purlJam

# Alpine Ridge Cowl

A cozy textured cowl featuring a simple ridge pattern reminiscent of mountain peaks. Perfect for beginners ready to explore textured stitches, this cowl works up quickly in worsted weight yarn and uses only basic crochet stitches in a repeating pattern.

**Finished Measurements:**
- Approximately 10" wide × 27" long (before seaming)
- Cowl circumference: 27" after seaming

## MATERIALS

**Yarn:** Approximately 250 yards worsted weight yarn (#4 Medium)
- Sample shown uses a solid or semi-solid color for best stitch definition

**Hook:** US H/8 (5.0mm) or size needed to obtain gauge

**Notions:**
- Yarn needle for seaming and weaving in ends
- Scissors
- Stitch markers (optional, but helpful)

## GAUGE

14 sts × 10 rows = 4" in Alpine Ridge Pattern (after blocking)

**Gauge is important** - Take time to check your gauge and adjust hook size if needed. If you have more stitches per 4", use a larger hook. If you have fewer stitches, use a smaller hook.

## ABBREVIATIONS

- ch = chain
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- sc = single crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- dc = double crochet
- sl st = slip stitch
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
- ( ) = total stitch count at end of row

## PATTERN NOTES

1. Cowl is worked flat in rows, then seamed to form a tube.
2. Turning chain does NOT count as a stitch throughout.
3. All stitches are worked under both loops unless otherwise specified.
4. Pattern uses a 4-row repeat to create textured ridges.
5. Stitch count remains constant at 35 sts throughout.
6. First and last stitches of each row are always sc to create a neat edge for seaming.

## SPECIAL STITCHES

**Alpine Ridge Pattern (4-row repeat):**
- Row 1 (RS): Sc in each st across
- Row 2 (WS): Sc in first st, hdc in each st across to last st, sc in last st
- Row 3 (RS): Sc in first st, dc in each st across to last st, sc in last st
- Row 4 (WS): Sc in each st across

## INSTRUCTIONS

**Foundation:**
Ch 36.

**Row 1 (RS):** Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (35 sts)
- *Math check: 36 ch - 1 skipped ch = 35 sts ✓*

**Row 2 (WS):** Ch 1 (does not count as st), turn. Sc in first st, hdc in each of next 33 sts, sc in last st. (35 sts)
- *Math check: 1 sc + 33 hdc + 1 sc = 35 sts ✓*

**Row 3 (RS):** Ch 1, turn. Sc in first st, dc in each of next 33 sts, sc in last st. (35 sts)
- *Math check: 1 sc + 33 dc + 1 sc = 35 sts ✓*

**Row 4 (WS):** Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (35 sts)

**Row 5 (RS):** Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (35 sts)

**Rows 6-68:** Repeat Rows 2-5 fifteen more times, then repeat Rows 2-4 once more.
- *Math check: Row 5 complete = 5 rows. Rows 2-5 = 4-row repeat. 5 + (15 × 4) + 3 = 5 + 60 + 3 = 68 rows ✓*

**Final Row Check:** Your last row should be Row 4 of the pattern repeat (a row of all sc on WS). You should have completed 17 full pattern repeats total.

Do not fasten off.

## FINISHING

**Seaming:**

1. Lay your work flat with RS facing up. The piece should measure approximately 10" wide × 27" long.

2. Fold the piece with RS together, aligning the foundation chain edge with the last row. The short ends should meet.

3. Using the working yarn still attached (or join new yarn if you've fastened off), sl st through both layers to seam:
   - Insert hook through both loops of first st from last row AND corresponding ch from foundation chain
   - Yarn over and pull through all loops on hook (sl st made)
   - Continue across, working 1 sl st through each pair of sts
   - Work through all 35 sts (35 sl sts)

4. Fasten off, leaving a 6" tail.

**Weaving in Ends:**

1. Thread yarn needle with tail.
2. Weave through several stitches on WS, changing direction at least once.
3. Trim excess yarn close to work.
4. Repeat for all ends.

**Blocking (Optional but Recommended):**

1. Gently hand wash cowl in cool water with wool wash.
2. Roll in towel to remove excess water (do not wring).
3. Lay flat on blocking mat or towel, shaping to measurements.
4. Allow to dry completely.

## PATTERN VARIATIONS

**Longer Cowl:** Continue repeating Rows 2-5 until piece measures desired length (try 36" for a cowl that wraps twice).

**Wider Cowl:** Foundation chain any multiple of 1, then add 1 ch (e.g., ch 46 for a 12" wide cowl at gauge).

**Color Variation:** Change colors every 4 rows to create bold striped ridges.

## STITCH PATTERN VISUALIZATION

```
Row 4: ········· (sc)
Row 3: IIIIIIIII (dc between sc edges)
Row 2: /////// (hdc between sc edges)
Row 1: ········· (sc)
```

The variation in stitch heights creates the "alpine ridge" texture.

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**Congratulations on completing your Alpine Ridge Cowl!**

This pattern is perfect for experimenting with texture while building your crochet skills. The repetitive nature helps develop muscle memory, and the simple stitches create beautiful dimensional fabric.

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*Pattern designed for beginner crocheters. Free for personal use. Please do not redistribute or sell this pattern.*