Basic Chunky Cowl – Beginner Crochet Pattern
A while back purchased the most beautiful bulky yarn, and it was love at first sight!
It’s the loveliest shade of aubergine I’ve seen in a long time, not to mention it’s as soft as a baby’s chubby cheeks.
Sadly, for quite a long time it lay aimlessly on my yarn shelf, beckoning to me on a daily basis to use it. Finally, after weeks of agonising delay, I thought of the perfect project to create with it, a chunky cowl!
What You’ll Need
Tapestry Needle
Size:
Teen – Adult Size
Width: 21″ (53cm)
Height: 16″ (41cm)
Stitches & Abbreviations
Pattern
Ch55 using super chunky yarn and 12.00mm hook.
Ch55 using super chunky yarn and 12.00mm hook.
Row 1- Ch3 (counts as 1st hdc and ch1), skip an extra ch (4 in total). 1 hdc in the next st. Ch1, skip 1 st, 1 hdc in the next st. Repeat from the * all across.
Row 2- Ch2, 1 hdc in the next “ch1” space made in previous row. *Ch1, skip 1 st, 1 hdc in the next “ch1” space made in previous row. Repeat from the * all across. 1 hdc in top of turning ch.
Row 3 – 16- Ch2, 1 hdc in the next “ch1” space made in previous row. *Ch1, skip 1 st, 1 hdc in the next “ch1” space made in previous row. Repeat from the * all across. 1 hdc in top of turning ch.
Fasten off, and weave in loose ends.
Row 2- Ch2, 1 hdc in the next “ch1” space made in previous row. *Ch1, skip 1 st, 1 hdc in the next “ch1” space made in previous row. Repeat from the * all across. 1 hdc in top of turning ch.
Row 3 – 16- Ch2, 1 hdc in the next “ch1” space made in previous row. *Ch1, skip 1 st, 1 hdc in the next “ch1” space made in previous row. Repeat from the * all across. 1 hdc in top of turning ch.
Fasten off, and weave in loose ends.
Finishing
Taking your tapestry needle, sew the ends of your cowl together using the whip stitch.
Fasten off, and weave in loose ends.
Hope you all enjoyed the pattern for this chunky cowl.
If you did crochet this, please share a photo on Instagram, I’d love to see it!
Have a lovely day crocheting,
It is a extremely pretty color!
Thank you for sharing
It is BEAUTIFUL! Thank you for sharing. I can't wait to get my hands on some lovely yarn like that and give this a try!
what would you recommend doing if I am using a 9.00 MM hook?
I've never done it with a 9.00mm before, and it won't really look like the picture above. You'd roughly have to crochet 75 starting chains. You'd also have to do an one or two rows or row 3 extra.
That was kind of what I figured. I will give it a try and send you a picture when I am finished! 9 is the biggest hook I have right now, so I figured it was worth a try.
I think I can actually do this!! Really pretty.
I attempted this before reading the comments, and I used a J (9.00 mm) hook. I started with 75 chains and crocheted 16 rows but my measurements are way under! Mine is under 10 inches wide and barely 32 inches long. I haven't twisted and fastened it off yet so it still looks like a scarf. I know I can keep adding on with rows, but can I also add on the side to make it longer? Thanks.
I am working on this cowl and using a bulky 5 yarn. I crocheted 55 chains (didn’t realize that using a L hook wouldn’t be as big as it is supposed to be) and I’m just wondering how I am supposed to fold this when I’m done. I’m also using three skeins still so hopefully it’ll come out alright.
Hi Rachel,
You can make your scarf longer by adding sets of 2 chains extra to the base chains till it reaches the correct length. Then continue to follow the pattern normally.
Olivia Xx
Thank you for your quick reply! I'm going to try and finish it today and send you a picture of the final product.
Rachel
I used a 10.5 chained 150 I think used a whole skein of some really soft twisty style i dont kbow ehst weight. I think 15 or or so rows came out to 44"x12"
Cute! I don't crochet (or knit for that matter!) but I sent this link over to two crochet-ing friends so they can see this great tutorial!!
