Cinched Cowl 2

Here is another version of a cinched cowl which creates a tie cord from the bottom to the top of the cowl (or you could wear the cowl upside down of course and tie the cord at the bottom - your choice).  This tie cord is made as a continuation of the cowl and is not separate.  Let's see if my instructions are understandable :).  I used Loops & Threads Charisma yarn in the color Northern Lights.  This is a great soft, thick yarn.

Cinched Cowl 2

Size N hook
Chain 45 stitches
Join last and first stitches with a slip stitch being careful not to twist the chain
Ch 2, Half double crochet in the second chain and in each stitch to the end of the row
At the end of each row slip stitch through the first stitch in the row.
At the beginning of each row Ch 2.
This cowl measures 8.5-9 inches.


Tie cord:  At the end of the last row, after slip stitch into the first stitch of that row to complete the round, continue in a chain stitch for 14 inches to create the tie cord.  Turn work and single crochet back the length of the cord, binding off when you reach the cowl's edge.  Weave the tie cord through the holes created at the seam (the joining stitches at the end of each row).  Pull and cinch as desired.  Finish with a knot.  

Half double crochet stitch:  yo, through stitch, yo, pull through the stitch and all the way through the three stitches on the hook.  

Cinched Cowl 1

I love the combination of the yarn in this cowl.  The deeper purple is an alpaca from Rowan in the color of Guatemala.  I used this yarn before in the Revive Scarf.  The lighter shade yarn is Red Heart Boutique Treasure in Spectrum.  This is a beautiful acrylic/wool yarn that knits so nicely.  

I made this cowl a bit wider in circumference than some so I could add the cord to cinch it.  This cowl is crocheted in the round in double crochet.  The cord was made at the end and woven through a row of double crochet.  

Cinched Cowl 1

Size K hook
Chain 80 stitches to start.  
Join the last stitch with a slip stitch in the first stitch, being careful not to twist the chain.
To start the next row Ch 2, double crochet in the second chain in the first row.  Continue to double crochet in each stitch to complete the round.
To end each row use a slip stitch in the first stitch, then Ch 2.

NOTE:  If you want the rows to have the decorative ridge showing, when crocheting from the inside, or wrong side of the cowl, pick up the stitch by inserting the hook through the front part of the stitch only.  

Continue in double crochet throughout project.
Color A for  2 inches
Color B for 6 inches
I finished with a single crochet in Color A.

Tie cord:  I chained 30 inches, turned work, insert hook in second stitch and continues to the end in single crochet.

Pot Holders

The pot holders / hot pads below are a simple single-crochet stitch.   I think I used a size I-9 hook.  They are double-sided and look the same on both sides.  They are blanket-stitched in matching thread color to finish the edges.   I used Sugar 'n Cream cotton yarn in Cottage Twist, Black and Yellow.   A small hair elastic in red is used for the loop.  Hope you like these.  Fun and easy!

Pot Holders