Free crochet pattern
Classic shell stitch crochet cowl
This cowl is a rectangle of classic shell stitch, five double crochet worked into one stitch alternating with single crochet, seamed short end to short end into a loop. It uses about 260 yards of worsted yarn and measures 24 inches around and 10 inches tall, so it sits close without wrapping.
By the crochetpatterns.io editorial team · Reviewed · Editorial policy
By the crochetpatterns.io editorial team · Reviewed September 13, 2026 under our editorial policy · pattern testing in progress
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Skill level | Easy |
| Yarn weight | Medium (#4) |
| Yardage | 240–280 yd (219–256 m) |
| Hook | 5.5 mm |
| Gauge | 2 shells and 4 rows = 2.5 in (6.5 cm) in shell pattern. |
| Finished size | 10 in (25 cm) tall × 24 in (61 cm) circumference |
| Time | about 3.5 hours |
Materials
- Worsted weight (#4) wool or wool-blend yarn, about 260 yd / 240 m
- 5.5 mm (US I-9) crochet hook
- Tapestry needle
Abbreviations (US terms)
Notes before you start
- sh (shell) = 5 dc in the same stitch.
- In Row 2 and repeats of Row 2, the turning ch-3 counts as a dc. In Row 3, the turning ch-1 does not count.
- Each Row 3 ends with 8 shells.
Cowl
- Ch 50.
- Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, *sk next 2 ch, sh in next ch, sk next 2 ch, sc in next ch; rep from * across, turn. (8 shells, 9 sc)
- Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in first sc, *sk next 2 dc, sc in next dc, sk next 2 dc, sh in next sc; rep from * 6 more times, sk next 2 dc, sc in next dc, sk next 2 dc, 3 dc in last sc, turn. (7 shells, 2 half shells, 8 sc)
- Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first dc, *sk next 2 dc, sh in next sc, sk next 2 dc, sc in next dc; rep from * across, working the last sc in top of tch, turn. (8 shells, 9 sc)
- Rows 4–39: Rep Rows 2–3. Fasten off, leaving a 20 in (50 cm) tail.
Finishing
- Bring Row 1 and Row 39 together without twisting and whip stitch them closed.
- Weave in ends and block lightly.
Errata
No corrections have been published for this pattern. Found a mistake? Tell us and we will log the fix here with a date.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make this an infinity scarf?
Keep repeating Rows 2–3 until the piece is about 55–60 in long before seaming, so it wraps twice around the neck.
Why are my shell edges uneven?
The half shells in Row 2 fill the gaps at the edges. Make sure every Row 2 starts and ends with 3 dc.
