Holy Cow(l) Batman! (Making a Cowl: The Basics)

So these are appearing a lot now that Autumn is on us (and Spring if you're the other side of the world and it's chilly too)... With kids they make that 'wear a scarf' thing so much easier -to loose ends, harder to get lost, no knotting thing that's uncomfortable.

I know there are a few starter crocheters out there, and this is really a quick and easy project to start with.

YARN:
It's pretty inexpensive too -100g ball of yarn, double knit weight or heavier will just about do a single loop adult cowl (where it just pops around your head). Two balls of 100g chunky could do a super long one (see my profile pic) that can loop twice.

HOOKS:
Anything from 4mm upwards depending on the weight of your yarn. Nothing fiddly here, promise.

HOW TO:
Grab your yarn and hook. Make a foundation chain (the one you start off with) that is long enough to go around the widest part of your head. Then add a couple of loops more. If your yarn is very stretchy, then don't add a few more. If it's very chunky add about five. You want it to get over your swede at the end of the day!

Without twisting the foundation chain, join the chain by slip stitching through the first loop you made. Now you have a circle. (If at this point this has been exhausting, fasten off, add a charm, congratulate yourself on making a necklace and have a lie down).

If you are working in treble stitches (which is quickest and easiest), chain up 3 then work around the whole circle in trebles. Once you get back to the start, slip stitch into the top of you chain of 3, and repeat. (Say to yourself "up, around, join, repeat" and you will not only look like a mad woman or chap, but you will indeed get it right).

Keep going until you are happy with the depth -try ten rows if chunky and fifteen if dk, because you want some snuggly squooshiness about the whole thing.

When you're good and ready, fasten off, work in those loose ends and pop on. Nice work.





APPROX SIZES FOR SMARTY-PANTSES:
Ok, you're not a bodger. That's fine.

For a toddler: Make a foundation chain of 73, (where 3 = your 'up' chain) and work 15 rows in double knit. For chunky, make a foundation chain of 63, and work 10.

For an adult: Make a foundation chain of 88, (includes 3 for 'up'), and work 15 rows in double knit. For chunky, make a foundation chain of 78 and work 12.