I am having a really tough time with this pattern! It keeps getting smaller!!!
Sorry you're having a touch time! It might be getting smaller if you're skipping stitches by accident.
I'm having the same problem. Keeps getting smaller. The only stitches I'm skipping are the ones I thought I was supposed to skip after each single chain. Help!
Gorgeous color and wonderful pattern. Thank you for sharing your awesome talent. I can't wait to make this cowl.
Hi Olivia! Quick question – row 1 starts with chain 3, do you just add that to the 55 base chain? Thanks! Very pretty cowl!
Yes, you add an extra 3 chains to the 55 base chains 🙂
What brand and color yarn did you use? I love the color!
The yarn is Lincraft Luxe, but since it's an Australian store, and we're heading into summer, they've stored all the chunky yarns.
Olivia, that is on sale right now at Lincraft!
I ma also having with this getting smaller as I go. I read 'next chain one space' as the big space below the chains but maybe you mean just the space within the chain?
Thanks,Cate
What is half a twist at the end?
Hi there!
Hopefully this photo should help, it's what gave me the idea in the first place ~ http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h0JzucK72Cc/ULOVxNTh11I/AAAAAAAAJD4/_P_6FRmhoFw/s1600/DSC03201.JPG
Olivia Xx
bellissima sciarpa , brava ciao.
I am wondering about that too. Is this worked in the round? If not, how do you "connect the two ends together" and then what does it mean give it a half twist? Nice pattern but the explanation is not very clear.
Hi Olivia, Thanks for the pattern! 🙂 I was curious, when you say "Row 2~ Chain 2, the/n Half Double Crochet into the chain one space." Does that mean to dc into the beginning stitch?
Hi, it means to Half Double Crochet into the chain one space you made on the previous row.
Hope this helps clear things up 🙂
completely! thanks so much for your quick reply! xx
This is my first crochet project and I LOVE how it turned out…but I dont know how to connect the two ends, tie it off or do that half twist thing…help please!!
Hi there!
This is a link to a photo of how a half twist looks ~ http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h0JzucK72Cc/ULOVxNTh11I/AAAAAAAAJD4/_P_6FRmhoFw/s1600/DSC03201.JPG
Once you've added the half twist, you take your crochet hook and slip stitch the two ends together. Then you weave in all the loose ends of the scarf into the scarf with your wool needle.
Olivia Xx
love it! I've pinned it to try out later. Thanks for the tutorial.
Hi Olivia, I love your project, I'm making two for the holidays! I have a quick question for you. My piece looks like I've increased my stitches, but I've double and triple checked, and I haven't. It looks like there's a little mountain in the middle when I fold it in half. Any ideas on whats going on?
The only thing I can think of is that your crocheting tension might be uneven, thus causing this.
Otherwise I have no idea, sorry!
Olivia Xx
i can't figure out how the half twist goes for the life of me even when i look at the site with the picture….is the twist where the two ends meet? I'm not sure if you can try and explain the twist with any more detail…I'm stumped on the twist.:(
Hi Donna,
Hopefully this photo should help ~ http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h0JzucK72Cc/ULOVxNTh11I/AAAAAAAAJD4/_P_6FRmhoFw/s1600/DSC03201.JPG
Olivia Xx
For whatever reawson mine doesn't look as long as the picture provided. The pattern is beautiful, but even at 81 stitches it's too short to twist and go over the head. I am thinking I may have to add more stitches and less rows. More stitches to make it longer and less rows so it doesn't stand so "tall". I used an N hook. I can't figure out why it doesn't look like the picture on the banister? That one looks longer for sure!
Hello,
You used a 9.00mm hook and I used a 12.00mm hook.
You can easily add more stitches by adding sets of 2 chains at a time to the base chains. You might need more yarn though, as you are using a smaller hook.
Hope this helps!
