Note about crochet hook size: (Ravelry doesn’t list a size P hook) Use size P {11.5 mm} crochet hook; some size P hooks are 12 mm instead, which is fine too.

This capelet-style cowl took me one evening to crochet with a jumbo crochet hook and two balls of thick yarn. It’s exactly the accessory I’ve been needing for an unpredictably chilly season: warm, snug, breathable, and easy to put on.

All you need to use for this “expedient” satisfaction are the two most familiar slip stitches (front loop only, and back loop only). Simply alternating groups of front and back loop slip stitches provides smooth shaping because they vary in stitch height. An occasional short row enhances the way it pours over the shoulders.

This pattern is a practical and ‘expedient’ introduction to slip stitch crochet technique, so I’ve included some tips that help students of my “Slip Stitch Crochet 101” classes.

You’ll have the opportunity to learn these skills:
✤ How and why to combine back-loop and front-loop slip stitches.
✤ How to count rows of back-loop slip stitch as ribs, vs front-loop rows.
✤ How to do simple and occasional short rows.
✤ How to use the designer’s row direction diagram, a handy tool with slip stitch crochet.