Learn how to crochet this sophisticated cowl neck scarf with just one skein of cozy, chunky yarn. The herringbone single crochet stitch gives this crochet cowl pattern a gorgeous texture that almost looks like knitting.

a green crochet cowl in the herringbone single crochet stitch pattern

Crochet cowls are the perfect cold-weather accessory to make this fall. You can pair the finished scarf with your favorite jean jacket or winter coat.

At first glance, you might think this crochet cowl pattern looks complicated, but it’s actually quite easy to make. Would you guess that it’s made from just one stitch? Yes, it’s the herringbone single crochet stitch.

Better than that, this cowl works up quickly in chunky, bulky-weight yarn. Depending on how fast you crochet, this project can be done in just a few evenings.

This crochet cowl-neck scarf makes a wonderful handmade gift, too – especially for the holiday season!

Related Post: If you like crochet winter accessories, you may like this Chunky Ribbed Scarf Pattern. It’s an easy crochet scarf pattern that’s perfect for beginners, or to crochet for a last-minute gift. If you’re brand new to crochet, then be sure to also check out our How to Crochet guide.

Materials

Here are the supplies you’ll need to crochet this cowl.

1 skein of Lion Brand Color Made Easy, or another similar bulky-weight yarn
Size L – 8.0mm crochet hook
darning or tapestry needle

I like to use a smooth, bulky weight (CYC 5) yarn for this project, and work with a crochet hook that’s slightly larger than recommended. This gives the fabric a better drape, in my opinion.

You can also substitute other bulky weight yarn made with acrylic or natural fiber, if you like.

Abbreviations

ch = chain(s)
hsc = herringbone single crochet
sc = single crochet
st(s) = stitch(es)

how to do the herringbone single crochet stitch pattern for the crochet cowl scarf

Special Stitch

The cowl is worked in one stitch, which is the herringbone single crochet. This stitch is very similar to single crochet, but you’ll insert your hook through the loops a bit differently.

The herringbone single crochet stitch has a “right side” and a “wrong side”. The way the stitch is worked depends on the side of the fabric that is facing you.

The first stitches of each row are worked like a single crochet. The special stitch starts in the second stitch of each row.

Herringbone Single Crochet

To make a swatch of the Herringbone Single Crochet stitch, first, make a starting chain of 13.

Insert the hook into the left leg of the previous stitch.

Right Side

Working into the back bumps of the chain, sc in the 2nd ch from the hook.

Insert hook into the left “leg” of the previous sc. Then, insert the hook into next st.

Yarn over and pull up a loop, taking care not to pull too tightly. (There will be 3 loops on your hook.)

Yarn over, pull through all three loops.

Work to the end of the row, and turn.

Wrong Side

Work the wrong side rows by inserting the hook from back to front (instead of front to back).

Ch 1, sc in the 1st st (remember to insert your hook from back to front).

Insert hook into the left leg of the previous sc. Then insert the hook into the next st from back to front. (It may be easier to see if you flip down your work so you are looking at the right side.)

Yarn over and pull up a loop, taking care not to pull too tightly. (There will be 3 loops on your hook.)

Yarn over, pull through all three loops.

Work to the end of the row, and turn.

Measurements

The cowl wraps once around the neck.

It measures 24″ (61 cm) in diameter x 10″ (25 cm) tall.

Double Wrapped Variation

To make a longer, thinner infinity scarf version that you can wrap twice around your neck, make the following modifications:

Make a starting chain of 144. Work 10 rows of herringbone single crochet. Then, continue with the finishing instructions.

Gauge

For this pattern, it’s important to meet the gauge for the correct fit. Measure the gauge in the pattern stitch: herringbone single crochet.

12 stitches and 8 rows = 4 inches in pattern stitch

Use any size hook to obtain the correct gauge. If your herringbone stitch is working up too tight, feel free to move up a hook size to meet gauge.

showing the right and wrong sides of the herringbone single crochet stitch pattern

Notes

The pattern is written in US terms.
The cowl is worked flat in rows and joined with a mattress stitch seam at the end.
The Herringbone Single Crochet stitch is a 2-row repeat stitch. Take care to work the “right side” and “wrong side” of the cowl as described above.
Ch 1 at the beginning of the row does not count as a stitch.

Pattern

Row 1 (Right Side): Ch 73. Working into the back bumps of each ch, sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, hsc in each ch across, turn. (72)

Row 2 (Wrong Side): Ch 1, sc into the 1st st, hsc in each st across, turn. (72)

Row 3 (Right Side): Ch 1, sc in 1st st, hsc in each st across, turn. (72)

Repeat Rows 2 and 3 for a total of 20 rows, ending with a Wrong Side row.

seaming the herringbone crochet cowl with the mattress stitch

Finishing

When you’ve completed the last row, fasten off, leaving a long yarn tail to sew the seam.

I prefer to join the two short sides with a mattress stitch. When making a mattress stitch seam, try to sew under two loops of yarn for strength.

Weave in the ends.

overhead view of finished herringbone crochet cowl scarf

Looking for More Crochet Projects?

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