Orbital Cowl

Orbital Cowl by Margo Bauman

What is Being Made

The Orbital Cowl is a reversible neck accessory designed by Margo Bauman (flyingflowerflourishes) that wraps around the neck in a spiral construction. Once worn, the cowl creates an orbital effect around the wearer's neck. The design is fully reversible, with each side displaying a different texture, making it a versatile piece that can be styled two ways depending on preference.

Construction Technique

This cowl is worked in a continuous spiral, which allows crocheters to customize the fit to their individual preferences. The spiral construction method creates the distinctive orbital appearance when the finished piece is worn. The two-color design is achieved by alternating between two yarn colors throughout the project, with color changes integrated into the stitch pattern using a locking stitch technique.

Crochet Stitches and Methods

While specific stitch abbreviations are not detailed in the provided pattern excerpt, the Orbital Cowl employs crochet stitches that create textured surfaces on both sides of the fabric. The pattern includes color-change techniques where you drop one color and pick up the next color at designated points in the pattern. A locking stitch marker method is used to manage the color transitions, ensuring clean changes between Color 1 (C1) and Color 2 (C2).

Yarn and Materials

• Yarn: Space Cadet Vega worsted weight yarn in 100% Superwash Merino
• Color 1 (C1): Dark Skies – 97 yards/89 meters (1.6 ounces/45 grams)
• Color 2 (C2): Tantrum – 86 yards/79 meters (1.4 ounces/40 grams)
• Primary Crochet Hook: I-size (5.50 mm) hook for main construction
• Secondary Crochet Hook: H-size (5.0 mm) hook for edging
• Additional Supplies: Locking stitch markers and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Skill Level and Designer Notes

The Orbital Cowl is rated as a beginner-level crochet project, making it accessible to newer crocheters while still offering interesting design elements. Designer Margo Bauman notes that her personal crochet tension is quite loose, and she recommends that crocheters adjust their hook size choice accordingly based on their own tension. This flexibility in hook sizing allows the pattern to work for a wider range of tension styles. The finished cowl coordinates with the Spiral Nebula Hat, also by the designer, for a coordinated set.