Olivia Xx
Hi, first off this color is gorgeous! Hopefully I can find something similar soon. My only question is this. At the end of the instructions just before you connect the two ends of the scarf you say that if your using a 10mm crochet hook you need to add two extra rows. Where/when do I make these two extra rows? Its probably a stupid question but I want to make sure I completely understand the pattern before I start
You add a row 14 and 15 by repeating row 13.
Thank You for getting back to me so quickly. Turns out, I have another question lol. I went and followed the chain and row 1 directions, and everything seems VERY short. Have I done something wrong? I followed the all the directions carefully, including the note about the different sized hooks/chains.
Couple of questions:
1. Your instructions for using a 12.00MM hook say chain 55 and if you are using a 10.00MM hook to crochet 81 chains. Then in the comments you tell people to crochet 75 chains if you are using a 9.00MM hook. Why would you chain less with a 9.00MM than with a 10.00MM?
2. After you have your base chain and are working Row 1, your instructions are to chain 3 – do you mean single crochet 3 times? If you chain three then the base chain would just be longer. If that's what you mean then not a problem. The pattern just wasn't clear to me.
I appreciate the help! 🙂
I made the post just above yours. I had followed the main chain, and row 1 directions and it turned out way to short. There just doesn't seem like theirs any way it would fit, without being to tight. I'm so confused lol.
What did you do for row 1? I have the beginning chain but I'm confused – do I chain 3 additional chains, skip one ch and then hdc in the next stitch? How many stitches do I skip from the hook? It feels like to me this is missing something right at the beginning. Perhaps I'm missing something…
I made the foundation chain of 81, chained 3, skipped 1 chain (closest to hook) and HDC in the next following chain. I went and skipped the first chain, closest to my crochet hook. Im pretty lost.
I figured it out and the pattern works for me. Here's what you do:
Using a 9.00MM hook (that's the largest I have at the moment) and chain 81. I did main not too tight but not too loose.
Chain 3 and hdc in the 5th chain from the hook (this includes the chain 3 and the skip one)
Then follow the pattern as written.
What kind of yarn are you using? I used Loops & threads charisma so the label say it's a "bulky 5". Does this help you?
The scarf also looks nice if you choose not to add the twist at the end.
The 81 chains worked but if you want it a little longer, you can add extra chains – just make sure it's an odd number and you add your plus 3 ch to the end. No matter how long you make it, add the ch 3 and then do the hdc in the fifth chain from the hook (not counting the one on the hook). It goes really fast the more rows you do, just try to keep the tension uniform throughout. You could also use thinner yarn and do several colors together at the same time and I imagine that it would look really cool. 🙂
Ok, I figured it out – you add the three additional chains to the base chain.
i have looked through all my hooks, what is a 12mm, i have a 11.50(p) but i don't have a 12mm, would i use the same amount of stitches
thanks
this goes with the question about the needle size, my email address is chayil313@yahoo.com
An 11.50mm hook should be fine 🙂
I thought so but I am 6 rows in and it looks like it is going to be too short, can you give me any suggestions on how many chains I should do instead?
Hello, the link for the twist is not working. Thanks for the beautiful pattern
The twist is super easy. Lay the scarf out flat then fold in half like you would to connect the ends. The top portion of the scarf, pick it up, twist it and lay it back down flat like you would to join making sure the ends match up. If you need pictures I'm sure Olivia could provide some, if not I can. 🙂
I am currently making this and I love it!! I just have a couple of questions… When you say Ch 1, HDC, skip one, and repeat. Do you mean just HDC in each Ch 1 space?? I also can't wrap mine around my neck twice because it's too short. I chained 81, using Lio. brand Chunky yarn. Thank you so much!! 🙂
Hi Tiffany,
Yes, I mean HDC into each chain 1 space.
It's only supposed to wrap around your neck once since it's a cowl, not infinity scarf.
You can easily make the cowl longer or shorter by adding or taking away sets of 2 chains.
Hope this helps!
Xx
Hi Olivia!
I have made several of these and they all turn out quite nice! Can I make one suggestion to help clarify. In row 1 where you say hdc in the following stitch perhaps you can insert (fifth chain from hook). It was a little confusing to me at the beginning, but I figured this out. Just a thought! 🙂
Hi!
