, granny stitch lovers, summer crochet projects, festival fashion, scrap yarn makes, and crocheters who want a wearable project that feels fun rather than fussy.