Saturday 16 August 2014

MOROCCAN TILE COWL


free crochet cowl pattern, Sweet Nothings Crochet free crochet pattern blog, photo of the Moroccan tile cowl,

MOROCCON TILE COWL

Taking the idea from the absolutely superb pattern by Tamara Kelly of Moogly  - Moroccan Market Tote from Moogly Blog Moroccan Market Tote at  http://www.mooglyblog.com/moroccan-market-tote/  -  I’ve altered the stitch, but using the same basic design have made this cowl.  
Please check out Moogly Blogs several free patterns.
This is not my original pattern, as I am piggy-backing off Moogly's Moroccan pattern, with her permission.

The original pattern uses the dc in the “V” st, but here I’ve changed that stitch to the e-sc .. so the end result is similar, but just cuter smaller stitches – and a ‘chain-like / flower-petal-like (?)’ effect that follows due to this stitch. 
Instructions for how to  make an e-sc , as well as the “V”–st with the e-sc with photos given
I’d like to thank Tamara who has kindly allowed me to use her idea for this pattern. 

Using this same lovely tile pattern, I’ve also jotted down my notes as I was making this cowl.. so enjoy 

Thank you for joining me.

In case you have just joined me, know that you can access all of my earlier creations by checking under ‘categories’ on the right hand side of this blog under “Labels”.  Then, for your convenience, follow me here or on Facebook, You Tube, Pinterest, Twitter or Instagram.

Check out all my social media handles at the bottom of this blog

Oh, and may I add that the fastest way to find any of my blogs is via Pinterest.


All my blogs can be printed.  Find the printer friendly (green) link at the bottom of this blog.  You can also hit Control P (or Command P for Mac) on your keyboard, and the blog will go directly to the connected printer.

Remember that you only print if absolutely essential.  Save paper – Save Our Earth. 


Do remember to add my blog URL when you make and show off your creation. 

Just copy the link on the search bar above - that's the blog URL.


To purchase this or similar yarn online, click here to buy your yarns online via Amazon.  While you will still pay the same, I may get paid by Amazon as well. 

This is a free blog - so do pay it forward for me.  Cheers.


Materials used  : 4-ply fingering yarn, Wendy Baby love (dark blue Shade 727505) and Vardhaman  Millenium Baby Soft (Cerulean blue Shade BBM015) with a 4.5 mm (US 7) crochet hook

For Indians : You could use Anchor , Red ros ; Red rose metallic or  unbranded  knitting cotton as well as Oswal acrylic yarns

General yarn info : The yarn used today is not specific to this pattern.
You can use any yarn with a suitable hook to make this project to any size.

International yarns :  Among the international yarns I have used in this thickness, I’d suggest Aunt Lydia Cotton 10, Aunt Lydia Bamboo-Viscose 10, DMC Petra, Sullivans knitting cotton (Australia), Milford Soft, Hilaza Rustica Eclat , Alize cotton yarn and Alize bamboo yarn.


Size : W : 15” x circumference : 24”

As per CYCA 

Abbreviations :
sc : Single crochet                   yo : Yarn Over                          
st(s) : Stitch(es)                        hk : hook
lp(s) : Loop(s)                          dc : Double crochet
sl-st : Slip Stitch
e-sc : Extended single crochet   
fsc : Foundation single crochet
MC : Main Colour                                                          
CC : Contrast Colour

Suggestions : In this pattern we are going to use two colours – and interchange them every alternate row.  To ensure that your work looks neat from both the underside and the top, I suggest the following technique when changing over colours.  
Your last st before change-over is an e-sc, so when drawing through to complete that last ‘V’-st, use the ‘other’ colour for that last draw through (i.e if using CC for the row, change to the MC during that last draw through and completion of that ‘V’-st).  This way, not only do your yarns neatly switch in from behind, but you do not have any trailing yarn, do not need to cut and weave in ends and have the yarn you need just where you want it at all times. 

Stitches used :
Starting slip knot : Here’s how you start with a slip knot.  https://youtu.be/lJcqsVcs8cw

Starting slip knot 1 or the Sloppy Slip knot : This is a neat new way to start your work without a slip knot.  https://youtu.be/YfC7KmGpifs

How to hold your yarn in crochet : https://youtu.be/FwOlCbGdbqY

What is a chain stitch ? Here is an easy video tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXx5ukBjKkY

What is a slip stitch : Here is a neat video tutorial at https://youtu.be/weB3QNbA8Iw

Single Crochet : Sc : yo, insert hk into st ; yo (2 lps on hk); yo, draw through both lps.  One sc made.  Check out the video at https://youtu.be/ghACqBpA-3k

First stitch for Single Crochet : This is how I like to start my row of sc. 
Check out the video at https://youtu.be/6pVYRfsf4_M

Double Crochet : dc : yo, insert hk into st ; yo (3 lps on hk);
[yo, draw through 2 lps] twice.  One dc made. 
Check out the video at https://youtu.be/xdnjB27zpYo

Chainless start for Double Crochet : I dislike the ch-2 / ch – 3 start, and this is what I do to start my row of dc.
Check out the video at https://youtu.be/wskv3iTjRx0

Extended Single Crochet (e-sc) Photo tutorial : hk into st, yo (2 lps on hk), pull through one lp, yo (2 lps on hk),pull through both lps.  One e-sc made. (An e-sc is basically an sc on an sc). 

