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This intermediate level cowl free crochet pattern uses double and treble crochet stitches, post stitches and crossed stitches to create a fabulous textured cable pattern with lovely twists. This infinity scarf is warm, thick and fun to make! The written pattern has easy to follow instructions with a twisted stitch mini tutorial.
This cowl free crochet pattern is being featured in the Design, Create, Repeat Blog Hop! 🙂 Check out all the other awesome patterns by clicking here
The First Piece of the Puzzle
This cowl free crochet pattern was inspired by my desire to make myself a poncho with lovely cables on it. Partly to test out the cable pattern, and partly to get a start on what will be the collar of my poncho, I created this cowl.
I will update this section with a link to the poncho I’m talking about once I’m finished with it, likely around Thanksgiving 2019.
It is largely based off my knotted cable scarf pattern, which was the REAL test drive for the cable pattern…. but for this one, I wanted to change up the edges, I am using the same twist pattern in the poncho I am already working on 🙂
The Yarn and Hook
I wanted to have a lovely mustard yellow colored poncho, and since this cowl is the first piece of what will eventually be that poncho it is that same beautiful color 🙂 I am using Caron One Pound yarn in a color called Sunflower.
I chose an acrylic yarn because I can be a bit rough on my stuff and wanted something I could wash easily… but really you could make this beautiful design in any color and worsted weight yarn you’d like 🙂
You will use a size I9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook. I know that most worsted weight yarns call for a size H8 crochet hook, but that size hooks causes the cables to become so tight they warp the cowl. Even using the I9 the cowl will look a little funny and scrunched around the cabling, but this will flatten out when you block the project.
Choose Your Buttons
Since this cowl free crochet pattern is the start to a larger pattern, I had a few features this infinity scarf had to have….
It had to be able to lay flat and be put together to form the ring. Buttons were the most logical solution. I recommend choosing buttons that are 3/4 inch to 1 inch wide.
I say this because you have to choose buttons that fit into the holes between your double crochet stitches. You might even want to work up the first few rows of the pattern before deciding on buttons, that way you can check that they fit through your stitches.
I used 7/8 inch buttons for my cowl. I saw them in Michael’s and thought they would look awesome with the yellow of my yarn. I tested to make sure they fit through my stitches… and I think they look amazing 🙂 Here is the link for the buttons I used.
Cables and Twists Cowl Free Crochet Pattern
Skill Level
Easy+/Intermediate. Before working this free cowl crochet pattern, have a solid understanding of working post stitches.
Finished Size
34” long x 10” wide
Gauge
13 DC sts x 8 rows = 4” swatch
Materials Needed
- 580 yds of worsted weight yarn. I used Caron One Pound in Sunflower.
- 3 or 4 buttons between 3/4” – 1”, small enough to fit between the double crochet stitches, but not so small they will fall out. I used 4 buttons that were 7/8” wide. Choose from an array of awesome buttons here!
- Size I9/ 5.5 mm crochet hook – This is a good beginner crochet hook set
- Scissors, yarn needle, and sewing needle
- Thread to match yarn color (if not sewing buttons on with split yarn strands)
Stitches and Abbreviations
- Chain – Ch
- Stitch(es) – st(s)
- Skip – Sk
- Foundation Double Crochet – FDC
- Double Crochet – DC
- Treble Crochet – TC
- Front Post Treble Crochet – FPTC
- Back Post Treble Crochet – BPTC
Get help with front and back post stitches here
Cowl Free Crochet Pattern Notes
- This pattern has a Right Side (RS), which is the side of the project that has the knotted cables. There is also a Wrong side (WS), which is the flat side of the piece.
- Even numbered rows are the Right Side (RS). Odd numbered rows are the Wrong Side (WS)
- Ch 2 at the start of each row counts as a double crochet stitch. Including this, each row should have 34 stitches.
- Pattern is made in a flat back and forth fashion, be aware of whether you are working the right or wrong side of the project.
