I love one skein projects, I love cowls, and combining the two makes me so happy! Add a fun new stitch and voila – it’s Squish!
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links.
Squish features Lion Brand Scarfie, a fab new yarn with a unique self-striping ombré effect – plus it’s a soft and lofty wool blend yarn with tons of yardage! Love it!
So while I was playing with a skein of Scarfie, I came up with a fun twist on the bullion stitch, where it’s split over two stitches… which I’m calling the Split Bullion Stitch. It’s actually a bit easier than a standard bullion stitch, plus it makes this amazing super textured and squishy fabric! It does take a little practice, but it’s worth it. Detailed directions are below!
Squish
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- US M/N, 9.0mm hook (Clover Amour used)
- 312 yds Lion Brand Scarfie (Bulky/”5″ /12 ply; 312 yds/285 m; 150 g/5.29 oz; Colorway: Cream/Taupe)
- Gauge: 9 sts x 5 rows = 4″ in dc
- Finished Size: 40″ around (20″ laid flat) x 9″ wide
- To customize length, begin with a starting chain in a multiple of 2, plus 1
Special Stitch:
spbs: Split Bullion Stitch – Yo 6 times, insert hook in first indicated stitch, yo and pull up a loop, yo and pull through 4 loops (5 loops remain on hook), yo, insert hook in next indicated stitch, yo and pull up a loop, yo and pull through all 7 loops on hook. CLICK HERE FOR A VIDEO TUTORIAL
Round 1: (Leave a 6″ tail before the sl st) Ch 79, skip the ch closest to the hook, sc in each of the remaining 78 chs; join with a sl st in the first sc to work in the round. (78 sts)
Round 2: Ch 2 (does not count as a st here and throughout), spbs with 1st part in 1st st, then skip a st and finish spbs in 3rd st, ch 1, *spbs with 1st part in same st as 2nd part of previous st, then skip a st and finish spbs in next st, ch 1; repeat from * until 1 st remains, spbs with 1st part in same st as 2nd part of previous st, then skip the last st and finish spbs in same st as 1st part of 1st spbs of round, ch 1, join with sl st to top of 1st spbs. (39 spbs and 39 chs)
Round 3 – 14: Ch 2, *spbs over next 2 ch-1 sps, ch1; repeat from * around, finishing last spbs with 2nd part of 1st spbs of round, join with sl st to top of 1st spbs. (39 spbs and 39 chs)
Round 15: Ch 1, sc in each st and ch sp around; join with a sl st and finish off. Weave in ends, using the tail at the beginning to close up the gap at the bottom of Round 1. (78 sts)
And that’s it! So soft, so squishy! Be sure to check the video tutorial linked above for help with this special stitch. Give it a try! It’s a lot of fun.
Written pattern copyright Tamara Kelly 2015. Please do not reprint or repost this pattern, but please do link to this page to share this pattern with others. If you wish to make items for sale from this pattern, please visit the About page for details. Thank you to Lion Brand Yarn for providing the yarn for this pattern.
Jean J.
Love the looks of this cowl! I’ll be waiting for your video on how it’s done. I read through all of your directions and I’m totally lost. LOL Please, HURRY.
Tamara Kelly
Thank you! 😀 I hope to get it up next week!
Jean J.
Thank you for the speedy response, will be looking for your post! Now need to get the yarn so I’m ready.
kim lyttle
I need it in video form, too. I can’t read a pattern to save my life…please hurry!
Tamara Kelly
It will be here on mooglyblog.com tomorrow morning! 🙂
Cindy
I cannot get row 3. I watched your video. When it comes to row 3 u did one set. I wish u did more. Mine was like cut in half stitch wise so I am doing something wrong
Tamara Kelly
In Row 3 (and beyond), it’s worked the same as the others, but the legs go into the ch-1 sps instead of stitches. Does that help?
Cindy
Yes that did help. Thank you!
Kim Wheeler
Im totally with u what in the wotld is an spbs? Ive been crocheting for 4-5 years n ive never seen that n what to do with it is completely confusing, please hurry with a complete detailed crochet along video.
