Free Crochet Pattern - Safety is Sexy Bows! Quick and easy doggo snood and matching hooman ear warmer.

Nothing better than a bit of matchy matchy with the fur baby and babes! I saw the adverts for reflective yarn pop up and was like haiiooo that is cool, but what on earth can I make? I originally bought a whole heap to make Skye (our retired greyhound) a full on snood jumper - but I was either lazy, and or over ambitious as I gave up after finding it was too heavy and completely uninspired. I had finished the snood aspect, however, and thought, well, that'll do! It ended up being so cute that I wanted an ear warmer to match. And here we are. It is not a massively complex pattern and can be quickly whipped up in an afternoon. Apologies in advance if it already exists somewhere, I honestly just picked a stitch I liked and winged it. Please do let me know if I can link/credit another designer as I don't want to infringe anyone's creative work.

Yarn! So obviously I started with the reflective yarn. I chose Viking of Norway - Viking Garn Reflex. It is 51% wool, 34% polyester and 15% reflective thread, importantly it can be washed at 30℃. I am a natural/neutral girl at heart do went for the silver grey although other colours were available (LoveCrafts are now sold out! it is in stock at RitoHobby) but there are other options available like Hobbii Starlight, RedHeart Reflective, James C Brett Twinkle (please note I am not being paid to mention any of these, there are no affiliate links, just sharing some research).

Stitch! Wattle! I originally found this stitch a few months back when swatching for another project. It gives a lovely texture with some stretch and creates an opaque fabric which is bouncy and soft. 

Of course, as awesome as it is, this doesn't have to be reflective yarn, it is gorgeous enough as it is in any old yarn! I did the dogs, mine and my daughters snood and earwarmers in less than 150g.

Materials:

• Reflective yarn in DK/light worsted weight (see bottom of post for suggestions) 
• 4.5mm crochet hook (US 7)
• 2 stitch markers
• Scissors and yarn needle to weave in ends

Gauge:

Not important for this pattern. You can use other weighted yarn with corresponding hook size, this will just change your starting chain length and number of rows to get to desired size. 

Construction:

Flat rectangle, worked in turning rows, then crocheted together at the end. It is no sew! Although you will need to weave in the end, sorry!

Abbreviations (UK terminology):

ch        chain
dc        double crochet
tr          treble crochet 
sk         skip
rpt        repeat
slst       slip stitch
SM1    stitch marker 1
SM2    stitch marker 2

Sizing:

Fully adjustable, so long as starting chain is multiple of 3 +1. To get your size:

• Measure the base of the dogs neck circumference and add 2 " ease - for example Skye's is 16", so finished size is 18" / 46cm. Chain multiples of 3, finishing when you pull the chain slightly taught it is that length. For Skye I had a starting chain of 72 +1
  
  
• If you are making for an ear warmer, similarly, measure around the hairline circumference - for example mine is 22" / 56 cm and so had a starting chain of 84 +1. 

Pulling chain slightly taught is important as it allows for some give/stretch in the finished item. 

Notes: 

• When working into the starting chain, work into the 'back hump' so that the bottom has the row of v's.
• Ch 1 at beginning of row should be nice and loose, don't tighten it, you need the height
• Keep your tension nice and relaxed throughout ☺
• Using the SM 1 and 2 helps you to find your last stitch for each row, you don't have to use it, but I find it helpful. 

Pattern:

Using the sizing instructions above, establish your starting chain of multiple of 3 +1. 

1. In the 2nd ch from your hook place SM1, then in 4th ch from hook work (dc, ch, tr), sk 2 chs, *(dc, ch, tr), sk 2 chs,*  rpt from * to * with one dc in the last ch. 
   
   
2. Turn, ch 1, find the ch space between the tr and dc from previous row - in this space work (dc, ch, tr) and place SM2 in the ch1 from the start of row. Continue (dc, ch, tr) in each ch sp and end the row with a dc in the ch marked by SM1. 
   
   
3. Turn, ch 1 - re place SM1 -, (dc, ch, tr) in each ch sp, and end row with dc marked by SM2
   
   
4. Turn, ch 1 - re place SM2 -, (dc, ch, tr) in each ch sp, and end row with dc where marked by SM1

Repeat 3 & 4 until desired depth. Skye is a greyhound so longboi neck called for 20 rows in total, but probably could have done with some more! For my ear warmer I did 10 rows in total as I wanted a little gap for my chunky headphones, for an adult, you probably want around 14 rows. I did 10 rows for my 6 year old's.

Last row - ch 2, *dc in ch sp, ch 2* rpt from * to * after the final dc in the last ch sp available, ch 1 and dc in SM1/2. Don't fasten off just yet. 

Joining 

Fold the rectangle in half so you have side edges pressed together, slst along the edge to join (it will seem to 'gather' a little, don't worry it helps with the final shape.

ch 1 and pull yarn through to tighten, fasten off. 

Simple wave gather now - fold the seam you have just made in half with the two side edges facing down/inward, then pull each edge back up each corresponding side so you have a W shape (if you look at it side on). 

Take a long cutting of yarn, fold in half, then wrap around the centre of the W numerous times to create the centre knot. Tie off and secure end inside.

If you make any, please share and tag me on instagram @relishlife.uk #relishlifemakes #safetyissexybows 

As always, if there is any errors, omissions, or questions, please comment below or email me louise@relishlife.uk

If you loved this free pattern, and fancy treating me a coffee to say thanks, you can 

I have other crochet patterns available on Etsy, Ravelry and LoveCrafts - you'll find the links on the top left menu side bar (this might need to be expanded if not visible, little arrow or burger stack).

Lots of love, and take care.