Crochet, Free Patterns, Projects

Easy & Quick Crochet Cowl Pattern

I wanted to write a pattern for the perfect cowl I could toss on for brisk fall mornings. Not something as intense as the chunky knit cowl pattern I use when it’s snowing, just something that would keep out the whippy morning wind.

Crochet Scarf Pattern
Crochet Scarf Pattern

This easy and quick crochet cowl works up in a snap with bulky yarn and a size N crochet hook. It’s pretty easy and the result is a semi-open weave cowl to top off your I-refuse-to-admit-it’s-winter-so-all-I-will-wear-is-a-cardigan look. (It’s ok, we’ve all been there.) It’s functional without being over the top.

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Easy & Quick Crochet Cowl Pattern

Materials: 

  • Size N (10mm) Crochet Hook
  • 1.5 Skeins of Lionbrand Wool-Ease Chunky Thick & Quick (or 150 yards of any “Size 6” – super bulky weight yarn or roving)

Finished Size: 31 inches long; 8 inches wide

Special Stitches

3-DC Cluster: Also known as DC3tog. *YO, insert hook into stitch. YO, pull up a loop. YO, pull through 2 loops. Two loops on hook. * Repeat from * to * twice more until there are four loops on hook. YO, pull through all loops on hook.

Directions

Chain 49. Join with slip stitch to form ring. Cowl is worked in the round.

Round 1: Ch 1, sc in each stitch around. Join round with sl st into first ch-1. (49 sc)

Round 2: Ch 2, counts as first DC in 3-DC cluster. DC2tog in same stitch to complete first 3-DC cluster. *Chain 1, skip next stitch. Work 3-DC cluster in next stitch.* Repeat instructions from * to * around for the rest of the round. Join round with sl st into first cluster. (24 clusters)

Round 3: Ch 2, counts as first DC in 3-DC cluster. DC2tog in same stitch to complete first 3-DC cluster. *Chain 1, skip next ch-1 space. Work 3-DC cluster in next st (which is the 3-DC cluster of the previous round).* Repeat instructions from * to * around for the rest of the round. Join round with sl st into first cluster. (24 clusters)

Rounds 4 – 7: Repeat Round 3

Round 8: Ch 1, sc in east stitch around. (49 sc)

Fasten off

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Easy Crochet Cowl Pattern
Easy Crochet Cowl Pattern
Crochet, Projects

Crochet Cowl Pattern

Crochet cowl patterns come in all sorts and sizes, and I don’t have to tell you what everyone knows – cowls make the perfect fall accessories.

I love cowls and I’ve designed a couple crochet cowl patterns that I offer on my blog.  But why stop there?  I’ve also scoured the internet for other patterns so you can have your fill of crocheted cowls – choose whichever style suits your fancy.  Get out those crochet hooks and enjoy!  Click on any picture to access the free crochet cowl pattern.

Crochet Cowl Patterns

Cardiff Crochet Cowl from Lionbrand.  Photo By: Bethany – http://www.ravelry.com/people/darklykawaii
Bellyflower Infinity Scarf by Caron
Chunky Circle Scarf by Lindsi
Chunky Circle Scarf by Lindsi
Candy Color Ripple Cowl by Lionbrand
Here Comes Trebel by This Is Knit
Convertible Cowl by The Crimson Owl
Crochet Cowl Pattern – JJCrochet

Posting this was not a good idea.  I’m looking over at the skeins of chunky yarn next to my closet and thinking I just might have to go crochet one now, woops. Which cowl pattern is your favorite?

Crochet, Free Patterns

Free Crochet Cowl Pattern – Short Version

This is the hippest, warmest crochet cowl to beat the winter wind (and one of my go-to favorite patterns).  Show the cold weather who’s boss with this infinity crochet cowl pattern! It works up quickly and only takes 1 skein of super chunky yarn.

Short Chunky Cowl Pattern
Short Chunky Cowl Pattern

Short Crochet Cowl Pattern with Infinity Loop

Materials

Special Crochet Stitches

**Note: If the foundation chain or herringbone half double crochet scares you, just work regular chain and half double-crochet stitches.  Your cowl will turn out the same.

FCH – Foundation Chain (or single crochet): Chain 2. Insert hook in the first of two chains.  Yarn over, draw through loop (chain stitch just created). Yarn over, pull through two loops on hook. (Single crochet created). You now have two fch completed. *Insert hook in upper loop of stitch just created. Yarn over, draw through loop. Yarn over, pull through two loops on hook.* Three fch completed. Repeat from * to *across for desired number of chain stitches.