- In order to save space when writing out the line by line directions, I have used a shorter pattern language than I normally would. For example, where I might write “DC in each of next 4 sts.” I have written “DC in 4.”
- It is essential to remember to ignore the tops of the stitches you have worked the post of. This is especially important when working the crossed stitches.
- There are three portions to this pattern. Rows 1 – 21 make up the beginning section. Rows 22-41 are the middle section. Rows 62 – 73 are the final section. The middle section is the repeat of the twisted interior cables; it provides most of the length for the pattern. I have repeated the middle section 2 times for this cowl pattern so it wraps comfortably once around the neck.
Special Stitches: Notes
- “Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2” is an example of the pattern language, describing the crossed treble crochet stitches used for the cabling. To fully understand the parts, be aware that this stitch if worked over 4 stitches from the previous row.
- The crossover stitches are always a form of post treble crochet stitch worked in conjunction with a treble crochet stitch. Which is made first and which is crossed (and what direction they are crossed) depends on where you are in the pattern.
- When working the crossed stitches, it is vital to keep track of the proper loops and posts you want to be working. Don’t work the top loop of a stitch you have already worked the post of.
- The “front” or “rear” crossed stitches are based on your perception of the project during the row the direction appears in. Therefore it is important to keep track of the right and wrong side. The cabling should only show up on the right side of the project. The “wrong side” should look much less textured.
- Example of stitch directions:
- The long version of directions would look like this: Sk 2 sts. TC in each of next 2 sts. Working backwards and behind previously made stitches, BPTC in skipped 2 stitches.
- The pattern version of the same directions looks like this: Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2.
Crossed Treble Stitch Mini-Lesson
The crossed treble crochet stitches for this cowl free crochet pattern are made over 4 stitches from the previous row.
You will always initially skip the first 2 stitches, no matter what combination comes after. The third and fourth stitches are where you make the first 2 stitches (these are later referred to as the initial stitches).
Next come the crossed stitches. They are worked backwards and in front of or behind the initial stitches.
The following are 2 sets of photos, 1 for a front crossed example, and 1 for a rear crossed example.
For the first set of example photos, the instructions read: “Sk 2. BPTC in 2. Front crossed, TC in skipped 2.”
When making a front crossed stitch, you should always end up looking at the crossed stitches when you are done. In this case the TC’s.
For the next set of photos, the instruction reads: Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2.
After making your initial 2 stitches you will be working the crossed stitches.
When you are finished with rear crossed stitches, you should be seeing the initial stitches. In this example, the TCs.
Cables and Twists Cowl Free Crochet Pattern
Beginning Section
Row 1. FDC 34.
Row 2. Ch 2, turn. FPTC in 4. DC in 28. FPTC in 4. DC in last st.
Row 3. Ch 2, turn. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in 28. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in last st.
Row 4. Ch 2, turn. FPTC in 4. DC in 28. FPTC in 4. DC in last st.
Row 5. Ch 2, turn. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in 28. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in last st.
Row 6. Ch 2, turn. FPTC in 4. DC in 4. FPDC in 1. BPDC in 18. FPDC in 1. DC in 4. FPTC in 4. DC in last st.
Row 7. Ch 2, turn. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in 4. BPDC in 2. FPDC in 16. BPDC in 2. DC in 4. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in last st.
Row 8. Ch 2, turn. FPTC in 4. DC in 4. FPDC in 2. DC in 16. FPDC in 2. DC in 4. FPTC in 4. DC in last st.
Row 9. Ch 2, turn. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in 4. BPDC in 2. DC in 16. BPDC in 2. DC in 4. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in last st.
Row 10. Ch 2, turn. FPTC in 4. DC in 4. FPDC in 2. DC in 4. FPDC in 1. BPDC in 6. FPDC in 1. DC in 4. FPDC in 2. DC in 4. FPTC in 4. DC in last st.
Row 11. Ch 2, turn. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in 4. BPDC in 2. DC in 4. BPDC in 2. FPDC in 4. BPDC in 2. DC in 4. BPDC in 2. DC in 4. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in last st.
