Monday, November 9, 2009

The Black Hole Cowl pattern

So, this all resulted out of me losing my favorite black scarf a couple of years ago when my rear windshield got broken during a storm by a giant tree branch. The backseat of my car was covered in glass pieces...and so was my favorite scarf my brother had gotten me in college. I was super sad to lose it, but sure that I couldn't wear a glass-ridden scarf, even with as much sentimental value as that one had. I bought some Big Wool a couple of years ago in black to replace the scarf. I wore that scarf almost everyday in the winter for many years, so I wanted something similar. This yarn has gone through a few different test-runs over the last couple of years...I tried to do a ribbed scarf like the one I lost, then I tried a crocheted scarf, then I tried a crocheted ruffle scarf...none of them were very awesome and I'll admit I rarely make a knitted scarf anymore due to the time commitment involved :)

So, this last Saturday I was inspired by all of the lovely cowls I saw on Ravlery and decided to make my own. I knew I wanted a huge, over-sized cowl that would be super warm and resemble the look of wearing my beloved scarf (it was like 7 feet long so very thick when wrapped around my neck). I started chaining stitches on my giant 16mm crochet hook and here's what I came up with:

The Black Hole Cowl

3 skeins Rowan Big Wool (only used approx. 220 yds)
size P (15 or 16mm) crochet hook
large button (it's good to find one with large button holes b/c your yarn is chunky)

abreviations:
SC = single crochet
TR = treble crochet

Directions:
Chain 50.
Join chain into ring with a slip stitch, being careful not to twist the chain.
Round 1: SC in each chain around and join last SC to first SC of round with a slip stitch.
Round 2: DC in each SC on next round and join last DC to first DC of round with a slip stitch.
Round 3: TR in each DC around. Join last TR to first TR of the round with a slip stitch.
Round 4: SC in each TR **in the back loop only** (this creates a nice ridge on the front of your work). Join last SC to first SC of round with a slip stitch.

**Repeat rounds 3 & 4, 4 times.

Next round: TR in each SC around. Join last TR to first TR with a slip stitch.
Last round: SC (regular SC on this round, NOT in the back loop as in round 4) in each TR, at the same time decrease 5 sts evenly around (this brings in the neck edge of the cowl so it's not quite as gaping). Join last SC to first SC with a slip stitch. Cut yarn and tie off.

Finishing: Try on the cowl and fold one top corner diagonally to the other front side of the cowl. Mark this button placement with a piece of your yarn. Secure the button to this spot. Weave in your ends. Try it on again...voila! Your neck is surrounded by a void of nothingness...I mean the Black Hole cowl :)

50 comments:

Diana Troldahl said...

I LOVE this. I like crochet, but usually like the look of knitting better. This is a perfect marriage of technique and design. It wouldn't look nearly as awesome if it were knitted.

Cassimus T. said...

This so makes me want to learn to crochet!

Between Me and You said...

Hi Laura, found you on Ravelry when I was searching for a pattern for a cowl. I`m so glad I discovered yours because I have just finished my first one today and it was soooo easy! I didnt`t have any chunky yarn so I just used three strands of double knit together on a size 10 hook and it seems to be fine. Thank you very much for sharing the pattern. I`ll be checking out your hat patterns on Etsy too because they`re so nice. I want to make at least one for my trendy young niece!I`m going to be telling everyone about my `Tennessee Cowl`!

Unknown said...

I absolutely love this cowl! I just made it yesterday and do have one comment about the pattern. After joining the rounds with the slip stitch, you should chain 1, 2, or 3 depending on the row your working on before you continue into the next stitch. On my cowl, you can easily tell where the stitches were joined. On the next cowl, I will chain 1 before a SC row, chain 2 before a DC row, and chain 3 before a TR row. These will count as your first single, double, or treble crochet for that row. Then when you join back with the beginning, it gives a much cleaner look. Just my suggestion...

Helen said...

Is there any reason why you did not repeat the dc row before the last round? I'm definitely going to try this pattern.

Laura said...

