Mesa Cowl

Mesa Cowl by Julie Blagojevich

What Is Being Made

The Mesa Cowl is a crocheted neck accessory designed as a warm, cuddly piece perfect for gifting during the holiday season. This cowl is worked in the round and measures approximately 26 inches (66 cm) around the neck with a height of 11 inches (27.9 cm) before blocking, expanding to 13 inches (33 cm) after blocking. The cowl provides versatile styling options and can be customized with multiple yarn colors or created as a single-color project.

Techniques and Construction

The Mesa Cowl features a feather-and-fan stitch pattern worked continuously in the round, creating a flowing, textured fabric. This classic crochet technique produces an elegant drape and visual movement characteristic of feather-and-fan designs. The pattern allows for stacks of color, enabling crafters to incorporate multiple yarn colors for a vibrant, gradient effect, or to work the entire project in a single yarn color for a more minimalist aesthetic. The round construction method ensures a seamless, tubular cowl that slips easily over the head.

Stitches Used

The Mesa Cowl utilizes fundamental crochet stitches in its construction:

• Chain stitch (ch) – used for foundation and pattern repeats
• Double crochet (dc) – the primary stitch forming the feather-and-fan pattern structure

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The pattern calls for Pepperberry Knits Sport Weight Cashmere in a Fun Size Bundle colorway called Urbanite, which includes 8 different colors. The total yardage is 360 yards (329.2 m), with each individual skein containing 45 yards (41.1 m). Sport weight yarn provides a lightweight, delicate fabric suitable for a cowl that drapes beautifully without excessive bulk.

Hook: A size 7 crochet hook (4.5 mm) is required. The pattern notes that Brittany and Clover brand hooks work well at this size.

Additional Notions: A darning needle is needed to weave in yarn ends, and blocking tools are recommended to achieve the final dimensions and enhance the feather-and-fan pattern definition.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The pattern gauge is 15 stitches and 12 rows in pattern, measuring 4 inches (10.16 cm) square. Achieving proper gauge ensures the cowl fits correctly at the neck. Pre-blocking dimensions are 26 inches (66 cm) around the neck and 11 inches (27.9 cm) in height. After blocking, the cowl expands to 26 inches (66 cm) around the neck and 13 inches (33 cm) in height, allowing the feather-and-fan pattern to open up and display its full textured beauty.

Difficulty Level

This project is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for crocheters with some experience beyond basic techniques. The feather-and-fan pattern requires understanding of pattern repeats and working in the round, though the stitches themselves remain relatively straightforward.

Design Credit

The Mesa Cowl was designed by Julie Blagojevich of CrochetWorks. Testing, recipe information, and graphic design were provided by Gina Lynette. This downloadable PDF pattern was created in 2014.