HHDC – Herringbone Half Double Crochet. Yarn over, insert hook in next stitch. Yarn over, pull through two loops on hook. (This will be a little awkward, but it’s correct. You might have to use your left thumb and forefinger to really hold the stitches so you can pull through both of them.) Yarn over, pull through two loops on hook.

Crochet Pattern

FCH 46.  Do not join

Round 1: Chain 2 (counts as first HHDC now and throughout).  HHDC in each stitch across. (46 HHDC)

Round 2: Chain 2, turn.  HHDC in the BACK LOOP ONLY of each stitch across. (46 HHDC)  Working in the back loops only creates a slight ribbed effect.

Repeat Round 2 seven more times for a total of 9 rounds.

Fasten off, leaving a 12 inch tail.  Lay piece flat in a long rectangle.  Grabbing either end, bring short sides together.  Add a twist by flipping the right side once.  Match up sides and whip stitch together.  Weave in ends.

To create the infinity loop, instead of sewing the sides of your cowl together like this like you normally would:

Right Side           Left Side

A                              A

B                               B

You should sew them together like this:

Right Side           Left Side

A                                B

B                                A

Make a cowl for your sister, keep one for yourself, or give it as a gift to your coworker.  However you use it, enjoy your crochet cowl with this free pattern and spread the love!If you’d like to make a longer infinity crochet cowl, check out this crochet cowl scarf pattern here.

Crochet, Free Patterns, Projects

Crochet Cowl Pattern with Infinity Loop – Free Pattern

This chunky crochet cowl with an infinity loop is perfect for winter and as an added bonus, it crochets up fast.  It’d be the perfect last minute gift or a sweet winter treat for yourself.  Crochet cowl can be worn loose and long or wrapped around your neck twice to keep the winter breeze out.  If you’re looking for a smaller crochet cowl, check out this other free chunky cowl crochet pattern here: Heath & Heather.


Materials

Special Stitches

FCH – Foundation Chain (or single crochet): Chain 2. Insert hook in the first of two chains.  Yarn over, draw through loop (chain stitch just created). Yarn over, pull through two loops on hook. (Single crochet created). You now have two fch completed. *Insert hook in upper loop of stitch just created. Yarn over, draw through loop. Yarn over, pull through two loops on hook.* Three fch completed. Repeat from * to *across for desired number of chain stitches.

HHDC – Herringbone Half Double Crochet. Yarn over, insert hook in next stitch. Yarn over, pull through two loops on hook. (This will be a little awkward, but it’s correct. You might have to use your left thumb and forefinger to really hold the stitches so you can pull through both of them.) Yarn over, pull through two loops on hook.

Directions

FCH 77. Do not join.  [If the foundation chain scares you, just do a regular chain – it won’t make that much difference in your cowl!]

Round 1: Chain 2 (counts as first HHDC now and throughout).  HHDC in each stitch across. (77 HHDC)

Round 2: Chain 2, turn.  HHDC in the BACK LOOP ONLY of each stitch across. (77 HHDC)  Working in the back loops only creates a slight ribbed effect.

Repeat Round 2 seven more times.

Fasten off, leaving a 12 inch tail.  Lay piece flat in a long rectangle.  Grabbing either end, bring short sides together.  Add a twist by flipping the right side once.  Match up sides and whip stitch together.  Weave in ends.

____________

To create the infinity loop, Instead of sewing the sides of your cowl together like this:

Right Side           Left Side

A                              A

B                               B

You should sew them together like this:

Right Side           Left Side

A                                B

B                                A

That’s it – your crochet cowl is finished! Show off your new crochet cowl in JJCrochet’s Customer Gallery or post your project on Ravelry.

Crochet Cowl Pattern
Crochet Cowl Pattern



Crochet, Free Patterns, Projects

Free Chunky Crochet Cowl Pattern

Crocheted and Knitted Cowls are big and chunky and warm and totally IN this winter.  Why not make your own with our free crocheted cowl pattern?  This particular crocheted cowl is worked in a flat rectangle then whip stitched together, but you can easily work it in the round.

Free Crochet Cowl Pattern

Materials

Special Stitches

FCH – Foundation Chain (or single crochet): Chain 2. Insert hook in the first of two chains.  Yarn over, draw through loop (chain stitch just created). Yarn over, pull through two loops on hook. (Single crochet created). You now have two fch completed. *Insert hook in upper loop of stitch just created. Yarn over, draw through loop. Yarn over, pull through two loops on hook.* Three fch completed. Repeat from * to *across for desired number of chain stitches.

