Chunky Crochet Cowl Pattern
This chunky crochet cowl pattern is one of my all-time favorite beginner projects! Not only is the pattern super simple to follow, but can be completed in about an hour [or less!] thanks to the chunky yarn!
Hello there! Today I’ll be sharing with you a super simple project to help get through the winter – the Chunky Crochet Cowl Pattern! Whip a few up in any of your favorite bright colors to help cheer up an otherwise cold, rainy or snowy day :). It would also work as a great last minute gift because it can be made an about an hour or two. I love quick projects, don’t you!?
The piece is worked back and forth in rows and whip stitched together to turn into an infinity scarf. The scarf is very long and is meant to be wrapped two or three times around the neck.
For the pattern, I used Bernat Collegiate Chunky Yarn that I had found at JoAnn’s quite a while ago. I had made a couple of small projects with this skein already and ended up using the rest of it up for this cowl.
I don’t believe JoAnn’s always keep this yarn in stock, but I think they typically carry it at the beginning of the school year. If you are unable to find this yarn, any bulky acrylic yarn will do. If I had to guess the yardage used in this project, I am thinking it probably took about 350 yards.
So now, it’s about that time…grab your hook and yarn and let’s crochet away! 🙂
Check out the video tutorial below!
A printable PDF version of this pattern is available for purchase here.
Chunky Cowl Crochet Pattern
Materials
- 1 skein Bernat Collegiate Chunky Yarn in Gold (1 skein is 431 yards, you will need approximately 279 yards or 259 grams)
- Size 9.0mm crochet hook
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
Finished Measurements
7 inches by 38 inches lying flat
Key:
- ch – chain
- hdc – half double crochet
Pattern
Chain 162
Row 1: hdc in the 3rd chain from hook and hdc in each chain to the end of the row; turn
Row 2: Ch 2, in the back loops only hdc in each stitch to the end of the row; turn
Rows 3-11: Repeat Row 2
Leaving a long tail, cut yarn and secure.
Lay the piece flat, and fold in half so that the two far sides are touching. Use your yarn needle to whip stitch the two sides together. Cut yarn and weave in your ends.
Put scarf on, and wrap 2 or 3 times, and enjoy!
Does the chain two count at a stitch?
Hi Allie! No, the ch 2 does not count as a stitch.
I like how you reply to comments and questions.
Hi Fiona! I really enjoy connecting with everyone! 🙂
Can you adjust the length to any length?
Yes! Just add additional/take away desired amount of chains on your foundation chain.
What do you mean by in the back loops only?
Hi Alexis!
When looking at your work from a top down view, on the top row, or last row that your worked, you should see two rows of loops, the front row of loops is the row of loops that are closer to your and the back loops, are made up of the row of loops that are further away from you. If you need a visual, please see this tutorial. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSArrbxzOhA
Let me know if this helps!
hi Brittany,
Could you please tell me if 162 chains are for length or width of scarf? thank you very much!
The 162 chains is the length of the scarf.
Hi I did 162 chain and my scarf is much longer? would you know why.
Hi Kayleen! There are a lot of variables that may cause your finished piece to be a different size such as yarn used, hook size, and gauge. This pattern is super forgiving – you can make the chain as short or long as you’d like. Hope this helps!
do you have a pattern or tutorial for a mobius cowl.
Hi Lorraine! At this time, I do not.
I actually like your mat on which the boot is kept. Do you have the pattern for that
Hi Priya! I wish I could say I made that mat, but it was a find from either Home Goods or Marshalls! 🙂
Hi Brittany,
It’s my first time visiting your blog, but I had to comment on your comment “I wish I could say I made that but it was a find from either Home Goods or Marshalls.”
STORY. OF. MY. LIFE.
Around here, we call those two stores “my other home.” LOL
Thanks for the easy scarf tutorial!
Cheers,
Michelle
Hi Michelle! Thank you so much for stopping by and saying hello! And hahaha right??!!
What other yarns would work?
Hi Hadley! Any acrylic yarn with “super bulky” listed on the label will work for this project. Some examples include: Bernat Softee Chunky yarn, or Lion Brand Wool-ease Thick and Quick (this one is a wool acrylic blend).
I can’t seem to find this yarn
Love this bowl and looks lovely in mustard colour
Thank you!
What is a half double crochet? is it just one crochet?
Hi Paula! It’s just a like a single crochet but only you yarn over once (like a double crochet) and then when you insert your hook into the stitch to make your stitch, you’ll pull through all loops on your hook.
I demonstrate half double crochets in this video if you need a visual.
And I am actually working on a video tutorial for this pattern and it should be up next week! 🙂
Thanks for sharing this pattern! I am using Lion Brand Hometown USA (#6 super bulky) as I wanted a thicker cowl. The pattern is easy and will work up quickly for gifts! Will follow you on instagram to see what you are creating next! Thanks again for sharing:)
Hi Susie! Yay! I’m glad you like the pattern! I’d love to see your finished cowls, feel free to instagram them with hashtag #justbecrafty :).
Is that a crocheted rug in the picture?
