Thanks to everyone for giving my new Ribbon Lace Moebius Cowl pattern a warm welcome last week! Don’t forget to grab your free copy of the pattern on Ravelry.

Promotion extended — download your copy now through March 8.

To redeem your coupon and download your free copy, click this button and enter the code RIBBONLACE in the box provided.

OR log in to Ravelry and add the pattern to your cart. Then enter the coupon code RIBBONLACE at checkout.

And be sure to create a Ravelry project for your cowl. I’d love to feature a roundup of our cowls in a newsletter next fall. (Also, I just really love seeing your projects!)

Twist, Hook, and Style: Mastering the Moebius

I shared a little bit about Moebius designs last week, but today I’d like to take a deep dive into how the Moebius twist works, what it contributes to the making and wearing of crochet accessories, and finally how to go about blocking this unusual shape.

How the Moebius Twist Works

Simply put, a Moebius strip is a geometric figure that has only one side and one edge. To construct one of these single-sided surfaces, take a strip of paper, twist it once and then tape the ends together. If you were to trace your finger along the edge of your twisted and joined paper, you would never have to lift your finger.

Watch my YouTube video for a demonstration of this.

If you want to learn more about the Moebius twist, check out this interesting op-ed from Scientific American. The article, “The Timeless Journey of the Möbius Strip” by Serena Alagappan, provides a wonderful backstory on the discovery of the Moebius and its applications in our modern world. The article also reflects on the Moebius as an allegory for our disorienting time during the pandemic.

Among the modern applications, you may find it interesting to hear that the Moebius has been used in continuous-loop recording tapes, typewriter ribbons, computer print cartridges, and conveyor belts. The recycling symbol even features a Moebius design to display the interdependent reduce, reuse, and recycle occurring in a sustainable loop. The Google Drive logo was also inspired by a Moebius strip. According to Google, each side of the triangle represents the core functions of Google Drive storage, sharing, and syncing – each performing a dynamic function in an endless loop.

Moebius Methods in Crochet

Now back to our crochet cowl! There are two common methods for achieving the Moebius twist with a crochet cowl: (1) crochet a piece of flat fabric and add a 180-degree twist to one end before joining the ends; and (2) add the 180-degree twist to the foundation row before joining the ends. The second method produces a center-out Moebius twist, meaning that every round will take you around the top and bottom of the cowl – essentially working two rounds in one.

I chose the center-out method for the Ribbon Lace Cowl to highlight the long color changes in the gradient yarn. Working around the top and the bottom in each round allows for the colors to be mirrored on both sides of the cowl.

What Makes It Special?

The twist gives a Moebius cowl the perfect shape and drape. When worn in a long single loop around the neck or shoulders with the twist in the front, the cowl will lay flatter against the body than a cowl without the twist.

The twist also makes it easier to style when worn double around the neck.

My favorite part of a center-out Moebius cowl is how once you’ve completed the setup, it’s so fun and relaxing to crochet around and around and watch the fabric grow outward on the top and bottom. Add in the intrigue of a gradient yarn, and I’ll be entertained for hours!

How to Block a Moebius Cowl

The one drawback to the Moebius design is that the signature twist does make it a little tricky to block. I’ve found that the most effective method for getting a Moebius cowl in a flat shape for blocking is to arrange it in a triangle shape (following the example of the recycling and Google Drive symbols I mentioned before). If it’s a little hard to picture how that will work, don’t worry, I’ve put together a short video demonstration to help! When you’ve fastened off your cowl, be sure to watch the video to learn how to block your cowl for a professional finish.

Other Moebius Designs

It seems I’ve had a thing for Moebius designs for a few years now. I went through a bit of a phase where I designed one Moebius cowl after another. Here are some of my designs and a few from other designers that I thought you might enjoy:

For Inspiration (patterns no longer in print)

Coastal Trails from Crochet World Magazine, Spring 2022: Quick One-Skein Crochet

Jewels Cowl from Crochet World Magazine, August 2021

More Designs to Try!

Victorian Cameo Cowl (the red and coral wrap pictured above)

Moebius Cowl from Churchmouse Yarns and Teas

Valley Cowl by Doris Chan

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