The Emberwood Wrapped Cowl: A Textured Crochet Free Pattern

Wrap Yourself in Autumn: The Emberwood Wrapped Cowl

There’s something magical about the colors of fall—the deep burgundy of turning leaves, the warm glow of burnt orange, and the golden yellow of late afternoon sunlight. The Emberwood Wrapped Cowl captures all of that beauty in a richly textured, cozy accessory that you can crochet yourself. This beginner-friendly pattern uses a simple two-row repeat to create a fabric that looks like woven wood grain, making it a stunning statement piece for any wardrobe. Whether you're new to crochet or an experienced maker, this cowl works up quickly and is perfect for gifting or keeping for yourself. Let’s dive into the pattern!

Materials Needed

To create your own Emberwood Wrapped Cowl, you’ll need the following supplies. All yarn is worsted weight (#4), and the suggested brand is Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick (or any similar worsted weight yarn).

• Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) yarn in three colors:
  • Color A (Deep Burgundy) – 150g (approx. 300 yards)
  • Color B (Burnt Orange) – 100g (approx. 200 yards)
  • Color C (Golden Yellow) – 50g (approx. 100 yards)
• Hook: Size J/10 (6.0 mm) crochet hook
• Other: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, stitch markers (optional, but helpful for keeping track of rounds)
• Gauge: 14 stitches and 10 rows = 4 inches in pattern stitch (after blocking). Gauge is important for achieving the correct size, so make a small swatch before starting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This cowl is worked in the round from the bottom up, so you’ll be joining each round with a slip stitch. The pattern stitch is a simple 2-row repeat that creates a woven texture. Read through all notes before beginning.

Pattern Notes

• The cowl is worked in continuous rounds, but you will join each round with a slip stitch to the first stitch.
• Always chain 1 at the beginning of a round. This chain 1 does not count as a stitch.
• The pattern stitch alternates between two rounds to create the woven effect. Pay close attention to which round you are working.

Pattern Stitch (Woven Texture)

• Round 1: *Single crochet (sc) in next stitch, double crochet (dc) in next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc. (120 stitches)
• Round 2: *Double crochet (dc) in next stitch, single crochet (sc) in next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. Join with a slip stitch to the first dc. (120 stitches)

Note: Round 2 offsets the stitches from Round 1, creating the woven, wood-grain look.

Foundation

With Color A (Deep Burgundy), chain 120. Join with a slip stitch to the first chain, being very careful not to twist the chain. You should have a circle of 120 chains. (120 stitches)

Color Sequence and Rounds

Follow the color changes and rounds below. Each color section uses either Round 1 or Round 2 of the pattern stitch, as indicated.

• Rounds 1-4 (Color A): Chain 1. Work Round 1 of pattern stitch around. Join. (120 stitches)
• Rounds 5-8 (Color B): Change to Color B (Burnt Orange). Chain 1. Work Round 2 of pattern stitch around. Join. (120 stitches)
• Rounds 9-12 (Color C): Change to Color C (Golden Yellow). Chain 1. Work Round 1 of pattern stitch around. Join. (120 stitches)
• Rounds 13-16 (Color B): Change to Color B. Chain 1. Work Round 2 of pattern stitch around. Join. (120 stitches)
• Rounds 17-20 (Color A): Change to Color A. Chain 1. Work Round 1 of pattern stitch around. Join. (120 stitches)
• Rounds 21-24 (Color B): Change to Color B. Chain 1. Work Round 2 of pattern stitch around. Join. (120 stitches)
• Rounds 25-28 (Color C): Change to Color C. Chain 1. Work Round 1 of pattern stitch around. Join. (120 stitches)
• Rounds 29-32 (Color B): Change to Color B. Chain 1. Work Round 2 of pattern stitch around. Join. (120 stitches)
• Rounds 33-36 (Color A): Change to Color A. Chain 1. Work Round 1 of pattern stitch around. Join. (120 stitches)

Finishing

After completing Round 36, fasten off by cutting the yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Pull the tail through the last loop on your hook to secure. Weave in all ends using a yarn needle, making sure to hide them on the inside of the cowl. Block the cowl gently by wetting it and laying it flat to dry, or by steaming it with an iron (being careful not to touch the yarn directly). Blocking will open up the stitch pattern and even out the colors, giving your cowl a professional finish.

Your Emberwood Wrapped Cowl is now complete! Enjoy the cozy, rustic texture and the beautiful autumn color transitions. This cowl makes a wonderful gift or a treat for yourself. Happy crocheting!