Growing up, my granny often wore a shawl over her head when it was windy outside. When I started crocheting, I knew I had to grab the crochet shawl and cowl patterns and get started creating. I love a nice thick scarf to keep me warm, but the lacy patterns of some of these patterns are just too beautiful to resist.
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Crochet Shawl Patterns & Cowl Patterns
Now, not only do I love shawls, as an adult, I discovered that a nice cowl is a great choice for an accessory to your outfits. They are both functional and classy. I just adore how they look with a simple t-shirt and skinny jeans. This style just dressed up an outfit with little fuss.
What’s the Difference Between a Cowl and a Scarf?
One of the questions I see most often is people wondering what a cowl actually is compared to a scarf. While they are both very similar, a cowl is similar to an infinity scarf, only shorter. They come in various widths, but are typically only 12-24″ in length, and crocheted together so they form a circle.
Sometimes, you will see a blouse with a cowl neck. This is a style of loose folds of fabric at the neck instead of a flat collar. The same effect happens with a cowl as the additional yarn crocheted will settle into folds as a beautiful style.
How Long is a Crochet Cowl?
As mentioned above, a typical cowl can vary between 12-24″ in total length. Most are worn slipped over the head only one time, but sometimes the longer options will be wrapped twice around the neck. They are typically made at a minimum of 5″ wide, but mostly found with 10-12″ wide patterns so they will loosely fold in front around the neck.
How Much Yarn Do I Need to Make a Scarf?
Another common question I see is how much yarn is needed to create a scarf. There is no set answer to this question. This can vary from one skein of yarn for a very simple small and thin pattern to 10+ skeins if you are creating a long scarf with thin yarn and tightly woven pattern.
I have seen so many wide differences in amounts needed that I can’t give you an exact or even a guess at what is needed. Refer to individual patterns to find a better amount for your next project.
North Ridge Chunky Crochet Cowl Pattern
My favorite simple cowl is this easy chunky pattern. It’s ideal for beginners who want a simple and easy to follow tutorial for their first cowl. Wider stitches work well for pretty much any color and type of yarn, so this one is versatile to fit the texture you want.
Pattern: Crochet.Life
Gathered Buds Keyhole Scarf
A keyhole scarf was a solution to that frustration of kids losing scarves while outside playing. This simple, but beautiful pattern is more than a basic scarf. The keyhole design accents the pattern and allows you to make a longer scarf to wrap around your neck on cold days without sacrificing functionality.
Pattern: Crochet.Life
Enchanted Moments Puff Stitch Infinity Scarf
This pattern is a favorite, but it looks even more beautiful when stitched together as a scarf. The infinity scarf means you don’t have to worry about it falling off, and gives you multiple styling options. I love the puff stitch alongside the more traditional stitches for a classic pattern.
Pattern: Crochet.Life
Cozy Crochet Cowl Patterns
Using an altered bean stitch, you can create a bulky and cozy cowl that is just right for one loop around your neck, but wide enough to pull up and cover your mouth if needed on cold winter days.
Pattern: Crochet.Life
Easy Chunky Men’s Crochet Scarf Pattern
This long and chunky scarf is ideal for the man in your life. It is composed of large wide ribbing that is a basic stitch but also looks spectacular when finished. Using this stitch and creating a longer scarf makes it good for a multi-purpose
Pattern: Crochet.Life
Textured Cowl Pattern with Toggle Accents
This simple cowl is made even better with the addition of beautiful toggles to help keep it in place and closed on cold winter days. A perfect cowl for beginners that is easy to create and add a little extra to with the toggles.
Pattern: Crochet.Life
Striped Wandertrail Crochet Cowl Pattern
If you love stripes, you are sure to love this cowl pattern. It is a simple, but a beautiful option that allows you to create a fun two-toned striping that will pop against your favorite outfit this winter.
Pattern: Crochet.Life
Winter Crochet Scarf Pattern
I love the simple stitching of this longer scarf. Bulky yarn makes it warm and easy to wrap multiple times for a thicker choice to keep you warm this winter.
Pattern: Crochet.Life
Woodland Trekke Crochet Cowl Pattern
There is nothing like a simple pattern on a cowl. This has small accents to make it unique, but it is a shorter option that is ideal for one loop around your neck and wide enough to keep you warm even on the windiest of days.
Pattern: Crochet.Life
Luxe Three Button Cowl
A nicely ribbed cowl pattern with button accents is a perfect statement piece over your favorite t-shirt and blue jeans!
Pattern: Etsy.com
The Penny Cowl
This beautiful richly colored cowl has easy to create scalloped edges. I love that this is one pattern anyone can create, but that looks so intricate and detailed you would think an expert made it for you to wear.
