Get your yarn out because I’m starting the new year with a “faux knitting” project that will get you hooked. (I know…that was cheesy.) It’s a cozy scarf that looks like a rib knit but it’s really crochet! Now why would you want your crochet to look like knitting and why not just grab your knitting needles and knit instead? Because knitting looks nicer but crochet is faster. Ha, ha, that’s my answer anyhow!
Isn’t this crochet stitch cool? It totally looks like a rib knit but it’s actually a half double crochet stitch worked lengthwise in the extra loop for every row.
Yes, I made another infinity cowl. What can I say? I really like them ! Unlike my very first knitting project (a medium length cowl that took 6-8 weeks for me to finish), this ribbed crochet scarf works up quickly.
Are you ready to pick up your crochet hook yet? Here’s a guide to making this gorgeous crochet cowl (scarf).
Half Double Crochet Cowl Pattern
Level of difficulty: Easy
Abbreviations:
- ch = chain stitch
- hdc = half double crochet
Tools & Materials:
- Crochet Hook – 6.5mm
- 2 skeins of Patons Classic Wool (192m/100g)
Gauge: 3 hdc=1 inch
Row 1: The foundation row is made up of half double crochet “chains”. Sorry, I’m not sure if this is the correct term or not. Start by chaining 2. Hdc in second chain from hook. This is your first stitch.To make the next stitch, insert your hook through the two loops to the left of your hook. Yarn over and pull through to complete a second hdc stitch.Repeat until you have 200 stitches (180 for a shorter cowl or 220 if you want an extra long scarf or cowl)..Ch 2 and turn.
Omg! My hands are so dry and my nails are hideous!
Row 2: The half double crochet stitch creates an extra loop just below the space you would normally insert your hook to make a stitch. Hdc through the extra loop in the second stitch (your two chains count as the first stitch). Repeat to the end of the row. Your last stitch will be worked into the ch stitch from the previous row. Ch 2 and turn.
Here’s a sample of what your work should look like. I probably should have used a better colour yarn to take photos and demonstrate.
Rows 3-16: Continue working the pattern of hdc into the extra loops. When you are finished with the rows, bring the ends of the scarf together. Join the two ends by slip stitching across both pieces. Bind off and weave in ends. If you are am making a scarf, you can simply bind off when you’ve completed your last row. Be sure to weave in loose ends.
* Note: I twisted one end of the scarf before joining. I like the built in twist but the cowl looks nice with or without it.
I normally don’t like to do this but someone had asked me to model my first knitted cowl. My excuse at the time was that I was pregnant and the cowl just doesn’t hang well over a big tummy. Well, I’m not pregnant any more and I’ve managed to keep my tummy out of the picture! So instead of getting one of my kids to model my work…here I am wearing my lovely cowl creation.
I made my cowl extra long. If you prefer a tighter fit, then start your cowl with a foundation row of 180 stitches. There is no right or wrong length but I would avoid going any longer than 220 stitches. If you keep your stitches nice and loose, the cowl should have a soft drape and will stretch out a bit with wear.
Happy New Year and have fun crocheting!
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