Nope, just a design decision. I think you could easily add it and it would look fine! Glad you like the pattern!

carrieleegrant said...

I so want to try this, but so far I've only ever used SC (really basic stuff). We'll see if I can pick up enough of the other stuff to make it work. :) Thank you!

Clo said...

Congrats on a beautiful looking cowl. I was wondering, can you wear this as a hood as well? (unbuttoned obviously!) I'm looking for something I can make for my Mum which she can wear around her head, but that won't crush her hair (she hates hat-hair!) & will also keep her neck and throat warm.

Thanks in advance,

Clo

Laura said...

@ Clodagh...I think she could wear this as a hood, but you would want to make it a bit longer. As it is right now, it wouldn't cover your neck/shoulders if you had it around your head. I would add at least 4 inches probably. I think then it would work well!

Unknown said...

This project is currently in the works as we speak and so far, I love it! I was just wondering how to decrease the last SC row by five sts do you do this with slip stitches? I'd appreciate the help :)

Unknown said...

First off, thank you so much for this awesome pattern! I'm on the last row and eager to put it on. I'm really confused at the end, though. I know how to decrease 2 or 3 tog, but some how I'm not getting what you mean? Do you mean to sc 5 then dec 2sc tog, repeat? Or do you actually mean to dec 5 sts together (ending by pulling through 6 loops)? This makes sort of a shell type stitch. Sorry, I know I'm missing something very basic here. Could you perhaps break it down a little for me? Thanks!

Laura said...

Hi! Glad you're enjoying the pattern. What you need to do is decrease 5 total stitches on the last round, so do a crochet 2 together 5 times, evenly spaced throughout. (ie. crochet a few sc stitches, then do a decrease, crochet a few more sc stitches, do another decrease, etc.) Does that help? You just want to bring in the neck of the cowl a little bit at the end. I hope that clarifies it a bit!

Weeks Design said...

Hi! I posted a link to your pattern on my blog, The Crafting Compendium, on my post about cowls. If you would like me to remove any reference and link to this pattern, please let me know.

Unknown said...

i love this! i just finished my first one & it took me around 2 hours, so quick & easy. i wanted to make a few more but i had a quick question, if you don't mind... i'd like to take a few with me to my next craft show to sell, is that kosher?

Laura said...

Hi Allie. So glad you like the pattern! Unfortunately, it's not kosher to sell items made from someone else's pattern. An option though is to change the pattern in some way to make it 'your own' and sell those. That's what I think about when designing knitting patterns as well. Thanks so much for asking!

Unknown said...

Thanks, Laura. I was asking because some patterns do indicate that the finished product is able to be displayed at craft shows or that the pattern creator would prefer that it wasn't. It might be helpful to add a disclaimer to the pattern, I did not see one. Thanks again!

Cassady said...

Ok I am a beginner and I have knitted cowls but not crocheted any... I like this pattern and I am a little confused... should this ring be able to fit around my neck?

Laura said...

Yep, if you're not getting the right width, make sure you are using the right crochet hook and yarn size. It is a large cowl that should very easily fit over your head and be wide enough to button over a coue of inches.

Laura said...

Sorry, a "couple" of inches :)

Cassady said...

ok I wondered that too. I live 45 minutes from anywhere that carries knitting and crochet tools. So I was trying to make it work with a J hook... I get urges and want to make things when I usually dont have the right needles or hooks. Tomorrow is my birthday and I told my husband that I all I wanted to do is go to Hobby Lobby to buy some yarn and hooks haha... thank you for the input so fast!

Laura said...

Happy Birthday! I hope you get all the hooks and yarn you want!

Cassady said...

Thank you! I really like this pattern hopefully I can figure it out... If not I may comment (:

ssingleton said...

Great Cowl, question about the button though. Is it just there for design or there for actual use? And am i supposed to be able to put cowl on with the button buttoned (if it is there for actual use) sorry if confusing :)

ssingleton said...

Great pattern. I have a question. Is the button there for actual use or is it there for design. Also if it is there for use, (silly question) Am I supposed to be able to take it on and off with or without buttoning it?

Laura said...

