Don’t you just love a stylish, cozy and versatile crochet cowl? The Slope Boho Crochet Cowl might just be what you’re looking for. This crochet cowl pattern features a unique design created by various stitch heights, contrasting colors and fun reverse stitches for a touch of texture.
I have to give credit to my dear friend and amazingly talented indie dyer, Laverne of BzyPeach for this idea. As we were gathered at the annual Yarn Day, she showed me a picture of a knitted piece and whipped up a tiny sample that started the adventure of creating a shape that drapes and looks like layers.
I had to add a little pizazz to this crochet cowl by making it sure it was length and width that would be comfortable for all or most body sizes to wear in different ways.
Creating a shaped crochet cowl
The Slope Crochet Cowl offers a bandana-like shape from the combination of short and tall stitches, as well as extended stitches. I thought about using short rows to create the shape, but decided to keep it simple with the use of stitch heights.
If you’re not familiar with extended stitches, it the process of creating an extra chain at the start of a stitch. This typically creates a stitch that is taller than its standard version, but may be shorter than the next taller stitch. For example, the extended double crochet is taller than a double crochet but a smidge shorter than a treble crochet stitch.
By using extended stitches, there is a more subtle shift in the height of each row to create the appearance of the crochet cowl curving.
Do you know the reverse single crochet stitch?
The reverse single crochet stitch is also known as the crab stitch and can be made two ways. As a right handed crocheter, I prefer to create this textured stitch working to the right rather than working to the left and twisting the loops.
This is such a fun stitch to make once you get the hang of it, as it creates texture through the leaning loops, and can be a 3D feature when worked in one loop. And for the Slope Boho Crochet Cowl, the reverse single crochet is made in a contrasting color, or you can choose a coordinating color for a more subtle look. No matter the color choices, it draws the eyes to follow the shape of the cowl.
Also the reverse single stitch creates a layering look for boho vibes without having to actually layer.
Versatile Styling Options: From Cowl to Shawl
As I mentioned before, the goal in shaping and sizing this crochet cowl was a length that fit many and added versatility. The Slope Boho Crochet Cowl has a narrow section from the single crochet stitches, and then it gradually becomes longer. This means that if you turn the crochet cowl to the side it will cover one shoulder that reminds me of the huntress cowl worn by Katniss Everdeen.
Or turn the crochet cowl “backwards” and then it looks like a crochet shawl. Some may feel that they’re wearing a cape. I feel confident like a hero when I wear crochet, and I hope that you do too.
Styling Ideas for the Slope Crochet Cowl
Whether you call this a crochet cowl or crochet neck warmer, it is not only functional but can also elevate your wardrobe. Here are a few styling ideas to make the most out of your Slope Boho Crochet Cowl:
1. Casual: Pair the cowl with a simple long-sleeved top or sweater in a neutral color with jeans and ankle boots. Easy, cute and comfortable for any activities.
2. Boho Chic: Grab a flow dress or tunic and leggings, chunky bracelets, boots, and your Slope Boho Crochet Cowl turned backwards like a shawl. Exude playful vibes everywhere you go.
3. Modern Business Look: Embrace tailored wide leg pants, kitten heel sling backs, a well fitting button down top, a clutch, and a blazer when heading to the office. Many offices are notoriously cold, so the Slope Boho Crochet Cowl is the perfect layer to look professional while keeping you warm.
Yarn
With any crochet project, the yarn is as important as the overall project. I chose worsted weight yarn for ease and variety of options. Additionally, this crochet cowl was designed for the 2024 Giftstravaganza Blog Hop hosted by Underground Crafter (more about this below).
Because this is such a fun crochet pattern, I made two samples in very different color combinations. Plus there are the versions by the wonderful pattern testers.
The first sample was made with Caron Blossom Cakes and Lion Brand Basic Stitch. I love a good cake yarn, and Blossom Cakes is a generously sized cake of 481 yards / 440 meters. I enjoyed the tubal structure of this yarn and how the colors changed from a soft magenta to shades of purple, which paired perfectly with Lion Brand Yarns Basic Stitch in Blackberry. There was only one knot in my cake while crocheting and the tubal structure prevents splitting. Caron Blossom Cakes is 61% cotton and 39% acrylic, so it’s a great choice for a variety of projects. Basic Stitch is 100% acrylic, so it works for a variety of crochet projects too.
