This free knit look crochet cowl pattern uses two strands of worsted weight yarn held together to make it nice and thick. The texture comes from a simple two-row repeat using slip stitches and single crochet. Once you get comfortable finding the stitches, you’ll be repeating the same two rows for most of the scarf.
The Huntsman cowl is a big one! At 90 inches long, there’s plenty to wrap around your neck when it’s cold, or you can undo the buttons and wear it as a long scarf. I wore mine a lot walking the boys to school when they were little. The wind could be so cold, and this was the only cowl that kept me warm. Some mornings I even pulled it up over my head for extra warmth.
Huntsman Cowl at a Glance
- Skill Level: Easy
- Finished Measurements: Approximately 90 inches long × 8 inches wide, laid flat
- Yarn Weight: Worsted weight yarn, with two strands held together
- Yarn Amount: Approximately 400 g or 788 yards total
- Hook Size: 11.50 mm
- Stitches Used: Half double crochet, slip stitch and single crochet
- Special Technique: Front loop only
- Construction: Worked flat in rows
- Buttons: Four 1-inch toggle buttons, optional
- Pattern Terms: US crochet terms
Scroll down for the free pattern, or purchase the ad-free PDF version of this pattern from my Etsy or Ravelry shop if you prefer a copy to print.
Choosing Yarn for Your Cozy Cowl
I made this cozy cowl with two strands of worsted weight yarn held together throughout. This gives the fabric its thickness without needing a separate chunky yarn.
Choose yarn that feels comfortable against your neck. A soft acrylic yarn, wool blend or merino wool may suit your preferences, depending on your budget and how you want to wash the finished cowl. Check the care instructions on the yarn label, especially when making it as a gift.
Using Different Colours Together
Holding two different colours together is a great way to change the look without changing the stitches. Try two shades of the same colour for a subtle marled effect, or combine a neutral with something brighter.
You can also use leftover balls or scrap yarn, provided you have enough for the size you’re making. Choose yarns of a similar thickness and make sure their washing instructions are compatible.
A solid colour makes the raised ridges easier to see, which can be helpful while you’re getting used to the stitch pattern.
Substituting Super Bulky Yarn
One strand of super bulky yarn can replace the two strands of worsted weight yarn. Yarns with a similar combined thickness can make great substitutions, but check your fabric before committing to the whole scarf.
Yarn thickness varies within each weight category. Your substitute may change the finished size, drape and amount of yarn needed.
The original hook size is 11.50 mm. With a different yarn, choose a crochet hook that gives you comfortable stitches and fabric you like. Measure as you work and adjust the starting chain or number of rows if needed.
How the Knit Look Texture Is Made
This knit-look crochet cowl pattern uses basic stitches to create its raised ridges. After the first half double crochet row, you alternate a row of slip stitches with a row of single crochet worked into the front loop only.
Working into one loop leaves the other loop unworked, creating the lines across the fabric. These simple stitches give the scarf its beautiful texture without needing several different stitch patterns.
It’s an easy project once you’re comfortable finding the slip stitches. After a few repeats, it can be a relaxing project to pick up in the evenings. Keep an eye on your stitch count, but there’s no new stitch sequence to learn on every row.
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Skill Level
Easy.
You’ll need to know how to chain, work half double crochet, slip stitch and single crochet, and identify the front loop of a stitch.
Abbreviations
This free crochet pattern is written in US crochet terms.
- ch: chain
- flo: front loop only
- hdc: half double crochet
- sc: single crochet
- sl st: slip stitch
- st: stitch
- sts: stitches
Gauge
A specific gauge is not required for this design.
Yarn substitutions and changes in tension can affect the finished size. Check your measurements as you work if you want your scarf to measure approximately 90 inches long × 8 inches wide.
Finished Measurements
Approximately 90 inches long × 8 inches wide, measured flat before wrapping or fastening.
Pattern Notes
- This cowl is worked flat in rows, not in the round.