Thanks for the suggestion, I've just gone ahead and added it to the pattern 🙂
Olivia
Hi I was just wondering for buying yarn for this pattern how much is needed to complete the cowl?
Hi Michelle,
I bought 3x 100g skeins of yarn. But you only need about 250g.
It's confusing the 1 space, do you skip a chain and HDC in the next chain and then skip a chain?
Hi, thank you for the pattern, it really is a simple one and is easy to follow. Like others I used a smaller hook, mine was just a 6.5, since you said make longer I made my base chain 110, since I have almost half the size you directed, it worked out great. Wish all patterns were as easy to follow as this!!!!!
I used a 9mm hook and thinner yarn because that was all I had. I ended up chaining 107 and making 16 rows. Turned out perfect! Thank you for sharing this pattern. Hope this helps anyone using a smaller hook.
This is absolutely gorgeous! Thank you for sharing this pattern. 🙂
I love this pattern. It was so easy to follow. thanks for the hook size adjustment. It came out beautifully and only took a few hours(and that's with the kids hanging all over me.) I love it. thanks again.
Aw, I'm glad you like it Charlotte! 🙂
Is an "N" hook a 10.00mm?
No, it's a P 🙂
So pretty! And the color! I love it!!!!
Hi! I love this pattern! If you'd like to see my results, please visit my blog at: http://hiphipcrochet1.blogspot.com/2014/01/made-myself-something.html
Love your blog!
Love all your patterns! Having a small issue with this one. Do I skip a ch 1 space or a stitch?
You're basically skipping both in one go, as a chain is a stitch, but it's also the space.
You're trying to crochet your Half Double Crochets into the chain 1 spaces you created previously so that it will have a nice pattern.
Hope this makes sense!
I am determined to make this cowl but I am having a hard time with this pattern. I have tried it four times and it keeps getting shorter with each row. I sat down and carefully drew the pattern and at the end of row 1 I get two continuous HDC in the last two chain of the foundation
I would like to try this also but would want to do it in 8ply. What would your recommendations be for cast on and hook size?
Wow super easy pattern finished it in under 2 hours! Thanks
Is there a "youTube" on this?
I've been waiting for something like this! Thank you for sharing.
Hello. Love this pattern. I'm working it right now and I'm not understanding how you got your measurements. The biggest hook I have is a K (which I'm guessing is a 6.5MM hook? I'm confused by the fact that it says K/10 1/2-6.50MM anyway…) Since this seems to be a smaller hook size than what you used I should need to do more chains to being with as per your beginning instructions but when I chained 55 I measured and it was, roughly, 19" which makes it wider than yours. I've also noticed that though I'm using a super bulky yarn (Lion Brand Hometown USA) mine is not nice and loose and stretchy like yours. I do tight stitches (can't help it) so I'm assuming that combined with the smaller hook is the reason mine isn't so relaxed looking? I'm worried it'll come out too stiff by the end. I'm only on row 2 so we'll see how it goes.
at the end , is the scarf/cowl suppose to be a mobius scarf/cowl? I love your pattern and thank you for your beautiful pattern. There is a extravaganza in our town and i was wondering if it was ok to sell your scarf/cowl at this event.
Hi
I was wondering do I continue round for the next row or do I turn and carry on the same row,
many thanks
Thank you for the free pattern. I need to use some of my bulky yarn and this looks like a great. It will make some fantastic Christmas presents.
I love c this pattern I am using a 12.00 mm hook and have 12 rows done and am only measuring 8 in wide… so I'm thinking that my yarn is not as bulky, I did buy 250 g tho so I'm going to 14 in and it's so soft and cozy I can't wait to wear it.
I love your patterns, thank you so much for sharing!
Love this pattern! I've made 2 so far and starring on my 3rd! I used Hometown USA, works up fast and oh so soft! Thank you Olivia!
