This easy crochet cowl is the perfect first crochet project for a beginner who’s looking to try something a bit more adventurous than rows. This cowl uses only basic crochet stitches throughout the entire pattern and is quick to work up. I’m talking less than an hour from start to finish in making this crocheted cowl!
Read on down to find the free pattern with all the details right here on the blog or find the easy to print PDF version in our shop.
If you love quick & easy crochet patterns, then you’ll definitely love this easy crochet cowl! I can’t wait for you to get started on this simple design to see how fun (+easy) it is to crochet! Happy Crocheting.
The Crochet Stitches for a Quick & Easy Cowl
This one-hour cowl pattern uses the half double crochet stitch, chain stitch and slip stitches, which makes it works up extremely fast. If you are new to crochet then this cowl is for you since it is so simple to get the hang of. I promise it, this easy crochet stitch will make learning how to crochet a cowl seem like a breeze. If you’d like to learn how to make a half double crochet stitch in crochet plus the other stitches, follow the Easy Crochet tutorial below.
The Crochet Stitches
- Yo (yarn over) insert hook from front to back of the designated stitch, yo the hook and pick up a loop.
- Yo the hook and pull back through all three loops on the hook.
- Insert hook into designated stitch
- YO (yarn over) and pull back through the st and through the loop on the hook.
A simple crochet stitch that often forms the foundation of what crochet stitches are worked into during projects.
- Make a slip knot.
- Insert hook into slip knot point first, bring yarn over the shaft of the hook from back to front and grab it with the throat of the hook.
- Draw hooked yarn through slip knot and onto the hook. This movement will make one chain stitch
- Repeat steps two and three until you have the desired number of stitches for a pattern. One loop will remain on hook.
Yep! That’s it! Just a few basic crochet stitches are needed to know how to crochet an easy cowl. If you can master these stitches, then you will be good to go.
The Yarn You’ll Need for This Chunky Beginner Cowl
This cowl uses less than 2 skeins of Cozy Wool from Michaels in the color Golden Rod which is a thick, chunky and super bulky six yarn. Super Bulky yarn is perfect to use on crochet projects like this because it works up so fast, and it feels cozy!
Take a look at the cozy yarn below. ↓
Do you want to use a Substitute Yarn? No problem! If you can’t find the Cozy Wool yarn, I would suggest using Wool-Ease Thick & Quick or Hometown USA, both of which are from Lion Brand. These two substitute yarns can easily be found almost anywhere online, including my go-to shopping place, Michaels.com or on Amazon.
Get Started on This Easy Crochet Cowl
If you are ready to make this simple crochet cowl, then read on down for the full, FREE pattern or purchase the ready to print PDF version in our shop below. If you prefer a video tutorial instead, subscribe to my YouTube channel, so you never miss out on a free pattern!
To sum it up: This simple beginner-friendly crochet cowl (remember, the skill level is easy, so you’ll need to know the basics of crochet to make this!) can be made quickly with thick bulky six yarn or even with strands of different yarn held together.
You’ll love how easy it is to make and how simple this cowl tutorial is to follow! Promise!
One Hour Beginner Crochet Cowl Pattern
Skill Level: Easy
Materials
- Loops and Threads Cozy Wool or 180 yards of super bulky (6) yarn
- Crochet hook 9 MM
- Scissors
- Large Yarn Needle
Abbreviations + Stitches
Learn the crochet stitches and abbreviations before starting this design.
- ch(s) = Chain(es)
- st(s) = Stitch(es)
- sl st = Slip Stitch
- hdc = Half Double Crochet
Gauge
- 5 sts x 4 rows = 4″ x 4″ inches
Finished Size
- 32″ circumference & 13″ height || fits most teen – adults (when correct gauge is followed)
- Use our crochet scarf & cowl size chart to see common scarf sizes.
