The Practi-cowl – Free Crochet Cowl Patten

For a while, I’ve wanted to make a cowl that sits round your neck as cosily as a scarf would but without the need for constant readjustment.

I also wanted something that would keep your shoulders cosy but that would still sit comfortably under a big coat or over a lighter jacket.

This hybrid of a roll neck / cowl / cape / poncho was what resulted from that wish list! I wanted to call it a  ‘cwape’ – can that be a thing? It sounds a little Welsh. I hope it doesn’t mean anything rude…

I ended up going for the ‘Paracti-cowl’ because I love a practical accessory which does what  it says on the tin. Function and form are my favourites!

This pattern is also available to purchase as a printable PDF download for a small fee from Ravelry, Love Crafts or Etsy.

This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click a link to a product and go on to make a purchase, I receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you. You can read my full affiliate disclosure here. 

Made with West Yorkshire Spinners Chunky Roving (part of this year’s yarndale haul) this is really warm and practical… and it’s not going to trail out the bottom of your car door (but I can’t promise you won’t spill soup down it)!

You can wear it poncho style or bring the fabric forward to drape over the chest like a more traditional cowl or scarf.

You can learn more about how cowls and snoods are constructed in this tutorial.

Materials

7mm Crochet Hook or size needed to match gauge.

West Yorkshire Spinners Re:treat 280m / 306yds / 2x100g balls in the shade called Mind.

Any other chunky  yarn of a similar weight which meets gauge can be used

Gauge

9sts x 9 rows in 10cm x 10cm of Crossed Half Double Crochet (see special stitches) using a 7mm hook or size needed to meet gauge.

Finished Size

The Approximate size around the neck is 40cm / 16in and around 106cm / 41in round the shoulders.

This cowl is designed for an adult but it is is fairly easy to adjust the size to fit if you are used to working in the round and increasing circles.

For a smaller or lager fit around the neck, decrease or increase the length of the foundation row, ensuring that you are using a multiple of 3 sts.  You will need to alter the number of times you repeat instructions between [brackets] to accommodate and the number of increase rows you work to ensure the shoulder fit.

If you want to make the cowl larger round the shoulders, continue the increase pattern to your desired size.

Stitches & Abbreviations (US Terms)

UK equivalent in brackets

• ch = Chain
• chdc = Crossed Half Double Crochet (see special stitches)
• fsc = Foundation single crochet (see special stitches)
• inc = increase (used to identify increase rounds)
• RS = Right Side
• sc = single crochet (UK double)
• ss = slip stitch
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• yo = yarn over

Special Stitches

Foundation Single Crochet (fsc)

Ch2, insert hook into 2nd chain from hook, yo and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook).  *Yo and pull through 1 loop (this creates the base stitch of the next fsc), yo and pull through 2 loops to complete the st.  To start the next st, insert the hook into the ‘v’ of the base stitch, yo and pull up a loop*.  Repeat from * for required number of sts.

You can find more details on foundation rows including a tutorial in the Crochet Resources Section of my website.

Crossed Half Double  (chdc)

Yo, insert hook into the same stitch you just worked into, yo, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), insert hook into the next st, yo, pull up a loop (4 loops on hook), yo, pull through all 4 loops.

To start the next stitch, yo and insert the hook into the second stitch you just worked into.

This stitch pattern is a bit like working overlapping half double crochet 2 together stitches so that you keep the stitch count constant.

Pattern Notes

• Numbers in brackets at the end of a round indicate the number of stitches in that round and are only given at the start of a section or where there is a change
• Unless otherwise indicated, stitches are worked in consecutive stitches
• Turning chains do not count as stitches
• Instructions  written between [these brackets] should be repeated the number of times indicated
• The cowl is made top down working in the round, joining each round with a ss and turning

The Practi-cowl Pattern

Round 1 (RS): 36fsc, join to top of first st with ss to make a loop, being careful not to twist your work, turn (36 sts)

Round 2-6: Ch2, starting in same st as turning chain (here and throughout), work 36chdc (see special stitches) around to the end, join to top of first st with ss, turn

Round 7 (inc): Ch2, [3chdc, 1hdc in same st as last chdc finished] 12 times, join to top of first st with ss, turn (48 sts)

Round 8 (inc): Ch2, [4chdc, 1hdc in same st as last chdc finished] 12 times, join to top of first st with ss, turn (60 sts)

Round 9: Ch2, work 60chdc around to the end, join to top of first st with ss, turn

Round 10 (inc): Ch2, [5chdc, 1hdc in same st as last chdc finished] 12 times, join to top of first st with ss, turn (72 sts)

Round 11 (inc): Ch2, [6chdc, 1hdc in same st as last chdc finished] 12 times, join to top of first st with ss, turn (84 sts)

Round 12: Ch2, work 84chdc around to the end, join to top off first st with ss, turn

Round 13 (inc): Ch2, [7chdc, 1hdc in same st as last chdc finished] 12 times, join to top of first st with ss, turn (96 sts)

Round 14-24: Ch2, work 96chdc around to the end, join to top of first st with ss, turn

Fasten off, sew in ends

I hope you enjoy this pattern and, as always don’t forget to share using the buttons below or tag me on Instagram @doraexplored, or use #hookmehappy. I’d love to see and share your efforts!

Happy hooking

Dx

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