Crochet Cowl Pattern: A Chunky Cowl and an Infinity Scarf
A cozy chunky cowl worked in the round in half double crochet, and a long infinity version that wraps twice. Fast, warm and perfect for gifts.
Pattern at a glance
US terms- Skill level
- Beginner
- Yarn
- Bulky (#5) yarn: about 180 yd (cowl) or 300 yd (infinity)
- Hook
- 8 mm (L-11)
- Time
- About 3 hours (cowl), 5 hours (infinity)
- Finished size
- Cowl 26 × 10 in; infinity 54 × 8 in
You'll need
- Bulky weight (#5) yarn — about 180 yd for the cowl, 300 yd for the infinity scarf
- 8 mm (L-11) hook
- Stitch marker, tapestry needle
In this post
A cowl is a scarf without ends to flap around — just a warm tube that sits around your neck. Worked in the round in bulky yarn, it's one of the fastest wearables in crochet. Turning at the end of each round keeps the seam straight instead of spiralling.
The rest of this post is just below — free, as always.
Gauge
Gauge: 9 hdc and 8 rounds = 4 in (10 cm) with bulky yarn and an 8 mm hook.
The pattern
Chunky cowl (26 in around)
- Foundation: Ch 60. Sl st to the first ch to form a ring, without twisting.
- Rnd 1: Ch 2 (doesn't count), hdc in each ch around. Sl st to the first hdc. (60)
- Rnd 2: Ch 2, turn. Hdc in each st around. Join. (60)
- Rnds 3–20: Repeat Rnd 2. The cowl is about 10 in tall. Fasten off.
Infinity scarf (54 in around, wraps twice)
- Foundation: Ch 120 and join into a ring without twisting.
- Rnds 1–16: Work as the cowl, turning each round. (120)
Texture options
- Third-loop rib: work every round into the third loop of the hdc for vertical ridges.
- Moss stitch: (sc, ch 1) around, working into the ch-1 spaces each round — see the moss stitch.
- Waffle: squishy and extra warm — see the waffle stitch (use a multiple of 3 stitches).
Finishing touches
- Work a round of crab stitch (reverse sc) on both edges for a rope-like finish.
- Add a large wooden button on one side, purely decorative.
- For a Möbius cowl, crochet a long rectangle, give it a half twist and seam the short ends.
Common questions
What is the difference between a cowl and an infinity scarf?
A cowl is a short tube that sits close to the neck. An infinity scarf is a long loop (about 50–60 in) that you wrap around twice.
How do I keep the foundation chain from twisting?
Lay it flat with all the bumps facing the same way before joining. Or work Round 1 as a row, then seam the short edge.
Why does my cowl spiral?
Joined rounds without turning drift to one side. Turning every round keeps the join straight.
Cowl or infinity — which are you making? 🧣
Did you make this?
Tap a star to rate this pattern — it helps other makers find it.
Be the first to rate it!
YarnBloom
Crochet patterns & tutorials
YarnBloom shares cozy, beginner-friendly crochet patterns written in clear US terms, with a stitch count on every round and tips for the tricky bits. Grab your hook — let’s make something lovely.
Leave a comment