The Pretty Pathways Cowl has been one of my favorite designs so far. I say that about many of my designs, but I think the texture and color is what I love the most about it. It is a fun stitch repeat to work with because of how the slip stitches float on top of the other rounds. This bottom up cowl works up quickly in a solid color, however the pattern really pops using multiple colors.
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ABBREVIATIONS:
- ch – chain
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- sl st(s) – slip stitch(es)
- sk – skip a stitch
- fsc – foundation single crochet
- sc – single cronhet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- mc – main color
- cc – contrasting color
- FLO – front loop only
- cluster – (sc, ch 1, dc) in same st
MATERIALS:
- 1 skein of each:
Smiley Goose Handmade – Farmhouse
Smiley Goose Handmade – Carnival - Or approximate amounts of DK (#3) yarn
130 yards (S)
170 yards (L) - G/4mm hook
- darning needle
- scissors
PATTERN NOTES:
- Read through the entire pattern before you begin.
- The Pretty Pathways Cowl is an advanced pattern that is written in US terms.
- This pattern is worked in the round, from the bottom up.
- When joining each round I used the invisible join method (described below).
- The yarn used is quite stretchy. This pattern in designed with 2″ negative ease.
- You can use any size yarn and hook for this pattern, but note that the yardage and dimensions will be different than listed.
- Due to the nature of this stitch pattern, it is important not to make the sl st(s) too tight. If you are a tight crocheter, I would suggest going up a hook size for a looser fit, or just use a larger hook for the sl st rounds so that these rounds don’t pull in the cowl too much.
- All even rounds (following round 3) will be worked into the FLO of 2 rounds below (described below).
- If you alternate colors every round using a darker color and lighter color for example, the stitch pattern is more defined.
Pattern Dimensions:
SMALL – Approx. 10″ x 5″ folded in half.
LARGE – Approx. 13″ x 5″ folded in half.
Pattern Gauge:
10 sc and 10 rounds = 2″ in st pattern (rounds 2 – 11)
Keep this pattern handy and return to it soon by pinning it on Pinterest!
In addition to the written pattern that can be viewed on the blog below, you can also purchase an easy to print pattern PDF on Ravelry that includes a very easy to follow step by step photo tutorial of working in the FLO of 2 rounds below and changing colors. Click the Ravelry graphic above to start crocheting your Pretty Pathways Cowl today!
Pattern Inspiration:
After designing the Pretty Pathways beanie, I had enough yarn left over to make a cowl. Yes, I made both the beanie and cowl using one skein of each color! I love matching cozy crochet sets and the cowl is a breeze to make after you’ve made the beanie because there are no increases or decreases. When you start with a certain number of stitches at the beginning of the cowl, the count stays the same for the whole pattern. I really like how the cluster rounds create a nice texture in this cowl. The sl st rounds pull the cluster in slightly to create a nice texture in this cowl.
My good friend Peggy suggested the Pathways name, and I think it fits the pattern perfectly! The Pretty Pathways Cowl is an advanced crochet pattern and while it is a bit more challenging than the patterns I have designed in the past, I think is it a great way to expand your crochet skills while creating a beautiful cowl. When you alternate colors every row, the pattern just pops!
Yarn Used and Alternative Suggestions:
This yarn used to crochet the Pretty Pathways Beanie is from Smiley Goose Handmade and was very nice to work with. You can find more information about the yarn by visiting the Smiley Goose Handmade Etsy shop.
Some alternative yarn brands used by my testers that matched gauge closely were Loops and Threads SugarSpun and Lionbrand Mandala Ombre. It is important to use a fairly stretchy yarn when meeting gauge, because the cowl is designed to stretch to the sizes mentioned above. There are also notes below if you prefer to alter the cowl making a different size than in the pattern.
Matching sets are a favorite of mine. You can view the matching Pretty Pathways Beanie and Fingerless Gloves by clicking the photos below.
While you are here, be sure to check out some of the other cowl patterns on the blog. Click on the photos below to view the Ridgeline Cowl, Autumn Crunch Cowl and Coastal Waves Cowl.
Pretty Pathways Cowl – TESTER PHOTOS
I could not have brought this pattern to life without the help of my fabulous testing team! Check out their versions below.
Pretty Pathways Beanie tested and crocheted (from top right counterclockwise) by Angied_sass, HookedonBostons, Lylasmom11, plischhookcrochet, Nyesavannah, Stacysecoy, Duckiesgirls, Chelscrochetcreations,
Special Stitches and Stitch Placement:
FLO in 2 rounds below: After you have completed R3 (or any sl st round), turn the top of your work towards you slightly (to see the top of your stitches). Work into the FLO of 2 rounds below (this would be round 2, or any even numbered round.) You are never working into the odd numbered (sl st) rounds. If you are alternating colors every round, when working the FLO of two rounds below you will always be working into the CC color.
Invisible Join: Finish crocheting your last stitch before joining to first st. Remove hook from loop. Insert hook from back to front into first st of round. Pull loop (from last stitch) through first st.
Lets Get Started!
NOTE: To adjust the size of this pattern, be sure to start with a multiple of 2 st. If you adjust the size of the pattern, the amount of yarn will be different than listed above.
SMALL (LARGE):
R1: with mc, fsc 100 (120). Join to first st. (100, 120)
R2: with cc, FLO *cluster, sk. Repeat from * Join to first st. (50, 60 clusters)
R3: with mc, FLO sl st in each sc and dc. Join to first st. (100, 120)
NOTE: All even rounds will now be worked into the FLO of 2 rounds below. (described above)
R4: with cc, FLO hdc in each st. Join to first st. (100, 120)
R5: with mc, FLO sl st in each st. Join to first st. (100, 120)
R6: with cc, FLO *cluster, sk. Repeat from * Join to first st. (50, 60 clusters)
Rounds 7-22: Repeat rounds 3-6.
NOTE: To make the cowl taller, continue repeating rounds 3-6 until desired height.
Round 23: with mc, sc in each sc and dc. Join to first st. (100, 120)
Cut yarn and weave in ends.
Congratulations!
Your Pretty Pathways Cowl is now complete!
I hope you enjoyed this pattern, because I have a lot of other colorful crochet patterns on the blog.
To view more patterns click on the free patterns image below.
I would love to see your projects on Instagram and Facebook, because I am am always excited to see others creating with my designs. Please tag me @pretty.pine.tree.crochet or use the hashtag #PrettyPathwaysCowl and #pinetreecrochet
The Pretty Pathways Cowl is a Pine Tree Crochet original pattern. Please do not copy any part of this pattern, use the photos as your own or claim the pattern as you own, but link back to the blog to allow others to enjoy this pattern.
I know you must love quick crochet projects, because you are here for this easy pattern! Before you go, take a look at some of my other free crochet patterns on the blog, click the free pattern graphic below.
