Spike It Cowl - Free Crochet Pattern

This is one of my favorite crochet projects yet. I love the texture, reversibility and how easy it is to work up. I made two versions; the varigated short version (13.5" x 7" after blocking and seaming) which is made from superwash DK in a OOAK colorway 'Ying and Yang'. The long version (6.5" x 26" after blocking and seaming) is made with Tibet yarn, which i would consider an aran/bulky weight. This is a wool/acrylic/viscose blend.

Using different yarn weights:
The pattern was written for dk weight yarn, however it's very simple to adjust for any other weight. Gauge is really not that important, your aim should be to get a fabric that you like. Use a hook  several sizes bigger than recommended to make a fabric that has more drape. For reference, the green version is made with an aran/bulky weight and used a P hook. I began with a chaining 15. I also strongly suggest to make a gauge swatch with the yarn you plan to use, specially if using other weights not mentioned here. Once your swatch is complete, you will measure the stitches per inch and multiply that into how wide you want the cowl to be. Chain the appropriate number (*always chain an odd number*) and continue to follow the pattern.

Materials:

DK weight yarn

Size J hook (6mm)

Pair of scissors

Tapestry needle to weave in ends

Stitches Used:

Chain
Single Crochet
Spike Stitch (insert the hook below the two loops/underneath the stitch and pull through, finish off single crochet)
Seaming

Gauge:
1" = 3.5 stitches in SC

Notes:
This project is made flat. It's then blocked and seamed.

Pattern:
1- Chain 25.
2- SC in 2nd loop, and sc all. Chain 1, turn. = 24
3- Skip the 1st stitch. [1 SC, 1 spike stitch] repeat until the last stitch. SC(refer to pictures for where to place the last SC stitch). Chain 1 and turn.
Repeat row 3 until desired length. Leave tail long enough to seam together.

Finishing:

Seam together; can be blocked before or after.

Centipede ~ Free Knitting Pattern

While browsing through a knitting stitch dictionary, I ran into this stitch. I found it fascinating, easy, interesting, and intricate looking without it being so. It called out to me and had to become something! I kind of refer to it as the sister to the 'Offset Cowl', which is similar in many ways. Gauge is not extremely important, it would work out beautifully in other weights of yarn as long as you're getting a fabric you like. It's very easy to adjust length by knitting a longer or shorter project before casting off.  Enjoy!

The short version pictured is using a DK weight superwash yarn in a OOAK colorway I dyed quite some time ago called 'Purblue'. This was a little thicker than the red yarn, all thought both are a DK weight. Dimensions after blocking and seaming: 12" x 8"

The long versions is made using Cherry Tree Hill Yarn Supersock DK Selects in the 'Very Berry' colorway. Dimensions after blocking and seaming: 20" x 7.5"

Materials:

DK weight yarn  

4.5 mm needles (or needles needed to get gauge)

2 stitch markers

Tapestry needle to seam and weave in ends

Gauge:

1" = 3.5 stitches in stockinette stitch

Stitches Used:

Cast on

Knit

Purl

Cast off

Notes:

This project is worked back and forth flat, and is seamed together once complete.

All right side rows(odd rows) are the same throughout the pattern.

Pattern:

Cast on 36

Row 1- Knit 4, place marker(PM), knit to last 4 stitches, PM, knit to end of row

Row 2- Knit to marker. [Purl 4, knit 2] x4 times total. Purl 4, knit to end of row

Row 3- Knit all. Repeat for every odd row throughout the pattern.

Row 4-11- Repeat rows 2-3 for 4 additional times ending with an odd row 

Row 12- Knit to marker. Purl 1, [knit 2, purl 4] x4 times total. Knit 2, purl 1, knit to end of row.

Row 13- Repeat row 3.

Row 14-21- Repeat row 12-13 for 4 additional times ending with an odd row 

Repeat row 2-21 until desired length. Bind off, leaving tail long enough to seam together. 

Finishing:

Seam together; can be blocked before or after.