The Cathedral Arch Cowl: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Two-Tone Wrap

Introducing the Cathedral Arch Cowl

This stunning cowl mimics the soaring arches and intricate stonework of a gothic cathedral, using a unique combination of post stitches and color changes. It's a cozy, dramatic accessory that adds a touch of architectural elegance to any winter outfit. The two-tone design—creamy off-white and deep charcoal—creates a striking contrast that highlights the textured arch pattern. Perfect for intermediate crocheters looking to expand their skills with post stitches and colorwork, this pattern is both rewarding and wearable.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (Category 4). Shown in Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick (80% acrylic, 20% wool; 106 yds/97 m per 85 g skein): 2 skeins of Fisherman (Color A) and 1 skein of Charcoal (Color B).
• Hook: US Size J/10 (6.0 mm) crochet hook
• Other: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, stitch markers (optional)
• Gauge: 14 sts and 8 rows = 4 inches in pattern stitch (after blocking)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Notes Before You Begin

• The cowl is worked in the round from the bottom up.
• Ch 2 at the beginning of rounds counts as a dc.
• The pattern uses front post double crochet (fpdc) and back post double crochet (bpdc) to create the arch texture.
• Always join with a slip stitch to the top of the beginning ch-2 unless otherwise specified.

Foundation and Ribbed Bottom Section

With Color A, ch 96, being careful not to twist the chain. Join with a sl st to form a ring.

• Round 1: Ch 2, dc in each ch around. Join with a sl st to top of ch 2. (96 dc)
• Round 2: Ch 2, *fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st; repeat from * around. Join. (96 sts)
• Round 3: Ch 2, *bpdc around next st, fpdc around next st; repeat from * around. Join. (96 sts)
• Rounds 4-5: Repeat Rounds 2-3.

First Color Block (Color B)

• Round 6 (Color Change): With Color B, ch 2, *fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st; repeat from * around. Join. (96 sts)
• Round 7: With Color B, ch 2, *bpdc around next st, fpdc around next st; repeat from * around. Join. (96 sts)
• Rounds 8-9: Repeat Rounds 6-7 with Color B.

Return to Color A

• Round 10 (Color Change): With Color A, ch 2, *fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st; repeat from * around. Join. (96 sts)
• Rounds 11-12: Repeat Rounds 2-3 with Color A.

Arch Pattern Section

Note: The arch pattern creates V-stitches (dc, ch 1, dc) separated by fpdc columns. The V-stitches form the arches.

• Round 13 (Arch Pattern): Ch 2, *skip next 3 sts, dc in next st, ch 1, dc in same st (V-stitch made), skip next 3 sts, fpdc around next st; repeat from * around. Join. (12 V-stitches, 12 fpdc)
• Round 14: Ch 2, *dc in next ch-1 space, ch 1, dc in same space (V-stitch), skip next 2 sts, fpdc around next st; repeat from * around. Join. (12 V-stitches, 12 fpdc)
• Rounds 15-16: Repeat Round 14.
• Round 17: Ch 2, *skip next 3 sts, dc in next st, ch 1, dc in same st (V-stitch), skip next 3 sts, fpdc around next st; repeat from * around. Join. (12 V-stitches, 12 fpdc)
• Round 18: Ch 2, *dc in next ch-1 space, ch 1, dc in same space (V-stitch), skip next 2 sts, fpdc around next st; repeat from * around. Join. (12 V-stitches, 12 fpdc)
• Rounds 19-20: Repeat Round 18.

Second Color Block (Color B) with Arch Pattern

• Round 21 (Color Change): With Color B, repeat Round 17.
• Rounds 22-24: With Color B, repeat Round 18.

Final Color Block (Color A) with Arch Pattern

• Round 25 (Color Change): With Color A, repeat Round 17.
• Rounds 26-28: With Color A, repeat Round 18.

Ribbed Top Section and Finish

• Round 29: Ch 2, *fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st; repeat from * around. Join. (96 sts)
• Round 30: Ch 2, *bpdc around next st, fpdc around next st; repeat from * around. Join. (96 sts)
• Rounds 31-32: Repeat Rounds 29-30.
• Round 33: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (96 dc)
• Round 34: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with a sl st to first sc. (96 sc)

Finishing

Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch tail. Weave in all ends using a yarn needle. Block the cowl by wetting it gently, squeezing out excess water, and laying it flat to dry. Gently shape the arch pattern to open up the V-stitches and enhance the cathedral-like texture. Enjoy your architectural masterpiece!