How to Crochet a Textured Cowl

One thing you should know about me is that I love a matching set! Not long after designing the XOXO Slouch Hat, I decided that it definitely needed a coordinating piece. I made my very first sample for my mom for Christmas and decided it just had to be written up to share with you all. So I hope you enjoy the ultra-textured XOXO Cowl!

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**

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About the XOXO Cowl!

This crochet cowl is done very similarly to the XOXO Slouch Hat and uses all the same stitches. You can find the free pattern for the Slouch Hat here. And to complete your set, check out the XOXO Mitts and XOXO Ear Warmer!

I made it to be a bit on the wider side because I like my scarves a tad bulky. But you could definitely tailor this to fit your personal style preferences by adding or taking away rows. You could even double your foundation chain and make a full-size infinity scarf! Or decrease the foundation chain by a bit and skip a repeat or two for a custom kid-sized version.

And while I have opted to make this using a bobble stitch, this can also be made with beads, just like the XOXO Slouch Hat. For a tutorial on how to add beads to crochet, check out this post!

I just love how the set looks together! Don’t you?!

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About the Yarn

The XOXO cowl is designed with worsted weight yarn. If you’ve checked out some of my other patterns, you know that I have a few favorites when it comes to worsted weight. My all-time favorite would have to be Lion Brand Heartland yarn. It’s an acrylic yarn and it just takes the cake as far as softness and beautiful colorways.

But a close second would be Brava worsted from WeCrochet. I like Brava because not only is it budget-friendly, but it also comes in so many colors! WeCrochet also has some other great worsted weight yarn options, and I love that most of their yarns have plenty of color options.

All of my cowls, thus far, have been made with solid colored yarn, but I think this one would work up great with a striped cake or a fun tonal yarn as well.

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Love It? Pin It for Later!

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About the Stitches

This pattern uses a combo of the same three stitches across the collection. Once you get the hang of them, you’ll be able to whip right through any of the XOXO pieces. I’m going to give you a quick overview of the special stitches here.

Crossed Double Crochet

First up is the crossed double crochet! This one is pretty simple as it is a using basic double crochet. To do this one, you’ll skip a stitch, and double crochet in the next one. Then you’ll work a double crochet in the stitch that you skipped. This criss-crossing effect will create some fun texture in your work.

Bobble Stitch

Next up is the bobble stitch. Now there’s definitely some variation in how people work a bobble stitch. For this pattern, I use a small bobble, but really, you can use whatever size bobble you want. To do the smaller bobble, you will yarn over and insert your hook into the stitch and pull up a loop. Then yarn over and pull through two loops on your hook. Then you’ll repeat those steps two more times (or more for a larger bobble). You should have four loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through all four loops on your hook. You can close the bobble with a chain 1, but I usually just leave my bobbles open.

Camel Stitch

The last special stitch is the camel stitch. This stitch is also called working in the 3rd loop. To do this, you will have to have a foundation row of half double crochet stitches. Half double crochet is the only stitch that will create a 3rd loop, and this stitch is easiest worked in the round. If you are looking at your stitch from the top, there will be a front loop and a back loop. Directly behind the back loop is the third loop. When you’re working in the third loop, it will push the front and back loops forward creating a line of texture.

Adding a Bead

You can swap the bobbles for the beads in this pattern and its a lot of fun. I have a whole tutorial on how to add beads to your crochet as you go with photos and video included. Check out the tutorial at the link below!

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Materials Needed

240 – 300 yds Worsted weight (4) yarn, approx.
5.50mm (I) Crochet hook
1.5mm (size 8) Crochet hook (optional)
Beads (6mm, 8mm, 10mm) (optional)
Tapestry needle 

Stitches Used

Chain (ch)
Single Crochet (sc)
Half Double Crochet (hdc)
Double Crochet (dc)
Bobble Stitch (bs)
Camel Stitch
Crossed DC
Slip Stitch (sl st)

Finished Measurements

14” across (approx 28” circumference)
8.25” height

Gauge

16 stitches = 4”
6 rows = 2”

Pattern for Gauge

With I Hook: Ch 17, turn. SC in 2nd ch from hook and across. Follow Rows 3-8 of pattern using bobble stitches.

Notes

• Chain spaces do not count as stitches in stitch count. 
• This pattern is written in multiples of 4. To adjust the size of your cowl increase or decrease your foundation chain in multiples of four stitches.
• Rows 7 and 8 will be worked differently based whether you are adding bobble stitches or beads
• Beads are a choking hazard for young children

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PATTERN

Round 1: With a size I (5.5mm) hook, ch 104. Sl st to form a loop, being careful not to twist your stitches.

Round 2: Ch 1, sc in same ch st and in each ch st around. Sl st in first stitch to join (104)

Round 3: Ch 3 (does not count as stitch). Sk next stitch. Work 1 dc in following stitch. Work 1 dc in previous skipped stitch working over previous dc. (Crossed DC). Repeat from * around. Sl st in top of Ch 3 to join. (104)

Round 4: Ch 1. Hdc in first stitch and each stitch around. Sl st in first stitch to join. (104)

Round 5: Ch 1. Sc in third loop of first hdc in previous row (Camel Stitch). Working in third loops, sc in each stitch around. Sl st in first stitch to join. (104)

Round 6: Ch 1. Sc in first stitch and each stitch around. Sl st in first stitch to join. (104)

For Bobbles:

Round 7: Ch 1 and TURN. Working on wrong side (WS), 1 sc in the last stitch of previous row. Bobble stitch (BS) in next stitch. Sc in next 3 stitches. BS in next stitch. Repeat from * until 3 stitches remain. BS in next stitch. Sc in next 2 stitches. Sl st first stitch to join. (104)

Round 8: Ch 1 and TURN. Resume working on right side (RS), Sc in first stitch and each stitch around. Sl st in first stitch to join. (104)

For Beads:

Round 7: Ch 1. Sc in each of the first two stitches. Add a bead. Sc in in each of the next 4 stitches. Repeat from * until two stitches remain. Add a bead. Sc in each of the last two stitches. Sl st in first sc to join. (104)

Round 8: Ch 1 and TURN. Working on wrong side (WS), sc in first stitch and in each stitch around. (104) Turn to right side (RS) before working Row 9.

Round 9: Ch 1. Hdc in first st and in each stitch around. Sl st in first stitch to join. (104)

Round 10: Ch 1. Sc in third loop of first hdc in previous row (Camel Stitch). Working in third loops, sc in each stitch around. Sl st in first stitch to join. (104)

Rounds 11-34: Repeat Rounds 3-10 three times.

Round 35: Repeat Round 3

Round 36: Ch 1. Sc in first stitch and in each stitch around. Sl St to join (104).

Tie off and weave in ends using tapestry needle.

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Final Thoughts

I hope you love this crochet cowl as much as I do! Be sure to share all your fabulous XOXO Cowls! Tag me at @craftingforweeks on Facebook or Instagram and be sure to use the hashtag #XOXOCowl. I love to see your work and I even share it when I can!

Until next time, Happy Crafting!