If you've ever wondered how to make your own crochet snood that really looks elegant, handmade and unique, you're in the right place. We'll tell you all the details, tips, and tricks for making a perfect crochet snood.
First, choose the right materials
Before you begin, it is essential to choose the right materials so that your snood has the structure and fluidity you need. Here are my recommendations:
1. Yarn:
- Wool or cotton: Both yarns are perfect for this project. If you are looking for something lighter and cooler, cotton is ideal, while wool will give you a thicker and warmer snood. For a standard snood, you will need around 300 grams of yarn.
- Yarn thickness: Opt for a medium-weight yarn, between 1.5mm and 2mm. This will allow you to create a piece that has enough body, but is also light enough to drape nicely over the shoulders.
2. Crochet hook:
The hook you use should match the yarn thickness. For a medium-weight yarn, use a 3.5mm or 4mm hook. This will ensure that the stitches are tight enough without being too stiff.
3. Other materials:
- Tapestry needle to weave in loose ends at the end of the project. - Scissors to cut the yarn when you're finished.
- Measuring tape to measure the size of the snood and make sure it fits your measurements correctly.Step 1: Start with the magic ring
To prevent the snood from having a hole in the center, you must start with the magic ring. This is a fundamental trick for any crochet garment, as it eliminates any visible gaps that can appear when starting with the traditional chain method.
- Make a magic ring: Take the yarn, form a circle, and crochet inside it.
- Crochet the first stitches: Crochet 4 double crochets (DC) into the magic ring, 2 chains, and another 5 double crochets in the same ring. Turn your work. This will form the base of the snood. Tip: If you find it difficult to tighten the magic ring, don't worry, just make sure it's closed enough, but don't pull the yarn too tight. A very tight ring can make it difficult to crochet afterwards.
Step 2: Crocheting the base of the snood
Now that you have the base of the snood, it's time to start shaping it. We're going to crochet in rows back and forth, always increasing stitches at the edges and in the center.
- Row 1:
Chain 3 (this will count as the first double crochet). Then, crochet 4 double crochets into the ring, chain 2, and another 5 double crochets in the same ring. Close the round with a slip stitch.
- Row 2 (Increase):
Start with 3 chains (first double crochet) and double crochet into each stitch from the previous row. In the 2-chain space in the center, crochet: 2 double crochets, 2 chains, 2 double crochets. Continue double crocheting until the end of the row and turn your work.
- Row 3 and subsequent rows (Increase):
Repeat the same increase technique in the center and edges in each subsequent row. Make sure to always increase in the center and at the ends so that the triangular shape of the shawl is maintained. The increase is made by crocheting 2 double crochets, 2 chains, and 2 double crochets in the same space.
Tip: It is important to increase your stitches evenly. If you don't do this, your shawl could become crooked. When increasing each row, make sure that the stitches are consistent throughout. If you're unsure, use stitch markers to keep track of the increase sequence. 
Step 3: Continue knitting until you achieve the desired size
Now that you are knitting in a spiral and increasing steadily, continue knitting until the shawl is the right size. The standard size for a shawl is 152 cm long and 67 cm high, but you can adjust this according to your measurements or preferences.
Advice: When you finish a row, always measure the length of the shawl over your shoulders or the person who will wear it. This will help you make sure the size is correct and if you need more rows, just keep increasing in the center and edges.
Step 4: Last row for finishing
The last row of the shawl should be special, as it will give it a more professional and elegant finish. Here is where you can add an openwork border or a border with picot stitch.
- Knit the border: Make 2 chains and, in the first stitch, make a triple half-double crochet increase . Then, make a single crochet, one chain, skip one stitch, and make another single crochet in the next stitch.
- Close the row with a slip stitch. Cut the yarn and use a tapestry needle to hide any loose ends.
Tip: If you want to give it an even more elaborate touch, crochet a final round with picot stitch: make 3 chains, close with a slip stitch, and repeat until the end. This detail really makes a difference!
Step 5: Finish and block
Once you have finished crocheting the shawl, make sure to hide all loose ends with the tapestry needle for a clean finish. Then, block your shawl if you want it to maintain its perfect shape. Lightly dampen the piece and let it dry on a flat surface.
Don't feel like making your own shawl or prefer something ready-made?
Don't worry! If you want your flamenco look to be 100% spectacular without complicating your life, check out our handcrafted shawls at Émola. You'll love them!
