Sandbars and Seashells Cowl

Sandbars and Seashells Cowl by Jane Howarth

What is Being Made

The Sandbars and Seashells Cowl is a crocheted neck accessory designed by Jane Howarth. This cowl measures 148cm (58 inches) in length and 23cm (9 inches) in width, making it a versatile piece suitable for wrapping around the neck multiple times or wearing as a loose, flowing accessory. The design combines two complementary colorways to create visual interest and texture.

Crochet Techniques and Construction

This intermediate-level crochet project employs colorwork techniques to achieve its distinctive Sandbars and Seashells aesthetic. The pattern uses strategic color changes between the main color (MC) and contrasting color (CC) to build the design. A key technique featured in this pattern is strand carrying, which allows the crocheter to work with two colors while maintaining a clean, finished appearance on both sides of the fabric. Rather than cutting and rejoining yarn with each color change, the unused color strand is carried along the edge of the work, hidden on the wrong side. This method requires changing to the contrasting color on the last loop of the final stitch in the main color, then carrying the main color strand under the first stitch worked in the contrasting color before leaving it on the wrong side. This process is repeated throughout the pattern to create seamless color transitions.

Stitches Used

The Sandbars and Seashells Cowl is constructed primarily using treble stitches (tr), which create a relatively open, drape-friendly fabric. The pattern works to a tension of 14 stitches and 8 rows over 10 centimeters when worked in treble stitch. The use of treble stitches contributes to the cowl's fluid drape and lightweight construction, making it comfortable for extended wear around the neck.

Materials and Tools

This project requires Hayfield Bonus DK yarn, a 100% acrylic yarn available in 100-gram (3.5-ounce) balls with 280 meters (306 yards) per ball. The crocheter will need one ball each in Aran (993) as the main color and Biscuit (963) as the contrasting color. The pattern is worked with a 4mm crochet hook (size F). Additional tools needed include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and scissors for cutting yarn. The DK weight yarn combined with the 4mm hook creates a fabric with good stitch definition while remaining lightweight and comfortable for a neck accessory.

Skill Level

Rated as an intermediate project, the Sandbars and Seashells Cowl is suitable for crocheters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle colorwork techniques. The strand-carrying method for managing color changes requires attention to detail and practice, making this pattern an excellent stepping stone for developing advanced color-handling techniques.