Autumnal Cowl

Autumnal Cowl by Loraine Birchall

What is Being Made

The Autumnal Cowl is a crocheted neck accessory designed as a cowl—a close-fitting, tube-shaped garment worn around the neck and shoulders. This finished cowl measures 68cm when folded in half lengthways with a width of 24cm, making it a substantial and cozy layering piece suitable for autumn and cooler seasons.

Crochet Techniques Used

This beginner-level crochet project employs fundamental techniques that make it accessible to newer crafters. The pattern is worked in the round, using a foundation chain that is joined to create a seamless tube structure. The designer recommends laying the foundation chain flat on a surface before joining to prevent twisting, which is a helpful technique for achieving even results. The pattern is constructed over multiples of 5 stitches, creating a repeating stitch pattern throughout the cowl.

Stitches and Abbreviations

The Autumnal Cowl uses essential crochet stitches worked in UK crochet terminology. Key stitches employed in this pattern include:

• Chain (ch) — the foundation stitch used to begin the project with 160 chains
• Treble (tr) — a taller stitch that creates texture and drape in the finished cowl
• Slip stitch (ss) — used to join rounds and create seamless transitions

Materials and Tools

The Autumnal Cowl requires minimal materials, making it an efficient project. Crafters will need one 200g ball of James C Brett Marble Chunky yarn in shade MC7, which provides the autumnal color palette. A 6mm crochet hook (US size J) is used throughout the project to work with the chunky yarn weight, allowing the cowl to work up quickly while maintaining beautiful stitch definition.