It only takes a few basic stitches, a little basket-like weaving, and some fringe to create this unique Crochet Woven Cowl. I promise this pattern is as easy as it is beautiful.
With only one skein of bulky yarn and basic stitches, the woven cowl makes a quick project that can be finished in one sitting.
Below you will find the complete pattern and instructional photos for this crochet cowl. You will also find all the materials, stitches, gauge, and sizing information. If you would like all of this in a nicely formatted printable format, you can purchase the Ad-Free Large Print PDF Pattern.
This project has it all! With one skein of yarn, one evening, you can create this quick and easy woven cowl for yourself, your friends and family. I have even included a child’s size pattern. Do you want to make this cowl even more unique? Check out the pictures below of a two toned woven cowl!
I am often inspired by knit, but this project comes from a beautiful knitted scarf found, of course, on Pinterest. The construction looked complex and I really wasn’t feeling like an overly complex project, but I just had to have this scarf.
I grabbed some Lion Brand Thick and Quick and started playing around with the idea of creating a cowl with long tails that could be woven together. I thought about I how I eliminated sewing a seam in my Wrapped in Love Cardigan by extending a row with extra chains and there is where I found my solution.
The result on my pondering was a method to create long tails by adding chains and then working down the chain and across the other stitches. Sound confusing? Trust me, just follow the instructions for the simple one-row repeat and you will understand after a few rows.
The best way to figure out the woven cowl is to just try it out. Once you get it you can whip up a ton of these unique cowls to give as gifts to your friends. I have even included a pattern for a child’s size.
If you are crocheting for Christmas, make sure to grab my free Handmade Gift Giving Guide Free Printable!
Check out all my free patterns here and some of my fall favorites below.
The Premium Ad-Free PDF Pattern
Below you will find the free pattern with all the instructional photos and videos needed to complete the pattern, but I am also aware that several of us like to crochet on the couch, in the car, or in bed with a printout of the pattern. This is why I also offer a nicely formatted large font PDF version of the pattern that can be purchased on Etsy or Ravelry. You can print the pattern and take it on the go with you or tuck it into your project bag.
Crochet Woven Cowl Materials
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1-2 Skein(s) of Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick Yarn, Butterscotch 106 yards or 6 oz
Crochet Hook, Size M/N/9.0mm
Yarn Needle
Scissors
(Please be aware the skeins can vary in yardage, most people have completed this cowl in one skein but some do find that they run short.)
Gauge
4 hdc = 2”
4 rows of hdc in BLO = 3”
Abbreviations
Ch – Chain
Sc – Single Crochet
Hdc – Hald Double Crochet
BLO – Back Loop Only
St(s) – Stitch(es)
R – Row
Dimensions
Child size: 5 inches wide by 17 inches in circumference.
Adult: 6.5 inches wide by 20 inches in circumference.
Woven Cowl Pattern
Notes:
- I do not count my turning chain as a stitch.
- Starting on row two, you will chain to make that row longer and turn and work along that chain to create a long tail to be woven together at the end.
- If you are using two colors, just choose a spot in the center of the cowl and change the color each row.
- If you want to do a two tone scarf like the picture below take the number of hdc in the blo in rows 2-7 (2-10 for adult size) and work half of those stitches in one color and half in the second color.
Woven Cowl Adult size
R1: Ch60, hdc in the third ch from the hook and in every chain across
R2-10: Ch 19, turn, hdc in the third chain from the hook and in the next 16 ch, hdc in the BLO in the next 42 Sts. After Row 10 do not fasten off. Follow photo instructions to complete scarf.
Note: if you want to do a two tone look, work 15 hdc in the BLO in one color and 21 hdc in the BLO in the second color on row 2-10. You would also work the first 37 hdc in row one as one color and the last 21 stitches in the second color. Your chain will be all one color in row 1.
Woven Cowl Child size
R1: Ch 40, hdc in the third ch from the hook and in every chain across
R2-7: Ch 10, turn, hdc in the third chain from the hook and in the next 7 ch, hdc in the BLO in the next 30 Sts. After Row 7 do not fasten off. Follow photo instructions to complete scarf.
Note: if you want to do a two tone look, work 15 hdc in the BLO in one color and 15 hdc in the BLO in the second color on row 2-7. You would also work the first 22 hdc in row one as one color and the last 15 stitches in the second color. Your chain will be all one color in row 1.
Weaving it all Together
Ok, right now you have a pretty interesting looking scarf. It probably resembles an odd looking squid or jellyfish, but that is ok. This IS want we want. Just follow the photo instructions below to turn these yarny tentacles into a pretty crochet woven cowl.
Note: The photos are the the child size. An adult size cowl will have 5 ‘tails’ on each side.
Now the body of your scarf is complete! Let’s add the final touch with a little fringe.
