How to Make a Cowl with the Ruffles Scarf Pattern

Remember the Ruffles Scarf I designed for Interweave Crochet's Fall Issue? Interweave has recently made the pattern available for individual download on their website. Since I always like to create multiple uses for my patterns, I have added some new details to transform it into a cowl! By using lighter weight yarn, a smaller hook, weaving in some contrasting "ribbons", and making buttons and button loops, you get a different look and use for the pattern. I decided to weave in the Ribbons, because the main purpose of a cowl is to keep your neck warm, and the openwork through the middle would defeat the purpose. You could wear it with the top ruffle standing up, or with it folded over to let the tops of the ribbons peek out, for a little show of color.

Top Ruffle Folded Over

Back of Cowl

To make a cowl from the Ruffles Scarf pattern:

1. Use a worsted weight yarn. For this sample, I used Cascade 220 superwash.

2. Use hook size E/4 (3.50mm)

3. Work 38 rows of the scarf pattern as written.

4. In the 39th row, you will make three button loops in the center section. Work the top ruffle sts, then make the first hdc in the center section, *ch 8, sl st in first ch to make a loop**, hdc in next 5 sts*. Rep from * to * once. Rep from * to ** once, hdc in next st, then complete the bottom ruffle sts.

5. Work the edging as written, but stop at the top corner and do not make any edging on the last short side. (The one with the button loops).

6. To make the Ribbons, using a second color and hook size E/4 (3.50mm), ch 18, then, beginning in the second ch from the hook, sl st in the back loop only of each ch, then work the unworked front loops of the ch. Invisible Fasten Off. Repeat these instructions to make 18 more Ribbons. Weave each Ribbon through the ch spaces in the middle section as pictured. Neatly stitch each Ribbon at the top and bottom to secure them to the cowl. Weave in all loose ends with a tapestry needle.

7. To make the buttons, use hook size E/4 (3.50mm). Wrap the yarn twice around your finger to form a magic ring. Insert hook into ring, yo and pull up a loop, ch 2, then make 10 hdc into ring. Pull on the tail end of the yarn to tighten the magic ring. Sl st in every other st around to close up the button. Fasten off. Repeat these instructions to make 2 more buttons. Stitch these buttons to the third row of the cowl, to match up with the spacing of the button loops.

Version 2:

If you want to add another element, you can do surface crochet between every other row, beginning between rows 2 and 3. I used a complementary, variegated worsted weight from my stash and a hook size F/5 (3.75mm). Beginning at the bottom of the cowl and keeping the yarn underneath the work, insert hook in between the front and back loop of the stitches you worked into to create row 3, yo and pull up a loop, then pull this new loop through the loop that was already on the hook. Rep these instructions to the top of the cowl. Fasten Off. *Skip a row and surface crochet between the next 2 rows, in the same manner*. Rep from * to * across the entire cowl. Weave in all loose ends with a yarn needle.

Depending on the weight and type of yarn you use, you may need to adjust the number of rows you work to make it fit you, just try it on as you work to decide how many rows you need. Make sure you end with an odd numbered row.

The woven Ribbons and surface crochet details could also be added to the original Ruffles Scarf as well.  For additional inspiration, check out all of the Ruffles Scarf projects made by crocheters on Ravelry!