Double the Fun Cowl | Crochet Pattern

***Please read this description before purchasing the pattern.*** This pattern does NOT include embroidery motifs. They are available on my website, www.bloomhandmadestudio.com. I will be adding motifs regularly. Follow me on Instagram @bloomhandmadestudio or subscribe to my newsletter on my website for updates. For now, if you purchase four or more embroidery motifs, this pattern will be free. You must enter the code DOUBLETHEFUN to receive the discount. All designs must be added to your cart and checked out at the same time in order for the code to work. No refunds will be given after the fact.  This pattern uses US terminology. The design is for a gorgeous, double-wrapped crocheted cowl. Left plain, this cowl serves as a gloriously squishy layer of warmth, perfect for warding off winter’s chill. It is also a lovely canvas for adding embroidery on both sides of the cowl, meaning that it has the potential to become a truly customized accessory that reflects the personality of the wearer! The cowl is simple to stitch. The only stitches required are chain and single crochet, making it a perfect project for makers who are new to this craft or those who craving soothing, simple repetition. If you are a beginner, I have recorded a podcast to guide you through each step of the underlying crochet. This demonstration is for a coaster, which is obviously smaller than the cowl, but it is a terrific starting point to learning crochet – and for testing your gauge.    The cowl looks its best when finished with an applied i-cord, especially if you are going to be adding embroidery. The tube created when applying an i-cord is a terrific place to hide your embroidery ends, thereby allowing your piece to be reversible. This pattern does not include instructions on how to work an i-cord. However, I have recorded two podcasts demonstrating this technique: The video demonstrating how to CROCHET the applied i-cord can be found here. The video demonstrating how to KNIT the applied i-cord can be found here. I demonstrate how to pick up stitches from crochet to work a knitted applied i-cord here, in minute 57:30.  In my opinion, the knitted applied i-cord is less ”fiddly”. However, I prefer the finished look of the crocheted version. I encourage you to try both techniques and pick whichever one you prefer. All of my podcasts are timestamped, indicating exactly when each step is being demonstrated. Feel free to check the show notes to see all the techniques being shown and when they begin in the episode.  Adding embroidery to my cowl caused it to shrink in length by nearly 5 inches (12.5 cm), making it smaller than my preferred length. I turned these lemons into lemonade and added an extension to my cowl, thereby customizing the length to be exactly what I wanted. I demonstrate how to work an extension to the cowl here, in minute 37:20. Depending on your embroidery tension, you may need to employ this technique to increase the length of your piece. If you do not add embroidery, add just a bit of extra stitching or employ a light tension, the dimensions of the cowl will fit most adults quite beautifully without the extension. ***Yarn*** *For crochet and icord border:* Kraeo Auntie Afghan 100% SW Merino Worsted 4 ply 195 yards (178 meters) per 100 gram skein 3 skeins *For embroidery:* Kraeo Little Sister Fingering Single Ply 100% SW Merino 5 20g minis ***Tools*** Size J (6.0 mm) crochet hook Darning needle 3 Removable stitch markers Waste yarn This pattern calls for an icord to be applied after the piece has been crocheted. If you prefer to knit it on, you will need 32” or longer US 8 (5 mm) circular knitting needles ***Gauge*** 14 sc x 18 rows = 4” (10 cm) (unblocked, prior to embroidery) ***Abbreviations*** CC contrast color ch chain MC main color RS right side sc single crochet sk skip stitch sp space sts stitches WS wrong side ***Final Measurements*** *(Including i-cord, before embroidery)* 55.5” (140 cm) x 7.5” (19 cm)