The Scorpio Cowl
A reversible crochet neckwarmer using interlocking crochet techniques.
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Work with multiple colors, but just one at a time. #MyZodiacSweater
Detailed PDF pattern
♏︎ Step-by-step instructions and tutorial photos
♏︎ Stitch chart for the gauge swatch
Difficulty level
♏︎ Intermediate
Size-inclusive & style versatility
♏︎ Pattern written for 1 size with instructions on customization
♏︎ You get 2 different patterns in 1: a starry pattern and a checkered pattern
What you'll need
♏︎ The Frosted Stitch Deep Freeze DK or any DK weight yarn you can meet gauge with, in the amounts shown below.
♏︎ Your 4.0 mm or size needed to obtain gauge. I like to use my Clover Amour and my Furls hooks.
♏︎ Tape measure, scissors, darning needle, 2 locking stitch markers
Pattern support
♏︎ For pattern related questions, please join my Facebook support group or contact me at thecrochethighway [at] gmail.com.
Did you know? The Scorpio Cowl has three sister patterns: the Scorpio Raglan, the Scorpio Beanie, and the Scorpio Mittens! Save 10% when grabbing at least 2 patterns in the Scorpio line on Ravelry. Simply add any 2 Scorpio patterns to cart and insert code SCORPIO at checkout.
1 pattern, 2 cowls
The Scorpio Cowl uses the same reversible stitch pattern as the Scorpio Raglan and Beanie, so you can make yourself a matching set. Even though it’s the third design published in the Scorpio lineup, the cowl is probably the easiest to master. It’s worked from the bottom up in rounds and can be easily adjusted both in circumference and in height in order to fit your vision.
Just like the all the other designs in the #MyZodiacSweater collection, for this reversible cowl you’ll only have to work with 1 color at a time, dropping the inactive yarn at the start of a round and picking it back up at the start of the new round.
Like most CrochetHighway patterns, the Scorpio Cowl comes with step-by-step instructions and tutorial photos including on how to check for gauge. The instructions and tutorial photos walk you through every step along the way with no guesswork left for you. The pattern also comes with a stitch chart for the gauge swatch.
The pattern calls for DK weight yarn (category 3) in at least 1 main color (MC), and 1 contrast color (CC). My testers used a variety of yarns and colors to show off this design – check out the tester photo gallery below to find all the details on yarns and yardages from my testers!
Quick metrics from my testers:
Difficulty rating: 2.2 / 5
Average completion time: 11 hours
Learn how to crochet this reversible stitch pattern with this full, step-by-step video tutorial I made for the gauge swatch:
A word from my testers
Thank you for having me try out this cowl pattern. Once you get going it is so relaxing to make. Every time I make any Scorpio pattern at my crochet social group, the ladies look at it in awe. Even though they have seen it a few times, they are still fascinated by it. I don’t think I have ever had another pattern in the past that caused so much attention.
Thank you for trusting me again and letting me learn once more from you. This is my first time making an interlocking pattern and I had fun doing it. I live in the tropics and tried to use this when the AC is on. Interesting enough that it works as it should be 😀
Though this pattern grows slowly, it is THE MOST beautiful one I have come across so far!
I loved the interlocking crochet and once I mastered the technique I found the pattern very straightforward and I LOVE the cowl <3
The Zodiac Collection
The Scorpio Cowl is part of the Zodiac Crochet Collection – a series of crochet garments and accessories that follow a common theme: colorwork made easy. Use hashtag #MyZodiacSweater when posting your makes on social media!
The designs in this collection use multiple colors for a contrasting effect, but the stitch patterns are carefully selected, so that you only have to work with one color at a time. The inspiration behind this collection is my original colorwork design, the Starry Yoke. Check out the other designs in the #MyZodiacSweater collection:
Join my Facebook support Group
I proud myself with writing ultra-detailed patterns for you, so that your crocheting experience is as smooth and seamless as possible. But whenever you have a pattern related question, my Facebook support group is the place to ask. There you can also share your WIPs and brag about your FOs with the community!
Designer samples
The blue and white cowl uses The Frosted Stitch Deep Freeze DK (WPI=12), in Jade Vine as MC and Snow as CC.