HHDC – Herringbone Half Double Crochet. Yarn over, insert hook in next stitch. Yarn over, pull through two loops on hook. (This will be a little awkward, but it’s correct. You might have to use your left thumb and forefinger to really hold the stitches so you can pull through both of them.) Yarn over, pull through two loops on hook.

Directions

FCH 45. (If you can’t quite get the foundation chain, don’t panic!  You can do a regular chain 45 and still be fine.  A FCH just creates a stretchier base which will be better for your cowl, but either works!)

Round 1: Chain 2 (counts as first HHDC now and throughout).  HHDC in each stitch across. (45 HHDC)

Round 2: Chain 2, turn.  HHDC in the BACK LOOP ONLY of each stitch across. (45 HHDC)

Repeat Round 2 nine more times or until yarn ends.

Fasten off, leaving a 12″ tail to sew ends together.  Match short ends of rectangle and whip stitch together.  Weave in ends.

You’re finished!

Crochet Cowl Pattern - JJCrochet

Crochet, Free Pattern Friday, Free Patterns

Chevron Crochet Cowl Free Pattern

Keeping good on my promise from JJCrochet’s Facebook page to share the pattern, I pulled out my notes and here you have it: a free crochet pattern for a  chevron cowl.  I’ve been obsessed with chevron/ zig-zag prints and made a cute chevron hat last night.  I’m still working out the kinks of the pattern, but will hopefully have that finished soon.

Crochet Ripple Chevron Cowl Pattern

Crochet Chevron Cowl Pattern

Materials

  • Size H (5.0mm) crochet hook
  • Worsted weight yarn (I used my go-to favorite, Vanna’s Choice)

Finished Size

6 inches wide; 31 inches around.

To make cowl larger or smaller, work in multiples of 12. Cowl is worked in flat, then sewn together using the infinity loop method.

Instructions

Chain 84 +2  (Extra chain 2 counts as first Dc).

Row 1: Skip 2 chain, Dc in next 3 chains. *2 Dc in next chain, 2 dc in next chain.  Dc in next 4 chain.  Dc2tog, dc2tog.  Dc in next 4 chain.* [<–Repeat is worked across 10 stitches]. Repeat from * to * around, ending with 1 Dc. Chain 2, turn. (82 stitches)

Row 2: Working in back loops only (blo), Dc in first 3 chains.  *2 Dc in next chain, 2 dc in next chain.  Dc in next 4 chain.  Dc2tog, dc2tog.  Dc in next 4 chain.*  Repeat from * to * around, ending with 1 dc.  Chain 2, turn (82 stitches)

Repeat Row 2 seven more times until you have a total of 9 rows.

Using the infinity loop method, twist ends of cowl before sewing together.  Using this method will put a half-twist in your cowl and allow it to lie flat.

Crochet Chevron Pattern

Crochet Ripple Chevron Pattern

Also, this was very unintentional, but I am about to leave for a long weekend and took a day off of work soooo this is a throw back to “Free Pattern Friday“.  (For those who weren’t around last summer, every Friday, I would post–you guessed it–a free pattern.)  Coming full circle – love it.

Make sure to share it if you like it!

Crochet, Free Patterns, Knitting, Projects

Easy Crochet & Knit Christmas Gifts

There’s nothing better than a handmade gift. It’s personalized, thoughtful and often cheaper than buying from a store. Christmas is the perfect time to delve into your stash and whip up a gift–or two!–for the special people in your life.

I picked these six projects because they’re great last-minute gifts. Some work up in less than an hour and none take longer than a few hours to knit or crochet. Most are also one-skein projects.

Free Patterns clockwise, starting from top left corner:

  1. Canvas Crochet Hat + Flower – Works up in just 10 rounds, single skein project. I make this one on repeat all year.
  2. Infinity Knit CowlKnit on big needles, textured and works up quickly. 1.5 skein project, only knitted project in the group.
  3. Snowbird Crochet Hat Pattern – Warm and textured with a ribbed crochet brim and finished with a pom-pom. (Learn how to make your own DIY pom!) I crochet this hat for close friends – the pom makes it a crowd favorite and my most requested style.
  4. Simple Men’s Crochet Hat Pattern with Roll-Up Brim – Perfect for men, though unisex. Squishy, textured and worked vertically, then sewn together at the side.
  5. Baby Crochet Hats – Great for beginners! Uses 50 yards and works up in less than an hour. Can be made with or without a rolled brim. Play around with colors and stripes to make hats for boy or girls.
  6. Short Crocheted Infinity Cowl – Wraps once around your neck for all the warmth without the bulk. One skein project and easy for beginners, would be great for a teacher or coworker.

