Ingredients
- 2.5 ounces worsted-weight black acrylic yarn, about 180 yards
- 0.5 ounces worsted-weight deep red acrylic yarn, about 35 yards
- 1 crochet hook, size H-8, 5 mm
- 1 yarn needle with a blunt tip, 3 inches long
- 1 pair small scissors with 3-inch blades
- 1 measuring tape, 60 inches long
- 1 rust-resistant straight pin, 1.5 inches long, optional
- 1 clean cotton towel, at least 16 by 24 inches
- 1 shallow tray or blocking board, at least 12 by 18 inches
- 8 rust-resistant T-pins, 1.5 inches long, for blocking
- 1 small spray bottle filled with 4 fluid ounces of clean water
- 1 lint-free cloth, 12 by 12 inches
- 1 small zippered project pouch, at least 8 by 10 inches
Instructions
- Cover the table with the cotton towel before you begin.
- Make a slipknot with the black yarn and place it on the H-8 hook.
- Chain 14 stitches, keeping the loops relaxed.
- Work one single crochet into the second chain from the hook and each remaining chain, resulting in 13 stitches.
- Chain 1 and turn. Work one single crochet in each of the 13 stitches.
- Repeat this row for 18 rows in black, counting the turning chain as the height of the row but not as a stitch.
- Change to the red yarn after row 18, leaving a 4-inch black tail and a 4-inch red tail.
- Work 4 rows of red single crochet, crocheting over the yarn tails for a few stitches.
- Return to black after the fourth red row, working 18 more rows of black single crochet.
- Begin tapering one pointed end by chaining 1 and turning. Single crochet across the row.
- Decrease at the beginning of every other row until 7 stitches remain, then work even rows with 7 stitches for 4 rows.
- Decrease at the beginning of every row until 2 stitches remain. Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail.
- Attach black yarn to the opposite end of the foundation chain and repeat the tapering in reverse.
- Look over the fabric before weaving in ends. Correct small gaps if necessary.
- Thread each yarn tail onto the blunt yarn needle and weave the tail for about 2 inches. Trim excess yarn.
- Mist the finished ascot lightly with water, smooth the edges, and pin the points and long sides straight.
- Let the ascot dry for 4 to 6 hours or overnight before removing pins.
Notes
Ensure to keep scissors and pins out of reach of children. Block the ascot to relax the edges after crochet.
- Cook Time: 180 minutes
