The “Victorian Cameo Cowl” draws inspiration from the delicate carvings and subtle coloring of vintage cameos. The geometric band at the center, made with a simple double crochet mesh followed by a few rounds of linen stitch, is reminiscent of a beaded gold bezel in which a cameo might sit. A floral pattern of shell stitches and chains repeats outward, showcasing the gorgeous color changes in the gradient yarn. Finish with either a round of picots or a round of beaded chain stitches to give the cowl a refined edging. This elegant yet cozy cowl can be worn multiple ways: in a long single loop, wrapped over the shoulders, drawn up with a shawl pin as a stylish wrap, wrapped double around the neck, or as a hood.

How This Cowl Is Made

It’s the quintessential twist of a Moebius or infinity cowl that makes it so easy to style and wear.

There are many methods out there to achieve this twist, but the method used in this cowl might be one of the easiest. Here, a setup row of double crochet mesh provides an easy start. The Moebius twist is created by lining up the first and last double crochet stitches as if to work in the round normally, but then the first double crochet stitch is flipped upside-down and the two ends are joined. If that’s a little hard to picture, no problem! A detailed photo tutorial will help you along.

With the twist in place, each round that follows will take you around the top and bottom sides of the cowl. By working both sides in each round, you can easily modify the cowl’s width.

Pattern is written in US crochet terms. 

Skill Level: Intermediate 

Concentration Level
Some concentration required. Setting up the Moebius twist and working the first few rounds may require some focus and counting. However, the 3-round lace stitch pattern is easy to memorize. Once you get going, only a little concentration is required.  

Stitches Used
Ch, sc, dc, tr, shell, picot (optional), beaded chain (optional)

Techniques Used
Working in the round, crocheting shells into chain spaces, and working beaded stitches or picots.

Finished Measurements (approximate size after blocking)
64 inches (162.5 cm) in circumference x 18 inches (46 cm) wide 

Super Fine (CYC #1) Weight Yarn
1000 - 1100 yards (914 - 1006 m)

The main red and white sample shown here was made with a E/4/3.5mm crochet hook and Scheepjes Whirl super fine (fingering) weight cotton/acrylic yarn (8 oz/1094 yds/215g per cake) # 757 Strawberries & Scream. The project required 1 cake of this yarn.

Cowl circumference and width may be adjusted to suit your needs.
Circumference is adjustable by multiples of 10 stitches and width by working more or fewer 3-round repeats.
Be sure to buy additional yarn if you plan to increase the size of your cowl. 

Suggested Yarn Substitutes
Sample was made with super-fine (fingering) weight cotton/acrylic, but feel free to substitute the fingering-weight yarn of your choice. Because results may vary, crocheting a gauge swatch with your alternative yarn is recommended. Instructions for gauge swatch are included in the pattern.

Additional Tools and Materials
Size E/4/3.5mm crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge
Stitch marker (optional)
Miyuki Round Seed Beads 6/0 Matte Transparent Orange #6-9138FR: 216 (optional)
Tapestry needle
Scissors

Gauge
In Lace patt: [Sc, ch 2, shell, ch 2] 2 times and 10 rows = 3 inches (7.6 cm)
Though exact gauge is not essential, for best appearance it should be close.
I used an E/4/3.5mm crochet hook. Select the hook size that gives the best appearance for your choice of yarn and your tension.
A significantly different gauge may require more or less yarn than listed. 

PATTERN INCLUDES
• A 9-page premium pattern pdf with professional full-color photographs.
• List of abbreviations used, plus detailed instructions for special stitches and techniques.
• Stitch chart. 

This Pattern Comes with Additional Resources to Help You Along
• Detailed photo tutorial for steps to achieve Moebius twist.
• Instructions for two optional edgings: a picot edging and a simple beaded chain edging.
• Pattern support. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I’m always happy to help!