Row 12. Ch 2, turn. FPTC in 4. DC in 4. FPDC in 2. DC in 4. FPDC in 2. DC in 4. FPDC in 2. DC in 4. FPDC in 2. DC in 4. FPTC in 4. DC in last st.
Row 13. Ch 2, turn. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in 4. BPDC in 2. DC in 4. BPDC in 2. DC in 4. BPDC in 2. DC in 4. BPDC in 2. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in last st.
Row 14. Ch 2, turn. FPTC in 4. DC in 4. FPDC in 2. DC in 4. Sk 2. TC in 2. Front crossed, FPTC in skipped 2. Sk 2. FPTC in 2. Rear crossed, TC in skipped 2. DC in 4. FPDC in 2. DC in 4. FPTC in 4. DC in last st.
Row 15. Ch 2, turn. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in 4. BPDC in 2. DC in 6. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in 6. BPDC in 2. DC in 4. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in last st.
Row 16. Ch 2, turn. FPTC in 4. DC in 4. FPDC in 2. DC in 4. Sk 2. FPTC in 2. Rear crossed, TC in skipped 2. Sk 2. TC in 2. Front crossed, FPTC in skipped 2. DC in 4. FPDC in 2. DC in 4. FPTC in 4. DC in last st.
Row 17. Ch 2, turn. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in 4. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. Sk 2. BPTC in 2. Front crossed, TC in skipped 2. DC in 4. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. Sk 2. BPTC in 2. Front crossed, TC in skipped 2. DC in 4. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in last st.
Row 18. Ch 2, turn. FPTC in 4. DC in 6. Sk 2. FPTC in 2. Rear crossed, TC in skipped 2. DC in 8. Sk 2. FPTC in 2. Rear crossed, TC in skipped 2. DC in 6. FPTC in 4. DC in last st.
Row 19. Ch 2, turn. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in 4. Sk 2. BPTC in 2. Front cross, TC in skipped 2. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in 4. Sk 2. BPTC in 2. Front crossed TC in skipped 2. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in 4. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in last st.
Row 20. Ch 2, turn. FPTC in 4. DC in 4. FPDC in 2. DC in 4. Sk 2. TC in 2. Front crossed, FPTC in skipped 2. Sk 2. FPTC in 2. Rear crossed, TC in skipped 2. DC in 4. FPDC in 2. DC in 4. FPTC in 4. DC in last st.
Row 21. Ch 2, turn. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in 4. BPDC in 2. DC in 6. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in 6. BPDC in 2. DC in 4. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in last st.
Middle Section
Row 22. Ch 2, turn. FPTC in 4. DC in 2. FPDC in 2. DC in 4. Sk 2. FPTC in 2. Rear crossed, TC in skipped 2. Sk 2. TC in 2. Front crossed, FPTC in skipped 2. DC in 4. FPDC in 2. DC in 2. FPTC in 4. DC in last st.
Row 23. Ch 2, turn. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in 2. BPDC in 2. DC in 4. BPDC in 2. DC in 4. BPDC in 2. DC in 4. BPDC in 2. DC in 2. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in last st.
Row 24. Ch 2, turn. FPTC in 4. DC in 2. FPDC in 2. DC in 4. FPDC in 2. DC in 4. FPDC in 2. DC in 4. FPDC in 2. DC in 2. FPTC in 4. DC in last st.
Row 25. Ch 2, turn. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in 2. BPDC in 2. DC in 4. BPDC in 2. DC in 4. BPDC in 2. DC in 4. BPDC in 2. DC in 2. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in last st.
Row 26. Ch 2, turn. FPTC in 4. DC in 2. FPDC in 2. DC in 4. FPDC in 2. DC in 4. FPDC in 2. DC in 4. FPDC in 2. DC in 2. FPTC in 4. DC in last st.
Row 27. Ch 2, turn. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in 2. BPDC in 2. DC in 4. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. Sk 2. BPTC in 2. Front crossed, TC in skipped 2. DC in 4. BPDC in 2. DC in 2. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in last st.