Each project (except the baby hats) use Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick. If you read my blog, you know it’s some of my favvvorite yarn. Squishy, thick and comes in rich hues. Every Black Friday, my sister and I trek to Michael’s and buy no fewer than 50 skeins – enough to last the winter… and then some.

If you don’t have Super Bulky (6 weight) yarn, you could always use two strands of worsted weight held together and see if that gives you the right thickness. Then again, it’s Christmas so it’s ok to splurge on nice yarn. You’re investing lots of time into making hand-knit or hand-crocheted gifts and your friends and family deserve the best!

Do you have go-to projects when you need a quick gift? Share your last-minute crochet and knit gift patterns in the comments. I’d love to see what you’re working up this year.

Cheers, Warm Hugs & Merry Christmas!

<3 Jayna

Crochet, Knitting

Knitting vs. Crocheting: Which is Better? Which is Harder?

Crocheting (left) vs. Knitting (right)
Crocheting (left) vs. Knitting (right)

Knitting vs. Crocheting

Knitting and crocheting are similar, yet different.

Both crafts use yarn to make items, but knitting is done with two knitting needles and the stitches are loops. Crocheting, on the other hand, is done with just one crochet hook and the stitches resemble small knots.

The resulting projects look different, too.

Knitting can be easier to learn because only two stitches are used: the knit stitch and purl stitch. It’s a very logical craft – knitters move stitches from one needle to the other, then back again. The loops remain on the needles which makes for very organized projects. Stitches look like straight lines or little V’s.

Crochet stitches build from each other and range from very short and small (chain stitch) to very tall and twisty (triple crochet). In between are other stitches, the most common crochet stitches being the single crochet and double crochet. Stitches are bumpier and more textured.

Crocheting (left) vs. Knitting (right)
Comparing Crocheting (left) vs. Knitting (right)

Knitting is great for items that need delicate stitches such as soft sweaters or fluffy cowls. Crocheting is perfect for when bulkier stitches are needed – hats, scarves or dishtowels.

You’ll also notice there is a bit of a stigma sometimes associated with crocheters. The more traditional of the two is knitting. Think of the old pamphlets published with instructions on how to make a sweater for the wintery coasts in the UK. Chances are, those patterns are for knitted cardigans.


Knitting is your craft if you:

  • Have patience – Knitting projects can take more time and be more detailed (the stitches are also smaller!)
  • Want to save money (but only to buy expensive yarn). Crochet projects, believe it or not, take a third more yarn
  • Prefer logical projects and directions
  • Want to enjoy an extensive library of patterns – knitting patterns can be more popular and more readily available than crochet patterns
  • What you’ll need: yarn + knitting needles (size 11 for beginners)

Crochet is your craft if: 

  • Quick projects excite you (bigger stitches = projects work up faster)
  • You aren’t afraid of making mistakes – it’s easier to rip out work or fix a mixed stitch
  • Your mind works spatially – you like going up, down and around or over
  • You’re creative – crochet patterns can be scarcer to find and you might have to forge your own path
  • What you’ll need: “normal sized” yarn called worsted weight + a crochet needle (size H is good for beginners)

I learned to crochet when I was 8 so it’s my first love and I’m obviously biased, but knitting is a close second. If you’re adventurous, I’d recommend trying both crafts and seeing what you like.

I’ve taught both crafts to friends and it seems to be an individual basis of what is easier or harder – some people hate the structured stitches of knitting, while others find crocheting too cumbersome and need boundaries.

If I had to recommend just one, I’d recommend knitting since it tends to be easier for people to pick up quickly.

Advanced crafters may have some level of knowledge between crocheting and knitting and can easily add a crocheted border around a knit cardigan, for example. Learning both will enable you to be more versatile and choose whichever you’re in the mood for (and which one best suits your project needs).

Either way, you can’t go wrong! Which one have you tried?

For 8 reasons why crochet is better than knitting, read here.


Crochet, Free Patterns

Crochet Christmas Gifts & Last Minute Projects

It’s nearly Christmas. Months ago, when the sun was still shining and tan lines were your largest concern, you had grand plans of hand-crocheting presents for everyone on your list. Was it ambitious? Sure, but you’d have a plan and plenty of time to stitch.

crochet-christmas-gifts

And yet, here we are.

We’re days away from the big day and you need projects–completed projects. We’ve all been there and there’s still hope! Here are some of my favorite crocheted Christmas gifts.

