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Do you ever just need a little something cozy around your neck to get rid of the chill, but you hate messing with loose ends of a scarf? This spruce crochet cowl pattern is the perfect beginner neck warmer pattern that you can make on your own. With so many different colors of yarn, you can customize several to fit your wardrobe!

Table of Contents

What Yarn is Best for a Cowl?

A good quality worsted weight yarn is best for this cowl pattern. Some popular brands with many options include Lion Brand, Red Heart, Caron, and Bernat. These are all readily available in most craft stores or online for you to order in bulk or piece mill if preferred.

Whatever you choose, make sure that is something that will wash and dry easily, and won’t stretch when washed. You want the cowl to be not fitted, but snug enough to block wind and stay in place when wearing. Also, consider the yarn’s thickness and how lightweight it is for the person you are making this for. Sometimes a lighter yarn is good for spring and fall while a heavier option is best for colder regions in winter.

How Much Yarn Do I Need for a Crochet Cowl?

This pattern uses anywhere from 150 to 220 yards of worsted weight yarn to finish. This amount may vary slightly if you use a different type of yarn or if you need to make minor adjustments in sizing to suit your individual needs.

What’s the Difference Between a Cowl and an Infinity Scarf?

You may have seen both and thought they are really the same thing. However, they aren’t. An infinity scarf is a much longer project that allows you to wrap around the neck more than once. A cowl is designed to be a shorter option that is meant to just go around your neck once.

They may be draping and open or snug against your neckline. Some cowls even cross along the front of the neck and are secure with buttons or toggles. It is basically a smaller and more cozy version of an infinity scarf.

Being smaller and wider, it also works wonderfully for bringing up over the neck and ears, and occasionally over the mouth. This makes it more functional for those colder areas of the country.

Are Cowls For Men or Women to Wear?

Anyone can wear a cowl! There is no reason why a man or woman either one wouldn’t wear this. A woman may prefer the more delicate colors or the addition of the snowball or snowflake motifs, but it is definitely a unisex crochet project that truly anyone would love to have.

More Cowl Patterns

If you like this pattern you may also appreciate some of our other cowl patterns. With a bit of variety, these can offer you a fun project that someone will love receiving as a gift!

Spruce Crochet Cowl Pattern

Below are the details of this pattern including sizing, types of yarn, supplies needed, and step-by-step instructions. Read through the pattern before you begin to make sure you have everything on hand and understand the basics.

Size:

This pattern is written for toddler/child’s small; changes for child’s medium/large, and adult are found between the [ ]. If further adjustments need to be made, make note of the pattern and basic requirements for stitching and adjust accordingly.

Supplies Needed:

150 [180, 220] yards worsted weight yarn. Worsted weight organic cotton yarn is used for neck warmers pictured, but any worsted weight yarn can be used.
Crochet hook: Size H/8 (5 mm)
Open ring stitch marker
Tapestry needle

Gauge:

In alternating single crochet, 14 stitches and 27 rows = 4 in (10.2 cm)

Skill Level: Easy/Beginner

Pattern Notes

This neck warmer or cowl pattern is worked in a continuous spiral and the alternating stitch pattern will be offset for each row.
Do not join rounds unless specified.
The yarn used for these items contains natural fiber and requires special laundering. Please read yarn labels and follow directions to maintain the life of your crochet work.

How Big Should a Crochet Cowl Be?

This pattern includes sizes for children and adults, so the sizing does vary. Below are the approximate sizes yours should be once completed.

Toddler/Child’s Small: 17 in (43.2 cm)
Child’s Medium/Large: 19 in (48.3 cm)
Adult: 21-23 in (53.3-58.4 cm)

Special Stitches

Alternating Single Crochet: Basic single crochet stitch, alternating in front and back loop: *1 single crochet (sc) in front loop only of the stitch followed by 1 sc in back loop only of next stitch, repeat from * for the desired length.

How do You Crochet a Cowl for Beginners?

Chain 51 [55, 59], slip stitch to join (do not twist piece).

Round 1:

Create a slip stitch in the first stitch of the foundation chain. Taking care to not twist the chain, place marker, continue to slip stitch in each stitch of foundation chain, 51 [55, 59] stitches total.

Rounds 2 to 28 [32, 36]:

Crochet alternating single crochet stitch (see alternating single crochet stitch directions above), starting with a front loop in the first stitch of the previous row, place marker, continue to use alternating single crochet, working in a spiral.

Place marker after the first stitch of each round and move it up as you go.

Final Round:

Slip stitch in each stitch.

Fasten off.

Finishing:

Weave in ends and sew in a snowball motif or snowflake motif if desired. Combine with the Spruce Beginner Crochet Ear Warmer Pattern for a beautiful set that matches and is ideal for gifting.

Yield: 1