Notes
- ch 2’s do NOT count as a st (skip them)
- The pattern is written in standard US terms
Easy Cowl Pattern Steps
Round 1: Ch 40, sl st to the first ch to form a circle, taking care not to twist. (40)
Round 2: ch 2, hdc in 3rd ch from the hook, hdc in every ch around, sl st to top of first hdc. (40)
Round 3: ch 2, hdc in first st, hdc in every st around, st st to the top of the first hdc. (40)
Round 4-14: Repeat round 3. (40)
Finishing: After round 14 fasten off with scissors and weave in loose ends throughout cowl with a yarn needle.
That’s it! Your one-hour crochet neck scarf cowl is now complete! If you liked this pattern, you will probably also like the 1-Hour Messy Bun Beanie Pattern too. If you liked this pattern follow along with me on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest (I pin daily).
More Free Crochet Cowl & Neck Patterns
Are you looking for even more crochet cowl patterns? Explore the Easy Crochet scarves/cowl pattern database for inspiration.
- Josie Chunky Crochet Scarf Pattern
- 6 Must Make Pocket Shawl Crochet Patterns
- Ombre Crochet Neck Warmer Cowl Pattern
- Williams Puff Cowl Crochet Pattern
- Crochet Scarves to Make for Christmas
- 18 Easy Crochet Scarf Patterns
- Crochet Griddle Stitch Scarf Pattern
- Crochet Stitches for Scarves
- Free Ombre Crochet Scarf Pattern
- Bobble Stitch Crochet Scarf Pattern
We Have More Easy Cowl Crochet Patterns Just Like This
On a side note If you like fast cowl projects, then you may like my Leigh Crochet Cowl Pattern, Double Crochet Cowl Pattern and many more found in my crochet scarf archives!
Hi! I’m a new crocheter and am having a Hard time joining the rows. My first hex of each round seems to be shifting to the left, making a diagonal, not stacking straight up and down on top of each other (does that make sense?). I guess I’m doing something wrong with the slip stitch and first 2 chains. Any pointers? Thanks!
HI Sam,
That does happen when working in the round where you join. It makes a almost diagonal line. You are not doing anything wrong. 🙂
Krista
If you chain 40 it will be a wrist cowl. I think that might be a mistake . It’s just too small that way.
Hi Denise,
The sizing will work out as along as you follow the gauge and have 5 half double crochets for every 4 inches. Happy Crocheting.
Krista
I tried printing off one of your patterns and it would not print anything more than just an inch or more of the print.
It was the one hour beginner cowl
The cowl I am masking does go over my head. Ism told that I have a big head (not size). What am I doing wrong
Hi Carroll,
Are you saying it does not fit? If it doesn’t fit it means your gauge is probably not correct. You will need to try to get 4 inches for every 5 HDC’s you are making. Hope this helps!
Thank you so much for this simple pattern.
You are welcome Ruth! Have fun crocheting! 🙂
Is this an American pattern? I’m in UK and would love to try it. Thanks x
Hi Nellie! This is written in standard US Terms. 🙂
I’ve tried this with both the cozy wool yarn and another super chunky yarn and I cannot get the guage right with a 9mm hook. I only get 5 hdc to 2 inches. Not sure what the problem is. I’m a fairly loose crocheters and don’t usually have guage problems.
Hi Brenda,
You could try a 10mm hook and see if that works if you have one. I tend to crochet very loosely So that may be the reason.
I have chunky size 5 yarn – would you still use a size 9 needle?
Hi Becky,
You could try it with a 9mm hook and it should work but maybe a little less chunky 🙂
Did you double the yarn? I did the pattern and used 1 skein, did you use both? I love the cowl, so lush.
Hi Marlene,
This pattern takes 2 skeins of yarn to complete. Hope this helps.
Krista
Should the cowl be the same size around throughout the entire cowl?
Hi Brooke,
It should stay the same size.
Krista
Loved this I am a real beginner and this was GREAT THANKS Would love to see more BEGINNER PATTERNS THANKS AGAIN
Thank you Geri!:)
Like the crocheted cowl design.
Thank you Pearl. 🙂