Starlooper Mobius

I’ve combed through 200 crochet sources and haven’t yet found pre-1973 occurrences of this simple, reversible, accordion-like star stitch. I’ve modified it to emphasize its natural pleated effect, and its lovely scalloped edges.

This Starlooper pattern includes a choice of finished dimensions and optional accent stripes. Depending on when you stop crocheting and how you seam it, you’ll need 1 to 2 skeins (219 – 438 yards or 200 – 400 meters) of medium weight yarn. Any smooth medium weight yarn would be great. The edge-as-you-go feature would also bring out the best in a self-striping or tonal yarn.

It’s a fast project to memorize and crochet because the pattern is a simple one-row repeat.

Starlooper is the third in a series of quick and easy star stitch projects that I designed as I created Star stitch class booklets. My goal is to design with different kinds of Stars in ways that take advantage of the unique charms of each. 

Skill Level

Easy. I’ve kept pattern abbreviations to a minimum and include International English equivalents for American terms.

?After using this pattern, you will know (if you didn’t already):

• How to crochet a simple, useful Star stitch pattern.
• How to heighten the best qualities of this Star stitch, and understand its texture.
• How to create several cowl, moebius, and loop scarf styles from one simple pattern.
• How to use simple edge-as-you-go patterns like this one with yarns in your stash.

Finished Dimensions  

Each row measures 9.75″ {24.75 cm} across; inner circumferences are stretchy and approximate. Wearing styles are determined by the total number of rows.

• Snug Cowl: at least 180 yds {165 m} for at least a 19″ {48.25 cm} circumference.
• Flat Neck Wrap (unseamed): A full skein of 219 yds {200 m} or slightly more: 28″ {71.12 cm} long.
• Relaxed Cowl (seamed) & Layered Neck Wrap (unseamed): Approx. 280 yds {256 m)}: 35″ {89 cm} circumference or unseamed length.
• Shoulder “Moebi:” Approx. 315 yds {288 m}: 43″ {109.22 cm} circumference.
• Long Loop Scarf and the Multilayer Cowl:  52″ {132 cm} circumference; stretches to approx. 59″ {149.86 cm} when hung. The Multilayer Cowl at the bottom of page 7 is the Long Loop Scarf wrapped twice around the neck.

Materials 

• Crochet Hook: Size US I/9 {5.5 mm} or size required for gauge.
• Stitch markers: one or two may be helpful at first.
• Yarn Used: A 100% fine quality imported Merino Wool; 219 yds {200 m} per 3.5 oz {100 g} skein): one skein or two, depending on desired finished dimensions (see above).  

To substitute a different yarn of the same thickness: Choose a smooth #4 Medium Weight yarn with a bouncy wool texture that lists a crochet hook size range from US H/8 {5 mm} to US J/10 {6 mm} on its label. These yarns may also be referred to as Worsted, Aran, Afghan, and occasionally “Light Chunky” Weight. Bouncy wool type yarns look more corrugated or pleated; a silky plant yarn will flatten. Consider a self-striping, tonal, ombre, or variegated yarn, or add a few contrasting stripes as shown in some of the photos. (View album here.)

To substitute a thinner yarn to crochet with two strands held together throughout: You can also crochet it with two strands of a sport weight yarn held together throughout. I mention this because I’ve been enjoying the effect of crocheting Star stitches with multiple colors or strands held together. Choose a #2 Fine Weight yarn with a recommended crochet hook size range of US E/4 {3.5 mm} to US G/6 {4.0 mm}. These yarns may also be referred to as Sport {Light DK, 5-Ply}.