This quick crochet cowl pattern uses a simple, drapey stitch and chunky yarn to make a show stopping oversized scarf. View the free pattern below or purchase the ad-free, printable PDF here.
This free, quick crochet cowl pattern is part of an ongoing collaboration with my friends at Lion Brand Yarn. This post contains affiliate links.
Last week I shared the Presto 4.5 Hour Afghan pattern in celebration of some new yarn options at select Michael’s stores and Michaels.com. Today I’m thrilled to offer some more yarny inspiration in the form of a quick crochet cowl pattern using a new Lion Brand yarn called “Thick & Quick” that is now available at Michael’s as well.
Thick & Quick Bonus Bundle is the generously-sized, 100% acrylic cousin of one of my favorites yarns, Wool-Ease Thick & Quick. Lion Brand basically just removed the wool from the original chunky, fibertastic yarn, making this yarn even softer and appropriate for anyone who likes to avoid animal fibers. I love it!
Another free pattern I’ve shared using Wool-Ease Thick & Quick is actually the inspiration for this quick crochet cowl. The Huggle Hooded Cowl is a very simple free knitting pattern from Make & Do Crew and I know many of you have been hoping for a crochet version. While the stitch definition of this Manchester Cowl pattern is a bit different, the basic concept of a soft, luxurious neck cocoon is the same.
And similarly to the Huggle Hooded Cowl, this quick crochet cowl is waaaay easy. In fact, it actually uses the same basic stitch as the Presto 4.5 Hour afghan, so you know it’s gotta be lightening fast.
This free, quick crochet cowl pattern is perfect for a confident beginner and I think it would make a great, fast crochet gift idea. (Please tell me I’m not the only one who needs a super last minute gift every once in a while. 🙂 )
You can grab all the yarn you’ll need for this quick crochet cowl, plus a printed copy of the pattern in a kit from Lion Brand here! You can also find this new Thick & Quick yarn in select Michael’s stores and at Michaels.com.(I’ve noticed some really fantastic deals on it lately too!)
P.S. Isn’t my sister so cute? This photo below was the exact moment a group of Christmas carolers randomly walked past us and started singing. Such a genuinely sweet smile.
Please do not publish or share this pattern as your own. You may make items to sell with this pattern. In exchange, please link back to this pattern. Do NOT use my photos as your own sales photos. Now go make something awesome!
The Manchester Cowl Quick Crochet Cowl – Free Pattern
Purchase the ad-free, printable PDF of this pattern here.
Explanation: Cloak yourself in layers of soft snuggles with this simple and modern crochet cowl. The open weave creates irresistible drape, while the shear volume of fabric ensures that your neck stays cozy warm. This statement piece adds style to a simple leggings and denim shirt outfit, or softens more professional or out-on-the-town attire. The skills needed to whip up with quick project are appropriate for a confident beginner and include half double crochet, double crochet, decreasing and working in the round.
Abbreviations (US Terms): ch – chain hdc – half double crochet hdcblo – half double crochet through the back loop only ch1sp – the space created by one chain dc2tog – double crochet two together sp – space dc – double crochet tch – turning chain st(s) – stitch(s) sk – skip dec – decrease RS – right side WS – wrong side
Measurements: Circumference around bottom: 37” Circumference around top: 22” Height: 27.5”
Gauge: 8.5 sts x 4 rows = 4” when worked in [dc, ch 1] pattern
Overall Pattern Notes: • The bottom ribbing is worked first flat and seamed. The first round of the cowl is worked into the ribbing.
RIBBING
Notes: Row 2 and beyond of the ribbing are worked through the single back loop of each half double crochet stitch. This is always the loop farthest away from you, regardless of which side of the work is facing you.
Foundation Row: With smaller hook, ch 11.
Row 1: Sk first 2 ch, hdc in next 9 ch; turn. (9)
Rows 2 – 43: Ch 2, hdblo in each hdc; turn.
Fasten off, leaving a 15” tail. Thread tail onto tapestry needle and use the mattress stitch to seam the ribbing into a loop. Take care to ensure that piece isn’t twisted and that hdc stitches are best lined up to disguise seam.
COWL
Notes: • Ch 4 at the beginning of each round counts as 1 dc and ch1sp. Work these chains fairly tightly to ensure ch1sp matches the ch1sps of the rest of the round.
• To join each round, slst into first ch1sp from the beginning of the round (which is created by the initial ch 4). Then after chaining 4 at the beginning of the next round, place first dc into the next sp after the sp you slip stitched into.
• To keep track of the stitch count, this pattern references the number of ch1sps in each round instead of the number of stitches as the spaces are simply easier to count.
• How to dc2tog: Yo, insert hook in indicated ch1sp, yo and pull yarn through sp, yo and pull through two loops on hook; yo, insert hook in next ch1sp, yo and pull yarn through sp, yo and pull through two loops on hook, yo and pull through all three loops on hook. (1 sp decreased)
Join yarn to ribbing edge. Work cowl section with larger hook.
Round 1: Ch 4, *dc, ch 1; repeat from * 42 more times evenly all the way around ribbing edge, sl st to join. (44 ch1sps) Leave a chain-length sp between each dc worked into the ribbing in order to space stitches out appropriately.)
Rounds 2-7: Ch 4, sk next dc, *dc in next ch1sp, ch 1; repeat to end of round, sl st to join. (44 ch1sps)
Round 8 (dec): Ch 4, [dc in next ch1sp, ch 1] 9 times, dc2tog over next two ch1sps, ch 1; [dc in next ch1sp, ch 1] 20 times, dc2tog over next two ch1sps, ch 1, [dc in next ch1sp, ch 1] 10 times, sl st to join. (42 ch1sps)
Round 9: Rep Round 2. (42 ch1sps)
Round 10 (dec): Ch 4, [dc in next ch1sp, ch 1] 18 times, dc2tog over next two ch1sps, ch 1; [dc in next ch1sp, ch 1] 19 times, dc2tog over next two ch1sps, ch 1, sl st to join. (40 ch1sps)
Round 11: Rep Round 2. (40 ch1sps)
Round 12 (dec): Ch 4, [dc in next ch1sp, ch 1] 8 times, dc2tog over next two ch1sps, ch 1; [dc in next ch1sp, ch 1] 18 times, dc2tog over next two ch1sps, ch 1, [dc in next ch1sp, ch 1] 9 times, sl st to join. (38 ch1sps)
Round 13: Rep Round 2. (38 ch1sps)
Round 14 (dec): Ch 4, [dc in next ch1sp, ch 1] 16 times, dc2tog over next two ch1sps, ch 1; [dc in next ch1sp, ch 1] 17 times, dc2tog over next two ch1sps, ch 1, sl st to join. (36 ch1sps)
Round 15: Rep Round 2. (36 ch1sps)
Round 16 (dec): Ch 4, [dc in next ch1sp, ch 1] 7 times, dc2tog over next two ch1sps, ch 1; [dc in next ch1sp, ch 1] 16 times, dc2tog over next two ch1sps, ch 1, [dc in next ch1sp, ch 1] 8 times, sl st to join. (34 ch1sps)
Round 17: Rep Round 2. (34 ch1sps)
Round 18 (dec): Ch 4, [dc in next ch1sp, ch 1] 14 times, dc2tog over next two ch1sps, ch 1; [dc in next ch1sp, ch 1] 15 times, dc2tog over next two ch1sps, ch 1, sl st to join. (32 ch1sps)
Round 19: Rep Round 2. (32 ch1sps)
Round 20 (dec): Ch 4, [dc in next ch1sp, ch 1] 6 times, dc2tog over next two ch1sps, ch 1; [dc in next ch1sp, ch 1] 14 times, dc2tog over next two ch1sps, ch 1, [dc in next ch1sp, ch 1] 7 times, sl st to join. (30 ch1sps)
Round 21: Rep Round 2. (30 ch1sps)
Round 22 (dec): Ch 4, [dc in next ch1sp, ch 1] 12 times, dc2tog over next two ch1sps, ch 1; [dc in next ch1sp, ch 1] 13 times, dc2tog over next two ch1sps, ch 1, sl st to join. (28 ch1sps)
Round 23: Rep Round 2. (28 ch1sps)
Round 24 (dec): Ch 4, [dc in next ch1sp, ch 1] 5 times, dc2tog over next two ch1sps, ch 1; [dc in next ch1sp, ch 1] 12 times, dc2tog over next two ch1sps, ch 1, [dc in next ch1sp, ch 1] 6 times, sl st to join. (26 ch1sps)
Round 25: Rep Round 2. (26 ch1sps)
Round 26 (dec): Ch 4, [dc in next ch1sp, ch 1] 10 times, dc2tog over next two ch1sps, ch 1; [dc in next ch1sp, ch 1] 11 times, dc2tog over next two ch1sps, ch 1, sl st to join. (24 ch1sps)
Round 27: Ch 1, sc in ch1sp and each dc around, sl st to join.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Slide into your new yarn cocoon and don’t take it off until Spring!
I love to see your finished projects! Use #MakeAndDoCrew and tag me Instagram (@MakeAndDoCrew) to show off your stitches and have a chance to be featured.
If you’d like more crochet inspiration, you might enjoy these other free patterns from Make & Do Crew:
1. The Revival Scarf – free crochet triangle scarf pattern and video tutorial
2. The Dwell Sweater – free video tutorial and crochet cardigan pattern made from a simple rectangle
3. Cabin Boots – free crochet pattern using flip flop soles
I find many cowl patterns make a great starting point for a cozy miniskirt to make up for a too-short sweater when wearing leggings.They really add to the toasty-warm feeling in chilly temps!
Hi there, I love your patterns,but do you have a free pattern for a newborn deer hat, my grandson is going next week for his 1st photo shoot, and I was asked to make a deer outfit, I found alot of them but unfortunatly I don’t have the finances to pay for the pattern, and I can’t seem to access any of the other free patterns, could u help me please.
