How to Crochet the Knit-Like Cowl and Infinity Scarf

Hi guys! This week’s blog post is all about learning to crochet a knit-like cowl and infinity scarf. I have tried and failed (many times) to learn to knit, but I still love the tight stitching that only knitting can create. So if I can crochet an accessory that looks knit, I will do it.

In this knit-like cowl and infinity scarf pattern, we will be using the half double crochet stitch. This is a basic stitch that creates beautiful texture, depending on which loop its worked in. For most of the pattern, we will be working half double crochet stitches in the 3rd loop only. However, to add some definition, we’ll break up these rows with a row of half double crochet worked normally (in the front and back loops).

You can find the free pattern below.

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Inspiration for the Knit-Like Cowl + Infinity Scarf

My inspiration for these scarves came from my yarn choice. A few weeks ago, I found 3 skeins of Brights – I Love this Yarn at the bottom of my yarn stash. Not only is this yarn beautiful, but it’s also really colorful! This is a type of marled yarn that spins 4 colored strands together to create a candy cane effect. As you crochet, you will see different shades of pink, blue, purple, green, yellow, orange – basically any color of the rainbow is tucked inside this yarn.

I chose to use simple stitches – half double crochet worked normally AND in the 3rd loop only – to highlight the beautiful color work in this yarn. Is it me, or does this yarn have a bohemian feel to it?

While I love both scarves, I prefer the cowl because it slips over my head easily, and I don’t have to do any additional looping to style it. Since it’s a smaller version of the infinity scarf, it weighs a bit less, so it’s easier to wear around the house when I get cold. This is just a personal preference though, so I can’t wait to see which version you pick!

About this Knit-Like Cowl + Infinity Scarf:

• This pattern includes instructions for making a cowl (a tight fitting circular piece) or an infinity scarf (a loose fitting circular piece that can be looped around your neck 2 – 3 times).

• This scarf uses a technique called the half double crochet in the 3rd loop only to create a knit-like stitch. If you are unfamiliar with this stitch, here is a tutorial to help you!

• Each scarf is worked in the round by connecting your beginning chain to your last chain with a slip stitch; this forms a circle.

Materials:

• 6.0mm crochet hook
• Yarn Needle
• Scissors

Yarn:

• I Love This Yarn Gradient Weight 4 Medium (100% acrylic, 196 yd/ 179m, 4 oz/ 113 g) – Brights

Yardage:

• Cowl: 196 yds (1 Skein)

• Infinity Scarf: 392 yds (2 Skeins)

Yarn Choice and Alternatives

For my scarf, I chose to use I Love this Yarn Gradient in the colorway, Brights. It’s one of my favourite colorways because I love watching the yarn change colour as I crochet.

This scarf pattern is versatile, which means that you can use any weight or brand of yarn that you’d like. Any variegated, striped, marled, or solid color yarn works well because the knit-like design of this scarf lets the yarn be the star.

The original pattern calls for using a medium 4 worsted weight (aran) yarn, but if you choose to use a different weight, you may need to adjust your hook size to suit the yarn. Have fun and get creative with your yarn choice! I’m so excited to see all of your creations.

Pin this Knit-Like Cowl + Infinity Scarf – Here!

Other Crochet Patterns You’ll Love:

• The Vintage Jean Tube Scarf
• In the Book Stacks Scarf
• Witching Hour Shawl

You can purchase an INEXPENSIVE Ad-Free Printable PDF of this pattern on Ravelry HERE. This 6 page beautifully formatted PDF is ready to print and use! It includes the complete pattern, and step-by-step pictures.

Pattern Measurements:

The cowl fits loosely around the neck, while the infinity scarf can be looped twice with ease, or three times for a tighter fit. Both scarves will fit an adult with a 20 – 24″ head circumference.

• Cowl: Width – 6″; Length across while laying flat – 12.75″

• Infinity Scarf: Width – 6″; Length across while laying flat – 28″

Customizing the Size of Your Knit-Like Cowl or Infinity Scarf:

Length: Your initial chain determines the length of your scarf. The pattern calls for chaining 92 (cowl) and 210 (infinity scarf), but if you’d like to customize the length of your scarf (i.e. make it longer/shorter), chain any number until you are satisfied with the length.

Width: If you want your scarf to be less wide, skip Rounds 11 – 15, and go straight to Round 16. If you want your scarf to be wider, repeat Rounds 11 – 15, before moving onto Round 16.

Abbreviations:

• Ch – chain
• St(s) – stitch(es)
• Sl St – slip stitch
• Sc – single crochet
• Hdc – half double crochet
• Rnd – round

Gauge: Approximately 16 sts x 13 rows = 4″ x 4″

How to Crochet in the 3rd Loop Only:

This video tutorial shows you how to make half double crochet in the third loop only! I hope it helps you complete this scarf pattern with ease.

Pattern:

Notes:

• Instructions are written for the cowl first and the infinity scarf second. I.e. (92, 210) means that the cowl has 92 stitches, while the infinity scarf has 210.

• Photos are done on a small swatch.

• Do not turn at the end of each round.

• This scarf is seamless, so do not join with a sl st at the end of each rnd. Instead use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each new round.

• Begin each new rnd by making the first stitch directly into the first stitch of the previous rnd.

Ch 92 (210); making sure that the chain is not twisted, join the last ch to the first ch with a sl st to make a circle.

Rnd 1: Ch 1, hdc in first ch (mark this st with a stitch marker), and in each ch around. Do not join with a sl st. (92, 210 hdc).

*Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round. There is no slip stitch join at the end of each round, which makes the scarf seamless.

Rnd 2: Hdc in third loop only in each st around. Do not join with a sl st. There is a video tutorial above if you are unfamiliar with crocheting in the third loop only. (92, 210 hdc)

Rnds 3 – 4: Repeat Rnd 2.

Rnd 5: Hdc in each st around. Do not join with a sl st. (92, 210 hdc)

Rnds 6 – 9: Repeat Rnd 2.

Rnd 10: Repeat Rnd 5.

Rnds 11 – 14: Repeat Rnd 2.

Rnd 15: Repeat Rnd 5.

Rnds 16 – 18: Repeat Rnd 2.

Rnd 19: Sc in each st around. Join with a sl st. (92, 210 sc)

Fasten off and weave in ends!

And You’re Done!

Congratulations! I hope you enjoyed making these scarves as much as I did. Now you can wrap yourself up in this beauty to keep you toasty warm on those cold days. Check out some more fun and budget-friendly crochet patterns on this blog.

Disclaimer: You are welcome to sell items that you’ve made from this pattern; however, you are not allowed to use my pictures or sell my pattern as your own (Copyright @ ThisPixieCreates).

Questions?

If you have any questions about this pattern, please send me an email through my contact page.

Thank you guys so much for following along. I can’t wait to see what you create!

Love, Dayna
Instagram: @thispixiecreates