The second sample was made with Cascade Yarns Cantata in Neon Lime and Black, which I had received samples of while attending H+H Americas, and then a request for yarn support. I really like this yarn too! It’s a similar tubal structure like Blossom Cakes, except it is comprised of 70% cotton and 30% merino wool and comes in a hank of 218 yards / 200 meters. Cantata is available in 45 solid colors, and 11 hand painted shades. You can purchase this great yarn from a local yarn shop for the average price of $10 by visiting the Cascade Yarns website and clicking on Store Finder.
No matter what yarn you choose, have fun with the colors, and work through your yarn stash. And if none of the 573 skeins in your stash work for the Slope Boho Crochet Cowl, just grab *wink wink*
Tips for Gauge and Size
Since this crochet cowl pattern features numerous crochet stitches, it would be a pain to create a gauge swatch for every stitch used. Instead, you can make a gauge swatch of double crochet stitches with the listed crochet hook size. It is much easier to compare a mid-size stitch than a single crochet or double treble stitch.
For sizing, you will fold the cowl in half and measure following the diagram. If your crochet cowl is a bit smaller or larger, it’s okay, as gauge is not critical unless you’re trying to stick within the yarn amounts provided within the pattern. This means that if your gauge is larger than the pattern gauge, you may not have enough yarn, whereas you will have enough if your gauge is smaller.
2024 Giftstravaganza
I’m participating in the third annual Giftstravaganza Blog Hop with Underground Crafter. Come join the fun! 33 bloggers have teamed up to bring you 33 days of free crochet patterns for handmade holiday gift ideas made with 1, 2, or 3 skeins of yarn! Each pattern is forever free on a blog but you can also grab the PDF version of the daily featured pattern free for 24 hours! Each week will have a theme.
Week 1 (November 1-7): Gifts for Home
Week 2 (November 8-14): Gifts for Women
Week 3 (November 15-21): Gifts for Babies, Kids, and Teens
Week 4 (November 22-28): Gifts for Anyone
Week 5 (November 29-December 3): Last-Minute Gifts
We’ve partnered with 11 fabulous craft companies to bring you great prizes! Find out more information about participating bloggers, the schedule, and how to enter to win the prizes on Underground Crafter. The deadline for entering the giveaway for your chance to win a prize from CozyNorthWoods, Crochet Foundry, Cutpie Studio, GlassEyesOnline, KennyClayCo, KnitPal, Knitter’s Relief Balm, lesliewind, MBT Creates, Unicorn, or Walnut Farm Designs is Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.
How To Join the 2024 Giftstravaganza Blog Hop
- You can join in by crocheting the projects as you have time.
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- By the end of the blog hop, you’ll have up to 33 awesome gifts for the handmade holiday season while having fun with us!
Visit Underground Crafter to learn more about the prizes, enter the giveaway, and to get links to each Giftstravaganza Blog Hop pattern as it is released.
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ADD TO RAVELRY FAVORITES
MATERIALS
- Worsted weight yarn, category #4: 195 yds / 178 m in Color A, 440 yards / 402 meters in Color B
- Suggested yarns:
- US I (5.50 mm) crochet hook or hook to meet gauge
- Scissors
- Yarn Needle
- Measuring Tape
GAUGE
12.5 dc x 7 rows = 4” x 4” [10 cm x 10 cm]
FINISHED SIZE
23” W X 24” L [58.4 cm W x 61 cm L]
PATTERN KEY
BLO: back loop only
Ch: chain
Dc: double crochet
Dtr: double treble crochet
Edc: extended double crochet
Ehdc: extended half double crochet
Esc: extended single crochet
Etr: extended treble crochet
FLO: front loop only
FO: fasten off
Fsc: foundation single crochet
Hdc: half double crochet
PM: place stitch marker
Rem: remain(s)(ing)
Rep: repeat
RS: right side
Rsc: reverse single crochet
Sl st: slip stitch
St(s): stitch(es)
Tr: treble crochet
WS: wrong side
YO: yarn over
SPECIAL STITCHES & TECHNIQUES
Edc: YO, insert hook in indicated stitch, YO and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), YO, pull through 1 loop (3 loops on hook), [YO, pull through 2 loops] 2 times
Ehdc: YO, insert hook in indicated stitch, YO and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), YO, pull through 1 loop (3 loops on hook), YO, pull through 3 loops
Esc: insert hook in indicated stitch, YO, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), YO, pull through 1 loop, YO, pull through 2 loops
Etr: YO 2 times, insert hook in indicated stitch, YO and pull up a loop (4 loops on hook), YO, pull through 1 loop (4 loops on hook), [YO, pull through 2 loops] 3 times
Join fsc in the round: For final fsc, insert hook through foundation chain of last st made, yarn over and pull up loop (2 loops on hook), insert hook through foundation of first st (starting ch-2), yarn over and pull through two loops (2 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through two loops, sl st to first fsc
Reverse single crochet: working from left to right, insert hook in next st, YO and pull up a loop, YO, pull through 2 loops (stitch will be twisted)
EXPERIENCE LEVEL
Intermediate
NOTES
- Pattern is written in US terms.