Tamara Kelly
The stitch is defined in the pattern, under Special Stitches, and there will be a video up later today. 🙂
Judy
Oh so pretty! Just when I thought there couldn’t possibly be any new cowl patterns, you manage to provide us with something new and gorgeous! Love these earthy tones, too. Thank you!
Tamara Kelly
😀 Thank you so much!
Deborah Zotian
LOVE the way this looks. I was wondering what pattern to use for the Scarfie yarn, because I wasn’t crazy about what they had online. That stitch would be great in a ‘lapgan’, too.
Tamara Kelly
Thank you! Yes, I can’t wait to play with it some more!
christine
Yes – would LOVE a video for the stitch! I learn best that way… Thank you!
Tamara Kelly
It should go up tomorrow morning! 🙂
Chantelle
I love this scarf will try to make it before you post the video just to see how it comes out.
Tamara Kelly
Thank you Chantelle!
Hannah
Love your patterns ! Thanks for sharing
Jo
Are you using USA terms for this piece of gorgeousness?
Tamara Kelly
Hi Jo! Yes, all my patterns are in US terms. 😀 Thank you!
Joanne
Totally gorgeous yes you are the best…
i tried and tried……totally lost too.
i love the stitch but it don’t like me YET!!!!!
Waiting patiently!!!!!
Rhonda Muck
Just to let you know…I had problems with the stitch as well. I bought a Susan Bates hook with a bamboo handle…didn’t work for me. So I bought a clover armour hook….that didn’t work for me either. So I tried my regular N (9) crochet hook…that worked well for me.
Joanne bailey
Totally gorgeous yes you are the best…
i tried and tried……totally lost too.
i love the stitch but it don’t like me YET!!!!!
Waiting patiently!!!!!
Read more at https://www.mooglyblog.com/squish/#O5s7uJvPJ7ZGtMgi.99
Anna
I’ve started! I really like it, Tamara. Thank you!
Tamara Kelly
Thank you so much Anna!
Jean J.
Yesterday I stumbled across a video on how to make the SPRING STITCH. It looks very much like what you’ve used here. Can’t wait to see your video to make sure I understand how to do this!
Tamara Kelly
Oh interesting! I’ll have to look that up, thank you Jean!
Patty
Great looking cowl! Just read where the chunky cowl will be the in thing this fall!!! Can’t wait to try yours.
Mildred
I love this pattern!!! I picked up some Forest/Black Scarfie yarn upon seeing this pattern, and this morning I started. I’m already finished with round 5, and I can say that once I got into the swing of it, it became pretty easy to repeat. I’d love any tips on how to not have to pull each loop over by hand, but that’s what I do with bullion stitches.
Thanks again for a great design! 😉
Mildred
I finished it!!! I left out one of the spbs rounds because I was getting to the pattern dimensions, and I have a fair amount of yarn left over as well. It’s beautiful!
Tamara Kelly
😀 I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Tamara Kelly
Thanks so much Mildred! I end up pulling the loops over by hand a fair bit myself, but the best odds of doing without “picking” seem to be when I point the hook down toward the previous row before pulling it through the loops.
Mildred
Thanks, I’ll have to try that!
Darlena
So excited I just bought 4 skeins of the Scarfie yarn & now will wait patiently for the tutorial. Had no idea what cowl pattern I was gonna use but now I know. Thank you
Tamara Kelly
It will be here on mooglyblog.com tomorrow morning! 🙂 Thank you Darlena!
Shawna
Can’t wait for the video!! Where will it be posted?
Tamara Kelly
It will be here on mooglyblog.com tomorrow morning! 🙂
Melissa
Congratulations! I saw this was featured in the lionbrand newsletter!
Tamara Kelly
😀 Thank you Melissa!
Yemee
I love this pattern and the slightly scarfie ombre effect. I am looking forward to recreating this cowl. It’s going to be a nice addition to my winter wardrobe. Thanks so much for sharing your talent.
Tamara Kelly
Thank you so much Yemee!
