Valley Yarns Carico Lake Cowl Crochet Pattern

Valley Yarns Carico Lake Cowl

What Is Being Made

The Carico Lake Cowl is a crocheted neck accessory designed by Sara Delaney. This cowl measures 6 inches deep with a 32-inch circumference, making it a versatile piece suitable for layering or wearing as a standalone neckwarmer. The design draws inspiration from the specialty stones mined in the Carico Lake region of Nevada, featuring large bobbles in mixed turquoise colors accented with black and silver tones throughout the finished piece.

Yarn and Materials

This project uses Valley Yarns Enfield, a blend of 50% wool, 40% acrylic, and 10% alpaca. The yarn is worked with doubled strands throughout the entire pattern, requiring 2 skeins of 100 grams each (110 yards per skein) in color 6239. A US size L (8.00mm) crochet hook is needed, though the pattern notes that hook size may be adjusted to achieve proper gauge.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 4 bobbles and 6 rows measuring 4 inches when the yarn is held doubled. Achieving this gauge is important for the cowl to reach its intended finished dimensions of 6 inches deep by 32 inches in circumference.

Crochet Techniques and Stitches Used

The Carico Lake Cowl employs several fundamental crochet techniques to create its textured, dimensional appearance:

• Chain (ch): Used to establish the foundation of the cowl with a loose chain of 60 stitches joined into a ring
• Double Crochet (dc): Forms the base rounds and creates structure between bobble sections
• Single Crochet (sc): Used in transition rounds to adjust stitch count and create a smoother fabric base
• Half Double Crochet (hdc): Appears in later rounds to add textural variation between bobbles
• Slip Stitch (sl st): Joins rounds and secures stitches throughout the pattern

Bobble Stitch Construction

The defining feature of this cowl is the bobble stitch, which creates the large, dimensional stone-like elements. Two variations are used:

• Beginning Bobble (Beg Bobble): Constructed by chaining 2, then completing 4 yarn-over-and-pull-through sequences within a single stitch, finishing by pulling yarn through all loops on the hook simultaneously
• Standard Bobble: Similar construction using 5 yarn-over-and-pull-through sequences instead of 4, creating a slightly larger, fuller bobble

These bobbles are strategically placed throughout the pattern with chain-1 spaces between them in Round 2, then integrated into subsequent rounds with single crochets and half double crochets to create a balanced, wearable fabric.

Pattern Structure

The cowl is worked in the round using a repeating pattern sequence. After the initial foundation chain and first round of double crochets, the pattern establishes a 3-round repeat (Rounds 2-4) that is worked twice. A final variation round incorporates bobbles in a different arrangement with single crochets and half double crochets for visual interest. The pattern concludes with fastening off and finishing techniques.

Finishing and Customization

After completing all rounds, the cowl requires weaving in ends and blocking to set the stitches and shape. A unique design feature allows the crocheter to customize the finished appearance by choosing whether to flip the bobbles toward the inside or outside of the cowl, creating different aesthetic effects based on personal preference.