Violet Easy Crochet Cowl Pattern (with tutorial!)

Making a crochet cowl is very easy to do—even if you are a complete beginner! The Violet Cowl uses 4 basic crochet stitches, plus gives you a few new techniques to learn, explained with photos and videos. I hope you love this easy crochet cowl pattern!

Scroll down for the free written pattern, or purchase a print-optimized PDF right here.

I don’t know about you, but I just love crochet cowls in the winter time. Not only do they spice up an outfit in an instant, but they are also great for warmth!

This cowl in particular uses chunky wool yarn, so it will easily give you an added layer of warmth on a cold day.

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Stitches To know When Making an Easy Crochet Cowl

If you are beginner at crocheting, this cowl will allow you to practice 4-5 basics stitches. (One of them is optional). Below you can find short explanations of each stitch, with links for more information if you haven’t learned the stitches yet.

Chain Stitch:

1. Make a slip knot on your hook.
2. Hold the hook in your right hand and the yarn in your left hand using your chosen method.
3. Yarn over (put your hook under the yarn so that the yarn goes OVER the hook) and pull through the slip knot.

The chain is the first stitch you will ever learn when crocheting. Here is a video tutorial for making a chain.

Foundation Single Crochet Stitch:

This is an optional stitch that we will use at the beginning of the cowl, to form the first row/round. It is a method that makes a chain row AND a single crochet row at the exact same time. Video tutorial here.

Slip Stitch:

We will use this stitch to join our rounds together. It is very easy to do:

1. Insert your hook into desired stitch (do not yarn over first).
2. Yarn over, pull through the stitch AND the first loop on your hook.

Single Crochet Stitch:

One of the most basic crochet stitches. It is very easy as well. Follow the instructions below or watch this video.

1. Insert your hook into desired stitch (do not yarn over first).
2. Yarn over, pull through the stitch.
3. Yarn over, pull through the 2 loops on your hook.

Half Double Crochet Stitch:

This is another basic stitch that requires just one extra step from the single crochet. More information can be found here.

1. Yarn over, insert your hook into desired stitch.
2. Yarn over, pull through the stitch.
3. Yarn over, pull through the 3 loops on your hook.

Note: this cowl also employs the technique of working single crochet stitches into the 3rd loop of half double crochet stitches. Basically, this is just a certain space that you insert your hook. If you haven’t tried it yet, make sure to follow the photo or video tutorial farther down in the post!

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Yarn for a Beautiful Beginner Crochet Cowl

When you’re wanting to crochet a cowl that is both simple and beautiful, yarn choice is key! You want something that is easy to work with, but something that adds surface interest as well.

That is why I turned to the beautiful Chroma Twist Bulky yarn from We Crochet! Chroma Twist is positively wonderful. It is soft, and it makes an awesome squishy fabric. The colors fade into each other and create effortless stripes (which is perfect for beginner crocheters!)

Free Easy Crochet Cowl Pattern

Without further ado, let’s get right into the beginner crochet cowl pattern!

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Video Tutorial:

Explanation: Are you a beginner at crochet, but you still want to make a unique looking cowl? If so, the Lilac Cowl is for you! This easy crochet cowl pattern uses just two different stitches and is perfect for a cold winter day accessory. 

Materials:

• We Crochet Chroma Twist Bulky Yarn (70% Superwash Wool, 30% Nylon, 127 yds / 116 m, 3.5 oz / 100 g) 2 balls in the color Hollyhock
• Or any bulky weight yarn you have in your stash
• J/6mm crochet hook 
• Yarn needle

Gauge:

Not necessary, see finished size measurements. It is too much trouble to make a gauge swatch since this pattern is worked in the round and is extremely easy to adjust. For sizing, follow adjusting instructions in notes.

Notes:

1. Ch 1 at beginning of rounds does NOT count as a sc OR a hdc.
2. All of the sc rounds in this cowl are worked into the 3rd loop of hdc. If you are unfamiliar with this hook placement, see the photo tutorial on page 3 or the video here.
3. This cowl is very easily adjusted. You can use ANY number of stitches to adjust the circumference in the beginning round (no multiple is necessary). I recommend trying it on after the first few rounds to make sure you like the circumference. Then, to adjust the height you simply add or subtract rounds (see the end of the pattern for more detail). 
4. Count your stitches at the end of each round to make sure you have the right amount. The joining area can look a little confusing, so counting the stitches ensures you haven’t accidentally increased or decreased.

Measurements/Sizing: 

One size fits most: 12.5” wide, 8” tall (when laid flat)

Note: Use the adjusting tips in the notes to get the exact size you want. 

Abbreviations/Stitches Used (U.S.) 

Chain – ch

Foundation single crochet – fsc

Slip stitch – sl st

Single crochet – sc

Half double crochet – hdc

Repeat – rep

Stitch(es) – st(s)

Round – rnd

Easy Crochet Cowl Instructions:

Fsc 75. Being careful not to twist, join with a sl st to first fsc.

Rnd 1: Ch 1, hdc in every st around, join with a sl st to first hdc. TURN. (75 hdc)

Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in the 3rd loop of every hdc around, join with a sl st to first sc. TURN. (75 sc)

Rnd 3: Ch 1, hdc in every st around, join with a sl st to first hdc. TURN. (75 hdc)

Rnd 4: Ch 1, sc in the 3rd loop of every hdc around, join with a sl st to first sc. TURN. (75 sc)

Rep rows 3-4 until you have a total of 20 rnds, OR until the cowl reaches your desired size. Make sure to try it on as you go to see if you like the fit!

Finishing:

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Tutorial:

The following photos show what it looks like whenever you make a hdc round. Then, the bottom right shows where the 3rd loop of the hdc is.

Work single crochet stitches into the 3rd loops of the hdc. Keep in mind that when you work into the 3rd loop, it may be a little loose. You don’t want to pull on it to make it even looser than it already is. 

Finally, here is what it looks like finishing the single crochet round:

FAQ on Crochet Cowls

Let’s finish off this post by talking about common questions people have when it comes to crocheting cowls!

How much yarn do I need to crochet a cowl?

The amount of yarn you need for a cowl depends on the pattern you’re using as well as the yarn you’re using. However, all the cowls I’ve made tend to need 2 skeins of yarn total. I’ve gotten away with just 1 skein before, but the cowl is usually less full than I’d like it to be.

What are the different ways you can make a cowl?

There are actually a few different methods for crocheting cowls! My personal favorite is the method used in this pattern – making a round, and working around and around until you like the size.

However, another very common method is making a wide, long rectangle and seaming the ends together.

How do you finish a crochet cowl?

If you’re using the “round” method for a cowl, finishing is very simple. Just join your last round with a slip stitch and fasten off. However, for seamed crochet cowls, you will have to pick a joining method for the ends. You can crochet the ends together, or you can use a standard seam, like the whipstitch or invisible seam.

What is a good length for a cowl?

The length of your cowl will depend on your preference, as well as the style you’re making. Some cowls wrap around twice; these obviously need to be much longer. For single wrap cowls, I find that 25-30″ around works well.

Conclusion

Crochet cowls are very easy to make. This pattern features half double crochet to create a knit-like effect! The stripes of the We Crochet yarn add interest and beauty. I hope you love this pattern—I had so much fun designing it! If you’re a beginner and it is your first time making a crochet cowl, let me know what you thought!