I don't understand what I'm not understanding! I followed instructions except for using fsc. My first row looks fine, then I start rows and it gets smaller and drawn in. What on earth could I be doing. I am following instructions – basically you hdc every other spave with a chain – is that correct?
This is not working out for me at all. I change 55, the after the 55 chain 3 more. Then count back from the top of chain 3 and 1 more, which is actually #55 of the chain and HDC in what would be chain stitch #54 of the beginning chain 55. When I get to the end I have the first chain of the 55 left over. Is there suppose to be one left over at the end? It says HDC in last chain.
I figured out the pattern. There are so many things wrong with this pattern that I had to re-write it. Here it is:
This takes approximately 127 yards of bulky yarn.
With bulky yarn and a P hook (11.50mm), chain 57. (If you chose to use a 10.00mm crochet hook and thinner yarn instead, chain 83.)
Row 1 ~ Half Double Crochet into the 5th Stitch from the hook. *Chain 1, skip one stitch, then crochet a Half Double Crochet into the next stitch.* Repeat from the * mark all across, making sure to end with a Half Double Crochet into the last chain.
Rows 2-14 ~ Turn. Chain 2, then Half Double Crochet into the chain one space. *Chain 1, skip one stitch, then crochet a Half Double Crochet into the next chain one space.* Repeat from the* mark all across, making sure to end with a Half Double Crochet into the top of the 2 chains you made in the previous row. Note: If you chose to use a 10.00mm crochet hook instead, crochet 2 extra rows.
When you've completed all the rows, connect the two ends of the scarf together to create a circle {thus a circle scarf}. Be sure to add half a twist once before Slip Stitching the two ends together. Fasten off, and weave in ends.
Brittany, your post really helps, especially the yarn yardage. One question. You wrote bulky yarn but the original calls for super bulky. Can you clarify if this matters? Thanks to you and Olivia. Looking forward to making this.
r u going around the whole thing or turning and going back down
Brittany, your post really helps, especially the yarn yardage. One question. You wrote bulky yarn but the original calls for super bulky. Can you clarify if this matters? Thanks to you and Olivia. Looking forward to making this.
I am trying to make it but I am using a 5.00MM . How many chain stitches should I do ? I have done 162 figuring that a 5.00MM is twice as much as an 10.00MM . Is that right ?
I love this! I just made it using two different worsted weight yarns, alternating every two rows. I started with 81 chains and a large hook (that isn't marked). I just need to sew the ends together. Love it!
Thank you!
First, I wanted to say you're an amazing talented crochet designer! I just love all your patterns, and they are so easy to follow. I'm just starting out myself designing crochet patterns, thank you for letting us sell our creations from your patterns. Anyways, Here is a sample of my version of your cowl, if you haven't seen it yet on Ralvary http://www.ravelry.com/projects/NiftyMumzy/basic-chunky-cowl. Have a fab day and stay stunning stitching! Monique
Thank you for this pattern! I am not that great at crochet yet and, after searching lots of patterns,finally finding one that I can actually do! Thank you again! I will post a pic when I finish it as I am trying something a little different yarn and hook wise. I am using a medium (4) weight yarn and an I/9 5.50 mm hook because I just wanted something a little lighter and less bulky for fall. Will have to see how it turns out, but so far I like it!
I am relatively new to crocheting and would like to know where you buy your yarn. Our local stores have little variety. I'd love to crochet this cowl in a nice, soft yarn. Your thoughts? Thank you!
Whipped one up tonight and it looks pretty good! I think I crochet a lot tighter than you, so that's why it's not as "stylishly sloppy". But I love it and will definitely gift it this Christmas! Thanks for the pattern!
Hi do you count the beginning chain of each row? Pimples on row 2 and at the last stitch but am I suppose to end with a hdc on the top of the beginning ch3 from the first row?
What is a "half twist" I am confused on how to join the two ends once I am done…please help!!!
Jessica look at the post dated December 13, 2013 by AmyLynn, on the how to for the twist . I thought she explained it very well!
I meant December 14, 2013.
