The Little Arrows Cowl is a quick, chunky crochet cowl, and a free pattern!
This cozy crochet cowl has a unique texture thanks to the “diagonal chevron” stitch pattern. This stitch pattern creates the lovely “mini arrow” effect, and although it might look a little bit tricky, it’s actually really easy once you get the hang of it.
This free crochet pattern is written for 3 sizes – toddler, child and adult. And it’s a super quick make so perfect for gifts!
How to get this pattern:
Option 1: Scroll on down to get this pattern for free!
Option 2: Purchase the easy-to-read, print-friendly PDF:
Crochet Cowl Sizing & Fit
This cowl or neck warmer has quite a snug fit to keep you nice and toasty during the cold winter months.
The pattern is written for 3 sizes – Toddler, Child and Adult – and is really easy to customize. The stitch pattern requires any multiple of 3+2 so as long as you factor this into your foundation round you can make your cowl as snug or as loose as you like!
And if you would like to extend the height of the cowl, you just need to repeat row 3 until you reach your required height – easy peasy!
Crochet Techniques
1. Foundation Single Crochet (fsc)
This stitch creates a stretchy first round. If you prefer, you can start your project with a regular chain, join to form a circle and then work one sc in each chain around. However, it will not have as much stretch as the foundation single crochet round.
The written steps for the fsc are in the Special Stitches section below. However, if this stitch is new to you, you can check out my Chainless Foundation Row tutorial.
2. Diagonal Chevron Stitch Pattern
This unique stitch pattern uses just basic crochet stitches to create a striking texture. It may look a little complicated but the only stitch that you really need to know is the single crochet!
I have put together a full video and photo tutorial on how to work the diagonal chevron stitch pattern, so if you are struggling with stitch placement with this pattern, definitely go check out the tutorial.
A Quick Crochet Pattern
This crochet neckwarmer works up so, so quickly, mainly thanks to the #5/Bulky weight yarn! It’s definitely a great project for any last-minute gifts that you need to whip up 🙂
And once you have worked out the stitch placement for the diagonal chevron stitch, it also makes a great couch project, with Netflix or a fun crochet podcast on in the background!
Here are some photos from 2 of my pattern testers, for some colorful inspiration 🙂
Well I blinked and this was finished. It was is easy once you get your head around the stitch and a great little Sunday project! 
What you’ll need for this crochet cowl
For my cowl, I used Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky which is a #5/Bulky yarn. Any similar weight yarn would work great.
I used a 6.5mm (L-10.5) hook for my cowl, but any hook that suits your chosen yarn will work great.
Gauge is not critical for this project. However, you will need to keep a loose tension, especially for the long sc2tog (see Special Stitches below). If you tend to crochet tightly, you may benefit from going up a hook size.
More Crochet Patterns
If you like this crochet cowl pattern, you might also enjoy these crochet accessories:
Little Arrows Cowl
Free Crochet Pattern
Pattern Notes
Skill Level
Construction
- This cowl is worked in the round.
- With the exception of the first round, do not join at the end of each round – continue working in a spiral.
- Make sure to keep a loose tension when working the long sc2tog. When instructed to “pull up a long loop”, pull up the loop to the same height as the stitch just made.
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch = chain
- st = stitch
- sk = skip
- sl st = slip stitch
- sc = single crochet
- fsc = foundation single crochet
- sc2tog = single crochet 2 together
- rem = remaining
- pm = place marker
- beg = beginning
General Pattern Notes
- Instructions are given for the smallest size, with larger sizes in brackets ( ).
- Stitch counts are given in [ ] at the end of each round. If no stitch count is given, then the count is the same as the previous round.
Special Stitches
Foundation Single Crochet (fsc)
Note: please see Chainless Foundation Rows for a photo tutorial
Step 1: Ch 2. Insert hook into second ch from hook, yarn over and pull up a loop. [2 loops on hook]
Step 2: Yarn over and pull up another loop i.e. ch 1. [2 loops on hook]
Step 3: Yarn over and pull through both loops. First fsc made.
