Ridgeline Bandana Cowl in Cascade 220 Superwash Wave - W690 - Downloadable PDF

Ridgeline Bandana Cowl in Cascade 220 Superwash Wave – Crochet Pattern by Anna R. Simonsen

The Ridgeline Bandana Cowl is a free, downloadable crochet pattern designed by Anna R. Simonsen and published by Cascade Yarns®. This stylish accessory is worked in the distinctive shape of a bandana-style cowl, featuring a pointed hem that falls gracefully at the front and a neat, fitted neck edge. The finished piece measures 20 inches in circumference at the neck edge and 14 inches tall at the point, making it a versatile layering accessory for cooler weather. The pattern is rated Easy to Intermediate, making it an approachable project for confident beginners and a satisfying quick make for more experienced crocheters.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a bandana-style cowl — a cowl that mimics the look of a folded bandana worn around the neck, with a distinctive triangular point at the front. Unlike a traditional tube-shaped cowl, the bandana cowl is worked flat first to build the triangular shape, then joined and worked in the round to create the fitted neck band. The result is a fashionable, textured neckwear piece that sits close to the neck while the pointed front adds visual interest and a touch of bohemian style.

Construction and Techniques

The construction of the Ridgeline Bandana Cowl is cleverly divided into two phases. The first phase involves working flat in rows to build the triangular bandana shape. Increases are worked at both edges and at a central chain-2 space on every row, which creates the characteristic outward flare and pointed silhouette. After the triangular section is complete, a joining round connects the two ends of the flat piece to form a loop, and the pattern then transitions to working in the round to complete the neck edge with a neat, structured band of crochet. This combination of flat and in-the-round construction is a useful technique for crocheters looking to expand their skills beyond simple tube projects.

Stitches Used

The pattern makes use of a focused set of crochet stitches that work together to create the Ridgeline texture — a raised, dimensional surface that gives the cowl its name. The stitches used include:

• Chain stitch (Ch) – used for foundation chains, turning chains, and chain spaces
• Slip stitch (sl st) – used for joining the flat section into a round
• Double crochet (Dc) – the primary stitch throughout the pattern, forming the body of the fabric
• Shell stitch – defined in this pattern as 3 double crochets worked into the same space or stitch, creating the fan-like shell clusters that give the fabric its open, lacy texture
• Front post triple crochet (Fptc) – a post stitch worked around the post of a stitch in the row below, creating the raised ridgeline detail that runs diagonally across the fabric and gives the cowl its name and its distinctive three-dimensional texture

The interplay between the shell stitch and the front post triple crochet is the defining feature of this design. Post stitches like the front post triple crochet are worked by inserting the hook around the vertical post of a stitch rather than through the top loops, pulling the stitch forward and creating a raised ridge on the right side of the fabric. This technique adds depth and visual interest without significantly increasing the complexity of the work.

Stitch Pattern Structure

The main stitch pattern is established over five rows, with Rows 1 through 3 setting up the initial shell and post stitch arrangement, and Rows 4 and 5 repeated six additional times to build the full height of the triangular section. Row 4 places shells into each available space across the row, while Row 5 introduces the front post triple crochets worked into the centers of the shells from the previous row. This two-row repeat is easy to memorize and creates a rhythmic, satisfying crochet experience well suited to the pattern's Easy/Intermediate skill level rating.

Materials and Yarn

The pattern is written specifically for Cascade Yarns® 220 Superwash