A beginner, crochet cowl – The Heather Berry Crochet Cowl – is a free pattern here on the blog. I share lots of extra details below, or if you only want the free pattern scroll down!
If you would prefer to buy an inexpensive, ad-free, large print, printable PDF pattern get one HERE.
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Inspiration & Design
When you live somewhere with unpredictable weather (like me) it can be chilly outside at this time of year. I know some of you will sypmathise with this, others are enjoying the sunshine! The problem is that it’s often not actually cold enough for a big, long scarf. Accessory dilemma! Fortunately there’s a simple answer – a cowl! And that’s why my next project is the beginner crochet cowl.
I started to think about what sort of cowl would be perfect for me. Definitely one that was soft and comfy to wear. Definitely one that also had a bit of structure. Could I have both?
With this in mind, I chose a thick yarn to help with the structure – King Cole Big Value Poplar Chunky. I swatched with a pattern repeat of clusters and single crochet stitches. Not only do these puffy clusters help to add more firmness to the fabric but they also help to keep the design soft and pretty. Perfect!
Now, I know what you’re thinking! Surely clusters are a bit tricky if you haven’t crocheted them before? But if you can make double crochet stitches and follow the instructions included in the beginner crochet cowl pattern, you’ll be making them in no time at all. After you’ve completed a few clusters you’ll get the hang of them and it’s a repetitive pattern repeat to the end of the round.
As I wasn’t concerned with drape I decided to swatch with the recommended 6mm hook size for this yarn and, happy days, it was perfect!
Beginner Friendly
This pretty cowl pattern is perfect for confident beginners. If you want to stretch your skills a little to crocheting in the round and making clusters this is the perfect project.
No Seaming
Joining and working in the round means that there is no seaming needed at the end of the project. Hooray!
Quick Project
It only took one evening to make this cowl and it was ready to wear the next day. I’m already thinking I might make some for Christmas gifts this year!
Different Sizes
I’ve included notes within the pattern to help you adjust the size. So, if you would like the cowl to be wider or long you can make adjustments so it is just right for you.
The Yarn
I used the affordable, acrylic yarn King Cole Big Value Poplar Chunky in colour Pearl Dust.
This yarn is machine washable and comes in six different colours that all have a subtle marble-effect shade. I am in love with the muted colour palette.
This is already my second cosy project with this yarn!
The pattern includes some substitute yarn recommendations or you could use yarnsub.com to help you find an alternative.
Pin this beginner crochet cowl for later!
Pattern – Confident Beginner Crochet Cowl
I love how easy it is to throw on a cowl and all at once you have a cosy neck and a fashion statement!
This simple, pretty cowl is crocheted in the round and keeps a structured shape.
Using a chunky yarn, and with a combination of single crochet and double crochet clusters, this cowl can be finished in an evening!
The acrylic yarn chosen for this project is inexpensive but beautifully soft and fluffy.
Perfect for confident beginners or if you are looking for an easy and modern project.
MATERIALS:
King Cole Big Value Poplar Chunky – 100% Acrylic
Bulky 5 (US) / Chunky (UK)
3.5oz / 100g, 164yds / 150m
2 balls in Pearl Dust (1 ball used, 1 ball spare for differences in crochet tension)
Amount of yarn used 3.5oz / 98g, 160yds / 146m
- Size 6mm (US J/10) crochet hook – my favourite hook brand
- Tapestry needle – I use this so I don’t lose them!
- Measuring tape – I have one like this
- Scissors – I have a pretty pair like these
- Stitch marker (optional) – I find any like this are best
- Blocking mats (optional) – these make blocking easy
YARN SUBSTITUTIONS:
Stylecraft Special Chunky
Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky
Red Heart Comfort Chunky
SIZE:
One size.
To adjust the width of the cowl: add or subtract 1 pattern repeat for every 1.5 inches.
To adjust the circumference of the cowl: add or subtract 4 stitches for every inch.
GAUGE:
Working in stitch pattern with 6mm hook, after washing and blocking swatch:
12 stitches, 3 pattern repeats to 4″ / 10cm (rounds 4 to 6 represent one pattern repeat).
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS:
7in / 18cm wide
27in / 69cm circumference
SKILL LEVEL:
Level 2 / Easy
PATTERN NOTES:
I chose to stitch into the top loop of the foundation chain.
Attaching a stitch marker after making the first single crochet stitch of a round helps you find the correct stitch for the slip stitch that completes the round.
Starting chains do not count as stitches.
ABBREVIATIONS (US TERMS):
Ch – chain
Dc – double crochet
Rep – repeat
Sc – single crochet
Sl st – slip stitch
Sk – skip
Sp – space
St – stitch
Yo – yarn over
SPECIAL STITCHES:
2-dc cluster (yo, insert hook in st, yo and pull up a loop, yo and draw through 2 loops) twice in same st each time, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook.
3-dc cluster (yo, insert hook in st, yo and pull up a loop, yo and draw through 2 loops) 3 times in same st each time, yo and draw through all 4 loops on hook.
PATTERN:
(US Terms)
SETUP Ch 80. Join to the first ch with a sl st to form a ring
(careful not to twist).
ROUND 1 Ch 1, sc in the same st as the sl st join, sc into each
ch around, join to the first sc with a sl st. <80>
ROUND 2 Ch 1, sc in the same st as the sl st join, sc into each
sc around, join to the first sc with a sl st. <80>
ROUND 3 Ch 2 (counts as st), 2-dc cluster in same st as the sl st
join, ch 1, *sk 1 sc, 3-dc cluster in next sc, ch 1,
rep from * around ending in second from last sc,
sk last sc, join to the cluster with a sl st <40 clusters>
ROUND 4 Ch 1, sc in the same st as the sl st join, sc into each
ch1-sp and cluster across to last ch1-sp, join to the
first sc with a sl st. <80>
ROUND 5 Ch 1, sc in the same st as the sl st join, sc into each
sc around, join to the first sc with a sl st. <80>
Repeat rounds three to five another 4 times more until you have a bottom border of two rows of single crochet and five pattern repeats in total, or until the cowl measures desired height.
FINISHING Weave in ends and block.
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