The Perfect Fall Accessory: Free Crochet Cowl Pattern
Introducing the Pomander Cowl – the perfect fall accessory that will keep you cozy and stylish as the temperatures drop! This free crochet cowl pattern is designed with versatility in mind, offering sizes from child to adult and adaptable for three different yarn weights. Whether you prefer a lightweight cowl for those crisp autumn mornings or a bulkier option for maximum warmth, this pattern has you covered. Best of all, it’s a quick and satisfying project, perfect for crocheters of all skill levels.
Part of my growing Pomander collection, which already includes a scarf and mug rug / coaster, this new cowl design blends beautifully with the textures and themes of the previous pieces. The collection is inspired by the warmth and coziness of fall, combining subtle yet intricate stitches that are fun to crochet and create a polished look. And if you’re as obsessed with home décor as I am, keep an eye out for the matching table runner and placemats coming soon to complete your Pomander-themed space!
Ready to start your next project? Grab your hook and yarn, and let’s dive into this free crochet cowl pattern. Whether you’re crafting for yourself or creating gifts for family and friends, the Pomander Cowl is sure to become a favorite fall staple in your wardrobe!
Please note, this post may contain affiliate links – should you purchase anything using my affiliate link I may get a small commission at no extra cost to yourself!
Inspiration behind the design
The inspiration for the Pomander Cowl came from a moment of reflection as I was reviewing some of my older crochet patterns. I came across the Pomander Scarf, and it reminded me just how much I enjoyed creating that design, particularly the unique stitch combination. That sparked the idea for the Pomander Mug Rug, which was such a fun and satisfying project to work on. Revisiting these patterns reignited my love for the textures and the cozy fall vibes that these pieces evoke, and I knew right then that I wanted to expand the collection further.
Fall 2024 felt like the perfect time to bring this vision to life, and the Pomander Cowl is the next piece in this growing collection. It continues the theme of warmth, comfort, and versatility that runs throughout the Pomander series. I can’t wait to share more of what’s in store for this collection in the coming weeks!
Construction of the design
The Pomander Cowl is constructed in the round, featuring the same stitch combination that has become a signature of the Pomander Collection. Using extended half double crochets (US terms) and the crossed double crochet (or X stitch), this design creates a beautiful texture with plenty of visual interest. The rounds are worked seamlessly, with each one joined using a slip stitch for a polished, professional finish.
One of the highlights of this free crochet cowl pattern is its adaptability. Whether you prefer a lightweight yarn (3 weight / DK) for a more delicate drape or a chunky yarn for maximum warmth, the Pomander Cowl looks stunning in any yarn weight.
The stitch pattern really shines no matter what, maintaining the same cozy, textured feel that defines the Pomander patterns.
The Yarn
For the Pomander Cowl, you have the flexibility to choose from three different yarn weights: #3 weight (DK), #4 weight (Aran), or #5 weight (Chunky). This makes it easy to customize based on what you have in your stash or the kind of look and feel you’re going for.
Personally, I used Paintbox Yarns for my versions, mainly because I have a variety of it in different yarn weights. Paintbox Yarns are 100% acrylic, and I love how well they wash and maintain their appearance over time. Plus, they come in such a wide range of colors, making it a breeze to create the perfect fall accessory!
That said, the beauty of the Pomander Cowl is its versatility. You can truly use whatever yarn you have on hand, whether it’s cotton for a lighter feel, wool or alpaca for added warmth, or even cake and variegated yarns for a splash of color. The stitch pattern will shine no matter what fiber you choose, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your yarn selection. The world is your oyster with this one!
Get the PDF pattern!
You can find the ad-free PDF Pattern for this one in all of my shops:
Tester Appreciation:
Once again I had some amazing testers for this pattern! They had fun playing with changing yarn fibres and colours and also using a cake yarn. Both look fabulous!
