Turtle Hood

Turtle Hood Crochet Pattern by Becky Dirlam

What is Being Made

The Turtle Hood is a stylish crocheted cowl-style accessory designed and created by Becky Dirlam of Indulge Crochet Designs. This is a one-piece construction project that requires only a single seam, making it an efficient and elegant addition to any crocheter's accessory collection. The hood combines functional warmth with classic design elements, resulting in a sought-after wearable piece.

Construction and Design Approach

This pattern is worked as a single continuous piece, minimizing seaming and simplifying the overall construction process. The design features a distinctive folded hood element at the top, which serves as both a structural and visual feature. When counting rows during construction, crocheters are instructed to count the top or fold of the hood to avoid confusion caused by short rows used in the shaping process. The combination of stitch placement and technique is described as simplistic in application while maintaining classic functionality.

Crochet Stitches and Techniques Used

The Turtle Hood employs a focused selection of fundamental crochet stitches to achieve its textured appearance and structure:

• Fhdc (Foundation Half Double Crochet): Used to establish the foundation of the piece, this technique combines the foundation chain and first row into a single step, creating a secure and elastic base.
• BLO Hdc (Back Loop Only Half Double Crochet): All stitches throughout the pattern are worked in the back loop only, a technique that creates a soft ridge detail across the fabric. This consistent approach to stitch placement provides visual texture and contributes to the garment's distinctive appearance.
• Chain (ch): Used for turning chains and construction elements as needed throughout the pattern.

Yarn and Materials

The Turtle Hood pattern calls for Berroco Ultra Wool DK yarn, a durable wool blend with a specification of 15 wraps per inch, making it appropriate for the DK (double knit) weight category. A 6.0mm crochet hook is recommended, though crocheters should verify the correct hook size to obtain the specified gauge for proper fit and drape.

Additional supplies required include four stitch markers (highly recommended for tracking pattern repeats and construction points), scissors, a tape measure for measuring gauge and finished dimensions, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and completing the single seam.

Gauge and Sizing Information

The pattern specifies a gauge of 15 half double crochet stitches over 4 inches in width and 11 rows over 4 inches in height. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished dimensions and fit of the hood. Crocheters are advised to work a gauge swatch using the specified yarn and hook size before beginning the project.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate project, the Turtle Hood is suitable for crocheters with foundational knowledge of basic stitches and construction techniques. The pattern's straightforward stitch selection and clear row-counting guidance make it accessible to those beyond the beginner level, while the shaping techniques and back-loop-only construction provide enough complexity to engage intermediate-level crafters.