Pattern: Etsy.com
June Berry Cowl with Button Fringe Accent
This gorgeous fringed cowl has a simple but pretty pattern that also includes a cute button accent. I love the cable style pattern, but mostly how it has a classier look with the fringe and buttons.
Pattern: Etsy.com
Crossbill Crochet Cowl Pattern
This pattern and kit have a beautifully soft yarn with a simple rainbow pattern that is ideal for those cool but not cold days. Add this to your project list for another fall or springtime pattern that looks great with any outfit.
Pattern: Etsy.com
Color Block Cowl Pattern
I love this comfy squares color block pattern. It’s great for making a functional cowl that has multiple colors to go with your wardrobe. Of course, the real appeal with this pattern is how utterly simple it is to make. A perfect option for a beginner.
Pattern: Etsy.com
College Theme Crochet Scarf Pattern
If you want to sport your favorite college colors, this classic vintage scarf is going to become a favorite. It is shown in white and blue, but I would make it with green and white for the Michigan Spartans!
Pattern: Etsy.com
Ruffle Infinity Scarf Pattern
This ultra-feminine pattern is a perfect fun and classy pattern for a novice crocheter. The simple ruffle adds a much-needed touch to an otherwise plain scarf pattern.
Pattern: Etsy.com
Simple Chunky Cowl Pattern
For the newbie in crocheting, this is the ideal pattern to start learning. A simple, but chunky stitch gives this a thick and warm look. Make it in any color you want to accent your wardrobe or gift to loved ones.
Pattern: Etsy.com
Heart Pattern Scarf
What a beautiful heart accent scarf! This easy to create design is ideal for gifting to a loved one or to wear on Valentine’s Day. I love the colors in this one but like the idea of making just a solid black and red.
Pattern: Etsy.com
Boho Infinity Scarf
This fringe laden scarf has a true boho appeal. I love how simple the stitching is on this pattern and how it can easily be made by a beginner or intermediate crocheter.
Pattern: Etsy.com
Beginner Scarf Pattern
A simple and colorful scarf comes together in easy stitches that even the first-day crocheter can manage. A easily tied fringe makes it a classic look that is appealing in a multitude of colors.
Pattern: Etsy.com
Chunky Cabled Scarf Pattern
If you love the cable knit pattern, this chunky cabled scarf is a perfect choice. Not exactly “knit” but definitely a cable-style pattern. I love this to go along with a sleek blouse as it has gorgeous accents.
Pattern: Etsy.com
Crochet Hexagon Pattern Shawl
This lacy style of crochet is a beautiful pattern that reminds me of the shawls my Granny wore to church every Sunday. This more detailed pattern takes a bit more time than others, but the result is absolutely stunning.
Pattern: Etsy.com
Omna Shawl Pattern
I like to refer to this as a blanket shawl. This is not only long, but it is also wide. Almost like a slightly narrow throw. The beautiful lacy stitching makes it beautiful, and depending upon the color you choose, it can be both funky and modern, or feminine and vintage.
Pattern: Annie Design Crochet
Such Simple Shawl
This pointed pattern has 3-points and a beautiful tassel fringe on each point. You will love how this looks like a classic shawl, but can easily be updated with fun colors like shown.
Pattern: Wilmade
Crochet Granny Pattern Shawl Pattern
The combination of chain stitch and double crochet makes this shell look ideal for a shawl. Called the Granny pattern, it is a vintage pattern that has been commonly used for hundreds of years.
Pattern: Rescued Paw Designs
Fiona Button Scarf
A thick and chunky yarn creates a large lacy pattern that is really beautiful. This is a modified granny pattern with a cute button accent that adds to the beauty and is a great way to add your own personality to the creation.
Pattern: Fiber Flux
Triangle Shawl Crochet Pattern
This is labeled “my first triangle shawl pattern” and it is indeed, a beautiful first shawl pattern to create. A simple thin yarn with a tightly woven pattern is ideal to create and add beautiful tassels on each end for everyday wear.
Pattern: Winding Road Crochet
Brown Butter Shawl
A beautiful beginner-friendly pattern, this is a great choice for a long weekend project. The combination of simple stitches creates an easy lacy pattern that showcases the different colors within the yarn. An additional button feature makes it a favorite.
Pattern: Moogly Blog
Go with the Flow Super Scarf
There is just something about how this pattern flows and lays against your jacket. This is a silkier yarn that really allows for a more natural feeling. The bottom of the scarf has a nice functional fringe, and the arrow pattern is simply stunning.
Pattern: My Hobby is Crochet
One Skein Triangle Scarf
If you want a simple weekend or even one-day project, this is the one. The most basic of crochet stitches form a simple triangle that is easy to use as both a shawl and a scarf. I love this for quick and easy homemade gifts.
Pattern: Make & Do Crew
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