The free crochet cowl pattern specifics:
Materials:
| – Any 3, 4 OR 5 weight yarn of your choosing – for approximate yardage see sizing chart below. – For 5 weight (chunky) adult version I used King Cole Timeless Chunky (2 skeins) – For 4 weight (aran) adult version I used less than 2 skeins of paintbox simply aran – For 3 weight (DK) adult version I used 432 yards of paintbox yarns Simply DK – 4, 5 or 6 mm hook (depending on yarn weight used) – Scissors – Tapestry Needle – Stitch Markers optional to mark first or last stitch of the row. |
Gauge:
| In 5 weight yarn and 6mm hook – 6 sts and 4 rows of pattern repeat in 2” In 4 weight yarn and 5mm hook – 8 sts and 5 rows of pattern repeat in 2” In 3 weight yarn and 4mm hook – 10 sts and 6 rows of pattern repeat in 2” |
Sizing:
This pattern is written for 4 sizes in each of the 3 yarn weights. Regardless of what weight yarn and hook size you use, your cowl will be approximately
| Cowl | ||
| Age | Circumference | Height |
| 2-3 | 25″ | 9″ |
| 4-10 | 30″ | 10.5″ |
| teen | 32″ | 12″ |
| adult | 35″ | 13.5″ |
Abbreviations used:
| Ch(s)–chain(s) St(s)–stitch(es) Rep–repeat Alt dc – alternate double crochet XS – Cross stitch sc–single crochet ss–slip stitch sk – skip ehdc – extended half double crochet fhdc – Foundation half double crochet *to* – repeat between the * and * FO—fasten off YO—yarn over |
Other notes:
| Written in US terms. · Cowl is worked in rounds. · You will turn at the end of each round. · Your slip stitch never counts as a stitch. · To amend the length of your cowl adjust your starting row by multiples of 2 stitches. · There is no right and wrong side to this pattern. · Please read row 1 closely and establish which version you need to be following (it is based on your chosen yarn weight). · Where sizes differ for each yarn weight these will be identified as 2-3 (4-10, teen, adult) within the pattern e.g. Ch 62 (78, 86, 99) · Stitch counts will remain the same throughout the pattern and will only be referenced at the end of row 1. |
Special Stitches used in this free crochet cowl pattern:
Alternate double crochet (alt dc) – sc in the first st, yo and pull through (creating a sc and a chain which counts as one st).
Cross Stitch (X st)– this is worked across 2 stitches. *sk one st, dc into next st. Working into missed st and behind the dc you have just made, dc in the missed st.*
You can find my tutorial for the X st at https://youtu.be/fT5lUQ0rI1M
Extended half double crochet (ehdc) – YO, insert hook into next st, YO and pull through, YO and pull through one loop on your hook, YO and pull through 3 hoops on hook.
Foundation half doubles crochet (fhdc) –
You will find the foundation hdc at 14:22 into these videos:
Right-handed video tutorial –
Left-handed tutorial – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqkTFzCja-A&t=347s
I find this has a more aesthetically pleasing finish than the chain start to projects.
The Free Pomander Cowl Crochet Pattern:
** This is a free pattern on the SunflowerCottageCrochet.com blog. If you are reading this anywhere else it is stolen content. 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:
If you are using 5 weight yarn and 6mm hook:
Ch 75 (91, 97, 107) and hdc in second ch from hook and each ch across (74 (90, 96, 106)) OR Fhdc 74 (90, 96, 106) SS to join
If you are using 4 weight yarn and 5mm hook:
Ch 101 (121, 129, 141) and hdc in second ch from hook and each ch across (100 (120, 128, 140)) OR Fhdc 100 (120, 128, 140) SS to join
If you are using 3 weight yarn and 4mm hook:
Ch 125 (151, 161, 175) and hdc in second ch from hook and each ch across (124 (150, 160, 174)) OR Fhdc 124 (150, 160, 174) SS to join
For all yarn weights and sizes:
Round 2: Turn, Ch2 (doesn’t count as a st), *sk 1 st, dc in next, dc into skipped stitch (X st completed).* Rep from * to * around. SS to top of first dc made to join.
Round 3: Turn, Alt dc in first st, ehdc in each stitch around. SS to join to top of alt dc.
Round 4: Rep row 3.
Rounds 5-on: Rep rows 2-4 making sure to end with a row 2, until your work is almost 9” (10.5”, 12”, 13.5”) tall.
Round 6: Turn, ch1, hdc in first st and each st across. SS to join to top of first hdc of the round.
FO and weave in ends.
Don’t forget to tag me in your Pomander cowl makes on Facebook and Instagram.
This pattern featured in:
The Awesome Autumn Event by Straight Hooked in September 2024.
