Bulky Cowl Crochet Pattern

If you love quick crochet projects that look beautiful and keep you warm, you’ll love this bulky cowl crochet pattern.

It’s the kind of project you can start and finish in the same day just like this waffle crochet cowl - perfect for when you want to relax, use up some yarn, or make a handmade gift in a hurry.

This cowl uses the lemon peel stitch, a simple combination of single crochet and double crochet stitches that creates a soft, pebbly texture.

It looks more complicated than it is, and the repeating pattern gives the fabric a subtle stretch and structure.

When made with bulky yarn, the texture really stands out, and the finished cowl feels thick and cozy without being too heavy.

You’ll love how quickly this works up. In just 1½ to 2 hours, you can have a warm, stylish cowl ready to wear or wrap as a gift.

It’s a great project for last-minute Christmas presents, birthdays, or just something cozy to make for yourself on a chilly weekend.

Because it’s made with bulky yarn, it’s ideal for fall and winter when the temperatures start to drop. The chunky stitches trap warmth while still feeling soft and flexible.

You can make it in neutral shades for everyday wear or choose bold colors to brighten up gray winter days.

Things To Note:

• Quick to Make - You can finish it in about 1½ to 2 hours—a perfect one-sitting project.
• Easy Stitch Pattern - The lemon peel stitch is simple, repetitive, and great for beginners.
• Super Cozy - Bulky yarn creates a soft, warm cowl that’s perfect for winter and fall.
• Textured and Stylish - The stitch pattern adds subtle texture that looks elegant but effortless.
• Great Gift Idea - Perfect for last-minute gifts - simple, fast, and always appreciated.
• Beginner Friendly - If you know single crochet and double crochet, you can make this!

Why the Lemon Peel Stitch Works So Well for Cowls:

The lemon peel stitch is a great choice for a bulky cowl because it adds texture without bulk.

The combination of single and double crochet creates a gentle wave pattern that’s soft and flexible. The texture keeps the fabric interesting while still being easy to crochet and easy to wear.

It’s also a very forgiving stitch for beginners—if your tension isn’t perfect, it still looks great!

And because it’s worked in simple repeats, you can easily adjust the size or make a matching headband, hat, or even a blanket using the same stitch.

Best Yarn for This Pattern

The best yarn for this cowl is bulky weight yarn (category 5). It gives the perfect amount of thickness and warmth without making the cowl too stiff. Soft acrylics, wool blends, or even chenille yarns all work beautifully.

If you prefer something lighter for fall, you can use a light bulky or heavy worsted yarn and go up a hook size for extra drape. If you want a plush, ultra-warm version for winter, try a wool or alpaca blend.

Solid colors show off the texture best, but self-striping yarns also create a beautiful, effortless color pattern.

Perfect for Gifting

If you need a last-minute handmade gift, this is the project for you. It’s quick, beautiful, and useful—everything you want in a gift.

Cowls make wonderful presents for Christmas, Mother’s Day, or birthdays, and this pattern is easy enough to make several in different colors.

Wrap it up with a small handmade tag or tuck it into a simple gift bag for an extra special touch.

Because the design looks polished and professional, it’s one of those projects that always gets compliments.

Styling Your Bulky Crochet Cowl:

The best thing about this cowl is how easy it is to wear. The chunky texture adds instant warmth and style to any outfit.

Wear it over a sweater or under a coat for a cozy layered look. It also pairs beautifully with a handmade ribbed beanie or fingerless gloves for a matching winter set.

The soft, slightly stretchy texture helps it sit nicely around the neck without feeling too tight.

You can wear it folded down, bunched up for extra warmth, or tucked into your jacket for that snug winter feel.

Materials

Yarn

#6 super bulky (roving, 14ply) yarn with about 6 wraps per inch (WPI)*

• You will need about - 154 yards (140 meters)

*Wraps per inch (WPI) - measures yarn thickness by counting how many times the yarn wraps around a ruler in one inch. More wraps thinner yarn, while fewer wraps thicker yarn.

