Don’t fear the cold! Whether you call it a cowl or an infinity scarf, the Maine Coast Seashell Cowl offers a warm style for the cold season. With this free crochet cowl pattern, you can make a thick and cozy cowl or a lighter version to keep you warm on those chilly nights.
This is the first accessory pattern I publish here on the blog. And I was so happy to crochet this cowl. Mostly, because fall is my favorite season. It feels so nice and cozy to be around warm and squishy yarn.
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You will find instructions for two versions of this cowl in this pattern. First, for extra coziness, you can make a chunky cowl using a super bulky yarn.
Then, if you prefer, you can make a lighter version of it using worsted-weight yarn. Pick the one you like the most. I hope you enjoy making this cowl as much as I did. Have fun.
Pin the free crochet cowl pattern for later here
How to crochet a cowl
To crochet a cowl, you will need a foundation chain, then crochet the stitches in rounds. By the way, a crochet cowl pattern is one of the easiest projects for beginners.
For this pattern, you will use multiples of of 8 + 7 chains and then crochet the shell stitch around. The shells are a combo of double crochet stitches and chains.
Once you figure out the instructions, this crochet cowl pattern can be whipped up in less than an hour.
Explore More Patterns
Free Crochet Cowl Pattern
Materials:
- Worsted weight (#4) or super bulky (#6) yarn
- 10 mm (US N) crochet hook, if you are making the super bulky cowl
- 5.5 mm (US I) crochet hook, if you are making the worsted weight cowl
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
More about the yarn:
I used Lion Brand yarn Wool Ease Thick & Quick for the chunky version, in color Fisherman. And the amount was 10.17 oz (288 g), 180 yds (165 m). For the lightweight version, I used Yarnspirations Caron Cakes, a worsted weight (4) yarn in Pumpkin Spice. The amount for the lightweight version was 5.44 oz (154 g), 293 yds (268 m).
Pattern Notes:
- Chain 3 at the beginning of every round counts as a stitch
- This cowl is worked from bottom up, in rounds, with the right side facing you
- The pattern uses a combination of a shell stitch round and a foundation V stitch round, which is worked over a two-row repeat
- Adjust the size of your cowl as you wish by chaining any multiple of 8 chains + 7 chains
- This cowl will come up beautiful with any self-stripe or cake yarn
- This Pattern is written using standard US terminology
- Level of difficulty: Easy
Abbreviations:
- ch/chs chain/chains
- dc double crochet
- FO fasten off
- Rnd round
- sc single crochet
- sk skip
- sl st slip stitch
- sp space
- st/sts stitch/stitches
- ( ) work crochet instructions within parentheses as indicated
- * repeat instructions after asterisks as instructed.
Gauge:
- If you use Super Bulky Wool Ease Thick & Quick: 7 dc sts x 3.5 rows in dc sts = 4”
- If you use Yarnspirations Caron Cakes: 11.5 dc sts x 6 rows in dc sts = 4”
Project Size:
- With super bulky yarn: 13.5” tall x 15.5” wide
- With worsted weight yarn: 14” tall x 14” wide
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Instructions
Cozy cowls are essential winter accessories. This super-easy crochet cowl pattern allows you to customize it to your taste and desired level of coziness. It’s as simple as four steps. Have fun making your cowl.
Total Time: 2 hours
-
Make the foundation chain
Ch 64 + 7 (or any multiple of 8 + 7 if you are customizing it to a different size)
Join to first ch with a sl st, make sure it’s not twisted. -
Make the first shell stitch round
Rnd1: *sk the next 3 chs, (dc 3, ch 1, dc 3) in next ch, sk the next 3 chs, sl st in next ch. Repeat across from *. Finish round with a sl st in the same st where you started the first shell.
-
Make the foundation for the next rnd of shell sts
Rnd2: This round will be the foundation for the next round of shells and the first round of the pattern repeat: (ch 4, dc) in the same st you joined, ch 2, *sc in ch 1 sp of next shell, ch 2, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next sl st between shells, ch 2. Repeat across from *, join with a sl st on third ch at the beginning of this round.
-
Make the next rnd of shell sts and repeat
Rnd3: sl st in next ch sp, ch 3, *(dc 2, ch 1, dc 3) in same ch sp, sk next 2 chs, sl st in next sc st, sk next 2 chs, dc in next ch 1 sp. Repeat across from *, join with a sl st to ch 3 in the beginning of first shell. Pull st tight. Sl st one st back in previous sl st.
Rnd4-15: repeat rnd 2 and 3 (If you are making your cowl with the Super Bulky yarn)
Rnd4-29: repeat rnd 2 and 3 (If you are making your cowl with the Worsted weight yarn)FO. Cut the yarn. Weave in ends.
-
Follow the shell stitch chart
Here is chart on how you crochet the shell stitch in the round.
Estimated Cost: 10.00 USD
Supply:
- Worsted (4) or Super bulky (6) yarn
Tools:
- 10 mm (US N) hook for the super bulky cowl
- 5.5 mm (US I) hook for the worsted weight
Materials: Scissors Tapestry Needle
I hope you liked this free crochet cowl pattern and enjoy making it for yourself or giving it to a loved one.
Crochet Cowl Pattern FAQ
What is a crochet cowl scarf?
Cowl scarves are meant to be simple accessories that you wear wrapped around your neck. And are made to keep you warm in the winter. Different from traditional scarves, cowl scarves consist of an “infinite loop” that are worn tightly wrapped around your neck.
How tall should a crochet cowl be?
A height between 13″ (33 cm) and 15″ (38 cm) is ideal for a crochet cowl. Keep in mind that crochet cowls are designed to keep your neck warm while also providing comfort. They should gently “hug” your neck for added coziness.
What yarns are best for crochet cowls?
The best yarns for crochet cowls range from Worsted (4) to Super Bulky (6). Also, this crochet cowl pattern is easy to customize to any yarn you like.
What to do next
- Comment on this post: I always read comments and reply to all questions posted on the blog, and I love it when you stop by to say hello.
- Share your project: if you make this or any of my other patterns, tag me on Instagram or Facebook, or use the hashtag #zamiguzmakers. I love seeing what you make.
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Would you rather make this crochet cowl pattern later? Pin it to your boards here.
i’m halfway through making my cowl but it seemed to have increased with every shell round because it doesnt really take the form as the one in the picture? could you tell me what i could’ve done wrong? (i’m using 100% acrylic yarn if that changes anything)
Hi Maya, it could be you that are adding extra stitches. Can you email me a picture at “zamiguzhandmade at gmail dot com”?