Lois
In Round 3-14, are we splitting the stitch between the same stitch used in part two of the previous stitch (like in row 2) and the next ch1, or just moving to the next 2 chain1 spaces?
Tamara Kelly
You do the first part in the same ch-1 sp as part 2 of the previous stitch, and part 2 of the new stitch in the next ch-1 sp. 🙂
Lois
I was hoping you’d say that! It looked better that way.
nita
Hey, I was wondering what other yarn I can use, I’m on yarn punishment right now…????, I’m so sad but I want to make this, help…
Tamara Kelly
You can use any yarn you like! If it’s thinner than the Scarfie, you just add more stitches and rows to get the size you want. 🙂
Michele
Sorry, am new to this. Does this pattern just require one skein then?
Tamara Kelly
Hi Michele! Yes, if you use the recommended yarn, it takes just one skein. 🙂
Susan
An absolutely gorgeous pattern . I am working on my second cowl as I get a head start on Christmas gifts for this year.
Thanks for sharing the pattern !
Tamara Kelly
Thank you Susan! 🙂 I’m so glad to hear it!
Sarah
I love this scarf, it is so beautiful! When I look at your picture it looks like there are no holes between stitches and on my scarf that I started has visible (finger sized) hole…is this sounding right? I’m at that point of, if I need to rip it out I would rather do it now than later. Also when I finger the loops over they tend to poof out or look like the yarn didn’t get pulled tight enough, is there any way to fix this?
Tamara Kelly
The poofing out is typically what helps fill in the holes, so there’s not a fix as such. There are still holes you could stick a finger though, but they shouldn’t “look” that big either. It sounds like you might need to go down a hook size. Are you using the same weight of yarn?
TK
love this pattern. I’ve been looking for a project to use some of my James C Brett Chunky Marble yarn and this was exactly what I was looking for. Since it’s a lighter weight, i used a smaller hook and more chains to get the desired results. I also slip stitched all the way around after the final row of sc to give it a little more structure.
Tamara Kelly
🙂 Thank you so much TK! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Ellen
There is no turning at the end of the rows right?
Tamara Kelly
That is correct! 🙂
Donna
Hello, I love this pattern. Would this be big enough to wear around shoulders like a shawl?
Tamara Kelly
Not as written, unless you are very petite, but you can start with a chain long enough for a custom fit, as instructed in the tutorial! 🙂
Rachael
Thank you so much for this fantastic pattern! As a beginner crotcheter, I’ll admit I was a little cautious that I wouldn’t be able to do it, but your absolutely right! The pattern has easy, clear instructions and the cowl whipped up really fast AND beautifully! I was so impressed (and a little surprised) that my first cowl attempt actually looks just like it’s supposed to! I am so pleased with it that I bought more of that yummy yarn and am already working on a second one in a different color! Thanks again!
Tamara Kelly
😀 Thank you so much Rachael, I’m so glad to hear it!
janice
I have some super bulky yarn I’d like to use for this … do you think that would work? Love the pattern!
Tamara Kelly
Thank you! 😀 I think so!
Hilda Fields
I am an experienced crocheter and I found your directions to be very clear but I am struggling with getting the first part of this stitch done without using my fingers. I have practiced it quite a bit and and tried to wind I loosely but it is still a problem. I love the look of this cowl. Any suggestions?????
Tamara Kelly
My suggestion would be… to use your fingers! 🙂 It’s really the easiest way. Turning the hook part of the crochet hook to the bottom can help a bit too. If you watch the tutorial you’ll see I use my fingers most of the time. 🙂
JENKINS
Can you recommend another yarn that will give same squishy effect? Thus yarn is not sold at any of our crafts stores.
Tamara Kelly
This stuff is pretty unique, but most yarns the same weight would work well. And you can always click the link in the pattern to purchase it directly from Lion Brand! 🙂
Linda
I have just started this pattern with the Scarfie yarn and the 9mm hook, but when I joined my first sc row, I could see that it’s not going to be nearly as long as the model in the photo, and I’m not a tight crocheter. Did you use a longer starting chain than 79 in that one and if so, do you recall what it was and how many balls of yarn it took? I would like mine to look as lush and full as the one in the photo. Thank you for your help. 🙂
Tamara Kelly
I’m afraid the written pattern is exactly what’s shown in the photos.
