This autumn the Variable cowl is having a make over – I can’t wait to show you my new version. Meanwhile, here’s the original for you – just in case you’re starting to feel autumnal and need something you can slip on when the weather turns chilly.

You can easily substitute a different yarn (just use the appropriate hook) and alter the length or width by working a longer foundation chain or more rows. Like I said it’s “variable”, which means you can make it your own!

Yarn and Hook requirements:

8mm crochet hook

1 hank Debbie Bliss Paloma or equivalent.

4 buttons (two for the front and two for the back).

Tapestry needle to weave in ends

Needle and cotton to sew on buttons

Pattern: (In UK crochet terms)

Finished measurements: Length 95cm, width 13cm

dc: double crochet

ch: chain

dcblo: double crochet into the back loop only

Make 51 ch.

Row 1: dc into 2nd ch from hook, 1 dc in each ch to end, turn (50 dc)

Row 2: 1ch, 1dc in first dc, 1dcblo in each dc to last st, 1dc in last dc, turn.

repeat row 2 another  eight times.

Fasten off yarn.

Weave in ends. Sew buttons to one end, with front facing buttons lined up with “back ” buttons. I found it helps if the back buttons have a shank as this makes fastening easier.

To fasten your cowl, pop the back buttons through the fabric as desired and wear with a smile.