Zoe's Ribbed Mobius Cowl
What is a mobius? It's a word loved by scientists and describes a shape which has only one surface. You can easily adjust this pattern for different sizes; make it much longer and narrower if you wish. Adding flowers, large buttons or a single crochet edge would be interesting extra design features. This pattern is written in US crochet terminology and the supplies listed below were used for the pictured cowl. There are many different yarns and hook sizes which would work with this project so don't fe you have to use the same supplies. The gauge is also a just a guide. If your gauge is a little different, it won't be too important. Your gauge might not be the same if you are using a different yarn and hook size. It is more important to get the length and width correct for your personal preferences. Skill level - advanced beginner
Supplies
Check out my Facebook page and YouTube channel for new projects and works in progress. Search for "24 Carat Crochet" The pictured mobius cowl above used approximately 200 yards of medium (4) weight yarn and is “l Love This Yarn" from Hobby Lobby, colour number 589, Jazzed Stripe. Hook = 5.5mm (same as suggested on the yarn label). You'll also need a pair of scissors, yarn needle and a tape measure. A stitch marker may be useful but not essential.
Gauge
14 stitches in four inches 13 rows in four inches This gauge is just a guide. Make a swatch 4 inches square, alternating fpdc and bpdc stitches. If your swatch isn't exactly the same, it won't matter too much. Just keep an eye on the width and length as you progress to ensure the finished item is the size you want.
Measurements of pictured mobius cowl
Circumference = approximately 26.5 inches. Width (see picture) = approximately 11 inches Vertical height = 5 inches.
Stitch abbreviations
ch = chain sl st = slip stitch dc = double crochet fpdc = front post double crochet bpdc = back post double crochet
These instructions are written using US terminology and will give you a finished cowl similar in size to the one pictured on the previous page. Make adjustments if you wish to make yours different measurements. Chain 91 (or just ensure your total is an odd number). Make sure there is one twist in your line of chain stitches then join to the first chain stitch with a slip stitch. This one twist will give you the twist in the mobius shape.
Round One
ch3, dc in every ch and then count your dc stitches to ensure you have an odd number of dc stitches.
Round Two
At the beginning of round two, you're work looks like picture “A". fpdc around the first stitch (ch3) from the previous round, bpdc into the next stitch, alternate these stitches until you reach the first stitch (ch3) from round one. Picture “B" shows the first few stitches of round two.
Round Three
sl st into the top of the ch3 and ch1 (picture “C"), bpdc into the ch3 stitch then fpdc into the next stitch, alternate bpdc and fpdc all the way around. sl st into the top of the first fpdc stitch (not the top of the first bpdc). Whynotslstintothetopofthebpdc?Aslstintothebpdcwouldslightly separate the ch1 and bpdc and we need to keep these snug together.
Round Four
ch1, bpdc into the first stitch (a bpdc) of the previous round - when you make this stitch, ensure you don't separate the ch1 and bpdc with your hook, keep them snug together, fpdc into the next stitch, alternate bpdc and fpdc stitches until you reach the first bpdc of the round, sl st into the top of the first fpdc. Round Five and all other rounds
Repeat round four as many times as you wish.
When your mobius cowl is the right size, finish off and weave in your ends. A single crochet edge or other edge might be a nice finishing touch.
If you have any questions or are unclear about any of the instructions, please feel free to contact me. The best way is via my Facebook page (search for 24 Carat Crochet).
