Hello, fellow yarn lovers! If you are looking for a quick, stylish accessory to brighten up your wardrobe, you are going to love this project. The striped crochet collar is a charming, versatile piece that adds a handmade touch of elegance to any simple sweater, blouse, or dress.
Whether you want to play with bold, high-contrast stripes or soft, subtle gradients, this beginner-friendly project is a wonderful way to practice your color-changing skills and create a standout wardrobe staple.
Materials & Tools Needed
- Yarn: Fingering or Sport weight yarn (Category 1 or 2) in 2 or more contrasting colors. Cotton or cotton-blend yarns work best for crisp stitch definition.
- Crochet Hook: Size 3.5 mm (E-4) or size needed to obtain gauge.
- Notions: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and a tape measure.
Abbreviations & Pattern Notes
- US Terminology
- Ch: Chain
- น. (St/Ststs): Stitch/Stitches
- Sl St: Slip stitch
- Sc: Single crochet
- Dc: Double crochet
- Note 1: Carry your unused yarn loosely along the side or fasten off after each color change, depending on your preference for clean edges.
- Note 2: Turning chains do not count as stitches unless otherwise specified.
Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions
- Foundation Chain: Using Color A, ch 72 (or a length that comfortably fits around your neckline with a slight overlap). Ensure your chain is not twisted.
- Row 1: Working in the back bumps of the chain, work 1 sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. Turn. (71 sc)
- Row 2 (Stripe Color Change): Switch to Color B. Ch 2 (does not count as a st), work 1 dc in each st across. Turn. (71 dc)
- Row 3: Continuing with Color B, ch 1, work 1 sc in each st across. Turn. (71 sc)
- Row 4 (Stripe Color Change): Switch back to Color A. Ch 2, work 1 dc in each st across, increasing slightly by working 2 dc in every 10th st to help the collar curve naturally. Turn. (approx. 78 sts)
- Row 5: Continuing with Color A, ch 1, work 1 sc in each st across. Turn.
- Row 6-9: Repeat rows 2 and 3 twice more, alternating colors every two rows to create your desired stripe width.
- Edging & Ties: Fasten off all yarn. Join yarn at the top corner of the collar, ch 25 (to create a tie string), sl st back down the chain, then work a neat sc border all the way around the outer edge of the collar, finishing with another ch 25 tie string on the opposite side. Fasten off.
Finishing & Helpful Tips
- Weave as You Go: Because this project involves multiple color changes, weave in your yarn ends as you complete each stripe to save time at the end.
- Maintain Even Tension: Keep your tension relaxed, especially on the foundation chain and dc rows, so the collar drapes softly and comfortably around your neck.
- Blocking: Gently block your finished collar with steam or a light water spray to smooth out the stitches and make the color transitions pop.
- Customizing Size: Adjust your starting chain in multiples of the pattern repeat if you need a wider or narrower neckline fit.