Free Pattern - Herringbone Cowl

If you have been following my blog you know that from the very beginning of this crochet journey I've been in love with alpaca yarn and especially the big honkin skeins of it you get from Galler Yarn's Prime Alpaca.  The value is just incredible!  You get a half pound, 600 yard skein of blissfully soft and perfectly plied pure alpaca yarn for about $30.  The yarn is beautiful and comes in a number of amazing colors.  It has become my go-to basic yarn that I use for everything.  With it I created this pattern for a Herringbone Cowl.  Enjoy! 



A staggered post stitch pattern creates this simple, sophisticated, warm and thick cowl. This versatile cowl can be worn around the neck, over the shoulders, over the head, or even as a skirt! This is a perfect pattern to keep you cozy as temperatures drop.  This is an intermediate level project because of the post stitches, but it is suitable for an adventurous beginner!  The finished piece is 18 inches tall and 36 inches around.

Here's a close-up of the stitch pattern.  It's just a staggered combo of front and back post stitches.  It's actually really easy if you know how to work post stitches.  And if you haven't learned that skill yet, here is a great tutorial for you.

Enjoy!!!

Finished Size

One size fits most: 36”(91 cm) circumference, 18” (46 cm) height

Materials

Galler Yarns Heather Prime Alpaca, (0.5 lb/228 g, 600 yds/549 m) – 2 skeins

US I-9/5.5 mm crochet hook or any size needed to obtain gauge

Yarn needle

Gauge

16 post stitches and 13 rows = 4” (10 cm) square. Exact gauge is not critical for this project.

Abbreviations

Ch(s)	Chain(s)
Ea	each
Hdc(s)	Half double crochet(s)
Dc(s)	Double crochet(s)
FPdc(s)	Front post double crochet(s)
BPdc(s)	Back post double crochet(s)
Rnd(s)	Round(s)
Sl st(s)	Slip stitch(es)
St(s)	Stitch(es)

Pattern Notes

For a nearly invisible join, each round starts with a ch 1.  To change the circumference, increase or decrease the starting ch in multiples of 6 sts.

Pattern Instructions

Ch 144.  Being careful not to twist, join with sl st to first ch.

Rnd 1: Ch 1, hdc in back bump of ea ch around.  Sl st to first hdc to join. (144 sts)

Rnd 2: Ch 1, hdc in same st and ea st around.  Sl st to first hdc to join.

Rnd 3: Ch 1, dc in same st and ea st around.  Sl st to first dc to join.

Rnd 4: Ch 1, FPdc in same st and next 2 sts.  *BPdc in next 3 sts, FPdc in next 3 sts.*  Repeat from * to * around to last 3 sts.  BPdc in next 3 sts.  Sl st to first FPdc to join.

Rnd 5: Ch 1, FPdc in same st and next st.  *BPdc in next 3 sts, FPdc in next 3 sts.*  Repeat from * to * around to last 4 sts.  BPdc in next 3 sts, fpdc in last st.  Sl st to first FPdc to join.

Rnd 6: Ch 1, FPdc in same st.  *BPdc in next 3 sts, FPdc in next 3 sts.*  Repeat from * to * around to last 5 sts.  BPdc in next 3 sts, FPdc in last 2 sts.  Sl st to first FPdc to join.

Rnd 7: Ch 1, BPdc in same st and next 2 sts.  *FPdc in next 3 sts, BPdc in next 3 sts.*  Repeat from * to * around to last 3 sts.  FPdc in next 3 sts.  Sl st to first BPdc to join.

Rnd 8: Ch 1, BPdc in same st and next st.  *FPdc in next 3 sts, BPdc in next 3 sts.*  Repeat from * to * to last 4 sts.  FPdc in next 3 sts, BPdc in last st.  Sl st to first BPdc to join.

Rnd 9: Ch 1, BPdc in same st.  *FPdc in next 3 sts, BPdc in next 3 sts.  Repeat from * to * to last 5 sts.  FPdc in next 3 sts, BPdc in last 2 sts.

Rnds 10 - 58: Repeat Rnds 4 through 9 eight more times.

Rnds 59 – 62: Repeat Rnds 4 through 6 once more.

Rnd 63 – 64: Repeat Rnd 2 twice more.

Finishing

Fasten off.  Using yarn needle, weave in ends.  Block and shape piece to measure 18 inches wide and 18 inches tall when laid flat.