Free crochet pattern: X-Stitch Neckwarmer

I love cowls. I didn't even know what a cowl was before I started crocheting - I'd heard the terms "snood," "balaclava," "infinity scarf," but never cowl. My first crochet pattern I termed an infinity scarf because it was long and could be wrapped several times, and I was quickly corrected by the crochet and knit community. "My dear," they said (because yarn-lovers are invariably sweet). "My dear, that is not an infinity scarf because it does not have a twist. It is, in fact, a cowl." Of course they were right, but when I created this pattern I was still not comfortable with the term, so I called this one the X-Stitch Neckwarmer. Ha! I've come around and correctly title my patterns now, but this one is special - my one and only neckwarmer pattern. I think I'll keep it that way.

One note on this wool: swoon! I received an amazing haul of yarn from a fellow member of the Buy Nothing community (if you aren't a member, check it out! There are groups all over the world!) I immediately fell in love with this ball because although there was no label, it was clearly all wool (but not scratchy!) and hand-dyed. Such a generous neighbor, and I still have some of the lovely yarns she gifted me.
I designed this cowl to fit snuggly for optimum warmth in cold months, but you can easily add stitches (in multiples of 2) to make it less snug. If you prefer a printable pattern, you can purchase the pdf for $2.99 at my Ravelry store, which also includes a photo-tutorial for the special starting chain.

And if you don't want to make your own, this very cowl is available for sale in the shop too! But for the free pattern, click to keep reading.