Pretty Color Block Crochet Cowl in Adult and Child Sizes

Cowls are one of my favorite projects to make.  This color block cowl pattern is a perfect choice because it is ideal for men, women, and children.  It is also such a simple process that even beginners can make this almost immediately after starting to crochet!

Color Block Crochet Cowl

I love color block projects because they are awesome for using those little bits of yarn that aren’t enough for a full project but aren’t really scrap either.  They are also amazing because you can make a dozen in different color combinations for each season, holiday, or even to just match different outfits in your wardrobe. 

Can This Be Made with Just One Color?

If you prefer a monochrome look, you can definitely make this cowl with a single color, or even just using two colors.  Add one color on both sides with the middle color being different.  Of course, you can do more than three colors if you want to get really creative with this pattern.  All are great choices that work well for this pattern. 

Can I Machine Wash This Crochet Cowl? 

The yarn used on these is different and would require special laundering, but that is not the case for all yarns.  The answer to this question totally depends upon what yarn you choose for your cowl pattern.  I always recommend reading the labels for the brand suggestions for laundering the yarn before and after creating a project. 

More Crochet Patterns

If you are looking for more ideas for keeping your crochet hooks busy, I have tons for you to check.  Below are some great patterns and collections sure to be fun to create and gorgeous projects to gift or keep for yourself.

• 40 Fashionable and Functional Fingerless Glove Crochet Patterns
• 35+ Fast and Easy Crochet Gift Ideas Anyone Can Make
• 30 Crochet Headband and Ear Warmer Patterns
• 50+ Stylish Infinity Scarf Patterns for Fall and Winter

Free Crochet Colorblock Cowl Pattern

This cowl pattern is simple to follow and ideal for new crocheters.  Below you will find everything you need to make this in both child and adult sizing. 

Size Assembled

Sizing below is for the diameter of the cowl.

12 x 10 [15 x 11] inches l x w assembled

30.4 x 25.4 [38 x 28] cm assembled

Materials

• 90 [120] yards each of three colors (A, B and C) worsted weight yarn. Worsted weight organic cotton yarn used for cowls pictured, but any worsted weight yarn can be used.
• Crochet hook: Size H/8 (5.0 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge
• Tapestry needle

Gauge

In altered half double crochet, 12 stitches and 13 rows = 4 in (10.2 cm)

Skill Level: Easy/Beginner

Pattern Notes

• Pattern written for child’s size; changes for adult are in [ ].
• Child’s version of this cowl is made slightly roomier than the adult version. The adult version is a bit snug to stay more upright on the neck.
• Cowl is worked in a continuous spiral. 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.

Sizing

Child size head circumference: 17-19 in (43-48 cm)

Adult size head circumference: 21-23 in (53.3-58.4 cm)

Special Stitches

Half Double Crochet in Bottom Loop (Back Bar) of Foundation Chain:

Turn your foundation chain upside down and crochet in the row of single “bumps” or loops created on the bottom when you made the chain.

Half Double Crochet Between the Stitches:

Working from front of piece, yarn over, insert hook in row below (between stitches of previous row) and pull up a loop from back, yarn over (3 loops on hook) and pull through all loops on hook. One half double crochet between the stitches completed.

Reverse Single Crochet (Crab Stitch)

At the end of round, chain 1 but do not turn piece. Working backward (in reverse direction), insert hook into previous stitch, yarn over, pull through stitch and you will have two loops on hook. Yarn over and draw through both loops. One reverse single crochet completed.

Directions

Using color A, chain 61 [65] slip stitch to join (do not twist piece).

Round 1

Working in bottom loop of foundation chain (see Special Stitches section for instructions), half double crochet in second chain from hook and each stitch of bottom loop of foundation chain to end of round, turn. (61 [65] stitches total) Do not slip stitch to join.

Rounds 2-2 [15]

Crochet altered half double crochet between stitches (see Special Stitches section for instructions), starting with first stitch of previous round and continue working in a spiral for indicated number of rounds, change yarn to color B.

Rounds 13-25 [16-30]

In yarn color B, continue to crochet altered half double crochet between stitches in a spiral for indicated number of rounds, change yarn to color C.

Rounds 26-38 [31-45]

In yarn color C, continue to crochet altered half double crochet between stitches in a spiral for indicated number of rounds, slip stitch to join at last stitch of final round, do not fasten off.

Finishing

With right side facing out, in yarn color C, chain 1, crab stitch (see Special Stitches section for instructions) around edge of cowl, slip stitch to join.

Fasten off.

With right side facing out, beginning at seam of unfinished edge(Round 1), in yarn color A, chain 1, crab stitch around edge of cowl, slip stitch to join.

Fasten off.

Weave in ends.