Mock Rib Cowl

After having finished the mittens in the previous post I was thinking about the elongated stitch I was using. It creates a nice checkered pattern reminiscent of knitted seed stitch or moss stitch. But what if I used it in a different way, lets say, placing the long stitches on top of each other... After a couple of tries I created a very interesting pattern that is similar of a knitted ribbing. The elongated stitch becomes a split stitch instead. The hook should not be inserted into the top of the stitch, but rather into the stitch below splitting it in half creating a V. These Vs placed on top of each other form the pattern of vertical ridges.  Let me show you a cowl made of the same yarn as mittens to complement them.

Here is a close up.

Looks so much like two by one ribbing! However, the fabric made is not even close to elasticity of a knitted one and has no dimension.

It doesn't mean the disadvantages necessarily. I would prefer this mock rib for the crochet fabric instead of a more traditional front post crochet, which curls dramatically and still has no elasticity. I also would rather work with this stitch for the mittens from the previous post mainly because I wouldn't have to turn the fabric for the main body and wouldn't be forced to insert the hook into the selvage. However, if this stitch is used as a ribbing (in mittens, hats or socks) I recommend using a smaller hook just for this part to crochet a tighter fit. 

Here is the Cowl How-To:

Depending on the desired width chain a multiple of 3+1. I had 106.

Start with a single crochet into the second chain from the hook.

Work the first row of single crochet. Total of 105.

Make a circle. I prefer this method. Working with a complete row of single crochet allows you to make a circle without twisting it. The chain alone might get confusing. 

Working in a spiral method (placing a marker at the beginning of each row)

2 split single crochet 1 single crochet.

Work for a preferred length.

That is so easy!!!

If you decide to make it I would love for you to share it here! Questions are welcome!

Yarn--Feederbrook Farm 100% Bluefaced Leicester Wool

Hook--4mm