Puff Cowl

Puff Cowl by Sam Hermes

What is Being Made

The Puff Cowl is a beginner-friendly crochet cowl designed by Sam Hermes and featured in Inside Crochet Issue 121. This project creates a cozy neck accessory using a distinctive puff stitch technique that adds texture and visual interest to the finished piece. The cowl is worked in super chunky yarn, making it a quick and satisfying project suitable for crocheters new to the craft.

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

This design showcases the puff stitch as its signature technique, specifically using a 4 puff cluster construction where multiple loops are pulled through simultaneously on the hook to create dimensional, popcorn-like texture. The pattern employs fundamental crochet stitches including chain stitches, half treble, and treble crochet, along with slip stitches for joining. The puff clusters are the focal point, creating raised, textured elements throughout the cowl. This combination of basic stitches with the specialty puff technique makes the project accessible for beginners while still producing a visually striking finished garment.

Yarn and Materials

The Puff Cowl is designed using Millamia Sweden Naturally Soft Super Chunky yarn in two colorways: Carbon 405 (yarn A) and Butternut 423 (yarn B). The yarn is 100% wool, with each 100g ball containing 50 meters (54.5 yards). The pattern requires 3 balls of Carbon and 1 ball of Butternut. For those seeking alternatives, Paintbox Yarns Super Chunky wool mix is recommended as a suitable substitute.

Tools and Specifications

• 12mm (US P) crochet hook
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends
• Stitch marker (optional)
• Scissors
• Tension: 6 stitches × 3 rows = 10×10cm (4×4 inches) using 12mm hook

The pattern notes that tension is not critical for this project, though it may affect the total yarn quantity needed. Crocheters can adjust hook size up or down based on their individual tension to achieve the desired fabric density.

Difficulty Level

Rated at 2 stars for Easy, the Puff Cowl is an ideal project for beginners. The straightforward stitch combinations and the use of super chunky yarn—which works up quickly and is forgiving of tension variations—make this an encouraging first or early crochet project. The downloadable PDF format provides complete written instructions with abbreviations in UK crochet terminology.