Fringe
Cut 15 – 7.5 inch pieces of yarn for child’s fringe. Cut 19 – 6 inch pieces of yarn for adult’s scarf fringe. (The fringe is smaller in order to make this a one skein project. You will be attaching one piece of fringe to every single crochet and the ch 1 space around the woven section of the scarf. Fold the yarn in half, pull the loop through the single crochet, pull the two ends of the yarn through the loop and pull tight.
Wasn’t that an easy pattern? Are you ready to make one for all your friends? I would really like to see your finished crochet woven cowl, take a picture and share it with me on any social media! Just tag me @windingroadcrochet, #windingroadcrochet, or #ourcrochetjourney. Join my Facebook Group and share your creation with the community at Our Crochet Journey Facebook Group!
If you are crocheting for Christmas, make sure to grab my free Handmade Gift Giving Guide Free Printable!
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I can’t wear wool. Could use a 4 ply with 2 or 3 strands?
Yes. Just make sure your gauge is correct.
Having a hard time understanding when you don’t Connect the rows . Or Ann I overlooking it in the instructions?
After weaving the ends of the rows together, then you crochet 2 single crochet into the end of each row.
loved it so easy
hi , I wanted to make this lovely cowl and read the pattern, it is said R1: Ch60, hdc in the third ch from the hook and in every chain across
R2-10: Ch 18, turn, hdc in the third chain from the hook and in the next 16 ch, hdc in the BLO in the next 42 Sts. the question is if the base is 60ch , do I ch 60 and 18 in the 2nd row? because I don’t understand how to go from row 1 to row 2 =D may it’s a silly question but I am confused ! have a nice day and your blog is quite a sunshine full of happiness! fred
At the beginning of row 2 you are chaining to extend the row. It is a weird technique, I know. If that doesn’t make sense then just hold out till the end of the week and I will have a How To Video up for the pattern.
I’m a lefty…so the last row ended in the wrong place to connect the ends…so I had to slip stitch along the last “tentacle” so I could finish off. I also needed to add 18 extra stitches for the scarf to fit my tall, plus sized frame. It came out well…very nice pattern.
The 1st row is worked in the chain in hdc starting in the 3rd ch from the hook.
When you get to the end of row 1, instead of a ch 2, turn , you ch 18, turn and then work row 2.
I hope this helps. I’m going to get my yarn today.
Absolutely correct. It is an unusual technique. I will have a video on it soon.
So on the adult one, will one side have five “fingers” and the other have four before starting to weave or will both sides have five?
Both should have 5 fingers.
That really does look complicated but I believe you when you say it’s easy 🙂
Lindsey, you are a genius! I took you at your word and muddled in to this wonderful design. My first attempt was my mistake and a lot bigger but then I took it slower and figured it out. Gorgeous! Thank you for this great pattern – just finished my fifth one for our hospital auxiliary’s fall sale. You’re a generous soul.
I am so happy you liked it!
Is there any way to print out the directions for this pattern? Am I missing it? I have issues with videos and following things online/on my phone and having a printed copy is so much easier for me.
I do not have a pdf version of this pattern. Some people copy and paste it into a word document but be aware that the weaving instructions are in the instruction photos. I plan on selling ad free pdfs as soon as I get time to make them.
i had that same issue but what i did was i wrote everything down because I had no way to print anything out Its very easy to follow along and write it down. I have to do that with all of the beautiful things I find like this.
There is now a purchasable PDF https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/woven-cowl-4 . But it is a one row repeat so writing it down would be a good solution.
Saw this cowl featured on Moogly’s Hookin On Hump Day #178. Great design! I hope to make it soon 🙂
I am so happy you came over to visit and that you like the design. I hope you take the time to check out the other patterns I have here.
I’ve always seen picture of this cowl and was always intimidated by it…your instructions give me hope…even the printer pattern is so straight forward.. Thank you
I am glad you like it. If you get stuck at all remember to check the photo tutorial or the video tutorial. I really wanted to make this as easy as possible.
Bucket list 2019. Maybe try one for a gifting. Can’t wait ! Keep the patterns coming ! TY
So glad you like it. It would be a great for yourself after the holidays project. I know everything is quite busy now with the holidays here.
oh wow!! this is so easy to make I think I may be adding these to christmas presents 🙂 thank you for sharing
I am so happy you like it. I really wanted it to be easy for everyone.
I have made 5 now! I sewed little pearls to each “square” of the woven part…love it! Also made fingerless gloves to match. Thank you for such a clever pattern!
You are very welcome. I love a pattern that looks more complex than it is.
Just finished mine and had to rip it out again as there was no way I could get it over my head. I should have checked before finishing it. Grr, I must be crochet-ing much tighter than you are. It is a very easy pattern indeed. So straightforward and quick to make. If at first you don’t succeed….persevere. Thank you for the clear instructions.
