Aurora Borealis Smock Stitch Cowl: A Free Tunisian Crochet Pattern

Wrap yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the northern lights with this stunning Tunisian smock stitch cowl. The unique smock stitch creates a dense, plush, and incredibly warm fabric that feels as luxurious as it looks. This pattern uses a mesmerizing gradient of deep teal, bright turquoise, and soft lavender—perfect for brightening up those cold winter days. Whether you're a seasoned Tunisian crocheter or looking for a new challenge, this cowl is a rewarding project that produces a truly spectacular accessory.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. This list is designed to ensure you have everything you need for a smooth and enjoyable crafting experience.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in 3 colors:
  • Color A: Deep Teal (approx. 100 yards)
  • Color B: Bright Turquoise (approx. 100 yards)
  • Color C: Soft Lavender (approx. 100 yards)
  Total: Approximately 300 yards of worsted weight yarn.
• Tunisian Crochet Hook: Size 6.5 mm (K) with a 16-inch cable. You can also use a straight Tunisian hook if preferred, but a cable is recommended for comfort. Note: Use the hook size needed to obtain the gauge.
• Regular Crochet Hook: A standard hook (any size) for finishing and weaving in ends.
• Yarn Needle: A blunt-tipped tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends.
• Scissors: For cutting yarn.

Gauge

16 stitches and 12 rows in Tunisian smock stitch = 4 inches (10 cm). While gauge is not critical for this project, it will affect the final size and drape of your cowl. If you want a looser, drapier cowl, consider going up a hook size. For a denser, stiffer fabric, go down a hook size.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This cowl is worked flat in rows and then seamed to create a seamless tube. The smock stitch is created by wrapping the yarn around the vertical bars of the Tunisian simple stitch (TSS). Don't worry if it feels a bit unusual at first—once you get the rhythm, it's incredibly satisfying!

Special Stitches

• TSS (Tunisian Simple Stitch): Insert hook from right to left under the front vertical bar, yarn over, pull up a loop.
• Smock Stitch (worked on return pass): After completing the forward pass, on the return pass, instead of just pulling through loops, you will wrap the yarn around the vertical bars of the previous row's TSS stitches. This creates the beautiful braided effect.

Foundation Row

Chain 80 stitches loosely. It's important not to chain too tightly, as this will make the foundation row difficult to work into.

Forward Pass: Work a Tunisian simple stitch (TSS) in the second chain from the hook and in each chain across. You should have 80 loops on your hook.

Return Pass: Yarn over, pull through one loop. *Yarn over, pull through two loops* repeat across until only 1 loop remains on the hook. This is your working loop for the next row.

Row 1 (Forward Pass)

Skip the first vertical bar (this is the edge loop). *Insert hook under the next vertical bar, yarn over, pull up a loop. Repeat from * across. You should have 80 loops on your hook.

Row 1 (Return Pass - Smock Stitch)

This is where the magic happens! Yarn over, pull through one loop. Now, for the smock stitch:

1. Insert the hook from front to back between the first and second vertical bars of the row below.
2. Wrap the yarn around the hook and pull up a loop.
3. Pull this loop through the loop on your hook.

This creates a wrapped stitch. Repeat this process across until only 1 loop remains on the hook. This completes the smock stitch row.

Row 2 (Forward Pass)

Skip the first vertical bar. *Insert hook under the next vertical bar, yarn over, pull up a loop. Repeat from * across. You should have 80 loops on your hook.

Row 2 (Return Pass - Standard)

Yarn over, pull through one loop. *Yarn over, pull through two loops* repeat across until only 1 loop remains on the hook.

Row 3 (Forward Pass)

Same as Row 1 forward pass: Skip the first vertical bar. *Insert hook under the next vertical bar, yarn over, pull up a loop. Repeat from * across. You should have 80 loops on your hook.

Row 3 (Return Pass - Smock Stitch)

Same as Row 1 return pass: Yarn over, pull through one loop. Then work the smock stitch (insert hook from front to back between the first and second vertical bars, wrap, pull up a loop, pull through loop on hook) across until only 1 loop remains.

Continue Pattern

Repeat Rows 2 and 3, alternating the standard return pass (Row 2) with the smock stitch return pass (Row 3). This creates the beautiful, textured pattern.

Work in the following color sequence:

• Rows 1-8: Color A (Deep Teal)
• Rows 9-16: Color B (Bright Turquoise)
• Rows 17-24: Color C (Soft Lavender)
• Rows 25-32: Color B (Bright Turquoise)
• Rows 33-40: Color A (Deep Teal)

Tip: When changing colors, simply cut the old color, leaving a 6-inch tail, and start the new color on the next forward pass. Weave in ends later.

Finishing

After completing Row 40, cut the yarn leaving a long tail (at least 18 inches). Thread the tail onto your yarn needle.

To create the seamless tube, sew the cast-on edge to the bind-off edge using a whip stitch or mattress stitch. Take your time to match the stitches evenly for a professional finish.

Once seamed, weave in all loose ends with your yarn needle. Block gently to even out the stitches and enhance the drape. To block, simply wet the cowl, gently squeeze out excess water, and lay flat to dry, shaping as desired.

Your Aurora Borealis Smock Stitch Cowl is now complete! This cozy, stylish accessory is perfect for cold days and will surely turn heads with its unique texture and stunning gradient colors. Enjoy your beautiful handmade creation!