Ribbed Zig Zag Cowl – Free Crochet Pattern

I love one-skein crochet projects, don’t you? They’re especially great when you need some quick holiday gifts, or want to make yourself an accessory in a day. This textured crochet cowl pattern is one of those fast projects that you can make in a bunch of different ways to suit your style or favorite yarns.

Perfect for using those self-striping yarns so that you don’t have to weave in any ends, or create your own stripes when you shop your yarn stash. And lastly, a one-color cowl would make a classic everyday piece.

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Introducing the Ribbed Zig Zag Crochet Cowl

My mom gifted me a few skeins of Lion Brand Mandala Ombre for Christmas and I’d been pondering what I could make with them for a while. If you haven’t come across this yarn before, let me tell you a little bit about it because it’s different than other Lion Brand Mandala yarn.

• It is a #4 worsted weight (other mandala product lines are #3 weight)
• It is SUPERRRR soft!
• The fibers are very tightly twisted together and I was worried it could get splitty, but I had zero issues with this

Because this yarn is so soft, it works well for next-to-skin accessories like cowls, scarves, and hats. And, the self-striping colorways are just beautiful.

This one-skein cowl uses a simple chevron pattern but alternates between single crochet and half double crochet to change up the stitches and keep it interesting when combined with the stripes. If you make yours in a solid color yarn, you’ll likely see the stitch changes better.

You can buy the ad-free, PDF of this pattern on Etsy shop, Ravelry store, and LoveCrafts.

About the Stitches

Before you can get started with this soft and cozy cowl, here are some details you need to know.

Skill Level: Advanced beginner

Materials:

• Medium Worsted Weight Yarn in 1 color – 344 yards (one skein)
  • Lion Brand Mandala Ombre – Cool colorway
• I-9 (5.5mm) Hook
• Scissors
• Yarn Needle

Gauge: BLO hdc 16 st x 10 rows = 4” square

Finished Dimensions: approximately 27.25” x 13.5” (69.2cm x 34.3cm) before seaming

Stitch Abbreviations:

• ch – chain
• st – stitch
• sc – single crochet
• hdc – half double crochet
• BLO – back loop only
• sk – skip
• rep – repeat
• * * – repeat instructions between asterisks as directed

Pattern Notes:

• US Terms (US to UK terminology conversion)
• Size can be altered by using multiples of 17 + 3
• On sc rows, the ch 1 at the beginning of each row does not count as a stitch
• On hdc rows, the ch 2 at the beginning of each row counts as a stitch
• All rows are worked in the back loop only

How to Make This Quicky and Cozy Crochet Cowl Pattern

Ch 71
Row 1: hdc in 3rd ch from hook, hdc 7, * sk 2 ch, hdc 7, 3 hdc in next ch, hdc 7, rep from * to * until 10 ch remain, sk 2 ch, hdc 7, 2 hdc in last ch. Turn. (69)

Row 2: ch 2, BLO hdc in first st, BLO hdc 7, * sk 2 st, BLO hdc 7, 3 BLO hdc in next st, BLO hdc 7, * repeat from * to * until 10 st remain, sk 2 st, BLO hdc 7, 2 BLO hdc in last st. Turn. (69)

Rows 3-10: repeat row 2

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Row 11: ch 1, 2 BLO sc in first st, BLO sc 7, * sk 2 st, BLO sc 7, 3 BLO sc in next st, BLO sc 7, * repeat from * to * until 10 st remain, sk 2 st, BLO sc 7, 2 BLO sc in last st. Turn. (69)

Rows 12-20: repeat row 11

Rows 21-30: repeat row 2

Rows 31-40: repeat row 11

Rows 41-50: repeat row 2

Rows 51-60: repeat row 11

Rows 61-70: repeat row 2

Do not fasten off. Align the short ends and slip stitch both ends together in each stitch. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Alternatively, fasten off and leave a long tail of approximately 20-30” (50.8-76.2cm). Match up the short ends of the cowl and whip stitch or mattress stitch from one end to the other. Weave in ends.

Purchase the Ribbed Zig Zag Cowl Crochet Pattern

You can buy the ad-free, PDF of this pattern on Etsy shop, Ravelry store, and LoveCrafts.

More Crochet Cowls You Should Try

• St. Peregrine Cowl
• Loops Cowl

I love seeing your finished projects! If you enjoyed making the Ribbed Zig Zag Cowl, I’d love to see yours on Instagram. To be sure I don’t miss it, please tag me @remingtonlanecrochet when you share your photos!