Row 28. Ch 2, turn. FPTC in 4. DC in 2. FPDC in 2. DC in 6. Sk 2. FPTC in 2. Rear crossed, TC in skipped 2. DC in 6. FPDC in 2. DC in 2. FPTC in 4. DC in last st.
Row 29. Ch 2, turn. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in 2. BPDC in 2. DC in 4. Sk 2. BPTC in 2. Rear crossed, TC in skipped 2. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in 4. BPDC in 2. DC in 2. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in last st.
Row 30. Ch 2, turn. FPTC in 4. DC in 2. FPDC in 2. DC in 4. FPDC in 2. DC in 4. FPDC in 2. DC in 4. FPDC in 2. DC in 2. FPTC in 4. DC in last st.
Row 31. Ch 2, turn. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in 2. BPDC in 2. DC in 4. BPDC in 2. DC in 4. BPDC in 2. DC in 4. BPDC in 2. DC in 2. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in last st.
Row 32. Ch 2, turn. FPTC in 4. DC in 2. FPDC in 2. DC in 4. FPDC in 2. DC in 4. FPDC in 2. DC in 4. FPDC in 2. DC in 2. FPTC in 4. DC in last st.
Row 33. Ch2, turn. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in 2. BPDC in 2. DC in 4. BPDC in 2. DC in 4. BPDC in 2. DC in 4. BPDC in 2. DC in 2. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in last st.
Row 34. Ch 2, turn. FPTC in 4. DC in 4. FPDC in 2. DC in 4. Sk 2. TC in 2. Front crossed, FPTC in skipped 2. Sk 2. FPTC in 2. Rear crossed, TC in skipped 2. DC in 4. FPDC in 2. DC in 2. FPTC in 4. DC in last st.
Row 35. Ch 2, turn. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in 2. BPDC in 2. DC in 6. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in 6. BPDC in 2. DC in 2. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in last st.
Row 36. Ch 2, turn. FPTC in 4. DC in 2. FPDC in 2. DC in 4. Sk 2. FPTC in 2. Rear crossed, TC in skipped 2. Sk 2. TC in 2. Front crossed, FPTC in skipped 2. DC in 4. FPDC in 2. DC in 2. FPTC in 4. DC in last st.
Row 37. Ch 2, turn. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in 4. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. Sk 2. BPTC in 2. Rear crossed, TC in skipped 2. DC in 4. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. Sk 2. BPTC in 2. Front crossed, TC in skipped 2. DC in 4. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in last st.
Row 38. Ch 2, turn. FPTC in 4. DC in 4. Sk 2. FPTC in 2. Rear crossed, TC in skipped 2. DC in 8. Sk 2. FPTC in 2. Rear crossed, TC in skipped 2. DC in 4. FPTC in 4. DC in last st.
Row 39. Ch 2, turn. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in 2. Sk 2. BPTC in 2. Front crossed, TC in skipped 2. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in 4. Sk 2. BPTC in 2. Front crossed, TC in skipped 2. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in 2. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in last st.
Row 40. Ch 2, turn. FPTC in 4. DC in 2. FPDC in 2. DC in 4. Sk 2. TC in 2. Front crossed, FPTC in skipped 2. Sk 2. FPTC in 2. Rear crossed, TC in skipped 2. DC in 4. FPDC in 2. DC in 2. FPTC in 4. DC in last st.
Row 41. Ch 2, turn. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in 2. BPDC in 2. DC in 6. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in 6. BPDC in 2. DC in 2. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in last st.
Rows 42-61. Repeat Middle Section
Final Section
Row 62. Ch 2, turn. FPTC in 4. DC in 2. FPDC in 2. DC in 4. Sk 2. FPTC in 2. Rear crossed, TC in skipped 2. Sk 2. TC in 2. Front crossed, FPTC in skipped 2. DC in 4. FPDC in 2. DC in 2. FPTC in 4. DC in last st.
