The Cumberland Cowl is big, soft and full of texture, with enough height to fold and bunch around your neck instead of sitting flat. I made this one in a dusty pink #5 chunky yarn, which really shows off the stitch pattern.

I’ve used this Cumberland stitch in quite a few patterns over the years, and I still really like it. It has enough texture to make a simple project interesting, and it works especially well with a thicker yarn like this.

This free crochet cowl pattern comes in toddler, child and adult sizes and is worked in continuous rounds using a repeating combination of single crochet and triple crochet.

Cumberland Cowl At a Glance

Skill Level: Easy
Sizes: Toddler, Child, Adult
Yarn: #5 chunky yarn
Yarn Amount: Approx. 175 (255, 350) g
Hook Size: 8.00 mm crochet hook
Finished Size: Approx. 26″ x 14″ (30″ x 18″, 34″ x 22″)
Construction: Worked in continuous rounds
Main Stitches: Half double crochet, single crochet and triple crochet
Gauge: Approx. 8 sts = 4″ in textured stitch pattern
Other Supplies: Tapestry needle or yarn needle and stitch marker

Free Cumberland Crochet Cowl Pattern

Skill Level

Easy

You should be comfortable with a few basic crochet stitches, including chain, slip stitch, half double crochet, single crochet and triple crochet.

Abbreviations

• ch – chain
• hdc – half double crochet
• rnd – round
• rpt – repeat
• sc – single crochet
• sk – skip
• st – stitch
• sts – stitches
• sl st – slip stitch
• tc – triple crochet

Gauge

Approximately 8 sts = 4″ in the textured stitch pattern.

For this pattern, the finished circumference is more important than the round gauge because you can simply continue working until the cowl reaches the height listed for your size.

Finished Measurements

Toddler: Approximately 26″ around x 14″ high
Child: Approximately 30″ around x 18″ high
Adult: Approximately 34″ around x 22″ high

Materials Needed

• #5 chunky yarn Toddler: approx. 175 g Child: approx. 255 g Adult: approx. 350 g
• 8.00 mm crochet hook
• Tapestry needle or yarn needle
• Stitch marker

Special Stitches

The texture is created by working one triple crochet and one single crochet into the same stitch, then skipping the next st.

When the pattern says (tc, sc), both stitches are worked into the same stitch.

Pattern Notes

1. Work the repeat rounds until your cowl reaches approximately 14 (18, 22)” high.
2. Instructions are written for Toddler (Child, Adult).
3. Stitch counts are shown in parentheses where they differ by size.
4. The entire cowl is worked in continuous rounds without joining or turning.
5. Place a stitch marker in the 1st st of each round and move it up as you work.
6. The first round is worked in half double crochet before beginning the textured stitch pattern.
7. The stitch pattern is worked over an even number of stitches.

Cumberland Cowl Instructions

Using an 8.00 mm hook, ch 54 (62, 70).

Being careful not to twist the chain, join to first ch with sl st. Ch 2.

Entire neck warmer is worked in continuous rounds.

Rnd 1: Hdc in 1st chain and each remaining chain. 54 (62, 70)

Rnd 2: (tc, sc) in 1st hdc *sk next hdc (tc, sc) in next hdc* rpt from *to* to end of rnd. 54 (62, 70) 

Repeat Rnd: (tc, sc) in 1st tc, *sk next st, (tc, sc) in next tc* rpt from * to * around.
54 (62, 70) sts

Continue repeating this round until your cowl measures approximately:

Toddler: 14″ high
Child: 18″ high
Adult: 22″ high

Then work the finishing round.

Final Rnd: Hdc in 1st st and each st around.
54 (62, 70) sts

Fasten off and use a tapestry needle or yarn needle to weave in loose ends.

Helpful Hint

There is no need to count every repeat round. Measure the cowl as you work and move on to the final round when it reaches the finished height for your size.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this an easy crochet cowl pattern?

Yes. I rate the Cumberland Cowl as easy. You should already know a few basic crochet stitches, but there is no complicated shaping or sewing at the end.

What yarn should I use for this chunky cowl?

The original pattern uses #5 chunky yarn. Some brands may refer to the same weight category as bulky yarn, so check the yarn weight when choosing a substitute.

What hook size do I need?

The original Cumberland Cowl uses an 8.00 mm crochet hook.

How much chunky yarn do I need to crochet a cowl?

You will need approximately 175 g for Toddler, 255 g for Child and 350 g for Adult. Yarn amounts are approximate and can vary with tension and yarn choice.

Can I make the cowl smaller?

Yes. Shorten the starting chain while keeping the stitch count even. You can also work fewer repeat rounds for a shorter cowl.

Is this cowl worked in rows?

No. There is no first row or last row in this pattern. The cowl begins with the first round and is worked continuously in the round.

Do I need to check gauge?

Not really. The approximate gauge is included as a reference, especially if you are substituting yarn. The finished circumference is the more important measurement for this pattern.

More Cumberland Crochet Patterns

The Cumberland stitch has worked its way into quite a few of my other designs, so this cowl can easily become part of a matching set.

The Cumberland Earflap Hat uses the same #5 chunky yarn and textured stitch, making it a natural match for the cowl.

The Cumberland Boot Cuffs also use chunky yarn and make an easy addition to the set.

The Cumberland Aviator Hat is another earflap-style option and comes in sizes from newborn through adult.

The Cumberland Slouch Hat uses worsted weight yarn instead of chunky yarn, so it gives you a lighter option while keeping the Cumberland texture.

And if you want a smaller crochet project, the Cumberland Cup Cozy is a great way to use the same stitch on something quick.

Any of these would also make easy handmade gifts, either on their own or paired together.