Step 4: Insert hook into ch 1 made in Step 2. Yarn over and pull up a loop.
Step 5: Repeat Step 2.
Step 6: Repeat Step 3.
Repeat Steps 4, 5 and 6 as per pattern.
Long Single Crochet 2 Together (long sc2tog)
Note: this stitch is used to create the “diagonal chevron” effect on the cowl. Please see Diagonal Chevron Stitch for a photo and video tutorial.
Setup: sc in each of next 2 sts as per pattern.
Step 1: Working back over the 2 sc just made, insert hook back into the first st one round below. Yarn over and pull up a long loop, stretching it to the height required for the current round. [2 loops on hook]
Step 2: Working over the next st, insert hook into next st 2 rounds below. Yarn over and pull up another long loop, stretching it to the height required for the current round. [3 loops on hook]
Step 3: Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops.
Finished Measurements
Toddler – Circumference: 17.5″ / 44.5 cm Height: 5″ / 12.5 cm
Child – Circumference: 19.5″ / 49.5 cm Height: 6″ / 15.25 cm
Teen/Adult – Circumference: 22″ / 56 cm Height: 7″ / 18 cm
Gauge
12 sts x 11 rounds/rows = 4″ x 4″ / 10 cm x 10 cm measured over sc, worked in the round.
Note: Gauge is not critical for this project. However, you will need to keep a loose tension, especially for the long sc2tog (see Special Stitches above). If you tend to crochet tightly, you may benefit from going up a hook size.
Materials
Hook: 6.5mm (K-10.5) crochet hook (or hook required to meet gauge while keeping a loose tension).
Yarn: Any #5 / Bulky weight yarn.
The amounts given here are for Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky (136m/149yds per 100g skein; Weight 5/Bulky; 100% Acrylic).
Toddler: 105 yds / 96 m (76g) – 1 skein
Child: 125 yds / 114 m (92g) – 1 skein
Adult: 150 yds / 137 m (109g) – 2 skeins
Misc.
- Yarn needle
- Stitch markers
Written Pattern
All Sizes: Toddler (Child, Adult)
ROUND 1:
fsc 50 (56, 62), sl st to join to beg fsc. [50 (56, 62)]
OR
Ch 50 (56, 62), sl st to first ch to form a circle.
Ch 1 (does not count as a st), sc in first ch and each ch around, sl st to join to beg st. [50 (56, 62)]
ROUND 2: Ch 1 (does not count as a st), sc in first st and each st around, do not join. [50 (56, 62)]
Note: please see Diagonal Chevron Stitch Pattern for a photo tutorial for Round 3.
ROUND 3: sc in each of first 2 sts (pm in first sc), *long sc2tog (working first leg in same st as second last sc just made, and second leg in next st two rounds below), sk st behind long sc2tog just made, sc in each of next 2 sts, repeat from * around to marked st, long sc2tog (working first leg in same st as second last sc just made, and second leg in same st as beg marked sc), do not join.
ROUNDS 4 – END: Making sure to skip the st behind the long sc2tog just made, repeat previous round until your work measures approx. 5” / 12.5cm (6” / 15.25cm, 7” / 18cm).
Note: At the start of each round, remember to move up the stitch marker to mark the beg sc of the round.
LAST ROUND: Sl st in each st around, sl st to join to beg st.
Cut yarn and fasten off.
Finishing
Turn cowl inside out. Seam small gap created in the foundation round. Weave in ends.
Turn the right way around.
All done!
If you wish, you can purchase an inexpensive, ad-free PDF version of this pattern through Ravelry or Etsy.
I hope you have enjoyed this pattern, if you have questions at all, please don't hesitate to contact me. And be sure to tag your finished project on Instagram or Facebook using @nedandmimi or #nedandmimi!
Happy crocheting!
Sarah