Row 63. Ch 2, turn. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in 2. BPDC in 2. DC in 4. BPDC in 2. DC in 4. BPDC in 2. DC in 4. BPDC in 2. DC in 2. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in last st.
Row 64. Ch 2, turn. FPTC in 4. DC in 2. FPDC in 2. DC in 4. FPDC in 2. DC in 4. FPDC in 2. DC in 4. FPDC in 2. DC in 2. FPTC in 4. DC in last st.
Row 65. Ch 2, turn. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in 2. BPDC in 2. DC in 4. BPDC in 2. DC in 4. BPDC in 2. DC in 4. BPDC in 2. DC in 2. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in last st.
Row 66. Ch 2, turn. FPTC in 4. DC in 2. FPDC in 2. DC in 4. FPDC in 2. BPDC in 4. FPDC in 2. DC in 4. FPDC in 2. DC in 2. FPTC in 4. DC in last st.
Row 67. Ch 2, turn. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in 2. BPDC in 2. DC in 4. BPDC in 1. FPDC in 6. BPDC in 1. DC in 4. BPDC in 2. DC in 2. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in last st.
Row 68. Ch 2, turn. FPTC in 4. DC in 2. FPDC in 2. DC in 16. FPDC in 2. DC in 2. FPTC in 4. DC in last st.
Row 69. Ch 2, turn. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in 2. BPDC in 2. FPDC in 16. BPDC in 2. DC in 2. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in last st.
Row 70. Ch 2, turn. FPTC in 4. DC in 2. FPDC in 1. BPDC in 18. FPDC in 1. DC in 2. FPTC in 4. DC in last st.
Row 71. Ch 2, turn. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in 28. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in last st.
Row 72. Ch 2, turn. FPTC in 4. DC in 28. FPTC in 4. DC in last st.
Row 73. Ch 2, turn. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in 28. Sk 2. TC in 2. Rear crossed, BPTC in skipped 2. DC in last st.
Tie off and weave in ends.
Attach 3 – 4 buttons along one edge using yarn (split into multiple strands) or thread of a similar color. I attached mine to the start of my cowl, but either end would work.
I Hope You Loved It!
If you enjoyed the pattern, please support me by sharing this cowl free crochet pattern on your Pinterest and Facebook account. Thank you!
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Happy Hookin’
Lovely! Probably beyond my abilities at the moment, but pinning for future reference.
Michelle, Thank you for your comment, I’m so glad to hear you like my creation. Thank you for your pin, I hope you enjoy the pattern once you feel comfortable to start. I invite you to challenge yourself a little with it. It’s the best way to grow in my opinion 😉 ~Caitlin
Thank you so very much for giving of your time and energy to the Hop. Love love the pattern can’t wate to start it. Again thank you so much.
Jan, I was so glad to be a part of the blog hop. I feel so blessed by all the positive feedback I’ve received from this pattern. It was so fun to create! Thank you for your comment and kind words <3 Caitlin
Thank you for the lovely pattern!
Carol, you are so welcome!! Thank you for your comment. I’m so glad to hear you enjoy my pattern <3 Caitlin
Thank you so much for the free pdf Cables and Twists. This sounds like a fun challenge for me to try! Thanks again Amanda
Amanda, Thank you for your comment. I hope you enjoy challenging yourself. Enjoy <3 ~Caitlin
I love the look of a crochet cable, so much beautiful texture.
Thank you so much this is so beautiful , I was intimidated by cables at first but omg it’s not so bad, now I look for projects with cables. Thanks for sharing
Deanna, Glad to hear you enjoy my pattern 🙂 cables can be a bit tricky, but it can be fun to challenge yourself too!! Thanks for your comment and kind words! ~Caitlin
Looked lovely and a bit of a challenge is just what I like! Thank you for a great blog, too.
Cindy, Thank you for your comment and kind words. I hope you enjoy working this pattern 🙂 Have a wonderful day!! ~Caitlin