Free Pattern: Crochet Polka Dot Cowl
Today I’m sharing this cute, easy, free pattern for a crocheted polka dot cowl! It’s a simple pattern and a great way to use up scrap yarn.
Materials:
fingering weight yarn (I used Quince & Co’s Finch for the main cowl. It’s a lovely, squishy wool yarn. Not affilliated.)
G/6-4.25mm hook for main cowl
Various scrap yarn for polka dots. I used a fine weight cotton crochet thread. Use hook appropriate to yarn size for polka dots.
small darning needle
scissors
Stitches Used (US terms):
Foundation Single Crochet (FSC): see tutorial here
Stacked Single Crochet (STSC): see tutorial here
double crochet (dc)
slipstitch (slst)
Details:
Gauge: in double crochet, 4 x 4 inch swatch = 19 stitches x 13 rows
Finished Cowl Measurements: approximately 20 inches circumference by 7 inches tall. Size can be adjusted by adding or subtracting rows or stitches.
Directions:
Main Cowl:
FSC: 100 stitches, turn
Rows 1 – 22: Begin each row with a STSC that counts as the first dc. 1 dc in each stitch, join with slst into first st.
Fasten off. Weave in ends.
Dots: make about 25 (exact amount may depend on size of dots and how you place them.)
Begin each dot by making a center pull loop (also known as a magic ring). Here’s a great tutorial from PlanetJune. Work 1 STSC into center of ring which counts as first dc, then 11 dc. Join with slst into first dc. Pull center ring tail tight to close and secure. Fasten off and leave a tail about 10 inches long. Weave in or trim center pull loop tail.
How To Attach Dots:
Dots are placed randomly. It helps to lay out all dots before sewing any one to figure out placement. Weave dot tail end through small darning needle, as shown.
Hold dot on place with on hand and thread needle around and through single loop of cowl stitch just below dot edge, then up under “v” of one dc on dot.
Thread needle back through next under “v” of next dc stitch, then into single loop of cowl stitch just below.
Continue around dot, working just past first sewn loop.
To finish off and secure tail end, thread needle through single loop of cowl stitch just below edge of dot, pulling yarn tail through only part of the way and leaving a loop, as shown. Bring needle through loop.
Pull first loop taught but do not pull yarn tail all the way through, leaving a second loop as shown. Bring needle through second loop as shown. Pull loop taught and yarn end all the way through.
Use other hand to hold final knot down as yarn end is pulled taught to make knot tight and secure.
Thread yarn tail between dot and cowl to hide. Trim off excess.
The final cowl should look something like this.
This pattern is highly customizable. Above are several ideas for variations: 1) Use dots of the same color. 2) Make bigger dots by using bigger thread or adding more rows around each dot. 3) Use small, evenly spaced dots for a chic Swiss dot vibe. 4.) Use other shapes such as stars or hearts.
Other materials could also be used, such as fabric or felt, and appliqued on to make the dots.
Have fun playing around, and I’d love to see your finished cowls if you make one! So please share on Ravelry or Instagram with the hashtag #tobpolkadotcowl.