It needs to be bulky/super bulky to achieve the measurements listed in the pattern. You could experiment with holding a few strands together though to achieve the same gauge. 🙂
Thank you for this gorgeous pattern. I made one for my niece and popped it on for my Ravelry page photo. My goodness, it was sooooo cosy. Yes, I kept that one! But have now ordered new yarn to make one for my niece. My favourite so far and the first project I’ve actually kept for myself. 😍
Hey there Jess! I just found your blog and I’m in love with what you do! I noticed someone else has already voiced this thought but I was wondering if you have a video for this pattern? I’m a visual learner and have trouble with written patterns. Do you ever make videos for your patterns or have youtubers sponsor your patterns on their channels? If so please point me in the right direction! This cowl is so beautiful 😍 I hope to make it soon. Thank you for sharing your talent!
Hi Taylor. Unfortunately, there is not a video tutorial for the Manchester Cowl. However, quite a few other patterns on the blog do include video tutorials! They will be posted on the blog, and on YouTube as well. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi! I’m currently working on this and so far, it’s looking great! But could you tell me what the finished size (length) is? I see you’ve listed it as 27.5″, but is that completely stretched out, or draped a bit? Mine is looking much longer than that and wanted to confirm. Thanks!
16 Comments
Claudia Messier
January 6, 2018 at 7:57 amI find many cowl patterns make a great starting point for a cozy miniskirt to make up for a too-short sweater when wearing leggings.They really add to the toasty-warm feeling in chilly temps!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
January 6, 2018 at 8:55 pmHaha, yes! That’s such a great point. My sister actually tried this cowl on as a little mini-dress and it fit perfectly, lol.
Jess
Karen
January 18, 2018 at 2:18 pmHi there, I love your patterns,but do you have a free pattern for a newborn deer hat, my grandson is going next week for his 1st photo shoot, and I was asked to make a deer outfit, I found alot of them but unfortunatly I don’t have the finances to pay for the pattern, and I can’t seem to access any of the other free patterns, could u help me please.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
January 22, 2018 at 10:02 pmThat sounds SO cute! I’m sorry that I don’t have a pattern like that at this time.
Good luck in your search! I think Whistle and Ivy might have a free deer hat pattern. Maybe google it and see if you can find it on her blog. 🙂
Jess
Tracy King
January 6, 2018 at 10:31 amThanks Jess and Sister! Happy New Year to you both 🙂
Emily Huffman
January 13, 2018 at 9:38 amWould worsted weight wool yarn work for this, or does it have to be bulky/super bulky?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
January 13, 2018 at 4:07 pmIt needs to be bulky/super bulky to achieve the measurements listed in the pattern. You could experiment with holding a few strands together though to achieve the same gauge. 🙂
Jess
Emma Sund
January 22, 2018 at 8:59 amHi 🙂 van i use a size 12mm crochet hook instead of 11,50mm? Because i can’t buy a 11,50 mm crochet hook in my country..
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
January 22, 2018 at 9:33 pmHey Emma,
Yes! I think that’ll work just fine. 🙂
Jess
Laura
January 29, 2018 at 8:53 pmI’d love to see a video for this pattern as well! As a fairly novice crocheter I find the videos so helpful so that I’m sure I know what I’m doing 🙂
IsabelaPockets
February 26, 2018 at 1:31 amThank you for this gorgeous pattern. I made one for my niece and popped it on for my Ravelry page photo. My goodness, it was sooooo cosy. Yes, I kept that one! But have now ordered new yarn to make one for my niece. My favourite so far and the first project I’ve actually kept for myself. 😍
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
February 28, 2018 at 3:21 pmI love hearing that! I’m particularly partial to making project for myself. 😉
Luciana de Oliveira
June 21, 2018 at 2:31 pmAmei seu trabalho!! Todos são muito lindos!!! com certeza vou compartilhar muito!!! Você é muito talentosa, parabéns!!!!
Taylor
August 6, 2018 at 10:49 amHey there Jess! I just found your blog and I’m in love with what you do! I noticed someone else has already voiced this thought but I was wondering if you have a video for this pattern? I’m a visual learner and have trouble with written patterns. Do you ever make videos for your patterns or have youtubers sponsor your patterns on their channels? If so please point me in the right direction! This cowl is so beautiful 😍 I hope to make it soon. Thank you for sharing your talent!
Jess
August 7, 2018 at 3:38 pmHi Taylor. Unfortunately, there is not a video tutorial for the Manchester Cowl. However, quite a few other patterns on the blog do include video tutorials! They will be posted on the blog, and on YouTube as well. Thanks for stopping by!
Jennifer
October 9, 2018 at 10:43 amHi! I’m currently working on this and so far, it’s looking great! But could you tell me what the finished size (length) is? I see you’ve listed it as 27.5″, but is that completely stretched out, or draped a bit? Mine is looking much longer than that and wanted to confirm. Thanks!