How to work an e-sc

How to work an e-sc

How to work an e-sc

How to work an e-sc shell stitch

Pattern instructions : (Using U.S terminology)  
Using these instructions you can make a cowl , scarf  or wrap.
Come along and let's see how.

Please note that I start all my rows with a ch 1, turning chain for ease.
Please check the top of this blog (as well as through the blog) for easy video tutorials on all stitches used in today's pattern.
Please read through all my notes before you pick up your hook, so you know just where we're heading in our pattern.

So I have decided to make a smallish cowl that just goes around the neck and can be used as an ear-muff / ear warmer / headband as well.  
But you can make this for any size.  
All you need to do is ensure that you have the multiples needed for the stitch count and away you go.  
As we are working this pattern such that both sides look neat, even a nice long infinity cowl will look superb.  
Finally, if you decide that you want to make it a scarf or a wrap, you will work the same pattern, but you will not work in rounds, but in rows.

If working a wrap or scarf, your stitch count will be in multiples of 3 + 1. 

and when working for the scarf or wrap, you will be working in rows, so I would also suggest that you do cut yarn at the end of each row and rejoin at the start of  row again for neatness OR you carry your un-used yarn along.  
Yes, a little confusing.. so let's just keep this for another project on another day, shall we?  

How to change colors seamlessly : Here’s an easy video tutorial to show you how to change from the Main color to the Contrast or second color of yarn seamlessly.  View it at https://youtu.be/fRzSBja9jno 

How to carry your yarn when using two colors : Here’s an easy video tutorial to show you how to carry your yarn along when working with two colours.  

For now, let's get a cowl done in rounds. 
We change color every round, so do check the video tutorials above. 
Come along, let's create something gorgeous.

free crochet cowl pattern

Foundation Single Crochet : fsc : To refresh your skill on the fsc, please view this video https://youtu.be/mcT85fwh4mA 

The stitch count for our project is in multiples of 3

Round 1 : with MC : 
Start with 75 fsc (or in multiples of 3, for the length / (going around neck) you want for your cowl).  
Keeping the chain flat, join the two ends with a slip stitch. 
Change to CC.  
Do not cut off MC.

Check out this video on how to keep your chain flat without twisting when working with a longer chain length : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwoGTvFbxbg

Extended single crochet (e-sc) : Here is an easy video tutorial

V’-st : “V”- stitch : e-sc ; ch 1, e-sc in the same st or ch-sp. 
(e-sc explained above with video and at top of this blog with photos)

Round 2 :  Using CC : ‘V’ st in the 1st fsc, sk 2 fsc ; 
*‘V’-st in the next fsc, sk 2 fsc* ; 
rep from *to* till end.  
Join to the 1st ‘V’-st.  
Change to MC.  
Do not cut off CC. (25 ‘V’-sts)

Round 3 :  Using MC : ‘V’-st in the 1st ‘V’-st and in each ‘V’-st till end.  
Join to the 1st ‘V’-st.  
Change to CC.  
Do not cut off MC.  (25 ‘V’-sts)

Round 4 :  Using CC : ‘V’-st in the 1st ch-1 sp between 2 ‘V’-sts and in each ch-1 sp ; 
2 ‘V’-sts till end.  
Join to the 1st ‘V’-st.  
Change to MC.  
Do not cut off CC.  (25 ‘V’-sts)

Explanation of ‘between 2 ‘V’- sts :  
You will notice that this round has the first of the diamonds formed that are this lovely Moroccan tile design.

So, you are using your CC, and we are trying to make a diamond.  
So instead of a ‘V’-st in the ‘V’-st of the previous round, you go into the ch-1 sp of the round one below, that has been made using the CC, and ‘envelope’ the MC in between.  

This way, both sides of your cowl will look the same, and you will have no ‘front’ or ‘back’ side to your lovely cowl.

and hopefully this video will make it even clearer..


Rep Rounds 3 & 4 till you get a width you’re happy with. 

Last row : Sc in each ch-1 sp and in between 2 ‘V’-sts all the way around till end.  Fasten off and weave in ends.

As you have worked this in all rounds, all you need to do is weave in the ends and you're done.  Neat huh?

Now go on.. wear this and show off 
Please do tag me on Facebook when you finish your product, as I’d love to see your creation(s).

Do come back right here for more freebie patterns

Enjoyed this ?? I sure did.. Come back right here for more freebie patterns

Remember to share this blog post when you share your photos with me on Facebook.  I’d love to feature your photos on my FB page.  Cheers.

If you're visiting me here for the first time, and have liked the experience, do add me to your mailing list (for your convenience) , and all my future free patterns will come straight to your mail box.  

I’d appreciate if you could credit my blog (and link the original pattern link) when you make your own creation.  Thanks.

Check out my awesome pins on Pinterest at https://in.pinterest.com/shyamanivas/


Join me on YouTube at http://youtube.com/shyamanivas

And on my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Sweet-Nothings-Crochet/ for more patterns.

Do follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ShyamaNivas


Find me on Ravelry at ravelry.com/projects/shyamanivas/


Have a great day and see you soon. 

Here are some of my earlier neckwear creations.  



















































































































AND for our four legged pals.. some fancy neckwear at