- Read entire pattern before beginning.
- The color is carried up each round to make changing the colors easier at the end of a round.
- Always move the yarn to the WS at the end of each round and when changing the color.
- It helps to PM in the last or first st of each section of sts, and move the M up each round to the last st as needed.
- The rsc will always face the RS of the fabric. If any previous rnd was turned or not turned as instructed, turn or not to ensure the rsc are on a RS rnd.
- Some rounds of instructions are separated for clarity.
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INSTRUCTIONS
Rnd 1: With Color A, 94 fsc, join fsc following Special Techniques, sl st to join. 95 sc
Rnd 2 (RS): Working in FLO, ch 1, PM in ch 1, rsc in each st around, sl st to ch 1 to join. Change to Color B and tighten Color A, do not FO. 95 rsc
Note: carry the unused color along the WS
Rnd 3 (RS): Working in BLO,
sc in next 10 sts,
hdc in next 8 sts, 2 hdc in next st,
dc in next 8 sts, 2 dc in next st,
tr in next 8 sts, 2 tr in next st,
*dtr in next 4 sts, 2 dtr in next st, dtr in next 4 sts*, [2 dtr in next st] 3 times, rep from * to *,
2 tr in next st, tr in next 8 sts,
2 dc in next st, dc in next 8 sts,
2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 8 sts,
sc in next 10 sts, sl st to join, turn.
20 sc, 20 hdc, 20 dc, 20 tr, 26 dtr; 106 sts total
Rnd 4 (WS): Ch 1, sc in next 10 sts, hdc in next 10 sts, dc in next 10 sts, tr in next 10 sts, dtr in next 26 sts, tr in next 10 sts, dc in next 10 sts, hdc in next 10 sts, sc in next 10 sts, change to Color A, sl st to join, turn.
Rnd 5 (RS): Sc in each st around, sl st to join, turn. 106 sc
Rnd 6 (WS): Working in BLO, rep Rnd 2, change to Color B, turn. 106 rsc
Row 7 (RS): Working in FLO,
sc in next 9 sts, 2 sc in next st,
hdc in next 9 sts, 2 hdc in next st,
dc in next 9 sts, 2 dc in next st,
tr in next 9 sts, 2 tr in next st,
dtr in next 6 sts, 2 dtr in next st, dtr in next 5 sts, 2 dtr in next 2 sts, dtr in next 5 sts,
2 dtr in next st, dtr in next 6 sts,
2 tr in next st, tr in next 9 sts,
2 dc in next st, dc in next 9 sts,
2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 9 sts,
2 sc in next st, sc in next 9 sts, sl st to join, turn.
22 sc, 22 hdc, 22 dc, 22 tr, 30 dtr; 118 sts total
Rnd 8 (WS): Loosely sl st in next 22 sts, sc in next 11 sts, hdc in next 11 sts,
dc in next 30 sts,
hdc in next 11 sts, sc in next 11 sts, sl st in next 22 sts, sl st to join, turn. 44 sl st, 22 sc, 22 hdc, 30 dc
Rnd 9 (RS): Sc in next 10 sts,
(sc, esc) in next st,
hdc in next 10 sts, (hdc, ehdc) in next st,
dc in next 10 sts, (dc, edc) in next st,
tr in next 10 sts, (tr, etr) in next st,
[2 dtr in next st, dtr in next 6 sts, 2 dtr in next st, dtr in next 6 sts, 2 dtr in next st] 2 times,
(etr, tr) in next st, tr in next 10 sts,
(edc, dc) in next st, dc in next 10 sts,
(ehdc, hdc) in next st, hdc in next 10 sts,
(esc, sc) in next st, sc in next 10 sts, change to Color A, sl st to join, turn.
