Make Your Own Crochet Cowl

This beginner-friendly crochet cowl pattern is a practical first project once you have practiced the basic stitches. It uses mostly double crochet, so the repeating rounds are easy to follow while you work at home or take your yarn along. Make a simple single-color cowl or alternate two colors for stripes. Depending on your pace, you may be able to finish it in a day or over a weekend.

Before joining the foundation chain, check that it lies flat and is not twisted. This small check helps the cowl sit evenly as you crochet around.

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Materials for this crochet cowl pattern

Worsted-weight or bulky yarn in your chosen color or colors
A crochet hook suitable for the yarn, following the size guidance on the yarn label. The cowl shown was made with worsted-weight yarn and a 4 mm hook.
A yarn needle for weaving in the ends
A stitch marker, if you want help keeping track of rounds

Abbreviations: ch = chain, dc = double crochet, and sl st = slip stitch. The pattern uses these stitches throughout. Keep your tension consistent, especially when changing colors, so the fabric remains an even width.

How to crochet the cowl

Make a slip knot and chain 120. Follow either the one-color instructions or the striped version below. Continue until the cowl reaches your preferred width.

Method 1: One-color cowl

Round 1: Slip stitch into the first chain of the foundation chain to form a large loop. Work one double crochet into each chain around.
Round 2: When you reach the first stitch of the previous round, work a double crochet into each stitch. Continue around without increasing. Use a stitch marker to help track your progress if needed.

Repeat the round, keeping the stitch count steady, until the cowl is as wide as you want it. Avoid adding extra stitches at the beginning or end of a round, as increases can make the cowl flare outward.

Method 2: Two-color striped cowl

Round 1: Slip stitch into the first chain to form a loop. Chain 3; this counts as the first double crochet. Work a double crochet into each chain around.
Round 2: Insert the hook into the top of the first stitch (the third chain). Drop Color 1 and pull Color 2 through the loops to make a slip stitch. Leave Color 1 attached and hanging to the side; do not cut it. With Color 2, chain 3, then work a double crochet into each stitch around.
Round 3: Drop Color 2 to the right of the Color 1 yarn. With Color 1, slip stitch into the top of the first stitch. Chain 3, then work a double crochet into each stitch around.

Repeat Rounds 2 and 3, alternating colors, until the cowl reaches your desired width. Keep the unused yarn out of the way as you work, and avoid pulling it too tightly when you change colors.

Finishing the crochet cowl

When the cowl is wide enough, fasten off and use a yarn needle to weave in the yarn ends. Check the edge and gently arrange the fabric so the stitches sit evenly. The finished cowl is a cozy accessory for cool weather and can also make a handmade gift.