Brighton Free Crochet Cowl Pattern

It’s time to make this crochet cowl pattern a favourite!  Oh the weather out side is frightful and it is time to crochet something delightful!  I am so excited to be adding this beautiful crochet cowl to my blog.

A few years ago when Caron Cakes Yarn  became really popular I couldn’t wait to make up a warm and cozy cowl.  It was really exciting to see the beautiful colour transitions appear the more rounds I completed.  Even better was that the texture worked up quickly using an 8.00 mm hook even though it is a worsted weight yarn.  In fact I think using the larger than called for hook size just added to the softness and beautiful drape of this crochet cowl.

The Brighton Crochet Cowl shown here is closed by using buttons – I have been asked many times if buttons must be used.  Absolutely not!  Directions are included below if you would prefer to complete without using buttons.

Why You’ll Love This Free Crochet Cowl Pattern

Here are just a few reasons crocheters love the Brighton Cowl:

• Beginner-friendly stitch pattern
• Includes toddler, child, and adult sizes
• Optional button closure
• Soft, cosy woven texture
• Uses just one skein of Caron Cakes for the adult sample
• Quick enough to make in a weekend
• Perfect for gift giving
• Easily adjustable for different lengths

The finished fabric has a wonderful drape while still providing warmth, making it ideal for autumn, winter, and chilly spring mornings.

About the Stitch Pattern

One of my favourite things about this cowl is the unique woven texture.

Although it looks intricate, it’s created using basic crochet stitches worked in a slightly different way. Instead of placing each stitch into the chain space, you’ll work into the skipped stitch from the previous row. After just a few rows, the pattern becomes easy to recognize and creates a beautifully textured fabric with excellent drape.

If you’re new to this stitch, don’t worry. I’ve also included a video stitch tutorial to help you get started.

Optional Button Closure

The Brighton Cowl can be finished in two different ways.

If you love the look of decorative buttons, simply sew five buttons evenly along one short edge. The open stitch pattern naturally creates buttonholes, so there is no need to make separate buttonholes.

Prefer a classic infinity cowl? Simply sew the short ends together instead for a seamless finish.

Free Crochet Cowl Pattern

Skill Level

Easy

Abbreviations

• ch – chain
• dc – double crochet
• hdc – half double crochet
• sc – single crochet
• sk – skip
• sp – space
• st – stitch
• sts – stitches
• sl st – slip stitch
• rpt – repeat

Gauge

9.5 sts and 6 rows = 4″ (10 cm) using an 8.00 mm hook in pattern stitch.

Gauge is not critical for fit, but yarn quantity is tight! If your gauge swatch is looser than this, you may end up with less rows.

Materials Needed

Please note that the actual amount of yarn needed may change depending on the yarn chosen always purchase a little more than you think you may need.

• 8.00 mm hook
• 5 Buttons (optional) I used 3/4” that way they fit perfect between stitches
• Tapestry Needle
• Stitch Markers
• Neck Warmer: Worsted weight yarn 350 m
• I used Caron Cakes in White Truffle Note: This pattern uses almost the entire skein, so make sure yours is full before beginning.

Finished Measurements

Special Notes

• The beginning chain should be worked loosely. If you tend to crochet tightly, use a hook one size larger for the foundation chain before switching back to the recommended hook.
• The starting chain must be a multiple of 2. To make the cowl longer or shorter, simply add or subtract chains in multiples of 2.
• It can be difficult to identify the skipped stitches after several rows. Using a removable stitch marker to mark the beginning of each row can make the stitch placement much easier.
• Stitch counts remain the same throughout the pattern. If your stitch count changes, double-check that you have not accidentally worked into a chain space instead of the skipped stitch beneath it.
• Gauge is not critical for fit, but it is important for yarn usage. This pattern uses almost the entire skein of yarn. If your stitches are loose, you may need additional yarn or fewer rows to complete the project.
• The finished length can also be determined by measurement if you prefer. Continue repeating the pattern until your piece reaches the finished dimensions listed for your chosen size.
• When fastening off, leave all yarn tails on the same side of the fabric. This will become the wrong side of the cowl, making it easier to weave in ends neatly.
• The open stitch pattern naturally creates buttonholes, so no additional buttonholes are required. Simply sew the buttons evenly along one short edge of the cowl.

