Making Winter: Snuggling up and a FREE Cowl Pattern

So the clocks have gone back, the nights are drawing in and, although here in East Anglia at least, we have been treated to some beautiful mild and sunny weather we all get the feeling that winter is going to hit us soon.

Bonfire night is this weekend and bonfire night as a child makes me think of being bundled up to the nth degree: Three pairs of socks under the welly boots, two jumpers, warm coat, mittens, a scarf, earmuffs (I was a child in the 80s!) AND a hat. Possibly overkill but no colds were caught at our fireworks outings!

As a knitter and crocheter there is something wonderful about wrapping up in warm, woolly layers especially if you have made them yourself.

In the milder weather we have been having just an jumper and my lovely ripple scarf have been keeping the chills away

And the morning school run and the 'trick or treating' were just about cool enough for me to pull out my favourite crochet hat

I have even managed to get a couple of wears in of my beautiful knitted coat although its really been a bit too mild as its too bulky to stow under the buggy if it gets too hot. (still no pic of that yet - much too warm even for a photoshoot of it today)

So anyway a free cowl pattern is promised in the post title ...

As part of November Making Winter Week (see here for explanation) I have volunteered to share a free pattern for a wonderful cosy cowl which is so luscious you'll be hoping for a cold snap to wear it.

Are you loving the cowl trend this winter but don’t want to mess up your do when you take it on and off? Never fear, this quick and easy cowl buttons up! It also unbuttons to make a lovely collar if it warms up a little.

Made in 100% pure new wool, this super soft and cosy cowl will keep you warm all winter. It is very quick to crochet with a large hook and super chunky yarn, the pattern is suitable for beginners and it will cost you less than £10 to make. You’ll be making one in every colour!

What you will need:

- 3 (50g) balls Twilleys Freedom 100% Wool. (you can substitute for another super chunky yarn if you like)

- 9mm hook

- 5 buttons measuring around 3.5cm across

- Cotton to sew on button

- Yarn needle

- Sewing needle

Gauge is not crucial but to give you a guide: 9 st and 4 rows to 10 x10 cm worked in trebles.

The Pattern:

Chain 28

Row 1: Work one treble into third chain from the hook, work one treble into each chain. Turn (25 trebles)

Row 2-25: chain 3, working into the back loops only treble in each treble. Turn.

Create the button holes:

Row 26: chain 3, treble into first treble. *Chain 1, skip next treble. Treble into treble four times. * Repeat from the * three more times. Chain 1, skip next treble, treble into treble twice. Turn

Row 27: chain 1, double crochet into each treble.

Break off yarn and weave ends in.

Line up and sew on the buttons.

Snuggle up!

If you'd like to get this in a handy printable PDF then you can download it here

I'd love to know what you think and how it was made. Feel free to leave me comments or to post your project up on ravelry.


ETA: I am running a GIVEAWAY to win the wool to make this cowl. Details of how to enter are HERE