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Mermaid Scales Cowl and Headband Set – FREE Crochet Pattern
There have been so many beautiful, drapey cowl patterns published in the last few years. They are magnificent and the perfect light layer for a fall day, but when it is cold and blustery, I want something a little sturdier to keep my poor neck warm!
The Mermaid Scales Cowl was designed for that purpose – rather than pooling around your neck, this cowl stands up above your coat collar to block the wind. The best part? You still get a fun and engaging stitch pattern, with shell stitch mermaid scales peeking out from between zigzagging post stitches. And while you have the yarn lying around, why not make a matching headband? The headband is just a miniature version of the cowl, so once you master the pattern repeat, you can crank out a cute matching set in no time!
I made my cowl and headband set using Loops & Threads Barcelona Dulce in the colorway Stardust. I love the squish factor of this yarn, and the gentle pastel color changes are so soothing. It comes in 7 beautiful color options, but you can also use any other bulky weight yarn for this project.
To get a similar look to mine, I’d recommend a yarn with gradual color changes, but some of my testers went for solid colors and I love the way it made the texture pop. You could even use an ombre yarn to get a nice bottom-up fade effect!
I’ll be honest – I hate winter. I am freezing even indoors, so I get pretty bundled up to go out. This cowl and headband set has become a go-to for me. The headband is wide enough to cover my ears, and the bulky yarn is such a nice insulator. I love the way the cowl cradles my neck and face, and it’s a great piece for burrowing into when the wind howls! (Can you tell that I really hate the cold?)
This pattern was designed for adults, with two headband sizes. The size S/M fits head circumferences of 21-22.5″, and the size L fits 23-24″. The cowl comes in one size, with a circumference of about 26.5″. However, you can easily adjust the circumference of either piece by adding or subtracting multiples of 7 stitches from the foundation chain/row.
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The Mermaid Scales Cowl and Headband Set is a quick and cozy winter wear set made with bulky yarn. The headband is available in sizes adult S/M (21-22.5″) and L (23-24″), and the cowl is one size. Shell stitches and post stitches combine to make the fun mermaid scale texture of these pieces.
Note that measurements are given as exact as possible. But crochet tension & technique might give variations in the result, that changes from person to person.
Read pattern instructions carefully before beginning to make sure you understand everything. It might save you hours frogging your work & crocheting it again!
Make a swatch that measure at least 11.5 x 11.5 cm / 4.5 x 4.5 inches using the stitch the gauge is given for. If your swatch matches the gauge, you’re good to go. If the gauge is wrong, you might need to change your hook. Go up in crochet hook size if your stitches are smaller & go down in crochet hook size if your stitches are bigger (more details).
This pattern is written for 2 sizes, however size adjustments are suggested under the heading “Size & Measurements”.
At the end of each row, the stitch count is given in parenthesis. For the headband, the stitch counts will be listed as (S/M) (L) to avoid confusion.
You may start your piece with either a foundation chain or foundation half double crochet. Some of my testers found that they appreciated the extra stretchiness from the FHDC start.
Size & Measurements
COWL:
Width: 13.25″
Height: 6″
HEADBAND:
Width: 10″ (S/M), 11.5″ (L)
Height: 3.5″
Size Adjustments
Add/subtract multiples of 7 stitches to change circumference.
Fpdc2tog – In this pattern, you will be completing a fpdc2tog over two post stitches from the previous round. You work this as follows:
Make a fpdc around the post of the first indicated stitch, stopping before the very last yarn over (two loops on hook).
Keeping those loops on the hook, begin another fpdc around post of second indicated st, again stopping before the last yarn over (three loops on hook).
With L hook, ch 63. Sl st to first ch to join (be careful not to twist the chain).
Alternate start (see Notes): FHDC 63. Sl st to first st to join, being careful not to twist. This counts as Round 1 – proceed to Round 2.
Round 1: Ch 1, hdc in same ch as join and in each ch around. Sl st to first st to join. (63)
Round 2: Ch 1, sc in same st as join, *sk 2 sts, fptr in next st, 4 dc in next st, fptr in same st, sk 2 sts^, sc in next st. Rep from * around, ending last rep at ^. Sl st to first st to join. (9 sc, 18 fptr, 36 dc)
Round 3: Sl st in next st, ch 1, hdc in same st as sl st, *sc in next 4 sts, hdc in next st, fpdc2tog in same st and next fptr^ (sk sc in between; see Photo 1), hdc in same fptr (behind st just made; see Photo 2). Rep from * around, ending last rep at ^. Sl st to first st to join. (18 hdc, 36 sc, 9 fpdc2tog)
Photo note: I crochet lefty. The picture is flipped for righties, but the instructions are the same!
