Cowl Neckwarmer
Neckwarmers are a wonderful alternative to scarves. Smaller than scarves they are generally quicker to make and use less yarn - a good stash buster! They're also an excellent way of trying out a new stitch without being too much of a daunting task!
Neckwarmers are a fantastic accessory fitting in well with the current fashion for layering. They are more flexible than scarves and are well suited to spring and autumn wear when a scarf might be a bit too much!
Being a reasonably small item to make you can be creative and try something new. Perhaps by using different types of decoration or finishing, or trying different yarns. If you are a handspinner, this is an ideal way to use up any odd bobbins of wool that you've spun - too little to make a garment but too much for discarding, who doesn't identify with that?!
I've written two ideas for neckwarmers, the first is the Convertible Neckwarmer (instructions below) which is a single tube of crocheting with a drawstring at the top which can be worn either as a hat or as a neckwarmer; the second, the Cowl Neckwarmer, shown above, is a cross between a neckwarmer and a cowl and can be joined in a number of ways. The instructions for the second neckwarmer can be found
here
Convertible Neckwarmer
Worn as a Hat
The Convertible Neckwarmer was crocheted using 4 oz (100gms) of Worsted / Aran weight yarn crocheted in Single Crochet (Double Crochet UK). The gauge for the one shown is 11 stitches per 4 inch (10 cms) using a 5mm (H8 US) hook.
The Neckwarmer is 22 inches (56 cms) total circumference and 9 inches (23 cms) deep.
Note: It is simple to change the size and substitute yarn. Work out the dimensions you require, then, if using a different yarn, you will need to make a tension square and work out how many stitches you have to an inch. Multiply this by the number of inches required for your neckwarmer and this will tell you the total number of stitches you need.
Materials
4 oz (100gms) Worsted / Aran weight yarn.
Length of ribbon or cord for drawstring.
Equipment
5mm (H8 US) Hook
Instructions: Make a chain of 60, join the chain and then make two turning chain and work Single Crochet (Double Crochet UK) in rounds until the neckwarmer is 1 inch (2.5cms) short of the required length. Work one round as follows: 1 Single Crochet, * 1 chain, miss the next stitch and Single Crochet into the next stitch *. This gives you the row of holes to thread the drawstring through. Work a further two rounds of Single Crochet and fasten off. Darn loose end into the back of the work and thread the drawstring through. Simple!
You could add a bit of sparkle to the drawstring by adding some beads or tassels to the end - or even a couple of small pompoms!
Alternative Model
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