Linda
Thank you for the quick response. I guess I am a tighter crocheter than I thought! I will try a larger hook or add a few more chains to the starting row. Thank you for the beautiful pattern!
Linda
Had to come back and let you know that I finished it and it is just so beautiful! I had to add 20 more chains to the start to make it long enough, so I realize now that I crochet much tighter than I thought! But it is a wonderful stitch and pattern and I know I will make more of them. Thanks so much….I’m thrilled with the results!
Tamara Kelly
😀 I’m so glad to hear it, thank you Linda!
rAMONA
Hi, I love this cowl!! May I ask, which color of the scarfi yarn did you use in your model? It looks like its white, brown, and shades of gray but none of the scarfi yarn colors look like what’s in the cowl you made! I want to make mine using the same color blend. Thanks for a beautiful pattern!
Tamara Kelly
Thank you! It’s the Cream/Taupe. 🙂
Linda
I made this in the Scrafie blue color. It looks sensational with jeans and a black cardigan. Thank you for this wonderful pattern!
Tamara Kelly
😀 Thank you so much Linda! I’m so glad you like it!
Heather
This was one of the most fun patterns I have ever worked on. Your explanation of how to do the stitch was very clear and it was incredibly easy to remember so that I could take this project on my travels and work on it while watching TV. Thank you!
Tamara Kelly
Wow, thank you so much! That makes my day! 😀
Paula
This is a beautiful cowl! Your instructions and video were super easy to follow and it looks great in the Scarfie Oxford/Claret color. This is a great gift to make for friends!
Thank you so much for the pattern!
Tamara Kelly
Thank you so much Paula!! 😀
Maggie
Love this, I bought the black and cream scarfie and I’m about halfway through, it looks great!
Tamara Kelly
😀 Thank you Maggie, I’m so glad to hear it!
Debbie
I may have missed the link, but how do I print this without all the adds?
Tamara Kelly
Please use the green Print Friendly button at the bottom of the pattern. 🙂
Amy
I am having a terrible time with this stitch and I’m an experienced crocheter…..can’t seem to get my hook through those loops!!! Any advice? I watched your video and you make it look so easy but I just can’t get it!
Tamara Kelly
Hi Amy! Bullion stitches can be very tricky indeed! Picking them off with your non-hook hand is normal, so don’t worry if you have to do that. Other than that, just doing your best to pull the loops up high helps!
Amy
Hi there! Just wanted to follow up and to let you know…I was using a Susan Bates hook and it was nearly impossible! I bought the hook you used in the video and now it is soooo easy!! My cowl looks awesome now and the stitch is beautiful. Thanks for the great pattern and for responding to my message!!
Tamara Kelly
Ah, yes! I can see how that would make a big difference! Thank you Amy!!
Val
Made it on original colors as above. Making another one as it’s soooooo squishy. Thank you for a beautiful pattern!
Tamara Kelly
Thank you so much Val, I’m so glad you like it!
Rita McLaughlin
I can’t find my original post. so sorry if this is a duplicate. I see that for row 3 the legs go into the chain spaces. In the 1st row, the first half of the stitch goes in the previous 2nd half of the stitch. is row 3 like that?
confused.
love the cowl
Tamara Kelly
Yes! 🙂 You may wish to watch the video tutorial linked in the pattern above. 🙂
rita
Thank you
Louise Janelle
Tamara,
I’ve made the cowl and love it, but was wondering… Could this stitch be adapted to make a traditional scarf? If so, how would I turn?
Love your designs!
Patricia
Gorgeous scarf! I’ve pinned it to my Scarf and Cowls Board!
Tamara Kelly
Thank you! 😀
Sara Hanson
I posted last night but can’t find it. I am having trouble. The first row of spbs stitches says there should be 39, i have that. My problems start when i start the next rows. Since you are doing one half of a spbs stitch in each chain row I end up with less stitches and the cowl opening is so small and tight it won’t go over my head. What am i doing wrong?
