The Cowl for Skerin Four Ways

Susan Kerin writes, 
"I wanted to design a Christmas gift, decided on a crocheted scarf.  Began experimenting with colors and textures of my yarn remnants and worked various prototypes that could be easily written as a pattern. Result was the Cowl for Skerin Four Ways."

The pattern also calls for four buttons, which is a fun exercise in itself to go through the button box and pick out the “just” right accent of color/textures of buttons to put the cherry on top of this delicious yummy item.  Susan said the response to this scarf was "absolutely overwhelming"!

Cowl For Skerin Four Ways Crochet Pattern

All kinds of texture goin’ on in a soft and warm cowl; completed in multiple textures and yarn weights and lots of fun choosing the just-right buttons to set it off!  Makes up really fast; excitement builds as each new color and texture are added.  Work seems to go faster and faster as each row is completed … and you can’t wait to see what the next completed row brings!  Skill Level:  Easy.  Of yarn weights in yarn standards categories 4, 5, and 6. Finished size:  approx. 32”x6”.

©2014 Susan D.Kerin, http://skerinknittingandcrochet.com/product/cowl-of-skerin-four-ways-crochet/

Lacy Star Stitch Crochet Cowl: Spiraling Starwirbel

Starwirbel Cowl-Capelet

Crocheting star stitches that look this lacy has been a fun discovery! Earlier this year I was preparing to teach a new crochet class on star stitches. This is when I learned about the incredible lace textures star stitches can have. 

The Starwirbel Cowl came together quickly as a design for several reasons. With a big crochet hook, each star gets you where you want to go faster.

You can use all different kinds of yarn. (Link goes to the Starwirble projects page in Ravelry. Also see its crochet along here.) 

I used a yarn that has bitsy sequins here and there, with some mohair and silk. I couldn't put it down!

It's crocheted in the round with no turning—that means it's a spiral. I love how you can really build up speed and momentum when crocheting in a spiral.

I named it "Starwirbel" for this reason. the "wirbel" part is a German word for whirl. That's what the spiraling construction felt like to me while crocheting it. 

Before I found the term "wirbel" I was thinking of names like "Star Whirl" or "Star Funnel." I think "Starwirbel" is more distinctive and memorable. Also, I love that several German crocheters have purchased this pattern.


This pattern is not free and I really appreciate each and every purchase of it. Starwirbel comes with a great photo tutorial. It also benefits from all the information I gleaned from the (frankly outrageous) amount of research I did on star stitches for my star stitch classes!

Variations on the En Fleur Cowl for Crochet! Magazine

The En Fleur Cowl is my latest cowl design, and it is also the first time I have designed a project for Crochet! magazine! The bold floral motif inspired this cowl, and in addition to designing the magazine version, I wanted to find more ways to use/ alter the motif pattern.

First, I decided to try making the motifs in 2 colors with a lazy daisy embroidery embellishment in the center. It gives it quite a different look:

Then, I decided to try crocheting the motifs in pearl cotton thread to create a statement necklace:

You can find instructions for how to alter the pattern in the magazine to make this necklace, on my blog.

The stylists for the Crochet! magazine photo shoot came up with the idea to wear the cowl as a headband. I love the versatility of that. you could easily wear it as a cowl or a headband on the same day, depending on the weather or your mood!

These are just a few ways you can have fun with a simple motif pattern- whether you change the colors, yarn, or the way you wear it, you can get a lot of mileage out of a pattern!