Round 4: Ch 3 (counts as dc), *fptr around next “leg” of fpdc2tog (see Photos 3 and 4), sk 3 sts, sc in next st, sk 2 sts, fptr around next “leg” of fpdc2tog^, 4 dc in fpdc2tog (see Photos 5 and 6). Rep from * around, ending last rep at ^. 3 dc in same st as join, sl st to top of ch 3 to join. (18 fptr, 9 sc, 36 dc)
Round 5: Sl st in next st, ch 1, hdc in same st as sl st, *fpdc2tog in same st and next fptr (sk sc in between; see Photo 1), hdc in same fptr (behind st just made; see Photo 2), sc in next 4 sts^, hdc in next st. Rep from * around, ending last rep at ^. Sl st to first st to join. (18 hdc, 36 sc, 9 fpdc2tog)
Round 6: Sl st in next st, ch 3 (counts as dc), *fptr around next “leg” of fpdc2tog (see Photos 3 and 4), sk 3 sts, sc in next st, sk 3 sts, fptr around next “leg” of fpdc2tog^, 4 dc in fpdc2tog (see Photos 5 and 6). Rep from * around, ending last rep at ^. 3 dc in same st as join. Sl st to top of ch 3 to join. (18 fptr, 9 sc, 36 dc)
Rounds 7-10: Repeat Rounds 5-6 two more times.
Round 11: Repeat Round 5.
FO and weave in ends.
HEADBAND:
For size S/M: With K hook, ch 56 (keep the chain on the loose side). Sl st to first ch to join (be careful not to twist the chain).
For size L: With K hook, ch 63 (keep the chain on the loose side). Sl st to first ch to join (be careful not to twist the chain).
Alternate start (see Notes): FHDC the number required for your size. Sl st to first st to join, being careful not to twist. This counts as Round 1 – proceed to Round 2.
All sizes:
Round 1: Ch 1, hdc in same ch as join and in each ch around. Sl st to first st to join. (56) (63)
Round 2: Ch 1, sc in same st as join, *sk 2 sts, fptr in next st, 4 dc in next st, fptr in same st, sk 2 sts^, sc in next st. Rep from * around, ending last rep at ^. Sl st to first st to join. (8 sc, 16 fptr, 32 dc) (9 sc, 18 fptr, 36 dc)
Round 3: Sl st in next st, ch 1, hdc in same st as sl st, *sc in next 4 sts, hdc in next st, fpdc2tog in same st and next fptr^ (sk sc in between; see Photo 1), hdc in same fptr (behind st just made; see Photo 2). Rep from * around, ending last rep at ^. Sl st to first st to join. (16 hdc, 32 sc, 8 fpdc2tog) (18 hdc, 36 sc, 9 fpdc2tog)
Round 4: Ch 3 (counts as dc), *fptr around next “leg” of fpdc2tog (see Photos 3 and 4), sk 3 sts, sc in next st, sk 2 sts, fptr around next “leg” of fpdc2tog^, 4 dc in fpdc2tog (see Photos 5 and 6). Rep from * around, ending last rep at ^. 3 dc in same st as join, sl st to top of ch 3 to join. (16 fptr, 8 sc, 32 dc) (18 fptr, 9 sc, 36 dc)
Round 5: Sl st in next st, ch 1, hdc in same st as sl st, *fpdc2tog in same st and next fptr (sk sc in between; see Photo 1), hdc in same fptr (behind st just made; see Photo 2), sc in next 4 sts^, hdc in next st. Rep from * around, ending last rep at ^. Sl st to first st to join. (16 hdc, 32 sc, 8 fpdc2tog) (18 hdc, 36 sc, 9 fpdc2tog)
Round 6: Sl st in next st, ch 3 (counts as dc), *fptr around next “leg” of fpdc2tog (see Photos 3 and 4), sk 3 sts, sc in next st, sk 3 sts, fptr around next “leg” of fpdc2tog^, 4 dc in fpdc2tog (see Photos 5 and 6). Rep from * around, ending last rep at ^. 3 dc in same st as join. Sl st to top of ch 3 to join. (16 fptr, 8 sc, 32 dc) (18 fptr, 9 sc, 36 dc)
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My crochet patterns can be used to sell handmade pieces. You are required to credit Joy of Motion/Janne Kleivset as the designer by linking back to My website: https://joyofmotioncrochet.com. You can not use my pictures when selling your handmade items. Finally, you can not resell, reprint or share any parts of my patterns as your own.
Allison Bostrom is the designer, creator, and avid learner behind Sweet Thing Crochet. She specializes in crafting engaging crochet and knit patterns for a wide range of items, including crochet garments, accessories, and homewares. Her primary objective in pattern design is to inspire fellow crafters to explore fresh stitches and construction methods, as well as to reevaluate their existing skills.
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