They’re quick, they’re customizable and they’re easy for beginners. Most will take an hour or less to work up. So grab your hooks, go through your stash and cross off that Christmas gift list!

For the Friend

For the Coworker

For the Sister-In-Law

For the New Mom

For Anyone

Crochet, Knitting, Projects

Katniss Vest/Cowl from Catching Fire

They say books are better than movies, and I’d agree. But I’ll be the first to admit:  when reading the Hunger Games trilogy, I never would have dreampt up this knit vest deign Katniss wears in Catching Fire.

katniss-cowl-vest


I was recently commissioned by a friend to make the “Huntress Vest” Katniss wore for a brief second. The part-cowl, part-vest was only in one scene, but crocheters and knitters were quick to draft patterns to replicate the design. Depending on the look you want, you can find free and paid patterns for Katniss’ vest on Etsy and Ravelry,

My friend thought his wife would like this chunky version of the cowl by TwoOfWands.  It was made in my favorite yarn (Lionbrand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick) so I was looking forward to the project. I mean let’s be real, who wouldn’t want to look like Katniss?

Crochet Katniss Vest
Channeling Katniss with a side-braid… Not my best look.

Katniss Cowl Back
Open on the left side; arm hole on the right.

Crochet Katniss Vest
Knit panel over the right shoulder; the rest of the cowl is crocheted.

This pattern is clearly written and was a fun project amidst the many Christmas projects I had going on. It’s 4 parts crochet and 1 part knit; the chunky yarn helps it work up quickly. It’s made in 5 separate pieces which makes the construction a little tricky and since it’s not a normal sweater or vest, I needed a couple tries to piece it together. Does it swoop left then right or right then left?

Project Details: 

  • Pattern ($5): Katniss Cowl by TwoOfWands on Etsy
  • Yarn: 4 skeins of Lionbrand Wool Ease Thick & Quick in Grey Marble
  • Needles/Hooks: Size US 19 knitting needles and P and J crochet hooks
  • Size: One size fits all; larger than Katniss’ original cowl
  • Modifications: Used seed stitch for the knit panel instead of the pattern instructions; found I liked it better than the chevron pattern that was called for
  • Favorite part: The wonderfully big cowl neck
  • Odd elements: Working two separate panels for the main “swoop” piece when I thought one would have worked. Also using single crochet to seam the pieces together rather than stitching them with a darning needle. It makes the seams visible which is a ‘look’, but I’m not sure it would have been my first choice.
  • Make again: For sure! Like the pattern and the detailed instructions

Knit Katniss Vest Cowl

During the brief time I had the cowl/vest on to take pictures, I realized just how warm it was. I’m sure my friend’s wife will like it. Down with the Capital… Katniss and Peeta forever.

Crochet, Projects, Videos

Crochet Instructional Videos – FCH and HHDC

I thought I’d make some crochet video tutorials today, because – well, why not. Hopefully, my free crochet patterns have introduced you to two new stitches: the foundation chain (FCH) and herringbone half double crochet (HHDC).

These two stitches are the secret jewels of the crochet world.

You might think you know it all with your double crochets and slip stitches, but I urge you to at least give these two stitches a chance.  It’s rare to find a pattern that calls for a FCH, but once you’ve learned how to do it, you’ll be surprised that you’ll start swapping out a normal chain in favor of a FCH. Being able to adapt crochet patterns to make them better is the sign of an advanced, innovative crocheter.  Welcome.

The FCH can replace beginning chains in a project.  It’s best used when you need a “stretchy” edge, such as the beginning row of a scarf.  The HHDC, on the other hand, is the love child  if a double crochet and half double crochet got a little cuddly one night.  I use this when stitch when I want some nice texture and tighter stitches than I’d get when working in double crochets.

If you’ve made it this far in the post, you are probably a crochet lover/nerd so congrats!  Watch these two short videos and then try your hand at the FCH and HHDC.  Here’s a great pattern that uses both of these two stitches in case you’d like to start working on something fun and quick: Crochet Cowl with Infinity Loop.  I promise you’ll love it.

Free Patterns

Free Crochet Patterns

JJCrochet offers free crochet patterns for beginners to intermediate hookers. Find crochet patterns for baby hats, chunky cowls, men’s hats and more.

Click on each picture below to view the free crochet pattern or knit pattern.

Men's Free Crochet Hat PatternGirl's Crocheted Valentine's Day Hat

 

Easy Men's Crochet Hat Pattern

Crochet Flower Pattern

 

 

Chunky Knit Cowl Pattern