Either Way Cowl Free Crochet Pattern

If you love self striping yarns and an easy stitch pattern, you’re going to love the Either Way Cowl! Made entirely with the linen stitch, half of the cowl features vertical stripes, and the other half, horizontal stripes, so you can wear it either way!

It’s a very large, cozy cowl that is also long enough to pull up over your head so you can wear it as a hood, while still keeping your neck warm. Or, wear it down and it will be extra thick and toasty!

While the linen stitch does look great in a solid color, I really had self striping yarns in mind when I designed this cowl. I wanted to create a piece that would flatter those stripes that they naturally want to create.

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Why You’ll Love This Cowl

• Two different styles in one – One end of the cowl has vertical stripes and the other has horizontal stripes, giving you a different look depending on which way you wear it. It’s like two cowls in one!
• Easy stitches – This pattern is made up of single crochets and chains so whether you’re a beginner and want to practice those or if you’re more experienced and just looking for an easy project, this is it!
• Crochet on autopilot – Want to crochet while road-tripping or in front of the TV? The stitch pattern is easy to memorize, making it perfect for those times when you can’t give your project your full attention!

Yarn

#4 worsted weight yarn: Approximately 590 yards of Red Heart Boutique Treasure in Watercolors.

*Since the time that this pattern was published, Red Heart Boutique Treasure has been discontinued. You can substitute just about any #4 worsted weight yarn and you’ll find my recommendations below.

Yarn Substitute Ideas

• Red Heart Unforgettable, Lion Brand Landscapes, and Loops & Threads Facets – These yarns are the most similar to the original yarn used except they are slightly thinner. Lots of pretty colors are available, easy to find, and affordable.
• Lion Brand Mandala Ombre – Also an acrylic yarn that is affordable and easy to find but is slightly plumper and has a different texture that holds up better over time.
• Berroco Sesame – If you’re looking for something nicer than what you find in craft stores, check this out! This wool, cotton, acrylic, nylon blend yarn offers some really pretty colorways with little tweedy bits.

Download The Pattern

You can find the FREE pattern by scrolling down. A print-friendly, ad-free PDF of this pattern is also available for a small fee. If you enjoy my patterns, please consider purchasing the PDF – your support is greatly appreciated and will help me keep the new patterns coming! :)

Supplies

• US Size J (6mm) crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge
• Yarn needle
• Stitch marker
• Scissors

Difficulty

Beginner

Gauge

14 sc and 14 rows = 4″

Finished Measurements

Length: 20”, Around edge: 36”

Abbreviations

• ch/chs ‐ chain/chains
• st/sts ‐ stitch/stitches
• sc ‐ single crochet

Terms of Use

You are welcome to sell any items you make using this pattern, in small quantities. Mass production is prohibited. When selling online, please credit Julie King / Gleeful Things by linking to www.gleefulthings.com or tagging @gleefulthings. You may NOT sell or distribute the pattern itself in any form, alter it to claim it as your own, post it online, or create a video demonstrating the pattern.

Notes

1. The cowl is worked in two parts. For part 1, you will be working in rows and will then stitch the final row to the starting chain to form a tube. You will then work part 2 into either edge of part 1. When working in the edge, you’ll make an sc in one row then ch 1 & skip the next row.
2. Part 2 is worked in continuous rounds without joining. Be sure to use a stitch marker to help you keep track of rounds.

Instructions

Part 1 ‐ Vertical Stripes:

Row 1: Ch 39, (1st 2 chs count as 1 sc + ch 1) 1 sc in 3rd ch from hook, *ch 1, skip 1 ch, 1 sc in next ch; repeat from * across ‐ 20 sc + 19 ch 1 spaces.

Row 2: Ch 2 (counts as 1 sc + ch 1 now and throughout) & turn, skip 1 st, 1 sc in next ch space, *ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 sc in next ch space; repeat from * across ‐ 20 sc + 19 ch 1 spaces.

Rows 3 ‐ 126: Repeat row 2.

Cut yarn leaving a long tail & pull tail through final stitch. Use your yarn needle and the tail to stitch row 126 to the starting chain. Fasten off.

Part 2 ‐ Horizontal Stripes:

Join yarn to the end of any row.

Round 1: Ch 2 (counts as 1 sc + ch 1 now and throughout), skip next row, 1 sc in next row, *ch 1, skip next row, 1 sc in next row; repeat from * around ‐ 63 sc + 63 ch 1 spaces.

Round 2‐36: *ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 sc in next ch space; repeat from * across ‐ 63 sc + 63 ch 1 spaces.

After round 36, invisible join to the 1st sc of that round and fasten off.

Share Your Project!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this pattern and I would love to see what you made! Please share your photos on social media and tag me @gleefulthings or use hashtag #gleefulthings. Don’t forget to add your project on Ravelry too! :)