Dual Colored Braided Cowl
February 2021 QuickProjects
Designed by Lauren Samar for Yarn Bits Shop
Feel free to email for pattern help or questions: help@yarnbitsshop.com
The braided technique featured in this pattern LOOKS more complicated than it actually is. This technique can be worked for many patterns in one or many colors to create texture and lots of fun color combinations. In this pattern, it is two colors to emphasize the braid color changing. The overall pattern is straightforward and it is basically working stripes with loops added in the last row of that color section. Then the loops are “braided” together prior to the second last row. If a cowl (which is perfect for spring and could also be worn slightly pulled over the shoulders!) is not desired, a pillow cover is a great alternative option. Happy Crocheting! ~Lauren
In this box, there is:
- Two skeins of Universal Yarns Uptown DK in two colors- $14
- Size H Crochet Hook OR Handmade By Lauren Stitch Markers – $4
- Quick Note– Make sure you’re getting emails from us! We send out a color survey most months and will be offering an option between hooks or a different extra if a hook is not needed.
- Sweeter Card- $9
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Dual Colored Braided Cowl
Skill Level: Easy
Hook: Size H or 5mm
Gauge: 8 st x 6 rows of pattern = ~2.5×1.5 inches
Dimensions: 160 ch for starting ch = ~50 inches around and ~8.5 inches wide
Pattern Notes
- The pattern is worked in round BUT does turn in directions to keep the seam straight and makes it a little easier to line the loops up.
- The starting chain is 160 but any multiple of 4 can be used to adjust sizing as desired. If you want to make the cowl longer around, add more chains and this will make it thinner. If you would like the cowl shorter around (not fit over shoulders at all), reduce the number of chains and it’ll make it thicker.
- You will not do anything with the loops in terms of braiding it until the end (it will unravel). Keep an eye on alignment of the loops- ensure that the new loops are lined up with the previous loops every time you’re starting the loop row.
- There is a 2-row start, then rows 3-5 are repeated until one color runs out of yarn, then the other color is used for the ending rows- which includes brading the loops and fastening the top of the braid to the fabric so it doesn’t unravel.
With color A– Ch 160. Without any twists in your chain, sl st to the first chain to create a loop.
Set-Up Rows
Round 1:
- ch 1, sc same sp, sc in each sp around
- sl st to first sc,
- turn
Stitches count: 160 sc
Round 2 (Loop Round):
- ch 1, sc in same sp
- sc in next sp
- *ch 10, sc in next sp (loop made), sc in next 3 sp
- Repeat from * around (loops made between sets of 4 sc)
- sl st to first sc, turn
Stitches count: 160 sc and 40 loops
Body
Round 3:
- sl st color B, ch 2
- hdc same sp, hdc in each sp around (you will be skipping over loops basically)
- sl st to first hdc,
- turn
Stitches count: 160 hdc
Round 4:
- ch 2, hdc same sp, hdc in each sp around
- sl st to first hdc,
- turn
Stitches count: 160 hdc
Round 5: Repeat Round 2 (Loop Round), ensuring that the sp that the loop “goes over” or “splits” is aligned with the previous loop row.
Working until most of the yarn is used up- Repeat rounds 3-5, alternating colors with each set of 3 rows. The loop round is the last row of the color section and the following row is the opposite color. With the starting ch of 160 defined for the pattern- there should be 11 loop rounds completed. But if the starting chain was adjusted, there may be more or less loop rounds.
Ending Rounds
Repeat rounds 3-4. Depending on the direction of the work after round 4 of the ending rounds, you may not want to turn. Ensure that the loop side is FACING YOU prior to starting the following round. If you need to skip the turn to ensure this, that is fine.
Fastening Braids Row Set-Up/Tips:
Ensure all the loops are on ONE SIDE of the fabric.
To braid- you can do one or a few columns at a time but don’t do all columns prior to starting the fastening round:
- Working one “column” from bottom to top, start at the bottom loop
- Pick up bottom loop, twist it so it is flipped over (this closes the “gap”), pick up and pull the loop above it through the hole of bottom loop
- Pick up 2nd to bottom loop, twist it, pull the next loop above it through
- Repeat all the way to top of “column”
Fastening Braids Round (2nd last round):
- ch 1, sc in same sp,
- sc to space prior to loop alignment (should only be 1 more sc)
- *Braid column of loop
- Twist last loop the same way as all loops have been twisted in column
- sl st into loop- this fastens the top of the loop to the row,
- sc in next 4 sp,
- Repeat from * around, braiding and fastening each column of loops to row
- sl st to beg sc
Stitches count: 160 sc with loops fastened between every 4 sp.
Last Round:
- ch 1, sc in same sp,
- sc in each sp around,
- sl st to beg sc, fasten off and weave in all ends.
Stitches count: 160 sc
Alternative Ideas
A pillow case can be made by following the same pattern with some adjustments. It can still be worked in a shorter round (maybe roughly 80 chs for starting ch to make a 12×12 pillow covering both sides) and the top/bottom can be sewed together after crocheting size desired and being stuffed.
The pattern can also be adjusted so it is not working in rounds if desired. Start with a multiple of 4 chs and have loops start after 2 sp in on either side. Follow the pattern without working in rounds- each row would skip the “sl st to beg st”.
Pattern Declaimer
This is a paid pattern originally designed for a Yarn Bits Shop subscription box.
You have permission to sell any item made from this pattern. However, you are not allowed to resell, distribute, duplicate, or share this pattern or downloads in any printed or digital form (in full), or to claim the pattern as your own original design. If you want to sell or share a picture of your work from this pattern, please clearly credit the design to me: Lauren Samar of Yarn Bits Shop (with link to the website when applicable).
Occasionally a mistake or typo falls through, please report them via email (help@yarnbitsshop.com) and the pattern will be updated accordingly.