Gwen Collar

Gwen Collar by Hannah Smith

What is Being Made

The Gwen Collar is a crochet collar designed by Hannah Smith as a versatile accessory piece. This collar features elongated cluster stitches and decorative picots along the edge, creating an elegant finished look. The design is practical and adaptable—it can be sewn directly onto a garment for a permanent attachment, or constructed with a loop and buttons so it functions as an independent, detachable accessory that can be worn separately. The finished neck band measures 18½ inches excluding the button loop, or 20½ inches when the button loop is included. This makes it an excellent project for crocheters looking to add a polished collar detail to their wardrobe or to create a standalone fashion piece.

Ideal Use and Yarn Considerations

The Gwen Collar is specifically designed as an ideal project for using up leftover sock yarn and other fingering-weight or 4ply yarn scraps. This makes it both economical and practical for fiber artists with partial skeins in their stash. The pattern accommodates different yarn types, as demonstrated by the two sample options provided in the pattern.

Techniques and Stitches Used

This advanced-level crochet project employs several key techniques:

• Elongated cluster stitches – These create texture and visual interest throughout the collar body
• Picot edging – Decorative picots are worked into the edge for a refined, finished appearance
• Double crochet – The foundational stitch used throughout, with gauge measured at 26 double crochet stitches over 10 centimeters (4 inches)
• Pattern repeats – The pattern is based on a multiple of 10 plus 1 double crochet stitch, allowing for adjustable sizing through gauge modifications

The advanced difficulty level reflects the precision required in executing cluster stitches and maintaining consistent tension throughout the picot edging.

Materials: Yarn and Hooks

Yarn Weight: The pattern is designed for fingering weight (1) and 4ply yarns. Two sample yarns are provided to demonstrate versatility:

• Sample 1: Cloudborn Alpaca Wool Silk Fingering in Colour 29-001 Natural – approximately 17 grams needed. This yarn is composed of 45% Alpaca, 25% Merino Wool, and 30% Silk, with a ball weight of 100g (3.5oz) and meterage of 350 meters (384 yards).
• Sample 2: Nundle Collection Chaffey in Colour 125 Berry – approximately 25 grams needed. This yarn is 100% Merino Wool, equivalent to 4ply weight, with a ball weight of 50 grams.

Hook Size: A 2.5 millimeter crochet hook is recommended for this project.

Gauge and Sizing Notes

Achieving the correct gauge in double crochet is essential for this pattern's success. The recommended tension is 26 double crochet stitches measured over 10 centimeters (4 inches). The pattern structure—based on a multiple of 10 plus 1 double crochet stitches—allows for adjustments in sizing. Crocheters can modify the finished dimensions by adjusting their gauge, making this a flexible pattern that can be customized to individual preferences or specific garment requirements.