22 sc, 2 esc, 22 hdc, 2 ehdc, 22 dc, 2 edc, 22 tr, 2 etr, 36 dtr; 132 sts total
Rnds 10-11: Rep Rnd 5, but DO NOT TURN, rep Rnd 6, change to Color B
Rnd 12 (WS): Working in available loop, sc in next 9 sts, esc in next st,
hdc in next 10 sts, ehdc in next st,
dc in next 16 sts, edc in next 13 sts,
tr in next 10 sts, etr in next 2 sts,
dtr in next 8 sts,
etr in next 2 sts, tr in next 10 sts,
edc in next 13 sts, dc in next 16 sts,
ehdc in next st, hdc in next 10 sts,
esc in next st, sc in next 9 sts, sl st to join, turn.
18 sc, 2 esc, 20 hdc, 2 ehdc, 32 dc, 26 edc, 20 tr, 4 etr, 8 dtr; 132 sts total
Rnd 13 (RS): Sc in next 9 sts, esc in next 6 sts,
dc in next 10 sts, edc in next 15 sts,
tr in next 20 sts, etr in next 5 sts,
dtr in next 2 sts,
etr in next 5 sts, tr in next 20 sts,
edc in next 15 sts, dc in next 10 sts,
esc in next 6 sts, sc in next 9 sts, sl st to join, turn.
18 sc, 12 esc, 20 dc, 30 edc, 40 tr, 10 etr, 2 dtr
Rnd 14 (WS): Rep Rnd 12 working in both loops, do not turn. Change to Color A
Rnds 15-16: Rep Rnds 5-6, change to Color B, turn after Rnd 16.
Rnd 17: Working in BLO, sc in next 9 sts,
(sc, esc) in next st,
hdc in next 10 sts, (hdc, ehdc) in next st,
dc in next 15 sts, 2 dc in next st,
edc in next 12 sts, 2 edc in next st,
tr in next 9 sts, 2 tr in next st,
etr in next 2 sts, dtr in next 8 sts,
etr in next 2 sts,
2 tr in next st, tr in next 9 sts,
2 edc in next st, edc in next 12 sts,
2 dc in next st, dc in next 15 sts,
(ehdc, hdc) in next st, hdc in next 10 sts,
(esc, sc) in next st, sc in next 9 sts, sl st to join, turn.
20 sc, 2 esc, 22 hdc, 2 ehdc, 34 dc, 28 edc, 22 tr, 4 etr, 8 dtr; 142 sts total
Rnd 18: Sc in next 10 sts, esc in next st,
hdc in next 11 sts, ehdc in next st,
dc in next 15 sts, edc in next st,
tr in next 14 sts, etr in next 13 sts,
2 etr in next st,
dtr in next 8 sts, 2 etr in next st,
etr in next 13 sts, tr in next 14 sts,
edc in next st, dc in next 15 sts,
ehdc in next st, hdc in next 11 sts,
esc in next st, sc in next 10 sts, sl st to join, turn.
20 sc, 2 esc, 22 hdc, 2 ehdc, 30 dc, 2 edc, 28 tr, 30 etr, 8 dtr; 144 sts total
Rnd 19: Sc in next 10 sts, esc in next st,
hdc in next 11 sts, ehdc in next st,
dc in next 15 sts, edc in next st,
tr in next 14 sts, etr in next 14 sts,
dtr in next 10 sts, etr in next 14 sts,
tr in next 14 sts, edc in next st,
dc in next 15 sts,
ehdc in next st, hdc in next 11 sts,
esc in next st, sc in next 10 sts, change to Color A, sl st to join, turn.
20 sc, 2 esc, 22 hdc, 2 ehdc, 30 dc, 2 edc, 28 tr, 28 etr, 10 dtr; 144 sts total
Rnd 20: Sc in next 12 sts, [2 sc in next, sc in next 19] 6 times, sc in rem sts, sl st to join. 150 sc
Rnd 21: Rep Rnd 6.
