Free Crochet Pattern: Alma Mater Cowl Scarf

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I’m pretty excited to share this next pattern! The Alma Mater Scarf-Cowl was a creation for my oldest daughter to bring to school back in 2018. Her school does a student auction twice a year, the first one is a silent auction, for which this scarf was made for.

This was a fun opportunity to work with her on this piece, she decided on the size and type of stitch she wanted me to use. I have since updated it to use more accessible yarn, as the original yarn I used was from a hand-dyed company that no longer dyes yarn as a shop (you can still read about the yarn I purchased, however).

I have also gone back and updated pretty much the entire pattern. This was one of my very first written patterns and since then I have done a much better job of explaining things to you all, specifically stitches. Also, my pattern has been updated as well (I will likely update it again with new photos but that is for a different day).

About the Stitch Being Used

I went with the tulip stitch, which I found on Unraveled Mitten. My daughter said she thought an infinity scarf would be best, but didn’t want it to be the typical super long infinity scarf, so after some experimenting, we went with something that could be worn open (unwrapped around), or when wrapped around, actually fits the neck snugly. Hence… the Scarf-Cowl merge.

About the Yarn for the Original Alma Mater Scarf-Cowl

Quick update: Unfortunately, Unwound has since closed and Dye Monkey is now a blog and patterns only. But I found an amazing hand-dyed shop on Etsy called Cashmere & Coconuts. I included a link to a color lot that is more contrast, but similar in coloring to what I bought.

Back in September I made a trip out to Unwound in La Crosse, WI, and decided to go during the Dye Monkey trunk show, and I’m so glad I did.

I’ve worked with a lot of different yarns and honestly, this is one of my absolute favorite brands of yarn to use. They are all small-batch hand-dyed, so no two are the same and they just work up beautifully! I highly recommend you try some. The skein I bought was a special dye work for Unwound, but she does do custom orders and has colorways that would go with several school colors (in fact I’m eyeing one for a future project) 😉

This is a quick and easy project that I was able to get done within a day (which is amazing for me with 2 little ones all over the place at the time).

You can purchase an INEXPENSIVE AD & COMMENT FREE PDF version. Look For Alma Mater Cowl Scarf in the Shop

Or add it to your Ravelry projects by clicking the links below (the Alma Mater Scarf-Cowl pattern on both sites does NOT include the tags).

Remember, any purchase you make from my affiliates, my shop, and/or my designs on Lovecraft’s or Ravelry helps support my small business and helps me to create other awesome patterns for you.

OK, On to the Alma Mater Scarf-Cowl Pattern!

This pattern is written using standard U.S. terms. Basic stitch knowledge is assumed.

Finished Measurements (all are approximate)

This is a one-size fits MOST adults/teens cowl scarf

• Length (When folded in half) 17.5 inches (44.45 centimeters)
• Circumference: 35 inches (88.9 centimeters)
• Width: 4.5 inches (11.43 centimeters)

Yarn:

• Fingering Weight Yarn (For project: approximately 230 yards )

The colorway shown is Blue Aspen Skies – an exclusive for Unwound Yarn Shop (now closed). This colorway was picked to match the school colors. In the end, it created a beautiful chevron pattern. Depending on the yarn, and the way the coloring works, the chevron look may not happen.

I found this great alternative if you’re looking for hand-dyed yarn in a similar coloring.

Crochet hook

• G6/4mm Crochet Hook

Notions

• Stitch Marker (optional)
• Scissors
• darning needle for finishing
• Tag if you want.

Swatch Pattern & Gauge:

13 dc 6 rows approximately 2” square using G/6 (4.00 mm) hook.

Notes:

1. Gauge isn’t super important, but just remember, if you use larger yarn and hook, the scarf will be longer. Or… Vise-versa, if you use smaller yarn and hook, you will get a shorter scarf.
2. To adjust the length, increase or decrease the foundation single crochets by 4 stitches.

Terms to Know

fsc = foundation single crochet

ch(s): chain(s)

sc: single crochet

dc: double crochet

st(s): stitch(es)

* * = Repeat instructions between * and * the number of times indicated

Stitches

• Foundation Single Crochet (fsc): Chain two, insert hook into very first chain made, pull up a loop (2 loops on the hook), yarn over (YO), pull through one loop (two loops on the hook), yarn over (YO), pull through all loops on the hook. First complete. Continue this by inserting the hook into both sides of the BOTTOM of the previous stitch, pull up a loop (two loops on the hook), yarn over (YO), pull through one loop (two loops on the hook), yarn over (YO), pull through all the loops on the hook. Continue until you reach the desired length (or required amount of Single Crochets) acquired.

• Single Crochet (SC): insert into stitch, pull up a loop. Yarn over (YO) and pull through both loops on the hook.

Pattern:

Fsc 200

Round 1: Dc in 3rd ch from hook, ch 2, sc in next ch * skip 2 chs. 2 dc in next ch, ch 2, sc in next ch. Repeat from * around. Slip stitch to the 1st stitch, turn.

Rounds 2-15: Ch 2, Skip 1st st. (2 dc, ch 2, sc) in ch 2 sp. *Skip 3 sts. (2 dc, ch 2, sc) in ch 2 sp. Repeat from * around, slip stitch to the first dc. Turn. When you stop at Round 15 do NOT turn)

Round 16: chain 2, sc in the ch 2 sp, *ch3, sc in ch 2 sp* repeat around, ch 1, slip stitch in ch from the first ch2.

Round 17: ch1, 2sc in ch 2 space, sc in sc space, *3 sc in sc space, sc in sc space* repeat around, sc in last ch space​. Cut and weave ends

Making the Alma Mater Scarf-Cowl as a Gift?

Don’t forget the gift tag! If you share your finished Alma Mater Scarf-Cowl on Social Media, make sure you tag me on Instagram or Facebook using  #alwaysjennsmith or @alwaysjennsmith! I LOVE seeing your makes!

Want to remember this post? Pin it to your favorite Pinterest Board!

Photograph ©2018 Always Jenn Smith; Jenn Smith, LLC FKA Smith Country, LLC

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