Linked for Life Hooded Cowl Crochet Pattern

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This hooded cowl crochet pattern is the perfect way to learn and practice the linked double crochet stitch, which is also where this warm neck warmer gets it’s name. This cold weather accessory is great for autumn, winter and even early spring. This free crochet pattern is a fun and fast single skein project using acrylic yarn and a size K10.5 crochet hook.

I love the look of the linked double crochet, and adding that link gives the stitch extra thickness too so it was a no brain-er to make a hooded cowl crochet pattern from it. It is warm and cozy.

Before you start this crochet pattern, I suggest you have a working knowledge of linked double crochet stitches, and foundation double crochet stitches. I provide very quick tutorials for these stitches in the special stitches section, but a knowledge of these stitches will be very helpful.

I also recommend knowing how to complete the crab stitch or reverse single crochet. This stitch is worked along the last row of the pattern, and provides a nice edge on the hooded cowl.

Hooded Cowl Crochet Pattern

Skill Level

Easy. Know how to complete foundation double crochets, linked double crochet stitches, and the crab stitch.

Read entire pattern before starting to ensure understanding.

Finished Size

25” circumference x 17¾” long

Gauge

11 LDC x 8 rows = 4 in wide X 4 in tall

Materials Needed

• 360 yds (1 skein) of worsted weight yarn. I used Red Heart Super Saver in Forest Green. I have used a mustard yellow in some of the photos to maximize visibility of the stitches for the pattern tutorial. Please make this hooded cowl in whatever color you like best!
• K10.5/6.5 mm Hook
• Stitch Markers (optional) – I love this set!!
• Yarn Needle
• Scissors

Stitches & Abbreviations

• Chain (Ch)
• Stitch (St)
• Foundation Linked Double Crochet (FLDC) See Special Stitches
• Linked Double Crochet (LDC)
• Joining Linked Double Crochet (JLDC) See Special Stitches
• Crab Stitch (CS) [a.k.a. the reverse single crochet]

Special Stitches

Foundation Linked Double Crochet (FLDC) – Chain 3. Pull up a loop from each chain. 3 loops on hook. YO and pull through first loop only. (YO and pull through 2 loops) 2x. *Find the “bar” from the 2^nd chain’s loop. Insert your hook and pull up a loop through this “bar”. Keeping that loop on your hook, insert your hook into the base of the previous foundation stitch. Pull up a loop. 3 loops on hook. YO and pull through first loop. (YO and pull through 2 loops) 2x. Repeat from * until you have one less than the desired number of stitches in the foundation row. You will use the Join Linked Double Crochet (JLDC) stitch to join the ends of the row and complete the last LDC needed for the row.

Linked Double Crochet (LDC) – Insert hook into link bar from previous stitch (or first chain if working first stitch in new row) and pull up a loop. 2 loops on hook. Insert hook into working stitch and pull up a loop. 3 loops on hook. (YO and pull through first 2 loops on hook) twice.

Click Here for A Tutorial on The Linked Double Crochet

Joining Foundation Linked Double Crochet – Add a link loop to your hook. Pull up a loop from the foundation of the previous stitch. Pull up a loop from the foundation stitch at the start of the round. You should have 4 loops on your hook. Pull the first loop through the next two loops. You should have 2 loops on your hook now. YO and pull through both loops on hook. SS to top of first LDC from row.

Joining Linked Double Crochet (JLDC) – Add a link loop to your hook. Red arrows are the chain stitches from the start of the row. Blue arrow shows the final stitch to be worked for row. Green arrow shows the SS from the previous row’s join. SKIP THE SLIP STITCH! Pull up a loop from the next and final stitch of the round. Pull up a loop from the 2^nd chain worked at the start of the round. You should have 4 loops on your hook. Pull the first loop through the next two loops. You should have 2 loops on your hook now. YO and pull through both loops on hook. SS to top of first LDC from row.

Pattern Notes

Gauge is only important for this pattern if you wish to achieve the same dimensions as I have given. You may use a smaller or larger yarn or hook to work the project but know that your finished product will have a different size and appearance then what has been provided.

I suggest adding a stitch marker around finished rows every 5 or 10 rows to make counting your rows easier.

This pattern has no multiple and can be made in any size you wish. Make the starting foundation row longer if you want the cowl to be looser around your neck. If you do this, be aware that you will not enough yarn to do as many rows as I have completed, unless you use a second skein of yarn.

I have made this cowl tall so it can be used as a hooded cowl. If you do not want to use it as a hood, finish with the crab stitch when it reaches whatever height you desire.

It is important to make this cowl in the round, so the outside of the linked double crochet stitches are on the same side of the project. If you attempt to make this pattern in a flat back and forth fashion and then seam it at the end, it will not look correct.

When joining the foundation row into a ring, make sure there are no twists in the project.

The Slip Stitch that joins the end of each round, does not count as a stitch. Count the first stitch in the round (the one the slip stitch is joined to) as part of the count.

Every row is made of 74 linked double crochet stitches. The pattern directs you to complete 73 of them, and the JLDC adds the final stitch to the round. I suggest counting each stitch after the first few rows to be sure you are completing the JLDC stitch correctly. If you are losing or adding stitches to each row, it is likely you need to review this stitch.

Linked for Life Hooded Cowl Crochet Pattern

Join yarn to hook

Row 1. 73 FLDC stitches. Use JLDC to complete ring and final LDC. (74LDC)

Row 2. Ch 2 (Does not count as a stitch). Pull up first link loop through first chain. Complete 73 LDC stitches. Use JLDC to complete final LDC and join round.  

Row 3 – 34. Repeat row 2.

Row 35. CS (reverse single crochet) in each stitch around.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Sharing is Caring!!

Did you enjoy this cowl pattern? Tell me your favorite thing in the comments below!

If you like cold weather patterns, check out my Cascading Icicles Beanie Free Crochet Pattern or my Basket Weave Ponytail Beanie Free Crochet Pattern.

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Happy Hooking!