Crochet Pattern: Old Fashioned Crafter Collar
I have always loved getting dressed. I probably always will. I have also always loved story. To tell a story and dress myself at the same time is just a joy.
A narrative I often fall back on, one that always feels right, goes something like this:
Beatrix Potter is transported to modern day Southern California and needs to get dressed to take her kids to the library and the park.
If this made you giggle or even scoff a bit, that’s ok-it works for me every time. I always find myself feeling comfortable and ready for my day, with just a little bit of pastoral femininity and a little bit of modern simplicity, without romanticizing either or leaning too hard into costume territory. If you are a story lover, or a clothing lover, I highly recommend this approach to crafting a personal style.
I think this little style narrative pairs so nicely with the slogan I use for my crochet design work: “Modern Crochet for the Old Fashioned Crafter”. I’ve always been a bit of an old soul, but I’m drawn to the simple shapes and natural, organic fibers and textures that characterize modern design.
When I began seeing oversized collars pop up as accessories with otherwise modern outfits, I was immediately intrigued. I knew I could find a way to incorporate this trend (is it a trend? or just as Intagram trend? We’ll see if Target has ‘em in six months…). My version would have to be pretty subtle, simple, and versatile. It would certainly have to be crochet.
I came up with this really simple, straightforward crochet design for the Old Fashioned Crafter Collar to share for free with you. It will be a great, easy addition to many of my current favorite outfits. I can’t wait to try it with my overalls, my Breton striped long sleeve, or my black cropped tee shirt.
Collar
Sizing: One size, 17” circumference around the neck, 4” wide
If you would like to make the neck smaller or larger, start with a base chain of a multiple of 10 + 4 to make a custom size
3.75 mm hook
Gauge: 20 sc, 20 rows = 4”, but gauge is not all that important with this project as the sizing can be a bit flexible.
About 100 yards of DK to Worsted (great stash buster!). I used a remnant of Knit Picks Simply Wool Worsted in Wendy
(1) 1/4” button
Pattern
Chain 84
Row 1: 1 sc in 4th chain from hook, forming a loop that will be used as a button hole. 1 sc in each chain until end. Turn. (80 sc)
Row 2: chain 1, *1 sc in next 9 sc, 2 sc in next sc. Rep from * across. Turn before working any stitches that make up the button loop. (88 sc)
Row 3: chain 1, 1 sc in each sc across. Turn. (88 sc)
Row 4: chain 1, *1 sc in next 10 sc, 2 sc in next sc. Rep from * across. Turn. (96 sc)
Row 5: chain 1, *1 sc in next 11 sc, 2 sc in next sc. Rep from * across. Turn. (104 sc)
Row 6: chain 1, 1 sc in each sc across. Turn. (104 sc)
Row 7: chain 1, *1 sc in next 12 sc, 2 sc in next sc. Rep from * across. Turn. (112 sc)
Row 8: chain 1, *1 sc in next 13 sc, 2 sc in next sc. Rep from * across. Turn. (120 sc)
Row 9: chain 1, 1 sc in each sc across. Turn. (120 sc)
Row 10: chain 1, *1 sc in next 14 sc, 2 sc in next sc. Rep from * across. Turn. (128 sc)
Row 11: chain 1, *1 sc in next 15 sc, 2 sc in next sc. Rep from * across. Turn. (136 sc)
Row 12: chain 1, 1 sc in each sc across. Turn. (136 sc)
Row 13: chain 1, *1 sc in next 16 sc, 2 sc in next sc. Rep from * across. Turn. (144 sc)
Row 14: chain 1, *1 sc in next 17 sc, 2 sc in next sc. Rep from * across. Turn. (152 sc)
Row 15: chain 1, 1 sc in each sc across. Turn. (152 sc)
Row 16: chain 1, *1 sc in next 18 sc, 2 sc in next sc. Rep from * across. Turn. (152 sc)
Row 17: chain 1, *1 sc in next 19 sc, 2 sc in next sc. Rep from * across. Turn. (160 sc)
Row 18: chain 1, 1 sc in each sc across. Turn. (160 sc)
Row 19: chain 1, *1 sc in next 20 sc, 2 sc in next sc. Rep from * across. Turn. (168 sc)
Row 20: chain 1, *1 sc in next 21 sc, 2 sc in next sc. Rep from * across. Turn. (176 sc)
Row 21: chain 1, 1 sc in each sc across. Turn. (176 sc)
Break yarn and weave in ends.
Scallop edging
Insert hook into the row end of Row 1 on the opposite end of the button hole, pull up a loop.
*Chain 3, skip 1 row end, sl st in next row end. Rep from * down the side of the collar until you reach the corner.
*Chain 4, skip 1 st, sl st in next st. Rep from * across the final row of the collar until you reach the corner.
*Chain 3, skip 1 row end, sl st in next row end. Rep from * up the side of the collar until you reach the button loop. Break yarn and weave in last end.
Use the yarn tail from the beginning of the row to sew on a button to the upper corner of the collar opposite of the button hole.
finishing
Weave in any remaining ends. I highly suggest doing a light blocking on the piece to ensure it will lay flat when worn. I used my fabric mannequin (what? you don’t have a fabric mannequin laying around ;)? If you have a dress form, that would be perfect. You can also lay it flat on blocking boards, as well.
I can’t wait to see how you all style this simple little collar. Please tag me on Instagram @nicoleknutsenblog to share, and use the hashtag #oldfashionedcraftercollar to share with the community!
xo Nicole