Hi, Could you tell me if you used an N or a P crochet hook? Apparently there is some disagreement in the charts on hook sizes of this size.
Thank you.
hi thanks for sharing i love your patterns.
Big fan of your work and love your color thanks for sharing making this for my niece it is beautiful.
I can't figure out what size 12.00 is in a U.S. hook?
This is a lovely scarf pattern, but I must crochet tightly. It did a chain of 65 with a P hook and hometown USA yarn to get to 42 inches long. Also I had to crochet more rows (18) to get it to be 14 inches wide. Also on rows 2-18 I started by chaining 2 then hdc in the top of the last hdc.
I love this pattern .. My DD wanted another one longer so with super bulky 6 ( Wool-Ease Thick & Quick), 2 skeins and size 10/N … Ch 140 .. Do pattern till 5 in. width or preference …
Your slip stitch join link does not go to an available video.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/LumpyLittleLamb
So beautiful! I believe my wife would be happy to own such beautiful dresses when walking, or my daughter would be very proud to wear them go out with her friends!
very beautiful, love this ery much and inspire me much. thank alot
its really nice i like it
its great really i like it
Wow, thanks for the pattern. I’m a beginner at reading patterns & crochet. This seems to be a great project for me to attempt as soon as I can find beautiful chunky yarn. I will have to remember to post finished product once completed. Wish me luck, lol!
This scarf is so beautiful. I want to make this soon. Thank you for sharing.
Hi to all, how is everything, I think every one is getting more from this site, and your views are pleasant for new users.
Remarkable! Its genuinely remarkable paragraph, I have got much clear idea concerning from this piece of writing.
It’s very beautiful and I want to do it, thank you.
How big is this cowl actually supposed to be?
21 inches long prior to folding in half and sewing the ends together, or afterwards (i.e. 42 inches before sewing up?).
I’ve attempted it this evening using Bernat Super Chunky wool and a 12mm hook.
It worked out 25 inches long (prior to folding in half) and 10 inches high? I did misundertand the pattern made it with 55 chain, rather than 55 +3 chain, but this doesn’t explain why mine is longer than it should be (or vastly shorter if it should be 42inches long!) and 10 inches high rather than 16 inches. I don’t think tension explains this either so I’m stumped!
I also don’t understand how the ends can be whip stitched together when they are not straight, chain edges?
I’ve ended up with a very narrow cowl, that just about goes over my head. It’s nice, but not big enough, so I’ll probably redo it and adjust the number of stitches myself.
I also only used about 120 yards of wool so that is also way out. I’m very confused🤔
I am going to buy some Hometown USA today. What a beautiful cowl! Thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you, I’m going to make a few of these for my daughter.
it is just what I am looking for Olivia thank you so much
Love it ! Blessings for sharing . I thank u .
If I want to do for a seven year old girl; can I cut the measure in half?
I love it
Please email me this pattern
Row 1- Ch3 (counts as 1st hdc and ch1), skip an extra ch (4 in total). 1 hdc in the next st. Ch1, skip 1 st, 1 hdc in the next st. Repeat from the * all across.
I do not understand thirst directions. Skip extra???? Does that mean sk 1st st??? Then repeat from the * all across … there is no *. Please explain/rephrase. Thank you
I’m confused as well.
Could you give us a diagram for this model? Thank you.
Please keep me in the loop for new ideas.
How many do you have to do?
What is a 12 millimeter hook in U.S.. terms? I can see a 10 and 11 but we don’t have a 12 as far as I can see. Thank you for your help! It’s a very beautiful style and I would like to make this for my friend. I’m going to use a 5 chunky. Comments about a 5 instead of a 6 weight? Thank you again.
Hi! I just found this on Ravelry! I’m trying to make it, but am confused by some of the comments. How long should it be? Mine is 27″ along the ch55 side. I also don’t see the half twist in the pattern but it is mentioned in the comments. Thanks for the help!
I’m so confused already by this pattern and I’m only on row 1. Do I do a HDC in the 5th Ch??
Very goòd. Lovely. Thank you