Free Three Crosses Cowl Crochet Pattern from RedHeart.com

GAUGE: 20 sts = 4” [10 cm]; 14 rows = 4” [10 cm] in pattern using larger hook. CHECK YOUR GAUGE. Use any size hook to obtain the gauge.

Cowl measures 8” [20.5 cm] wide x 40” [101.5 cm] long

knit = With yarn in back of work, insert hook from front to back through one loop of indicated stitch (see Which Loop to Use), yarn over and draw loop through stitch and loop on hook.

purl = With yarn in front of work, insert hook from back to front through one loop of indicated stitch (see Which Loop to Use), yarn over and draw loop through stitch and loop on hook.

3FK3KC (3 front/knit 3 – knit cable) = Insert hook end of smaller hook through front loop of each of next 3 stitches inserting hook from top to bottom through each stitch, slide loops on smaller hook to middle of hook and leave in front of work, knit through front loop of each of next 3 stitches, slide loops on smaller hook to the non-hook end, knit in first loop that was placed on the smaller hook (the one closest to the non-hook end) then slide loop off smaller hook, [knit next loop on smaller hook then slide loop off smaller hook] twice.

3FP1KC (3 front/purl 1 – knit cable) = Insert hook end of smaller hook through front loop of each of next 3 stitches inserting hook from top to bottom through each stitch, slide loops on smaller hook to middle of hook and leave in front of work, purl through front loop of next stitch, slide loops on smaller hook to the nonhook end, knit in first loop that was placed on the smaller hook (the one closest to the nonhook end) then slide loop off smaller hook, [knit next loop on smaller hook then slide loop off smaller hook] twice.

1BK3PC (1 back/knit 3 – purl cable) = Insert hook end of smaller hook through front loop of next stitch inserting hook from top to bottom through stitch, slide loop on smaller hook to middle of hook and place in back of work, knit through front loop of each of next 3 stitches, slide loop on smaller hook to the non-hook end, purl loop on the smaller hook.

To achieve the best results when working the rich, knit-look fabric of this Cowl it is important to follow the rules explained in this section.

When working in foundation chain: Work stitches through back bar of the chains

When working on right side rows: Work stitches through front loops only.

When working on wrong side rows: Work stitches through back loops only.

How to Turn: There is no turning chain at the end of rows.

Turning after working a right side row: Turn work counterclockwise (yarn end will be in front of work), pass yarn end to back of work going between loop on hook and first stitch.

Turning after working a wrong side row: Turn work counterclockwise (yarn end will be in front of work), pass yarn end to back of work going around outside edge of work to back of work.

Reading Chart: Right side rows are read from right to left. Wrong side rows are read from left to right.

1. Cowl is crocheted, using special patterns of slip stitches that create a knit-like appearance. The piece is worked back and forth in rows then short edges are sewn together to form a circle.

2. Written instructions are provided for the first 3 rows of the chart, then the Cowl is completed by reading all remaining rows from the chart.

3. The larger hook is used to make all stitches. The smaller hook serves as a cable needle when working cables.

4. Designer recommends using Susan Bates ® Luxite hooks for this project. They are extremely light weight so when used for a cable needle they do not pull the yarn out of shape. Susan Bates ® Luxite hooks have a sharper point on the head and also a sharper hook than some crochet hooks. If the stitches get a little tight (which they sometimes do with this type of stitch) one can insert the sharper hook through the stitch if needed. Always try to keep these stitches loose.

5. When working cables, the Cowl will be pulled in making the width smaller. Work at least 4” [10 cm] of Cowl before measuring for width.

With larger hook, ch 40.

Row 1 (right side): Working in back bars only, knit in first ch (do not skip first ch) and in next 2 ch, purl in next ch, knit in next 6 ch, purl in next ch, knit in next ch, purl in next ch, knit in next 3 ch, purl in next ch, knit in next 6 ch, purl in next ch, knit in next 3 ch, purl in next ch, knit in next ch, purl in next ch, knit in next 6 ch, purl in next ch, knit in last 3 ch, turn work counterclockwise (yarn end will be in front of work)—40 sts (Row 1 of chart completed).

Row 2 (wrong side): Pass yarn end to back of work going between loop on hook and first st. Working in back loops only, knit in first 4 sts, purl in next 6 sts, knit in next st, purl in next st, knit in next st, purl in next 3 sts, knit in next 8 sts, purl in next 3 sts, knit in next st, purl in next st, knit in next st, purl in next 6 sts, knit in last 4 sts, turn work counterclockwise (yarn end will be in front of work). (Row 2 of chart completed).

Row 3: Pass yarn end to back of work going around outside edge of work to back of work. Working in front loops only, knit in first 3 sts, purl in next st, 3FK3KC, purl in next st, knit in next st, purl in next st, 3FP1KC, purl in next st, knit in next 4 sts, purl in next st, 1BK3PC, purl in next st, knit in next st, purl in next st, 3FK3KC, purl in next st, knit in last 3 sts, turn work counterclockwise (yarn end will be in front of work). (Row 3 of chart completed).

Continue following chart, working Rows 1-28 a total of 5 times.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Using long yarn tail, sew first and last rows together to form piece into a circle. Weave in ends.

ch = chain; st(s) = stitch (es).

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