November 2021 ~ I’ve updated the pattern to include specific instructions and gauge for a fingering-weight version (shown in the last photo), which is also easily customizable to any size.
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Spiky Stars is a dense, plush, eye-catching cowl designed to work with two contrasting colors of the same yarn. The design showcases a variation on the star stitch worked in a main color, with hints of a contrasting color peeking through and setting off the stars.

The cowl is worked in a worsted-weight merino wool (Malabrigo Rios), but other weights of yarn can be substituted (a fingering-weight version is provided). Four sizes are included, and the size is easily customizable by changing the length of the foundation and/or the number of pattern reps (taking into account that yardage requirements will differ).

The fingering-weight version in the two last photos uses 1 skein each of Malabrigo Mechita in colors Whales Road and Pearl and measures 23 1/4” circumference by 8 3/4” tall.

The bottom edging of the cowl is worked first; the remainder of the cowl is then worked from the bottom-up in joined, unturned rounds, with the non-working color carried up the back join.

Skill Level: Intermediate; some focus is needed when working the joins at the ends of rounds.

Finished Sizes
Extra Small (neckwarmer): 22” circumference by 7 1/2” tall
Small: 25” circumference by 7 1/2” tall
Medium: 32” circumference by 6 1/2” tall (shown in top photo)
Long: 50” circumference by 6 1/2” tall

Instructions are written for the Extra Small (neckwarmer) size; instructions for the additional sizes are in parentheses ().

Yarn: Malabrigo Rios - main color: 1 (1, 1, 2) skein/s; contrasting color: 1 skein (less than one full skein used for the contrasting color for all sizes shown). Note: the 32” (Medium) cowl uses almost a full skein of the main color; consider having a second skein on hand if making this size.

Gauge: 8 stars = 4”; 16 rounds in pattern = 4”.

This pattern uses American crochet terminology.

Tech editing by Amy Curtin (Amerz on Ravelry)

Feel free to send me a message with any questions you may have with the pattern. Thank you!