Hi Deborah! No, I actually purchased that from Marshall’s or Home Goods. I wish I could say I made it! 🙂
Could you slip stitch after the chain so that you are working in a circle to alleviate a seam and having to sew ends together?
Yes you could, but you will not get the same chunky ribbed look, which is achieved by turning back and forth at the end of each row and crocheting in the back loop. The seam is really not that noticeable.
I had the same question and so I worked up a small sample (20 stitches across and 7 rows up) working in the round. I did my chain 2 and then turned and I have still got the chunky ribbed look, so I think it works, you just need to remember to turn you work after you get to the end of the round. I’m going to keep my sample going and make wrist warmers for my daughter to match the scarf I’m making!
Hi, I’m putting together a blog about scarfs and would like to use this link and a picture if that is oké.
Greets Nicole
Yes! Thank you so much for including my post :).
How many would you recommend to chain of your doing a toddler size?
Hi Sandy! Since the number of chains does not matter, I would go ahead and make a chain to the size you think would be best. The length of the cowl will be pretty much the length of the chain.
This is such a great pattern and it comes at a great time (Christmas)! I am currently working on a cowl with this pattern for my best friend and then I’m going to do one for my co-worker. Thanks so much for sharing this pattern with us!
Hi Danita! Thanks so much, I’m so happy you enjoyed the pattern! 🙂
Thank you for this pattern. I made my first cowl for me. I used Himalaya Everyday Big” yarn and my cowl its amazing, soft, cozy and I loved it 🙂
Hi Kate! It sounds beautiful! I’m glad you enjoyed the pattern!
What a wonderful tutorial – very clear and precise instructions – thanks for sharing!!
Hi Nellie! Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Hi Brittany! Is the 38” measured length for the completed project (folded in half) or the total length before closing the loop?
Hi Krystal! Yes, 38″ should be the length of the completed project folded in half. The actual length with the ends not closed would be double that.
I love all of your crochet patterns and I can’t wait to try this one!!!
Thanks so much Shelby!
If using a thinner yarn, how many more rows would you say are needed if any?
Hi Grace! You will want to add as many rows as it takes to make the scarf about 7 inches thick (as in the pattern) or until you reach the desired scarf thickness.
Hiya
I have no 9mm hook whats better a 10 or 8mm ? X
Hi Kristina! This pattern is very forgiving, so whichever you would prefer would work – its really just personal preference!
Came across this pattern and have been so excited to give it a go as my second ever crochet project. A big part of the appeal is the color yarn, but not having any luck finding a great alternative – what I’m seeing is either super bright yellow, or too hot dog mustard kind of yellow. Have you come across another brand and color equivalent?
Hi Cathy! A good similar yarn is Bernat Softee Chunky yarn and they have a lot of beautiful colors!
Hi Brittany!
I am having trouble finding this yarn. Sort of a beginner. Would this be considered a size 5 yarn or 6, as I am trying to find a different brand.
Hi Jillian! Bernat Softee Chunky is a good alternative!
I made this with a tiny alteration– two rows of bean stitches, separated by two rows of hdc, in the middle– and it was such a fun project. I really like patterns that work scarves the long way, and not the short way. Thanks for the article!
Your scarf sounds beautiful!! <3 And yes, it’s fun to make a scarf in the long direction, I’m also pretty sure its quicker too! 😉
I’m not very well versed in crocheting but I don’t have a hook that’s a 9 for this project. Could I use a 10 and reduce the number of chains? Or will that be too hole-y? My hooks go from a 6.5 to 10. Help! Thank you!
It would depend on the thickness of your yarn. I would suggest making a small swatch with your preferred yarn and crochet hook to see if like how it looks.
The great thing about this pattern is that you can make the chain however long or short as you would like your scarf to be. You could really use the same yarn and hook you used for the ear warmer and just adjust the foundation chain to your preferred length. Then, complete as many rows back and forth as you like until it gets to your preferred thickness.
I love your site! I have made four of the twisted headbands, a set of the candy corn coasters and just finished this scarf. I started a new skein of the Bernat Softee Chunky to finish the last row and a half. My question is – is this yarn too thick to make the twisted headband? If I can use it, what changes would I make-hook, chain stitches, rows, etc. Thank you in advance.
Thank you so much!! I’m so happy you are enjoying the patterns – that makes my day! Yes, you can totally use Softee Chunky for an ear warmer, you would just following the modification instructions which I believe is to make a foundation chain 1 inch larger than your head circumference. Then you would complete as many rows as you like until you reach your desired headband thickness. Hope this helps!
It does help! Thank you! I bought three different colors for the headbands and the scarf. Just making and putting them away for gifts. Thank you for always replying.
Such a good idea! I need to be better about making gifts through out the year, instead of scrambling last minute!! 😀
Brittany thank you very very much for the excellent explanation video you did an amazing beautiful job wow thank you honey your wonderful . I finished and made one for my aunty in 2 days .Thank you honey.
Hi Hilda! Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m so happy you found the tutorial helpful – happy crocheting to you!