August 13, 2023

A Free, Easy Crochet Cowl Pattern: Learn the Granny Stitch

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If you’re a crocheter looking for some inspiration, why not try this free, easy crochet cowl pattern? It is perfect for all of the females in your family as it comes in 4 sizes from age 2 to adult!

Fall is just around the corner here, and with it comes the chance to channel your creative energy into autumnal projects that keep you looking stylish and feeling comfortable no matter what life throws at you.

Granny’s Cowl crochet pattern is perfect for any level of experience as all you need to know is the granny stitch. Plus, since it works up quickly using 3 weight (DK) yarns, you’ll be able to make enough cowls to donate or gift in no time!

Whether you want to keep the chill off while out running errands or if browsing through art galleries is more your speed – these versatile accessories can easily fit in with any style!

So don’t delay; grab your hook and yarn and get ready to start making your own cowl today.

Please note: this post may contain affiliate links at no extra cost to you but if you use them I may get a small commission for the referral!

Inspiration behind the design

If you’re new to crochet or just looking for a quick and easy project, I wanted to create the perfect cowl pattern for you. This beginner-friendly pattern uses the classic granny stitch and is perfect for using up those odd skeins of yarn that you may have lying around. And the best part? Once you get the hang of the stitch, you can whip up this cowl while catching up on your favourite show.

Of course, August 15th is Granny Square Day – how could I not release a pattern that has the granny stitch in it today?! It also inspired the name … Granny’s Cowl (I know, it’s not hugely original buy hey-ho!)

Not only is it a fun and relaxing project to work on, but it’s also practical and stylish. Perfect for those chilly days when you want to add a pop of color to your outfit. So grab your hook and let’s get crocheting!

This crochet cowl pattern uses the easy and recognisable granny stitch for the majority of it. Edged with a little bit of filet crochet it looks fabulous.

Construction of the Granny Cowl design

For this design we are working in rounds so there is no seaming to finish off the project!

We start and end the cowl with a simple DC and CH section that helps to frame the granny stitch portion perfectly. It works so well in this design!

However, the majority of this crochet cowl pattern is centred around the granny stitch, which is an instantly recognisable icon of the crochet world. It proves that the granny stitch just not just belong in the 1970’s – there is most definitely a place for it today too!

This free and easy crochet cowl pattern proves that the granny stitch can look elegant, modern and timeless!

The Yarn

I designed this particular cowl pattern with #3 weight (DK) yarn and used less than a skein of lion brand Mandala yarn in shade Valkyrie.

Lion Brand Mandala yarn is 100% acrylic and contains 590yds / 540m in a 200g skein, making it very affordable.

You can use any #3 weight yarn for this project. However, if you are looking for a substitute I would recommend you consider:

Paintbox Simply DK – 100g skeins, 100% acrylic, 302 yds / 276m per skein
Stylecraft Special Double Knit – 100g skeins, 100% acrylic, 322yds / 295m per skein

Equally, you could go for a cotton or cotton blend yarn such as Stylecraft Naturals Cotton and Bamboo mix, or a linen blend yarn.

Vintage feel

I decided to make another Granny’s cowl in some vintage colours. I needed a project to take to my daughter’s swim lesson and this one took my fancy! And I just love the way it turned out! I used stylecraft heathers dk for this version.

Isn’t it fabulous how the use of colour can make a pattern look and feel so different?

Fall Bliss Event:

this pattern did feature in the Fall Bliss event in November 2023. Unfortunately you can no longer access the free pdf pattern for this one. But the bundle is still available.

It is $13.99 for 32 fantastic patterns – that works out at less than $0.44 per pattern! Not only does it save you having to remember to get the pattern each day, but you can get started on your favourites now! If you are interested in checking out the bundle click the button below

Get the PDF pattern!

You can find the ad-free PDF Pattern for this one in all of my shops:

Tester Appreciation:

Look at the fantastic job that my testers did with this pattern! Whether you use solids, a cake yarn or variegated yarns this pattern looks just stunning!

Alison used King Cole Beaches in lovely blue and grey tones for her cowl when she tested this crochet pattern for me and it looks so elegant and stunning! — Ladnercrafts used King Cole Beaches for her version!

This photo shows how Granny's Cowl Crochet Pattern works up when you change the colour yarn every round of granny stitches. — Ladnercrafts used King Cole Beaches for her version!

The cowl pattern specifics:

Materials:

·       #3 weight yarn of your choosing – you will need approx. 150 yards for the smallest version and 230 yards for the largest.
·       4mm hook
·       Stitch markers (optional)
·       Scissors
·       Tapestry needle

Gauge:

9 dc sts wide = 2”. Height is not important as you repeat the rows until it is almost as tall as desired.

Sizing:

This pattern is written for several sizes. It is designed to be a wee bit more snug around the neck. Note the dimensions below are approximate.

Age 2-3 – 21” circumference

Age 4-10 – 25” circumference

Teen – 27” circumference

Adult – 29” circumference

Abbreviations used:

·       CH(s) – chain(s)
·       St(s) – stitch(es)
·       Rep – repeat
·       Sk – skip
·       Fsc –  foundation single crochet
·       SC  –  single crochet
·       DC – double crochet
·       SS – slip stitch
·       YO – yarn over
·       FO – fasten off

Other notes:

·       Written in US terms.
·       CH1 stitches at the beginning do not count as a st unless otherwise stated.
·       CH 3 at the beginning of the round does count as a st.
·       The stitch count remains the same for each row.
·       This pattern is worked in rounds – only round 5 or it’s repeats require you to turn your work.
·       Where pattern is different per size this will be shown as 2-3 (4-10 / teen / adult).

Granny’s Cowl Crochet Pattern:

** This is a free crochet cowl pattern on the SunflowerCottageCrochet.com blog. Please do not copy and paste any part of it or print this pattern out. Please bookmark this page and use the website to work up your pattern. This helps my small business greatly as it provides a little bit of ad revenue which will in turn will allow me to continue to create free content for you!**

Round 1: Fsc 96 (114 / 126 / 138)

CH 97 (115 / 127 / 139), work a sc into second CH from hook and each CH across. Without twisting your chain, SS to join. (96 / 114 / 126 / 138)

Round 2: CH4 (counts as a DC, CH1), sk next st, *DC in next st, CH1, sk next st. Rep from * around.

SS to the third of your starting CHs to join.

Note: on this round each CH1 space counts as a stitch. (96 / 114 / 126 / 138)

Round 3: CH1 (does not count as a st), SC in each DC and CH1 sp around. SS to join.

(96 / 114 / 126 / 138)

Round 4: CH3 (counts as a st), 2 DC in same st, sk2 sts, *3 DC in next st, sk 2. Rep from * around. SS to join. (96 / 114 / 126 / 138)

Round 5: CH3 (counts as a st), Turn, work 2 DC in the gap between the first and second sets of 3 DC from the row below, *work 3 DC in the next gap. Rep from * around. SS to join. (96 / 114 / 126 / 138)

Rounds 6 – 17 (21/26/29): Rep round 5.

Round 18 (22/27/30): CH1 (does not count as a st) SC in each st around. SS to join. (96 / 114 / 126 / 138)

Round 19 (23/28/31): CH4 (counts as a DC, CH1), sk next st, *DC in next st, CH1, sk next st. Rep from * around.

Note: on this round your CH1 spaces count as a stitch. (96 / 114 / 126 / 138)

Round 20 (24/29/32): CH1 (does not count as a st) SC in each st around. SS to join. (96 / 114 / 126 / 138)

FO and weave in ends.