Rnds 22- 24: Working in BLO for Rnd 22,
sc in next 11 sts, hdc in next 11 sts,
dc in next 18 sts,
tr in next 16 sts, etr in next 14 sts,
dtr in next 10 sts,
etr in next 14 sts, tr in next 16 sts,
dc in next 18 sts,
hdc in next 11 sts, sc in next 11 sts, sl st to join, turn.
22 sc, 22 hdc, 36 dc, 32 tr, 28 etr, 10 dtr; 150 sts total
Note: Do not turn after Rnd 24 and change to Color A.
Rnd 25: *Sc in next 24 sts, 2 sc in next, rep from * around, sl st to join, turn. 156 sc
Rnd 26: Rep Rnd 6, turn. Change to Color B.
Rnds 27- 29: Working in BLO for Rnd 27,
sc in next 12 sts, hdc in next 12 sts,
dc in next 18 sts,
tr in next 16 sts, etr in next 14 sts,
dtr in next 12 sts, etr in next 14 sts,
tr in next 16 sts, dc in next 18 sts,
hdc in next 12 sts, sc in next 12 sts, sl st to join, turn.
24 sc, 24 hdc, 36 dc, 32 tr, 28 etr, 12 dtr; 156 sts total
Note: Change to Color A at end of Rnd 29
Rnd 30: *Sc in next 25 sts, 2 sc in next, rep from * around, sl st to join. 162 sc
Rnd 31: Rep Rnd 6, turn. Change to Color B.
Rnds 32-35: Working in BLO for Rnd 32,
sc in next 13 sts, hdc in next 13 sts,
dc in next 18 sts,
tr in next 16 sts, etr in next 14 sts,
dtr in next 14 sts,
etr in next 14 sts, tr in next 16 sts,
dc in next 18 sts,
hdc in next 13 sts, sc in next 13 sts, sl st to join, turn.
26 sc, 26 hdc, 36 dc, 32 tr, 28 etr, 14 dtr; 162 sts total
Note: Do not turn after Rnd 35. Change to Color A and FO Color B.
Rnd 36: Sc in each st around, sl st to join, turn.
Rnd 37: Rep Rnd 6, turn.
Rnd 38: Rep Rnd 36, FO.
Finishing
Weave in ends.
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4K Giveaway
I’m thrilled that over 4,000 folks have connected with Creations by Courtney through crochet on Instagram!
In celebration, I’m hosting a giveaway for the following prizes:
- 3 skeins of Cascade Yarns Cantata is Neon Lime and Black (valued at $30)
- A pattern of choice (You can get a free copy of the Slope Boho Crochet Cowl on November 12 😉, valued up to $15)
- A customized canvas tote bag (valued at $35)
This giveaway is open to all adults 18 years or older, worldwide. Enter by 11:59 PM ET on Saturday, November 16. A winner will be randomly selected on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
TO ENTER:
- Fill out THIS FORM
- Earn an extra entry by following me on Instagram.
- Earn an extra entry by commenting on this blog post. Tell me what colors you will use and whom you’ll gift this cowl to.
- SHARE SHARE SHARE – no extra entry but definitely gives you positive crochet karma.
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This pattern is not to be duplicated or resold, and not to be reproduced commercially. You may sell finished products on Etsy, at farmers markets, and craft fairs, but please credit Creations By Courtney as the pattern’s author.
9 Responses
Beautiful! I would make one for me in purple and one for my daughter-in-law in blue 💜💙
That sounds like a lovely plan, Penny!
I would use shades of blue and purple. They are my favorite colors! The first cowl would be for me so any mistakes I make could be corrected for a gifted cowl. Lol 😉
LOL I’m sure you can make it without any mistakes. Even if you do, a mistake becomes a design element. *wink*
I’d like to use mono shades of purple.
Dark purple and lilac.
I am always a fan of purple! Please, please, please make it and share pictures! 😆
I’ll gift the cowl to my sister.
This is a perfect gift for your sister. Y’all are lucky to have each other for sisters.
This cowl is fabulous, you can wear it in so many ways
I would choose some pretty green yarn to add a pop of color