Diana's Cowl

Diana's Cowl by Julie Blagojevich

Project Overview

Diana's Cowl is a long, lacy crocheted cowl designed as a rectangle that is seamed together to create a continuous neck accessory. This intermediate-level crochet project features reversible lace patterning, with each side of the cowl displaying a distinctly different texture and visual appeal. The cowl is named after Diana, a friend from the designer's yarn shop, and combines thoughtful construction with elegant stitch work.

Construction Method

The cowl is crocheted as a flat rectangular panel and then seamed together using slip stitches to form the circular cowl shape. This construction approach allows for precise pattern work and makes the project manageable for intermediate crocheters. After the main body is complete, edgings are added to both the inside and outside of the cowl to finish the piece.

Lace Patterns and Stitch Work

Diana's Cowl features two distinct lace patterns, one on each side of the rectangle:

• Ribbed side: One side of the cowl displays a ribbed appearance created through the lace pattern construction
• Bumpy side: The opposite side features a bumpy textured look, providing visual and tactile interest

This reversible design means the cowl can be worn with either pattern facing outward, depending on the wearer's preference. The lace patterns are worked in Section I, which establishes the gauge for the project at 20 stitches and 16 rows over a 4-inch (10.16 cm) square.

Finished Dimensions

The completed cowl measures approximately 52 inches (132 cm) around the neck and 7 inches (17.8 cm) in width before blocking, making it a generous, comfortable neckwear piece suitable for layering or wearing as a statement accessory.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: Lana Grossa Lace Lux in Merino & Viscose blend, Color 016. The project requires two 50-gram balls, providing 339 yards (310 meters) of yarn weight 4-ply. This luxurious blend of merino wool and viscose creates a fabric with excellent drape and a refined sheen, ideal for lace crochet work.

Hook: Size 7 crochet hook (4.5 mm). Both Brittany and Clover brands produce this hook size.

Additional Notions: A darning needle for weaving in yarn ends and blocking tools to shape and finish the completed cowl.

Skill Level

This project is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for crocheters with foundational knowledge of basic stitches and pattern reading who are ready to work with lace techniques and seaming methods.