The Daphne Cowl

A cowl is a great classic piece, but they can sometimes feel bulky and they don’t always fall quite right. However, when using the suggested yarn for this pattern, this cowl comes out with a wonderfully soft and light drape!

The Origin Of This Pattern

I created this cowl specifically to go with the matching Daphne Beanie. I love a good matching set and I thought the Daphne Beanie deserved to be part of a pair!

Both pieces use alternating increases and decreases of double crochet to create a “diamond” shape that pops out a bit. It is a fun and unique texture.

The Yarn For This Pattern

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The Red Heart Hygge yarn is unique in that, even though it is a chunky size 5 yarn, since it is quite sleek and fuzzy, it does not feel heavy or thick like many other size 5 yarns.

The Pattern

If  you would like to purchase an inexpensive, ad-free pdf version of this soft crochet cowl pattern, you can find it here at my Etsy shop. (scroll down for the full free pattern)

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Materials:

~ Size 5/Bulky yarn, 212 yards (I used 1 skein of Red Heart Hygge in Powder, 212 yards per skein)
~ US N/ 9.00 mm Crochet Hook
~ Yarn Needle
~ Scissors

Gauge:

The best way to measure gauge is to measure the beginning band of the cowl. At 4” my band had 10 hdss rows and was 2 ½” wide. At completion my band was 26” and 2 ½” wide.

Final Measurements:

11” tall x 13” wide (across base, when laid flat)

Stitches & Abbreviations Used:

(yo) yarn over
(sk) skip
(ch) chain
(sl st) slip stitch
(sc) single crochet
(hdss) half double slip stitch
(dc) double crochet
(dc3tog) double crochet three together
(fpdc) front post double crochet

Pattern Notes:

I tend to crochet tightly. So be sure to check your gauge and if you are crocheting more loosely you can move to a smaller hook (or larger if you crochet even more tightly). Some people find they even need to go down two hook sizes to meet my gauge. The best time to check gauge would be after approximately 4” of the band has been completed.

The chain at the beginning of each row or round does not count as a stitch.

In round 3 of the cowl body, you will use two advanced skills simultaneously: the front post double crochet (fpdc) and double crochet 3 together (dc3tog). Make sure you understand each concept separately before attempting them together.

If you would like to re-size the pattern, you can adjust the number of rows in the band to the size you want, as long as the number of rows is a number divisible by 3. However, if you would like to be sure that each round ends with a different cluster than it begins with (the pattern alternates dc3tog and 3 dc increase clusters), then you will want a number divisible by 6.

Each “cluster” is 3 stitches.

Pattern:

Base/ Band construction:

Chain 8.

Row 1: Hdss in the 3rd chain from the hook and in each chain across. (6) Length of row ends up being about 2 ½” across.

Row 2: Ch 2. Turn. Hdss in the same stitch and in each stitch across. (6).

How To Crochet The Half Double Slip Stitch (HDSS)
Yo. Insert hook into desired chain or stitch. Yo. Pull yarn through the chain/stitch and then also through the 2 loops on your hook.

Row 3-72: Repeat row 2, until your band is about 26 inches long.

Note about gauge and sizing: At this point my band was about 2.5” across the row and 26” from foundation chain to the last row. If your sizing is very different from that, you can start again with a larger or smaller hook.

If you are at correct gauge, but just want a larger or smaller band in order to make a smaller or larger cowl, then adjust the number of rows to the size you want, making sure the final # of rows is divisible by 3. If you want to make sure to end on a different stitch cluster than you start with at the beginning of the row (so that you don’t have two of the same in a row, see pattern notes), then you will want to use a number of rows divisible by 6.

Keep in mind that if your band is longer, you will need more yarn than the pattern states in order to achieve the same height.

Sl st the two ends of the band together. Turn the cowl inside out so that the seam is on the inside.

Body of the cowl:

Round 1: Ch 1. Place a sc in the end of each row around the band. (72). Join with a sl st to the first sc of the round.

Round 2: Ch 2. In the same stitch and the next two stitches, dc3tog. Sk the next stitch. Place 3 dc in the next stitch. Sk the next stitch. *In the next 3 stitches, dc3tog. Sk the next stitch. Place 3 dc in the next stitch. Sk the next stitch. * Repeat from * to * around. Join with a sl st to the ch 2 at the beginning of the round. (24 stitch clusters)

How To Double Crochet Three Together (dc3tog)
Yo. Insert hook into desired stitch. Yo. Pull through stitch. Yo. Pull through 2 loops on your hook. You will have two loops remaining on your hook. Yo. Insert hook into the next stitch. Yo. Pull through stitch. Yo. Pull through 2 loops on your hook. You will have 3 loops remaining on your hook. Yo. Insert hook into the next stitch. Yo. Pull through stitch. Yo. Pull through 2 loops on your hook. You will have 4 loops remaining on your hook. Yo and pull through all 4 loops on your hook.

Round 3: Ch 2. In the top of the dc3tog, place 3 dc. In the next 3 stitches, dc3tog, using the fpdc stitch for each. *Place 3 dc in the top of the next dc3tog. In the next 3 stitches, dc3tog, using the fpdc stitch for each.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with a sl st to the first dc of the round (24 stitch clusters).

Note: in rounds 3 and 4, be sure you are using the fpdc for the dc3tog stitches. If this is not done, your cowl will not be as textured.

Round 4: Ch 2. In the next 3 stitches, dc3tog, using the fpdc stitch for each. Place 3 dc in the top of the next dc3tog. *In the next 3 stitches, dc3tog, using the fpdc stitch for each. Place 3 dc in the top of the next dc3tog.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with a sl st to the ch 2 at the beginning of the round. (24 stitch clusters)

Rounds 5 – 13: Repeat Rounds 3-4. You may add or remove rows here according to your height preference. My finished piece was 11” tall.

Finish off and weave in your ends.

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Other Patterns You Might Enjoy:

The Scrap Buster Beanie

Mossy Cobblestone Cowl

The Kimberly Scarf

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Note: Feel free to sell finished products made with this soft crochet cowl pattern. If finished products are posted online, please include a reference/credit to this pattern. Do not distribute or claim the pattern as your own, or alter and use my photos to market your finished products.