Lisle Cowl

Lisle Cowl by Kendall Nahorniak

What is Being Made

The Lisle Cowl is a crochet cowl designed by Kendall Nahorniak. This is a wearable neckwear accessory measuring 4 inches wide by 17½ inches long, featuring a sophisticated construction with button closures for adjustable fit and styling versatility.

Craft and Primary Technique

This project is worked entirely in crochet, classified as an advanced difficulty level. The design incorporates post stitches and textured stitch work that requires solid crochet fundamentals and comfort with more complex stitch techniques. The advanced rating reflects the use of specialized post stitches and the precision required to maintain proper gauge and stitch definition throughout the piece.

Stitches Used

The Lisle Cowl employs a variety of crochet stitches to create its textured appearance and structure:

• Single crochet (sc) — the foundation stitch used for gauge measurement and structural elements
• Double crochet (dc) — primary stitch for building fabric depth and drape
• Treble crochet (tr) — used to create taller stitches and varied texture
• Front post double crochet (fpdc) — a specialty stitch worked into the post of the previous row's double crochet from the front, creating raised textural definition
• Front post treble crochet (fptr) — a taller post stitch variation worked from the front, adding dimensional texture
• Back post double crochet (bpdc) — worked into the back of the post, creating complementary raised texture on the reverse side
• Chain (ch) — used for foundation and turning chains
• Slip stitch (slst) — used for joining and finishing
• Yarn over (yo) — fundamental technique used in all stitches

Materials and Tools

The Lisle Cowl is worked with DK weight yarn (also known as 8 ply), using a 3.75 mm (size F) crochet hook. Kendall Nahorniak recommends Berroco Comfort DK or other comparable DK weight yarn options. The finished piece also requires 3 buttons measuring ¾ inch (1.905 cm) for closures.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

Proper gauge is essential for this advanced project. The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 single crochet stitches over 4 inches (10 cm) in width and 20 single crochet rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in depth. The finished cowl measures 4 inches (19 cm) wide by 17½ inches (44.45 cm) long, creating a versatile neckwear piece suitable for various styling options with its button-closure design.