Chunky Ridge Cowl

Chunky Ridge Cowl by Nicolle Bernard

What is Being Made

The Chunky Ridge Cowl is a beginner-friendly crochet cowl designed to be worn around the neck. This finished accessory measures 12 inches wide by 11 inches tall, making it a quick and satisfying project suitable for crafters new to crochet.

Crochet Techniques Used

This cowl is constructed using modified joined rounds, a technique that combines circular crochet construction with turning rows. The pattern begins with a foundation chain that is joined into a circle, then worked in continuous rounds with turning between each round. This method creates a structured, tubular fabric ideal for cowl construction. The pattern is designed with adjustability in mind—crafters can easily modify the width by chaining more or fewer stitches at the foundation, allowing customization based on personal preference.

Stitches Used

The Chunky Ridge Cowl utilizes several fundamental crochet stitches:

• Chain (ch) — Used for the foundation and turning chains throughout the pattern
• Half Double Crochet (hdc) — The primary stitch used to build the body of the cowl, creating a dense, textured fabric
• Back Loop Only (blo) — Applied in Row 2 and beyond, working into only the back loop of each stitch to create the distinctive ridge texture that gives this cowl its name
• Slip Stitch (sl st) — Used to join rounds and secure the circular construction

Materials and Tools

The Chunky Ridge Cowl requires approximately 100 yards of super bulky weight yarn. The pattern samples were created using either 1 skein of Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick or 1.5 skeins of Lion Brand Hometown USA, both excellent choices for this project. A size 10 mm crochet hook is recommended, though the pattern notes that hook size should be adjusted as needed to achieve proper gauge. Additional materials include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and scissors for finishing.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 7 stitches by 5 rows per 4 by 4 inch square when using the recommended yarn and hook size. Achieving proper gauge ensures the finished cowl will be appropriately sized and drape correctly when worn.

Pattern Structure

The Chunky Ridge Cowl begins with a foundation chain of 38 stitches, which is carefully joined without twisting to form a circle. Row 1 consists of half double crochet stitches worked around the entire foundation, joined with a slip stitch. Subsequent rows continue the half double crochet stitch, with the distinctive ridge effect created by working into the back loop only. The pattern is written in US crochet terms, making it accessible to crocheters familiar with standard American abbreviations.