Camden Cowl

Camden Cowl by Michelle Ferguson

What Is Being Made

The Camden Cowl is a beginner-friendly crochet cowl designed by Michelle Ferguson. This project creates a cozy neck accessory available in two sizes: a child size measuring 10.5" x 8.5" and an adult size measuring 13" x 12". The cowl is a versatile piece suitable for crafters new to crochet techniques.

Construction Method

The Camden Cowl is worked from the bottom up using a fair isle crochet style technique. In fair isle crochet, unused yarn is floated behind the working stitches until it is needed again in the pattern. This creates a multi-colored design while maintaining a cohesive fabric structure. The pattern is worked in the round, building the cowl vertically from the cast-on edge upward.

Crochet Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental crochet stitches appropriate for beginners:

• Single crochet (sc) – the primary stitch forming the base fabric
• Chain stitch (ch) – used for the starting foundation
• Slip stitch (sl st) – used for joining rounds
• Single crochet 2 together (sc2tog) – used for decreasing stitches
• Back loop only (blo) – a variation that works through only the back loop of stitches

Yarn and Materials

The Camden Cowl requires 200-400 yards of worsted weight yarn in 2 colors. One color serves as the main color (MC) and the other as a contrasting color (CC). A size I/8 (5.5mm) crochet hook is recommended, though crafters should use a hook size that achieves the specified gauge. Additional materials include scissors, a measuring tape, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 16 single crochet stitches plus 16 rows equaling 4 inches. Maintaining consistent tension throughout the project is essential, particularly when working the fair isle technique. The designer notes to avoid pulling the floated yarn too tightly behind the stitches, as this can distort the fabric and affect the final dimensions.

Pattern Structure

The pattern is written for child size with adult size measurements provided in parentheses throughout. Total stitch counts for both sizes are included at the end of each row and round, making it easy to track progress and verify accuracy. The starting chain does not count as the first stitch, a common convention in crochet patterns.

Skill Level

Rated as a beginner project, the Camden Cowl is an excellent introduction to fair isle crochet techniques. The combination of basic stitches and the straightforward bottom-up construction makes this an accessible pattern for crafters developing their skills.