Yes, normally gauge is not important for a scarf but a cowl that has no button it is a bit important. I can tell you that you are not the first to have this problem. I am so glad you like the pattern. At least it is only 10 rows to rework.
i have started again and made the cast on row much looser. this seems to have solved the problem as i now have it wide enough , even with only 54 stitches it fits.
If you make another, try a larger hook. It might be easier than trying to keep your tension loose.
Is there anyway that the directions could be in a print friendly version?
My best suggestion is to copy and paste the directions to a word document. You can also use a website to make the pattern into a PDF but I will point out that the weaving instructions are located in the photos and those sites omit the photos and you may loose those instructions. At the time I do not have PDF versions of the pattern. I design my patterns to be seen on the website with lots of photos and videos to ensure everyone is able to make the pattern.
I ran out of yarn and don’t have enough to weave the ends and finish my adult size cowl. Instead of buying another skein, would it look nice with only 4 fingers on each side?
Yes! It wouldn’t be quite as bulky. I would assume it would sit on your shoulders more than ride up your neck (which I have seen most people wearing it more on there shoulders. What I would do is finish it off with just four fingers on both sides but do not cut the yarn. Try it on and see what you think. If you like it cut the yarn and add the fringe if you want. I have also seen a lot of people make ti without the fringe and it looks really nice.
Thank you. I do love this pattern. Plan on making more. Merry Christmas.
Omg! I came across this pattern literally an hour ago. I made it and now I’m in love…I can’t believe how easy and quick this pattern is. This is now my go to pattern going forward. Thanks so much for sharing.
You are very welcome.
i am so happy you like it.
I was going thru Pinterest and found this… Got my yarn out and made one! I love the pattern and it was easier than I thought. I want to make a two toned one, but understand how to connect to two colors. Do I have to cut and add the other color at the half way point? I might just do it in the rows instead of half and half. Love the pattern! Thanks
I did a two tone by carrying up my yarn in the middle. I did not cut the yarn, BUT I have seen quite a few people who have alternated colors at the end of each row and I think it looks great and would be easier.
Love this pattern! Made in a Sunday afternoon! Just perfect. Thank you.
I am so happy to hear that.
Is there a right hand pattern?
The pattern does not change at all when you work it right or left handed.
This is so pretty and clever. I love it, too bad I live in Florida but I would crochet this just for fun.
I completely understand. I live in Phoenix and this project stays packed away despite being pretty.
This was a neat pattern
Thank you for sharing.
Fast and easy cowl! Got a little confused from watching the child then making the adult..couldn’t figure out why I had 5 tails on each side, ending up with my attached yarn on the left side…I can’t do anything backwards LOL Tempted to do a sc around the scarf so my attaching sc’s will be right left, OCD maybe!
Hi love the pattern…is there a way to make child size a bit bigger?
Thanks
You would want to add some extra chains to the child size, just remember that the extra stitches will be added to the middle of the cowl and not the ‘tails’.
I can’t tell by the picture, is the adult pattern loose enough to bring it up over the mouth? Or is there a way I can extend it to cover the face?
It lays pretty flat on your chest. It is loose enough to pull up over your mouth. I am just not sure if it would stay up.
I’m now making my third one of these. I LOVE THIS!!!!
That is wonderful. I have seen them made for people of all ages. I have even spoken to someone who made 20+ of them to sell.
I just finished my first one (a two tone) My last finger made a notch instead of straight down as the beginning side. Is this correct? It looks a bit odd when I sc around the edge. I can’t tell from your pictures of the adult if this is the way it should be.
Yes, it will be hidden under the tails. I believe I used the final yarn end to sew a knot to the other side of the cowl at the neck.
I used the beginning yarn end to sew to the other side before weaving. When you do the last row, where do you stop? I stopped right before I would have chained again to make another finger. Should I have stopped as soon as I made the fifth finger on the both sides and not crochet down that side again to the end?
You stop before making a new finger.
Lindsey
I love this pattern, but I would like to use a worsted yarn
any idea of the number of stitches to start with and the hook size?
I like to use a Size H hook (5 mm) for worsted weight yarn but I am afraid I do not know a starting chain for this one.
I love the pattern but am having issues with the tentacles. I made the adult size but with a size N ’cause that’s the closest thing I have. My problem is the tentacles are to long to fit for sewing. Would it help to use a tigher stitch?
I would reduce the number of stitches in each tentacle if they are too long. To do this you would just chain less when you create the tentacle.
Rhonda,
Love this cowl pattern, but I can’t seem to get fingers right for the lady size. I had to use a size N 10mm hook. Now the fingers are too long to weave in. What should I do to fix it.
Thanks
I would work fewer chains for each finger. Take what you have and decide how many stitches are in the too long length and then remove that many chains when working the fingers.
I dont see how the adult size is the adult size, it’s incredibly small for a scarf that’s meant to be a cowl
I would check your gauge. The adult size fit me just fine and I at the time I was wearing size large clothing.