Quarry Duster

I don't think I've ever released a design and not had immediate requests for the same thing in the opposite craft. It makes me so happy to know that you all love the item so much that you want to create it in both knitting and crochet, but oftentimes there is a reason I chose one craft over the other, as you cannot just translate an idea into both easily for the most part. There are certain pieces, though, that suite both knitting and crochet very well, and I'm happy to say that after so many requests for a crochet version of my latest design, the Falling Waters Duster, we have a success! Introducing the Quarry Duster. Scroll down for the free pattern, click here for the purchasable ad-free PDF, or grab the kit here from Lion Brand with everything you need to complete the project.

Don't tell the knit version, but I have to say I may love this crochet Quarry Duster even more than the Falling Waters Duster. Don't get me wrong - the weightless, flowy nature of the loose knit fabric is glorious and can’t really be replicated in crochet using the same yarn, but the Quarry Duster has some attributes of its own that make it extra special. It may not blow in the wind as easily, but it's still swingy and fringy in the best ways. The density and weight actually allow it to drape nicely without being too stiff thanks to the large hook used for the project. The structure of the fabric also gives it a more substantial feel that provides a strength in the silhouette.

In order to mimic the drop stitches used in the Falling Waters Duster, I chose to work this crochet version sideways rather than bottom up and utilize chain stitches. Long lines of chains reproduce the look of the drop stitches, but again provide more structure and strength, which also means the garment is less likely to get caught on something and snag. I used this same technique for my Washed Ashore Sweater that I designed for We Are Knitters last spring. It's such a fun way to add a more delicate, bohemian vibe to structured, dense crochet.

Unless I am making a bag or vessel that needs lots of strength and density, you will hardly ever see me use the "recommended" hook or needle size on a yarn label. I'm a huge fan of increasing the tool size in order to create a more drapey, flowy fabric. Aside from tailored garments, I much prefer looser knits that flatter the body over stiff, unforgiving fabric. The Quarry Duster falls so beautifully and with the drop stitches featured not only at the hem but also along the shoulder lines, it creates a delicate, feminine mood.

Just like the Falling Waters Duster (and my recent Magic Hour Sweater), I chose to use Lion Brand Comfy Cotton Blend for this pattern. Cotton can typically be stiff and rugged, but this blend is extra soft and with a CYC 3 weight, it is an excellent choice for relaxed summer knits. I adore this Moccachino color, which is what I also used for my Spring Breeze Sweater last year. It's such a pretty grey-brown color with the tiniest hints of sheen twisted throughout. It pairs perfectly with warm and cool tones, other neutrals, and colors to make it the perfect addition to any wardrobe.

The best part of this project is that it's incredibly easy. Like, beginner level easy. The only techniques involved are the half double crochet stitch, chaining and skipping stitches, and a little bit of seaming.

MATERIALS:

3 (4, 4, 4) skeins Lion Brand Yarn Comfy Cotton Blend in Mochaccino or approx. 1176yds/1074m (1568yds/1432m, 1568yds/1432m, 1568yds/1432m) of another light worsted, category 3 yarn
Size US L/11 (8mm) crochet hook
Tapestry needle

FINISHED SIZE:

Measurements taken with garment laying flat without fringe. Fabric may stretch lengthwise when worn.

Pictured in size XS/S on model with 34”/86cm bust

(A) Width: 33”/84cm (37”/94cm, 41”/104cm, 45”/114.5cm)
(B) Length: 34”/86.5cm - all sizes

GAUGE:

9 sts + 8 rows = 4”/10cm in half double crochet

ABBREVIATIONS:

*All Two of Wands patterns are written in standard US terms

Ch – chain
Hdc – half double crochet
Rep – repeat
Sk – skip
St(s) – stitch(es)

Notes: Poncho is worked in two panels, side to side, and is then seamed up the back to allow for center front opening. Panels are worked flat in back and forth rows. Turn at the end of each row. Sides are also seamed. The ch 2 at the beginning of each row does not count as a stitch. Pattern is written for 4 sizes: XS/S, M/L, XL/2XL, 3XL/4XL.

Panels (make 2)

Ch 154 (all sizes).

Row 1: Starting in 3rd ch from hook, hdc across row. (152 sts)

Row 2: Ch 2, hdc 7, ch 3, sk 3, hdc 4, ch 6, sk 6, hdc 4, ch 3, sk 3, hdc 49, ch 6, sk 6, hdc 43, ch 3, sk 3, hdc 4, ch 6, sk 6, hdc 4, ch 3, sk 3, hdc 7.

Row 3: Ch 2, hdc 7, ch 3, sk 3, hdc 4, ch 6, sk 6, hdc 4, ch 3, sk 3, hdc 43, ch 6, sk 6, hdc 49, ch 3, sk 3, hdc 4, ch 6, sk 6, hdc 4, ch 3, sk 3, hdc 7.

Rows 4-33 (37, 41, 45): Rep rows 2 and 3, fifteen (seventeen, nineteen, twenty one) more times. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail for seaming.

Construction

Place the two panels next to each other vertically (rows running up and down) with the last row of each panel facing each other. Seam from the bottom edge up, stopping a few stitches away from where the chain stitches at the shoulder begin, leaving the remaining half un-seamed for the center front opening.

Fold at shoulders and seam sides from bottom edge up, leaving approx. 9”/23cm (10”/25.5cm, 11”/28cm, 12”/30.5cm) un-seamed and open for armholes.

Secure and weave in all ends.

Fringe

Cut approx. 350 (400, 440, 480) 9”/23cm lengths. Use larks head knots to attach double strands of fringe into the end of each row each along the bottom edge of the duster. To do so, hold two strands together and fold in half, insert the hook up through a space along the bottom edge, place folded loop around the hook and draw it back down through the space, then use the hook to grab the ends and draw them through the folded loop. Attach fringe in the same manner around armholes, approx. every other stitch.

Purchase the printable, ad-free pattern here.

Purchase the kit from Lion Brand Yarn here.

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