One skein makes a sophisticated cowl for women, and two skeins makes a man-sized chain mail scarf.

Crochet a simple rectangle in a size you choose from in the pattern, then finish with a short seam if a cowl is desired. A yarn with metallic sheen, color, and weighty drape will heighten the distinctive herringbone-like chain mail effect.

Skill Level: Intermediate because some stitches are worked into the row below. Pattern is written with a limited amount of abbreviations.

After using this pattern you will know (if you didn’t already):
A beautiful and less-common stitch pattern in the Aran crochet tradition
How to work into one or more rows below the previous row of stitches
A handy 1- or 2-skein way to make gift-quality neck warmers and scarves.

See all of my crochet scarf patterns in one place; you might also like my other men’s crochet gift suggestions.

Finished Dimensions
Women’s Pinned Cowl (shown in darker yarn): Circumference is 26 in/66 cm, height is 8 in/20 cm.
Men’s Long Scarf: 52 in/132 cm long and 8 in/20 cm wide. For a wider or narrower scarf, you can add or subtract any number of rows you choose, however this will change the amount of yarn required.
Snug “NeckGaiter” (shown in lighter yarn): Circumference is 21 in/53 cm, height is 5.5 in/14 cm. It’s best if this close-fitting version is left unseamed and closed with one or more buttons unless you use an elastic yarn that would allow a seamed tube to be stretched over the head.
Buttoned Neckwarmer (short unseamed scarf, a.k.a. “scarflet,” that is worn crossed in front by both men and women; women often wear them closed with a pin or button): 26 in/66 cm long and 6 in/15 cm wide.

Yarn: use a smooth-textured medium-weight yarn that calls for a size G-7/4.5mm or H-8/5mm needle or hook on the label.
For Women’s Pinned Cowl, Buttoned Neckwarmer, or Snug “NeckGaiter,” 197 yd/180 m.
For Men’s Long Scarf, double that amount: 394 yd/360 m.