Counterchange

Counterchange Crochet Cowl by OneLoopShy Designs

What is Being Made

The Counterchange is a drawstring cowl designed to be worn around the neck, finished at 12 inches deep with a 36-inch circumference. This cozy accessory features a two-color design that showcases the beautiful contrast between hand-dyed yarns, inspired by the aesthetic of Sherwood Forest meeting open sky. The cowl is secured with drawstrings, allowing for adjustable fit and styling versatility.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern calls for DK weight yarn, specifically Dragonfly Fibers Traveller, which is 100% superwash merino. The project requires approximately 175 yards each of two contrasting hand-dyed colors (280 yards total). The original design uses Robin's Egg (Color A) and Fresh Olives (Color B), though any two DK weight hand-dyed yarns can be substituted. A size H (5 mm) crochet hook or the size needed to achieve proper gauge is required.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 12 stitches by 8 rows equaling 4 inches when measured in half double crochet worked in the back loop only. Achieving proper gauge is essential for the finished cowl to measure 12 inches deep by 36 inches in circumference.

Crochet Techniques and Special Stitches

The Counterchange employs several intermediate-level crochet techniques that create both visual interest and functional texture:

• Foundation Half Double Crochet (fhdc): This chainless foundation stitch method is used to begin the cowl, eliminating the need for a separate foundation chain. This technique creates a more polished starting edge and is worked for 100 stitches.
• Half Double Crochet, Back Loop Only (BLhdc): The primary stitch throughout the cowl is worked exclusively in the back loop only, which creates a distinctive ribbed, stretchy fabric texture. This back loop technique produces vertical ribbing that adds both visual dimension and elasticity to the finished piece.
• Color Changes: The pattern incorporates strategic color changes between rounds, with the work beginning in Color B and changing to Color A, creating the counterchange effect that defines this design.
• Steam Blocking: The ribbed fabric created by the back loop only technique will flatten when steam blocked, allowing crafters to customize the final appearance of their cowl.

Construction Method

The cowl is constructed in the round, beginning with the foundation half double crochet technique to create 100 stitches. Locking markers are placed at the base of the first and last stitches to track the beginning of the round. The work is carefully joined without twisting, and color changes are executed by pulling the new color through to complete the final stitch of each round. This construction method ensures a seamless, tubular cowl with consistent texture throughout.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for crocheters with some experience. The use of the foundation half double crochet technique and the precision required for consistent back loop only stitching require solid foundational skills, though the overall stitch pattern remains straightforward once these techniques are mastered.