Tamara Kelly
Hi Sara! The first part of each spbs is worked in the same space as the second part of the previous stitch. If you go to two new stitches each time, you will indeed decrease.
Melanie Tipton
That’s a lot of comments, Tamera, I’m wondering if I could leave the cowl ends open add a ch1 and turn ,so that when I’m finished I twist it and close the ends and have a twisted neck warmer. Any suggestions. Thanks
Tamara Kelly
Hi Melanie! That could work! I haven’t played with this stitch in rows yet, but I do hope to come up with a pattern worked in rows soon! 🙂
Patty
I just finished my squishy cowl and I loved it but I found that at the end of the row adding the chain two for the next row threw me off. So I did a continues stitch and did not break to make the chain two. I marked the end of each row and moved it up each time and I liked that much better then the chain two. But I loved the cowl! Thank you so much for all your patterns.
Tamara Kelly
Thank you Patty! Sounds like you made a great adjustment to make it work for you! 😀
Karyn
I just finished my Squish Cowl with Scarfie yarn. Made in just 3 days. It was easy and fun and it’s incredibly beautiful. All your designs for the Scarfie yarn and others are spectacular.
So generous of you to offer so many for free. I have a picture in my ravelry project page.
Tamara Kelly
Thank you so much Karyn! 😀 I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Jonell Augenstein
I absolutely love love love this pattern but simply cannot figure out the pattern, so impressed others have
Tamara Kelly
I’m sorry you’re having trouble, have you watched the video tutorial? It’s linked at the end of the special stitch definition.
Terri S Wright
I cannot wait to try this pattern! I already have the Lion Brand Scarface yarn in the colorway black/blue that was designated for another pattern, but that will have to wait for now!
Tamara Kelly
😀 That happens around here too lol! Thank you Terri!
Jaimee
Just finished this & loved it!! Thank you so much for a fun & beatiful pattern 😊
Tamara Kelly
😀 Thank you so much, I’m so glad you like it!
Christie
Just found this pattern and I already love it, I was wondering if you’ve figured out how to configure it to rows rather than in the round.
Thank you for sharing!
Tamara Kelly
Thank you! I haven’t yet – thank you for the nudge, that’s going back up to the top of my to-do list!
Karyn
Christie:
I worked it in the round as written.
I imagine you can work a ch 3, not counting it as a stitch to beg ea row. Work the number of clusters that you want, then work a dc or tc at the end of your row, again, not counting it as a stitch.
I’ll look at the pattern more closely soon..
Tamara Kelly
As the developer of this stitch, I hope to create a pattern for it in rows soon. 🙂
Karyn
Hi Ms. Tamara:
You make fabulous designs.
I’m sure the row version will be very popular!
My cowl in the round was absolutely spectacular!
Thanks so much!
Tamara Kelly
Thank you so much! 😀
Christie
I’ll give that a try, thank you!
Tiffaney
I’m in the process of making this and I feel like it’s smaller than the picture. What is the measurements for this cowl? It’s beautiful and the stitch is easy once you get the hang of it. Thanks for the pattern.
Tiffaney
Neverending I just realized I read over it!! Thanks you.
Tamara Kelly
🙂 I hope it’s working out for you!
Tiffaney
I finished it. Absolutely love ot!!! Its a birthday gift for a friend. My measurements came out different but still looks great. It was 18×11.5.
Tamara Kelly
I’m so glad to hear it, thanks Tiffaney!
Peggy
Hello! Can’t wait to start this cowl….I have everything except a size 9 hook. I’m in Ontario and my micheals only sells sizes 8 & 10, both of which I have already. Which would be better to use? If I use the size 10 hook will the cowl be more narrow or bigger? Hmmm. Want to start but don’t know which one to pick….maybe I’ll try the 10 for a few rows and see what happens?
Tamara Kelly
Hi Peggy! 9mm and 10mm are pretty interchangeable, you shouldn’t notice too much of a difference – if anything it will be just a hair bigger. 🙂