Tartan Skull Cowl

Tartan Skull Cowl by Deja Joy

What is Being Made

The Tartan Skull Cowl is a crochet cowl neck accessory designed by Deja Joy and published by Knit and Crochet Ever After. This project creates a fitted neck warmer featuring a tartan skull pattern worked in contrasting colors. The pattern is available in two sizes: a Kid Cowl measuring 20 inches in circumference by 8 inches tall, and an Adult Cowl measuring 22.5 inches in circumference by 9 inches tall. The cowl is worked from bottom to top in a seamless construction.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level crochet project employs fundamental crochet techniques with color work integration. The pattern requires matching gauge precisely to achieve the correct finished dimensions, as all sizes utilize the same yarn quantities with hook size adjustments to modify the final cowl size. The design incorporates a tartan skull motif worked in two contrasting colors, necessitating color changes and careful stitch placement throughout the project. Crocheters are advised to review pattern tutorials before beginning to ensure optimal results with the color pattern work.

Stitches Used

The Tartan Skull Cowl is constructed primarily using single crochet (SC) stitches. The gauge specification of 2 inches equaling 9 single crochets and 9 rows confirms the foundational stitch structure. Single crochet provides a dense, structured fabric ideal for displaying the tartan skull pattern detail across the cowl surface.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted weight yarn (100g/218 yards per skein). Approximately 160 yards of Black (colorway 25693) for the main color and approximately 60 yards of White (colorway 25694) for the contrast color. The Kid Cowl requires approximately 10 yards less of each color. Any worsted or medium weight yarn may be substituted.
• Crochet Hooks: 5.5mm [US-I] hook for the Kid Cowl or 6.0mm [US-J] hook for the Adult Cowl, depending on desired finished size
• Gauge: 2 inches equals 9 single crochets and 9 rows

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as Intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for crocheters with foundational skills who are ready to work with color changes and more complex stitch placement.