Chunky Crochet Cowl Pattern (Free & Easy) – Super Bulky Yarn

Thanks to the alpine stitch and super bulky yarn, this chunky crochet cowl pattern works up quickly and has amazing texture. So cozy!

The inspiration for this chunky crochet cowl pattern was the alpine stitch. I know, I know. Usually there’s more back story, but like, haven’t you ever loved a stitch? I’ve had many favorite textured stitches (like the bobble stitch and the loop stitch), but right now, I’m all about the alpine stitch. It creates such incredible texture, especially when crocheted in solid colors. I knew I had to make a chunky cowl to really showcase the stitch and the diamond-y texture it makes. Enter: The Alpine Cowl.

woman covering her face with a blue crocheted cowl with text overlay "alpine stitch chunky cowl - free crochet pattern from you should craft"

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Chunky Crochet Cowl Pattern Inspiration

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — I f*cking love scarves. Last year, I released the Color-Block Infinity Scarf, and earlier this year I dropped the Stardew Triangle Scarf.

Today’s pattern (The Alpine Cowl) is a textured, chunky cowl that features its namesake: the alpine stitch. I used Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in Mystical, which I got for $1/skein like two-and-a-half-years ago. I used the same colorway for my Mystic Ripple Blanket, and I have a few more of my fifteen balls leftover. Wool-Ease T&Q is a #6 super bulky yarn, so this crochet cowl pattern works up SUPER quickly. It also means you’ll be super warm this fall and winter.

Since your ears might get cold, here’s a matching headband pattern and a chunky crochet hat pattern.

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Tools Needed to Crochet a Chunky Cowl

I love Lion Brand’s Wool-Ease Thick & Quick yarn, so when a glittery light blue color was on clearance for $1/skein, I snagged like fifteen. I used about half for a blanket, and two more skeins for this cowl, but I’ve got some matching patterns coming out with the rest.

Anyway, Wool-Ease T&Q is a #6 super bulky yarn that’s a blend of acrylic and wool. It’s soft, warm, washable, and even dryable! Since the yarn is super bulky, your cowl will FLY off your hook. This is such a fun, quick pattern! And, I find that the light, solid-colored yarn really brings out the texture of the alpine stitch.

Super bulky yarn requires a big hook, so I chose to use my 10.0 mm Virgo Streamline Swirl hook from Furls Fiberarts. The smooth resin of the Streamline Swirl glides through chunky yarns like T&Q, and the thick, ergonomic handle means I don’t experience any hand pain or cramping as I crochet. Plusss, the swirls of green and blue looked amazing next to the baby blue yarn.

Please note, there is some inconsistent labeling amongst 10.0 mm hooks. My Furls hook was labeled as a “P” hook, but one of my testers reported that her Susan Bates hook was an “N.” Make sure to follow the millimeter sizing, not the lettered sizing.

outstretched arm holding a light blue crocheted cowl with text overlay "chunky crochet cowl pattern - you should craft"

Share Your Chunky Crochet Cowls!

I love seeing what you’ve crocheted! Use #youshouldcraft to show off your WIPs and finished Alpine Cowls!

Regardless of your social media preferences, be sure to tag me (@youshouldcraft) in your posts so I can drool over your projects and re-share your work in my stories and on my feed!

And if you’re a Facebook person, share your work and connect with other crocheters in The You Should Craft Crochet Community FB group!

How to Crochet a Chunky Cowl

Supplies / Materials

Gauge / Size

Finished chunky cowls are approximately 12 inches wide x 10 inches tall.

The pattern for the gauge swatch is as follows. Please note: the gauge swatch is larger than 4×4 inches, in order to provide more accurate measurements.

ch 11
ROW 1: dc in third ch from hook, dc across (10)
ROW 2: ch 1 and turn, sc across (10)
ROWS 3 – 6: alternate dc and sc rows

4 x 4 inches: 6 rows of 8 stitches

back of a woman with her hair up, wearing a light blue crocheted cowl with text overlay "alpine stitch chunky cowl - free crochet pattern from you should craft"

Abbreviations / Techniques

Chunky Crochet Cowl Pattern Notes

  • turning ch 1 is not counted as a stitch
  • Rounds are joined but not turned
  • Starting chain and ROUND 1 can be replaced with 40 foundation hdc stitches, joined with a sl st
  • In order to adjust the cowl’s circumference, add or remove chains in groups of 2

Chunky Crochet Cowl – Written Pattern

ch 40, join to first ch with sl st

ROUND 1: ch 1, hdc in same ch, hdc around, join to first st with sl st (40)
ROUND 2: ch 1, dc in same st, dc around, join to first st with sl st (40)
ROUND 3: ch 1, sc in same st, sc around join to first st with sl st (40)
ROUND 4: ch 1, dc in same st, fpdc in dc, from round 2, *dc, fpdc* 19 times around, join to first st with sl st (40)

two hands holding a work-in-progress crochet cowl with a green hook

ROUND 5: ch 1, sc in same st, sc around join to first st with sl st (40)
ROUND 6: ch 1, fpdc in first dc from round 4, dc in next st, *fpdc, dc* 19 times around, join to first st with sl st (40)
ROUND 7: ch 1, sc in same st, sc around join to first st with sl st (40)
ROUND 8: ch 1, dc in same st, fpdc in dc, from round 2, *dc, fpdc* 19 times around, join to first st with sl st (40)

ROUND 9: ch 1, hdc in same st, hdc around join to first st with sl st (40)
ROUND 10: ch 1, dc in same st, dc around, join to first st with sl st (40)
ROUNDS 11 – 16: Repeat ROUNDS 3 – 8
ROUND 17: ch 1, hdc in same st, hdc around, join to first st with invisible join (40)
Trim yarn and weave in ends.

You’re Done!

Now that you’ve finished your chunky crochet cowl, check out these other free patterns:

woman leaning on her hand wearing a light blue crochet cowl