Tunisian Honeycomb Cowl

Tunisian Honeycomb Cowl by Kristine Mullen

What is Being Made

The Tunisian Honeycomb Cowl is a beginner-friendly crocheted cowl designed by Kristine Mullen. This finished piece measures approximately 10 inches tall with a 22-inch circumference, making it a versatile neckwear accessory suitable for various occasions and seasons. The cowl is worked in a distinctive honeycomb pattern that creates visual texture and interest while remaining accessible to newer crocheters.

Crochet Techniques Used

This pattern employs Tunisian crochet techniques, which combine elements of traditional crochet and knitting. Tunisian crochet is characterized by working with multiple loops on the hook simultaneously, creating a denser, more fabric-like finished product than standard crochet. The pattern utilizes a two-part row structure consisting of a forward pass and a return pass, which is fundamental to Tunisian crochet construction.

The cowl is constructed using a cable hook or straight Tunisian hook, allowing the crafter flexibility in tool choice based on personal preference. The pattern demonstrates beginner-level difficulty, making it an excellent introduction to Tunisian crochet methods for those new to this specialized technique.

Stitches Used

• Tunisian Simple Stitch (tss) – The foundational stitch worked by inserting the hook under the next vertical bar, yarning over, and pulling up a loop. This stitch creates the basic structure of the fabric.
• Tunisian Purl Stitch (tps) – A variation worked by bringing yarn in front of the work, inserting the hook under the next vertical bar from behind the yarn, wrapping yarn to the back of the hook, and pulling up a loop. This stitch adds textural variation and contributes to the honeycomb pattern appearance.
• Return Pass (RetP) – The essential second part of each Tunisian row, executed by yarning over and pulling through one loop on the hook, then repeating the sequence of yarning over and pulling through two loops across the entire row. This pass secures all the loops from the forward pass.

Materials and Specifications

The Tunisian Honeycomb Cowl requires #4 worsted weight yarn, with the pattern calling for 3.6 ounces of yarn total. The sample shown in the pattern was created using Hobby Lobby I Love This Yarn! in worsted weight. A Size L/11 (8.00 mm) Tunisian hook is recommended, with the designer noting that either a cable hook or straight Tunisian hook will work effectively for this project.

Additional notions needed include a yarn needle for weaving in ends upon completion. The pattern specifies a gauge of 13 stitches and 11 rows equaling 4 inches when worked in the honeycomb pattern, which helps ensure the finished cowl meets the intended dimensions.