Hi, yes, the button is to bring in the cowl to make it fit a bit more, but is also for looks. It is up to you whether you want to use the button or not. Mine does still fit over my head even with it buttoned, but again, it's all personal preference.

Marta_Mommy said...

Hi Laura, I just started crocheting a few weeks ago and I'm hooked :) I'm almost halfway done this cowl but I'm using an M sized hook and a fleece/wool mix in an off white. I've chained a total of 65 to begin to compensate for the size hook and yarn. I'm just wondering how long and wide yours turned out?? I'm just not sure how this one will be and whether it'll be too big or small. Thanks! Marta

Laura said...

Hi Marta! Mine is 18" wide and 12" tall, when laying flat. (so about 36" around total). I hope this helps!

Nell2010 said...

I wanted to thank you for the pattern of the beautiful cowl! I absolutely loved doing it (my first crochet project!) thank you!!!!

Laura said...

So glad you love it! I am planning to do some more crochet patterns in the new year. Thanks for the lovely post!! :) Happy Holidays!

Amy said...

this is exactly what I was looking for! Thank you for sharing!

Terry said...

This is beautiful! Thank you for the pattern!

Laura said...

You're so welcome! So glad you are enjoying it!

momof2 said...

This is my first crochet project and it came out beautiful! I can't wait to wear it. Thank you so much for sharing, you are very talented.

Kayla J said...

I absolutely love this pattern! I've made two for myself and made 3 for Christmas presents. Everyone complements me on them - thanks again!
I also agree with a slip stitch before starting the next row - it helps keep each row together. I also decided to decrease a bit more than 5 on the last row - more like 15. But I'm using Lion Brand's Hometown USA.
Regardless, kudos! I love it!

mgriffin said...

This is a wonderful pattern; it is easy and fast. I made one for my daughter incorporating 3 yarns at once. She wore it immediately and has had several strangers stop her and comment or ask about it. LOVE IT!

Laura said...

Thanks so much! So glad you guys love the cowl. It's time I made myself another one! Happy crocheting :) ♥

Unknown said...

Hi, I love this pattern! I am also a beginner and my question is, when I am making this, its a circle right? LOL I just wanted to clerify. Or is it one that I am making and sewing the ends together? I would LOVE to make this for myself but a little confused when reading patterns(which I'm still learning to read)! Thank you :)

Laura said...

Hi! Yes, you are making it in a circle as you crochet. Enjoy!

adry said...

Awesome pattern! Thank you very much for sharing. I just finished making one and it came out great! :)

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sara said...

Is the yarn doubled-stranded? I've started it with a single strand and its not looking as chunky as yours. Thanks!

Laura said...

Hi Sara. It is not double stranded. It could be that your tension is different than mine. You may try going up a hook size. Or if your yarn is a different brand that could also cause a difference. Let me know if that solves it!

Karen said...

Please explain what it means to fold a corner down. It's a circle so I think I'm just not getting it. Please clarify for me. I can't wait to make it.

rbeshears said...

I love this pattern and thank you for sharing. Really easy and quick. I have made three so far.

Rosanne said...

Thanks for your pattern! It was my very first crochet pattern I attempted, and still love mine.

I wrote about it today, on my blog and linked back to you.
http://sharethebrightsideoflife.blogspot.nl/2013/08/almost-year-of-crochet.html

Purple Iris said...

Hi. How do you make the bottom edge look like it's slightly scalloped? It's a nice finishing touch. Can I go back and do it on my chain row, since my project is almost done?

Laura said...

Hi! There is no scalloping, I think that may just be the shadow in the photos. :) Also, when you wear it it will 'blouse' over and *kinda* create that look. Hope that helps! There is a picot edging you could do if you really want a scalloped edge!

Hobblefoot said...

Hi! I am working this pattern right now, and I have a question! I cant seem to get my stitches as tight or as clean looking as yours in the picture... or is the picture making it look tighter then it seems? any ideas?

baglady0515 said...

Hello, Would love to make this into a shrug...any ideas on how to do this? Love it! Thanks, Donna

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