Hook Size

• 15mm

Notions

• Scissors
• Yarn Needle

Stitches and Abbreviations - US Terms

• Ch – chain stitch
• Dc – double crochet
• Hk – hook
• Rnd - round
• Rpt – repeat
• Sc – single crochet
• Sl st – slip stitch
• Sp – space
• St/sts – stitch/stiches
• [ ] – at the end of a row indicates the number of stitches in that round

Finished Size

This crochet cowl is about 9.5 inches (24cm) wide and 14 inches 9 (35.5cm) long or about 28 (71cm) inches in circumference.

Gauge

4x4 inches (10x10cm) = about 6-sts across and 6 rows

Instructions - Bulky Crochet Cowl

Foundation – ch40, sl st into 1^st ch to join, be careful not to twist the foundation chain.

Rnd 1 – ch1 (not counted as a st), 1sc in same sp as ch-1, 1sc in next 39-sts, sl st into 1^st st to join. [40sts]

Rnd 2 – ch1 (not counted as a st), 1sc in same sp a ch-1, 1dc in next st, *1sc in next st, 1dc in next, rpt from * until the end, sl st into 1^st st to join. [40sts]

Rnd 3 – ch2 (count as a dc), 1sc in next st, *1dc in next, 1sc in next, rpt from * until the end, sl st into 1^st st to join. [40sts]

Rnd 4 – ch1 (not counted as a st), 1sc in same sp a ch-1, 1dc in next st, *1sc in next st, 1dc in next, rpt from * until the end, sl st into 1^st st to join. [40sts]

Rnd 5 – ch2 (count as a dc), 1sc in next st, *1dc in next, 1sc in next, rpt from * until the end, sl st into 1^st st to join. [40sts]

Rnd 6 – ch1 (not counted as a st), 1sc in same sp a ch-1, 1dc in next st, *1sc in next st, 1dc in next, rpt from * until the end, sl st into 1^st st to join. [40sts]

Rnd 7 – ch2 (count as a dc), 1sc in next st, *1dc in next, 1sc in next, rpt from * until the end, sl st into 1^st st to join. [40sts]

Rnd 8 – ch1 (not counted as a st), 1sc in same sp a ch-1, 1dc in next st, *1sc in next st, 1dc in next, rpt from * until the end, sl st into 1^st st to join. [40sts]

Rnd 9 – ch2 (count as a dc), 1sc in next st, *1dc in next, 1sc in next, rpt from * until the end, sl st into 1^st st to join. [40sts]

Rnd 10 – ch1 (not counted as a st), 1sc in same sp a ch-1, 1dc in next st, *1sc in next st, 1dc in next, rpt from * until the end, sl st into 1^st st to join. [40sts]

Rnd 11 – ch2 (count as a dc), 1sc in next st, *1dc in next, 1sc in next, rpt from * until the end, sl st into 1^st st to join. [40sts]

Rnd 12 – ch1 (not counted as a st), 1sc in same sp a ch-1, 1dc in next st, *1sc in next st, 1dc in next, rpt from * until the end, sl st into 1^st st to join. [40sts]

Rnd 13 – ch2 (count as a dc), 1sc in next st, *1dc in next, 1sc in next, rpt from * until the end, sl st into 1^st st to join. [40sts]

Rnd 14 – ch1 (not counted as a st), 1sc in same sp a ch-1, 1dc in next st, *1sc in next st, 1dc in next, rpt from * until the end, sl st into 1^st st to join. [40sts]

Row 15 – ch1 (not counted as a st) 1sc in same sp as ch-1, 1sc in each st to the end, sl st into 1^st st to join, cut yarn, fasten off and weave in ends. [40sc]

Expert Tips

• Start with a very loose foundation chain to allow it to stretch with the rest of the pattern.
• Use a soft bulky yarn. Acrylic, wool, or blends work great for warmth and softness.
• Keep an even tension. The lemon peel stitch looks best when your stitches are consistent.
• Join neatly. If you’re working in the round, slip stitch carefully to keep the seam tidy.
• Try it on as you go. Adjust the length or height easily by adding or removing stitches or rows.

Pattern FAQs

More Easy Neck Warmer Patterns

Looking for more patterns like this? Try these:

If you tried this bulky crochet cowl pattern (or any other pattern on my website), please let me know how it went in the comments below. I'd love to hear from you!