- Hold two strands of yarn together as though they were one strand.
- The starting chain contains 157 chains.
- Each completed row contains 156 stitches.
- Work slip stitches loosely so they are easier to crochet into on the next row.
- Follow the turning instructions carefully. Row 2 ends with a turn, without a chain 1.
- Buttons are optional.
Huntsman Free Crochet Cowl Pattern
Using an 11.50 mm crochet hook and two strands of worsted weight yarn held together, ch 157.
Row 1: Hdc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (156) Ch 1, turn.
Note: Be sure to work your slip stitches loosely or they will be difficult to work into on the following row.
Row 2: Sl st in 1st st and each st across. (156) Turn.
Row 3: Sc in flo of 1st sl st and each sl st across. (156) Ch 1, turn.
Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until you reach the end of Row 22. Each row will contain 156 stitches.
Row 23: Hdc in flo of 1st sl st and each sl st across. (156)
Fasten off and weave in ends with your yarn needle.
Once your scarf is finished, add buttons if you would like to fasten it into a cowl, or leave it open to wear as a long scarf.
Adding the Buttons
I used four 1-inch toggle buttons for my cowl.
Before sewing them on, try the finished scarf around your neck and arrange the ends the way you want them to sit. Use stitch markers to mark your preferred button positions.
Check that the buttons fit through the spaces between stitches and stay fastened without stretching the fabric. The fit will depend on your yarn, tension and the buttons you choose.
Ways to Wear Your Huntsman Cowl
Let it hang in a long loop for a looser fit, or wrap it around your neck when you need more warmth. On really cold days, you can bring part of it up over your head too, just as I did on our walks to school.
Undo the buttons whenever you want to wear it as a scarf. You get a similar wrapped look to an infinity scarf, with the option to open it out.
The knit look ridges make this a stylish accessory, but the warmth is what made me reach for mine so often.
Customization Ideas
Adjust the Length
Reduce the number of starting chains for a shorter scarf. Your stitch count for each row will be one fewer than the number of chains you begin with.
Keep that new stitch count consistent throughout the pattern. A shorter scarf will need less yarn and may not wrap around your neck as many times.
Change the Width
Work fewer or more repeats of Rows 2 and 3 to change the width.
Finish your repeats after a slip stitch row, then work the final half double crochet row into the front loops as instructed. This keeps the finishing sequence the same as the original pattern.
If you see “rep row” in crochet instructions, it means “repeat row.” Here, you repeat Rows 2 and 3 in order until you finish Row 22.
Make It Your Own
Choose a colour that works with your winter wardrobe, or hold two colours together for a unique cowl.
Changing the buttons is another way to give it a different finish. Use toggles like mine or try another button style, checking that they fit securely through the fabric.
Gift Ideas
This is a warm accessory for someone who spends time outside in the winter. Choose a colour they wear often and a yarn that feels comfortable against their skin.
With the large hook and yarn held double, it may be a quick project for someone comfortable with the stitches. The original scarf is 90 inches long, though, so give yourself enough time if you’re planning a last-minute gift. A shorter version is another option.
Pair it with my Huntsman Slouch for a matching set, and include the yarn’s care instructions with your finished gift.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is This Cowl Suitable for Beginners?
The pattern is rated easy. It uses basic crochet stitches, but finding the front loops of the slip stitches may take a little practice.
Work slowly through the first few rows and keep your slip stitches loose. Once you’re comfortable with the two-row repeat, the same sequence continues through most of the scarf.
Can I Use One Strand of Worsted Weight Yarn?
You can, but the fabric will be thinner and the finished measurements will change if you use the original stitch counts.
Choose a hook that works with your yarn, then adjust the starting chain and number of rows to reach your preferred length and width.
Do I Have to Add Buttons?
No. Leave them off and wear the finished piece as a long scarf.
Is There a Video Tutorial?
There isn’t a video tutorial for this cowl. The written instructions and front-loop photo show where to work the stitches.