The yellow and white cowl uses Spincycle Yarns Dream State in Salty Dog as MC and Katia Basic Merino #83 as CC (WPI=10.5).
Invisible join on the back
In any handmade wearable, the back is just as important as the front, wouldn’t you agree? That’s why at the end of every round, the pattern instructs you how to close the round and start the next so that the seam is as hidden as possible. This way the back will look just as flawless as the front. I legit had difficulty finding the seam during the photoshoot, so many of the photos you see may as well have the seam positioned at the front!
Tester highlights
Scroll down for the complete tester lookbook, where you can find photos, yarn & yardage info from all my testers, as well as certain modifications they made to their cowls for the perfect, customized fit.
Materials & yardage
Hooks: Your 4.0 mm hook or size needed to obtain gauge. I like to use my Clover Amour and my Furls hooks.
Notions: Tape measure, scissors, darning needle, 2 locking stitch markers.
Yarn: You’ll need at least two colors. A main color (MC), and a contrasting color (CC) of any DK weight yarn you can meet gauge with.
Yardage:
Main color: 220 yds / 200 m
Contrast color: 170 yds / 155 m
Finished measurements
Circumference: 22″ (56 cm). Height: 11″ (28 cm).
Tried & tested substitution yarns
My testers used a variety of yarns for their Scorpio Cowls, in an awesome selection of color combos. Here’s a list of yarns recommended by them. These are international yarns from all over the world. The list is sorted alphabetically. If you’re looking for inspiration or a quick yarn substitution idea, this is the place to start!
Tester lookbook
My patterns would not be so smooth without the input of my team of talented testers. Swipe left & right for more photos of your favorite versions!
Want to test my future patterns? Check out how you can become a pattern tester for CrochetHighway!
Klarisse (midnightdaz on Ravelry)
220 yds of Dapper Dreamer Rosewood (MC) and 225 yds of Diaperever Marmalade Mix (CC)
Hook size(s) used: 4 mm
Mods: None.
Lion Brand Coboo, 163 yds for MC and 179 yds for CC
Hook size(s) used: 4 mm
Mods: None.
Karen (crochetdahlia on Ravelry)
Scheepjes Colour Crafter, 185 yds for MC and 150 yds for CC
Hook size(s) used: 4 mm
Mods: I only made 4 pattern repeats in order to get a shorter cowl.
locally sourced acrylic yarn, 133 yds for MC and 75 yds for CC
Hook size(s) used: 4 mm
Mods: I only made 3 pattern repeats in order to get a shorter cowl.
Dhanya (dhanyajinesh on Ravelry)
200 yds of Alize Cotton Gold Batik (MC) and 160 yds of Alize Cotton Gold (CC)
Hook size(s) used: 4 mm
Mods: None.
200 yds of Vardhman Cotone (MC) and 150 yds of Ganga Smarty (CC)
Hook size(s) used: 4 mm
Mods: I only made 4 pattern repeats in order to get a shorter cowl.
Lucia (crochetwithlu on Ravelry)
Morris and Sons Empire 8ply, 175 yds for MC and 137 yds for CC
Hook size(s) used: 4 mm
Mods: None.
Rico Design Sport DK, 190 yds for MC and 142 yds for CC
Hook size(s) used: 3.5 mm
Mods: None.
Drops Lima, 196 yds for MC and 135 yds for CC
Hook size(s) used: 4.5 mm
Mods: I only made 4 pattern repeats in order to get a shorter cowl.
Pam (ladydavinciknitsfrom on Ravelry)
Red Heart Yarn, 200 yds for MC and 150 yds for CC
Hook size(s) used: 4 mm
Mods: I only made 3 pattern repeats in order to get a shorter cowl.
170 yds of Baby Bee Sweet Delight (MC) and 95 yds of Greenwood Fiber Works handspun yarn (CC)
Hook size(s) used: 4 mm
Mods: I only made 3 pattern repeats in order to get a shorter cowl.
I’d LOVE to see your work, so be sure to shout out to me @CrochetHighway on Instagram and use the #CrochetHighway hashtag for a chance to be featured on my stories!
Thirsty for more? Why not check out some of my recently published crochet patterns and stitch tutorials: