Double Braided Cowl Free Crochet Pattern

If you love modern crochet accessories with rich texture and a unique construction, the Double Braided Cowl is a must-make project. This elegant cowl features layered braided strips that create depth, warmth, and a beautiful woven look. Designed to fit women and teens comfortably, it’s perfect for fall and winter outfits and works up wonderfully with worsted-weight yarn.

One of the most charming features of the Double Braided Cowl is its versatility. It can be worn loosely for a relaxed look or buttoned up for extra warmth and structure, making it a practical yet stylish accessory for everyday wear. The braided construction adds visual interest without requiring complex stitches, and the use of the third loop half double crochet creates a beautifully defined texture that really elevates the finished piece. This is the kind of project that looks impressive but is very satisfying and enjoyable to make.

The pattern combines simple stitches with an eye-catching braiding technique, making it ideal for confident beginners and intermediate crocheters looking to try something new. Once finished, the cowl is secured with a statement button, giving it a stylish and functional closure.

Double Braided Cowl Free Crochet Pattern

Pattern Details

Size:
One size fits most women and teens

Gauge:
13 half double crochets (hdc) = 4 inches

Yardage:
Approximately 340 yards (about 2 skeins of worsted-weight yarn)

Yarn Used:
Worsted weight yarn (example: Vanna’s Choice)

Terms:
Pattern is written in standard American crochet terms

Stitch Abbreviations

• sc – single crochet

• hdc – half double crochet

• sl st – slip stitch

• ch – chain

• sk – skip

• hdc in 3rd loop (front or back) – half double crochet worked into the third loop

Pattern Instructions

Creating the First Band

Row 1:
Ch 70. Hdc in the 3rd ch from hook (beginning ch 2 counts as the first hdc here and throughout). Hdc in each ch across. Turn.
— 69 hdc

Row 2:
Do not work into the regular “V” of the stitches. Instead, work into the third loop in the front of each stitch.
Ch 2, hdc in the third loop of the next st and in each st across. Turn.
— 69 hdc

Row 3:
Ch 2, hdc into the third loop at the back of each stitch. This pushes the “V” to the front, creating texture. Do not fasten off.

Creating Additional Bands

Ch 70 again and repeat Rows 1–3 to make the second band.
Repeat the same process two more times, for a total of 4 bands joined on one side.
Do not fasten off.

Joining the Bands & Side Panel

Work along the short edge of the bands.

Row 1:
Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). (1 sc, sc2tog, 1 sc) across the edge of each band. Turn.
— 12 sc

Row 2:
Ch 1, 1 sc, sc2tog repeat across. Turn.
— 8 sc

Row 3:
Ch 1, 3 sc, sc2tog, 3 sc. Turn.
— 7 sc

Rows 4–14:
Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn.
— 7 sc

Fasten off. This side panel will measure approximately 3½ inches.

Braiding the Bands

Step 1:
Bring the 4th strip over the 3rd, and the 2nd strip over the 1st.

Step 2:
Cross the two center strips by bringing the left strip over the right.

Repeat these two steps until the entire length is braided.

Arrange the opposite short ends evenly. Join yarn at the corner and repeat Rows 1–14 along this side to create the second side panel. Fasten off.

Thread about 1½ yards of yarn and loosely stitch the braid on the back side where the strips cross to secure the shape.

Second Braided Layer

Ch 86 and repeat the same steps used for the first braid.

For the side panels on this longer braid, repeat Rows 1–17 instead of stopping at Row 14.
The finished side panel should measure about 4½ inches.
Secure the braid in the same way as before.

Assembling Both Layers

Place the longer braid over the shorter one, aligning the side panels.

Left Side Panel

Row 1:
Working through both layers, sl st to first st, ch 1 (not a st), sc across. Turn.
— 7 sc

Rows 2–3:
Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn.

Row 4:
Ch 1, 2 sc, ch 3, 2 sc. Turn.

Row 5:
Ch 1, 2 sc, 3 sc into ch-3 space, 2 sc. Turn.
— Buttonhole created

Row 6:
Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn.

Row 7:
Ch 1, sk next 2 sts, 6 dc in next st, sl st in last st. Fasten off.

Right Side Panel

Row 1:
Working through both layers, sl st to first st, ch 1, sc across. Turn.
— 7 sc

Rows 2–6:
Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn.

Row 7:
Ch 1, sk next 2 sts, 6 dc in next st, sl st in last st. Fasten off.

Finishing

• Weave in all loose ends

• Sew a large decorative button onto the right side, aligned with the buttonhole

Your Double Braided Cowl is now complete! ✨

This luxurious, layered design makes a beautiful handmade gift and a stylish cold-weather accessory. Feel free to experiment with solid colors, tonal yarns, or even subtle variegated shades to highlight the braided texture. Happy crocheting! 🧶