Granny Square Cowl Crochet Pattern, an Easy Beginner Project

Hey there, my crochet friend.

If you can make one granny square, you can make this whole cowl. That’s really it. This granny square cowl crochet pattern is made up of granny squares in different sizes and color combinations, sewn together into a cowl shape.

Quick answer: This cowl is made from 4 small granny squares and 2 larger solid squares, joined together with a single crochet join. It finishes at 12 inches wide by 34 inches long, and all you need to know is the basic granny stitch.

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Is a granny square cowl a good project for a beginner crocheter?

Granny square cowls really are a dream project for beginners. They’re not only a great way to learn the basic granny stitch, you also end up with something beautiful and useful when you’re done.

The repeating nature of the squares is perfect for practicing without feeling overwhelmed. And you get to pick the colors and yarn textures you love, which makes it a genuinely personal project. It’s also a nice way to use up smaller amounts of yarn sitting in your stash. Grab your hook and yarn, and get ready to crochet your way to cozy cowl bliss.

Tips for blocking your granny square cowl to ensure a neat and even shape

Blocking your granny square cowl helps it hold a neat, even shape. Here are some tips:

1. Gently wash and dry. Before blocking, hand wash your cowl following the yarn care instructions, usually laying flat to dry. Avoid harsh scrubbing or wringing, it can distort the squares.
2. Prepare your blocking materials. You’ll need a blocking board or mat, rust proof pins, and a spray bottle filled with clean water.
3. Pin the cowl. Lay the damp cowl flat on the blocking board, gently stretching each square to its desired shape and size. Use pins to secure the edges and any uneven corners.
4. Smooth. Use your hands to gently smooth any remaining bumps or wrinkles.
5. Air dry. Leave the pinned cowl flat to air dry completely. Once dry, remove the pins and enjoy your beautifully shaped cowl.

Before you get started, check out my Favorite Crochet Tools (affiliate)

Yarn Winder – a perfect crochet accessories

Neck Stretcher – to keep you without neck and back pain

Gauge Ruler – so you always get the right size

Let’s get to the pattern, shall we? Making a quick chunky cowl

Difficulty

Beginner

Materials

Drops, Alaska Mix, 100% wool, 50g ( 1.8 oz) 70m (77yds), color 66 : 1.5 skeins, color A

Drops, Alaska Mix, 100% wool, 50g ( 1.8 oz) 70m (77yds), color 55 : 1.5 skeins – color B

Subs can be HERE

Hook: US Size H-8 (5 mm) 

• Yarn Needle, Scissors, Measuring Tape

Gauge

• 12 st X 7rows

Sizes

• Can be modified as you wish this sample is  12”   width  X 34” length

Stitch Key

• Ch = Chain
•  Sc = Single Crochet
• St = Stitch
• Dc = Double Crochet
• Yo = Yarn over

Specialty Stitches

Grst : Granny stitch ( Dc3 in ch1 space,(dc3+ch2+dc3 in corners))

Single crochet join

Line up your motifs/granny squares, start at a corner (chain 2). Insert your hook through both motifs in the last chain in your corner, and attach yarn and chain 1.

Insert your hook through the back loop of the next stitch on the first motif and the back loop of the second motif and create a Single Crochet.

For each stitch, you will insert your hook through the back loop of the first motif and the front loop of the second motif creating a Single Crochet.

Sandra’s tip: Block each granny square before joining, not just the finished cowl. It makes the corners meet up cleanly and the whole thing lies flatter once it’s sewn together.

Notes

• The pattern is worked in rounds
• This pattern consists of squares joined together to form a rectangle
• There will be 4 small granny st squares and  2 bigger solid squares to form the cowl
• Ch3 does count as st at the beginning of each row
• Ch1 at the beginning of the row does not count as a stitch
• This pattern uses pattern repeats.
• You can work this pattern with one color or multiple as you wish- I used two colors
• If changing colors make sure to have a changing technique and weave your ends in.
• You can decide on the size of the cowl by adding squares – if wanted it can become a scarf

Instructions

Small Granny stitch squares, each 4 rounds – make 4

 Alternate with colors as you wish – I used 3 rounds with color A and the last round with color B and switched every two squares

Round 1: Make a magic ring (or ch 4 and join with a sl st to form a ring). Ch 3 (counts as first dc here and throughout), 2 dc into the ring, *[ch 2, 3 dc into the ring]* repeat from * to * 2 more times. Ch 2 and sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3 to join. Pull the magic ring tight or weave in the yarn tail to secure the center.

Round 2: Sl st in the next 2 dc and into the ch-2 corner space. ch 3, dc 2 in the same ch-2 space, ch 2, dc 3 in same ch-2 space, *[ch 1, (dc3+ch2+dc3) in next ch-2 space]* repeat from * to * until you reach the beginning corner, ch1 , sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3 to join.

Round 3: Sl st in the next 2 dc and into the ch-2 corner space. ch 3, dc 2 in the same ch-2 space, ch 2, dc 3 in same ch-2 space, *[ch 1, dc 3 in next ch-1 space, ch1, (dc3+ch2+dc3) in next ch-2 space ]*repeat from * to * until you reach the beginning corner, ch1, sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3 to join.

Continue to

Round 4: Continue the pattern, increasing the ch-1 spaces between the 3-dc groups by 1 in each round. For example, in Round 4, you would have (dc 3+ ch 2 + dc 3) in the next ch-2 space, ch 1, 3 dc in the next ch-1 space, ch 1, 3 dc in the next ch-1 space repeat from until you reach the beginning corner. After each corner, continue to add ch-1 spaces to separate the 3-dc groups in each side of the square. Secure yarn, cut and weave in ends

Big Granny squares – make 2

Work with one solid color on each square

Repeat instructions for small granny square adding more rounds as instructed in round 4 for a total of 8 rounds

Secure yarn, cut, and weave in ends

Construction  

Block all squares before joining

Lay 4 squares alternating between colors to form a big square.

Use one color of yarn

Single crochet join the 4 squares to each other.

Single crochet join each big square to a side

For a clean edge, Sc1 on each st around the joined cowl working (sc 1+ch1+sc1) on each corner

Secure yarn , cut and weave in ends.

Finishing

Block your cowl, add a button or brooch to close the cowl

Enjoy!

FAQ

Is a granny square cowl a good project for a beginner? Yes, it’s one of the best beginner projects there is. If you can crochet a basic granny square, you can make this whole cowl. The repeating squares are great for practicing without feeling overwhelmed.

How much yarn do I need for a granny square cowl? This sample used about 1.5 skeins each of two colors of a light worsted weight wool, roughly 3 skeins total. It’s also a good project for using up smaller amounts of yarn from your stash.

Can I make this cowl into a scarf instead? Yes. Add more granny squares to the row to extend the length, and it becomes a scarf instead of a cowl.

How do I join the granny squares together? This pattern uses a single crochet join, worked through the back loops of both motifs. It creates a flat, clean seam between squares. Full instructions for the join are included above with the pattern.

Want more crochet Cowl patterns?

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