How to Crochet a Leopard Print Scarf
Have I ever mentioned that I love leopard print? Yeah I thought you might have picked up on that one. I also love matching sets *wink wink*. Today I’m going to be sharing the Luxe Leopard Cowl with you. This design was released awhile back, shortly after I published the original Luxe Leopard Beanie. And today I’m sharing the free pattern with you right here!
The following is a free pattern available for use on my website, if you would like to purchase a detailed, ad-free PDF version of this pattern, please visit my Etsy or Ravelry shop. All rights reserved.
**This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. This is a great way to support my small business AND get the supplies you need for your project!**
The Inspiration
Obviously my first inspiration for the Luxe Leopard cowl was the mighty leopard! But really, I love to be able to recreate fun prints and unique fabrics in crochet. When I started designing this cowl, there really wasn’t much out there in the way of leopard print in crochet. There were a few knit patterns here and there, but I wanted to be able to crochet my pieces.
After I designed the first beanie, I knew it should be a part of a matching set. I had a few goals in mind when I began designing the Luxe Leopard cowl. First, I wanted to create something that would work up relatively quickly with bulky yarn. Secondly, I wanted it to match the other piece of the set. And finally, I wanted it to be warm! I think the Luxe Leopard Cowl checks all those boxes.
Want a Matching Set?
Does your new scarf need a buddy? Check out the Luxe Leopard Bulky Beanie or the Luxe Leopard Worsted Beanie! And keep an eye out for the upcoming Luxe Leopard Earwarmer and Mittens!
About the Cowl
One of my favorite styles of scarves is a cowl. I love the quick, simplicity of throwing on a cowl with a warm coat. As a mom of 3, almost 4, little ones, it’s always nice knowing that accessories aren’t going to get in the way of keeping up with the kiddos. I also love how easy it is to adjust a cowl to fit your needs, and the Luxe Leopard Cowl is no exception.
This scarf is designed in bulky yarn to match the bulky beanie, and in adult size. However, the simplicity of the waistcoat stitch makes this design surprisingly versatile. Want to use super bulky yarn? Easy peasy, just shorten your foundation chain. Want to use worsted weight? No problem, just add to your foundation chain and repeat the graph when you run out of columns or rows. Want to make it a different size that the listed measurements? Yup, just adjust that foundation row again to fit your needs!
About the Yarn
This scarf like the other bulky pieces in the Luxe Leopard Collection was made with Lion Brand Color Made Easy yarn. If you’ve never worked with this yarn, you’re missing out! It’s a bulky 5 acrylic yarn and it comes in a ton of different colors. And in my humble opinion, it just glides off the hook so well. It’s definitely one of my favorite bulky yarns to use.
However, if you’ve seen any of my other patterns, you know that I like to offer yarn substitutions. My current favorite substitute for the Color Made Easy is Brava Bulky from WeCrochet. I find that these two match gauge pretty seamlessly. Red Heart Soft Essentials (5) and Red Heart Hygge (5) are also both easy to meet gauge with.
When I designed this cowl, I envisioned it with a faux fur yarn worked around the edges. Alas, all the local craft stores were sold out. But if you think your scarf needs a little extra pizazz, try adding some faux fur or other novelty yarn along the edges at the end.
This pattern is today’s (November 18) Parade of Pattern feature! This month I’m going to be featuring some of my favorite crochet patterns in a fun event called Parade of Patterns. Each day there’ll be a new pattern to check out and a mystery discount to go along with it!
Today’s Mystery Discount: 50%
Today’s Coupon Code: SPOTTED
Love It?! Pin it for Later!
Materials Needed
- 2 Skeins of Lion Brand Color Made Easy (or comparable bulky yarn)
- 200 yds of main color
- 100 yds of contrasting color
- Optional: Faux fur yarn or other textured yarn
- Size K (6.5mm) hook
- Optional: Size L (8.0mm) hook
- Tape Measure
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
Stitches Used
Sl St – Slip Stitch
Ch – Chain
SC – Single Crochet
Skill Level
Intermediate
Gauge
10 SC stitches x 13 rows = 4” square
Pattern for Gauge: Ch 28, Sl st to join. Sc in each stitch around. Using waistcoat stitch and working in a continuous round, sc in each stitch around until work is large enough to measure.
Finished Measurements: (laid flat)
10” Height x 15” Width
Notes
- This scarf is worked in a continuous round. You may want to mark the first stitch of each round with a stitch marker.
- To make this scarf longer or to use a smaller weight yarn, increase the foundation chain until you reach the desired length and follow pattern instructions. When doing colorwork, repeat graph to accommodate extra foundation chains.
- An important key to using waistcoat stitch is loose tension. If you’re struggling with tight tension or tend to crochet tightly, I recommend increasing to an 8.0mm hook to loosen the stitches.
- This chart is written for two-tone leopard print pattern. It can be made into tricolor leopard pattern by adding a third color in the center squares of each leopard spot. If you choose to use three colors, be aware that carrying a third color can effect the tension, density of the fabric, and overall stretch.
- Waistcoat stitch can produce a dense fabric. To soften your scarf, I recommend blocking your finished piece.
Special Stitches/Techniques
There are a few special techniques involved for this cowl. I have included links to Youtube tutorials for each one. Click on the link to check out the video.
PATTERN
Using K hook & Main Color.
Round 1: Ch 72. Sl st to first chain to join, being careful not to twist.
Round 2: Ch 1. Using loose tension, Sc in each chain around. (72)
Round 3-30: Using Waistcoat stitch and working in a continuous round, Sc around following color changes according to graph. (72)
(Note: For taller cowl, continue working until scarf reaches desired height.)
Round 31: Using Main Color and waistcoat stitch, Sc in each stitch around. Tie off and weave in ends. (72)
OPTIONAL FINISHING
- Attach faux fur or other textured yard to top edge.
- Sc in each stitch around for 1-2 rows based on preference.
- Repeat on bottom edge. Tie off and weave in ends.
Final Thoughts
As always I hope you love this pattern! I’d love to see your finished makes, so be sure to tag me on Instagram at @craftingforweeks or on Facebook at @craftingforweeks. Use the hashtag #luxeleopardcowl on Instagram too!
You can find some of my other popular cowl patterns here:
Pineapple & Pine Cowl
XOXO Cowl
Great Star Cowl
Until next time, Happy Crafting!
Kelsie
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