Video Stitch Tutorial

This video is not a full tutorial. You will still need to follow the written pattern for stitch counts and measurements. It is intended to help with the beginning rows, special stitches, and the end of each row.

Instructions

Designer Tip: Don’t worry if the stitch pattern feels awkward during the first two rows. Once you’ve completed three or four rows, the woven texture becomes much easier to see, and the stitch placement becomes much more intuitive.

With 8.00 mm hook   

Ch 86, 110, 144 (To lengthen or shorten this cowl just add or subtract stitches.  Be sure to keep your chain a multiple of 2)

The skipped 3 chains at the beginning of Row 1 count as the first dc.

Before You Begin: This stitch pattern is worked by placing each double crochet into the skipped stitch from the previous row rather than into the chain space. If you’re unfamiliar with this technique, I recommend watching the accompanying video before beginning Row 2.

Row 1: Dc in 4th chain from hook, *ch 1, sk next ch, dc in next ch* rpt from * to * ending with dc in last ch.  Ch 2 turn. (83, 107, 141)

Row 2: Chain 2 of previous row counts as first hdc.  *Dc in skipped chain one row below, ch 1* rpt from * to* to last 2 sts  Skip 2nd last st, hdc in last ch.  Ch 2 turn. (83, 107, 141)

Helpful Hint: It can be difficult to count rows with this stitch pattern. I suggest using a stitch marker or a small piece of scrap yarn to mark the beginning of each row. Even easier, simply continue until your piece measures the finished size listed in the chart above.

Row 3: Ch 2 from previous row counts as 1st hdc.  Dc in 1st skipped st under ch 1 space, ch 1, skip next st, *dc in skipped st under ch space, ch 1 skip next st* rpt from *to* to last 2 sts, sk next st, hdc in last st.  Ch 2 turn  (83, 107, 141) Note: At the end of last row only ch 1.  Continue repeating this row until you have completed:

• Toddler: Row 16

• Child: Row 18

• Adult: Row 24

Finishing row: Sc in 1st ch space, dc in skipped stitch under ch space, (sc, dc in skipped st under ch space) rpt () in each ch 1 space till end of row. End with hdc in last ch.   Fasten off and weave in ends.

Weave in all ends and secure with Fray Check – make sure that you fasten off on the same side for all ends – this will become the wrong side of the neck warmer.  Handy Hint – I don’t cut ends until the very last step that way the wrong side is always clearly visible.

To Add Buttons (Optional): 

Lay the cowl flat with the right side facing up. Sew 5 buttons evenly along one short edge. The open stitch pattern acts as the buttonholes, allowing the buttons to pass between the stitches.

IF YOU DON’T WANT TO USE BUTTONS FOLLOW DIRECTIONS BELOW

With right sides together sew shortest ends together.  You can do this any way you are comfortable.  You can slip stitch with a hook or use tapestry needle and yarn.

Once ends are sewn together fasten off and weave in any loose ends.  Cut off all ends and turn right side out.

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Perfect for Handmade Gifts

This crochet cowl makes a thoughtful handmade gift for just about anyone on your list.

Because the pattern includes multiple sizes, you can make matching cowls for the whole family. Choose neutral shades for everyday wear or brighten things up with colourful yarn cakes for a completely different look.

It’s also a fantastic project for craft fairs, holiday markets, and last-minute gifts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a beginner crochet pattern?

Yes! The Brighton Cowl uses basic crochet stitches and includes helpful notes, a video stitch tutorial, and detailed instructions, making it a great project for confident beginners.

What yarn works best?

The sample was made using worsted weight yarn, specifically Caron Cakes in White Truffle. Any worsted weight yarn with similar gauge should work well.

Can I make the cowl longer or shorter?

Absolutely. Simply adjust the starting chain in multiples of two to customize the length.

Do I have to use the buttons?

No. You can either add the optional button closure or simply sew the short ends together to create a traditional infinity cowl.

Is there a printable PDF available?

Yes! If you’d prefer an ad-free printable version, you can purchase the premium PDF in my Etsy and Ravelry shops.