Aspen Cowl

Aspen Alpine Cowl by Burgundy & Blush

What is Being Made

The Aspen Alpine Cowl is a cosy crocheted cowl designed to wrap around the neck twice, offering versatile styling options. The pattern is easily customisable, allowing crafters to adjust the length to be shorter or longer depending on personal preference. This downloadable crochet pattern from independent designer Burgundy & Blush also includes coordinating designs for a beanie and mittens, making it possible to create a complete matching set.

Crochet Techniques Used

The Aspen Alpine Cowl features the Alpine stitch as its primary technique, a textured stitch pattern that creates visual depth and interest. The Alpine stitch is structured in a repeating sequence that remains consistent throughout the project, making it an excellent choice for beginner crocheters. The pattern involves working in rounds with a combination of basic and post stitches to achieve the characteristic dimensional texture of the Alpine stitch.

Stitches and Abbreviations

The Alpine stitch sequence uses the following crochet stitches in US terminology:

• Double Crochet (dc) – Used in the starting row and alternated throughout the Alpine stitch pattern
• Single Crochet (sc) – Creates transition rows within the Alpine stitch repeat
• Front Post Double Crochet (fpdc) – Worked around the post of stitches from previous rows to create the raised, textured effect characteristic of the Alpine stitch
• Slip Stitch (sl st) – Used for joining rounds
• Chain (ch) – Foundation stitches

The Alpine stitch pattern repeats in a six-row cycle: starting row of double crochet, followed by single crochet, alternating double crochet and front post double crochet, single crochet, alternating front post double crochet and double crochet (working into stitches from earlier rows), and then the sequence repeats. Because the stitch count remains the same throughout the entire project, this pattern is particularly beginner-friendly and provides excellent practice for mastering the Alpine stitch technique.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Aspen Alpine Cowl requires less than 200 grams of Aran weight yarn (also known as Worsted weight), making it an economical project. A 6.5mm crochet hook is used to work with the Aran yarn. Basic finishing supplies needed include scissors and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming if necessary.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as beginner-friendly. While it introduces the Alpine stitch, the consistent stitch count throughout the project and the straightforward repeating pattern sequence make it accessible to newer crocheters. The pattern serves as an ideal introduction to post stitches and textured crochet techniques.