Tess Braided Cowl

Learn how to crochet a gorgeous, chunky braided cowl in just one hour using only basic stitches and one skein of super bulky yarn.

We have all been there.

It is the night before a holiday or a birthday, and you need a beautiful, handmade gift fast.

Most intricate-looking crochet patterns take days, if not weeks, of tedious stitching. When you are short on time, your options usually shrink to plain, boring rectangles that lack any real wow-factor.

That is exactly why I designed this unique braided cowl. By combining simple single crochet stitches with a clever four-strand braiding technique, you get a highly textured, boutique-quality accessory that looks incredibly complex but works up in about sixty minutes.

Best of all, it only requires a single skein of super bulky yarn.

When I first experimented with this design, I actually sewed the buttons on as a purely decorative feature. However, I quickly realized that pulling a thick cowl over your head is a great way to ruin a perfectly good hair day!

Making the buttons fully functional solved that problem instantly.

If you want to create an extra special gift set, you can easily pair this cowl with my Zoe Fingerless Mitts for a coordinated winter look.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• Super Fast Project: Works up in about an hour, making it the ultimate last-minute gift.
• Beginner Friendly: Uses only single crochet and slip stitches, so anyone can succeed.
• One-Skein Wonder: Budget-friendly and highly satisfying to finish with just 100 yards of yarn.

Materials You'll Need

• Yarn: Super Bulky (Size 6) yarn, such as Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick (approx. 100 yards). UK/Australian equivalent is 14 ply.
• Hook: Size P (10mm) crochet hook; plus a size H (5mm) hook for weaving in loose ends.
• Notions: Tapestry needle, three large wooden buttons (approx. 1.5 to 2 inches).
• Yardage: Approximately 100 yards.

Gauge & Sizing

• Gauge: 6.5 sc and 8 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) using the 10mm hook.
• Sizes included: One size fits most adults.
• Finished measurements: 23 inches in circumference and 7.5 inches wide. (Individual strips measure 25 inches long before adding the end bands).

Abbreviations & Stitch Instructions

• ch: Chain
• sc: Single Crochet (Insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops). If you are new to these terms, check out our US to UK Crochet Chart.
• sl st: Slip Stitch (Insert hook, yarn over, pull through stitch and loop on hook).
• st(s): Stitch(es)

Pattern Notes

• Skill Level: Easy / Advanced Beginner.
• This pattern is written in US crochet terms.
• The item is worked flat in separate strips, braided, and then finished with end bands.
• The turning chain (ch 1) does not count as a stitch throughout the entire pattern.
• Keep your chain stitches loose and even so the strips do not curl or pull tightly at the ends.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Crocheting the Four Strips

Strip 1: Chain 41.

Row 1: Work 1 sc in the second chain from your hook and in each chain across. Turn. (40 sc)

Row 2: Ch 1, work 1 sc in the very first stitch (the same stitch as your chain 1), then work 1 sc in every stitch across to the end. Turn. (40 sc)

You have now completed your first strip. Do not fasten off.

Strips 2, 3, and 4: Chain 41 to begin your next strip, which connects directly to the previous one. Repeat Rows 1 and 2 to complete the second strip. Repeat this entire process two more times until you have four long, parallel strips joined at the base. Do not fasten off.

Creating the Buttonhole Band

Now we will work along the raw edges of the strips to join them together and create the buttonholes.

Row 1: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Work 3 sc evenly across the side edge of each of the four strips. This joins the strips together. Turn. (12 sc)

Row 2: Ch 1, 1 sc in the first stitch, ch 1 (this forms your first buttonhole), skip the next stitch, 1 sc in each of the next 3 stitches, ch 1 (second buttonhole), skip the next stitch, 1 sc in each of the next 4 stitches, ch 1 (third buttonhole), skip the next stitch, 1 sc in the final stitch. Turn. (9 sc, 3 ch-spaces)

Row 3: Ch 1, 1 sc in the first stitch, 1 sc directly into the first chain space, 1 sc in each of the next 4 stitches, 1 sc into the second chain space, 1 sc in each of the next 3 stitches, 1 sc into the third chain space, 1 sc in the last stitch. Fasten off. (12 sc)

Braiding the Strips

Lay your four strips flat and parallel on a table in front of you. Number them 1 to 4 from left to right.

Step 1: Take the 4th strip (far right) and cross it over the 3rd strip. Next, take the 2nd strip and cross it over the 1st strip (far left).

Step 2: Now, cross the two strips that are currently in the middle by bringing the left one over the right one.

Repeat these two steps continuously down the entire length of the strips until you reach the opposite end. Keep the braid neat and flat.

Working the Button Band

Once braided, arrange the loose ends of the strips so they lie flat and parallel.

Row 1: Slip stitch into the corner of the first strip on the right side. Work 3 sc across the end of this first strip, then continue working 3 sc across the ends of the second, third, and fourth strips to join them all together. Turn. (12 sc)

Row 2: Ch 1, work 1 sc in each stitch across. Turn. (12 sc)

Row 3: Ch 1, work 1 sc in each stitch across. Fasten off, leaving a tail for weaving. (12 sc)

Finishing Touches

Using your smaller size H (5mm) crochet hook, carefully weave in all yarn tails on the wrong side of the cowl.

Position your three large wooden buttons on the solid button band, aligning them perfectly with the buttonholes on the opposite side. Sew them securely in place using a sewing needle and a strand of matching yarn.

Easy Variations & Custom Ideas

• Contrasting Edges: Add a pop of color by working the button bands in a contrasting shade of super bulky yarn.
• Adjusting the Length: If you prefer a looser fit, simply increase your starting chain in multiples of 2. Just remember that this will require more yarn!
• Alternative Yarn Choices: If you want a budget-friendly alternative, try Michaels' in-house brand (Loops & Threads) to keep costs low.
• Two-Tone Braid: Work two of the strips in one color and the other two in a coordinating shade for a striking woven effect.
• Coordinating Accessories: Pair this cowl with a matching Nova Button Cowl or a cozy Rosie Cowl for a complete winter wardrobe.
• Colour ideas: Warm neutrals like oatmeal, charcoal, or cream look stunning with natural wooden buttons. For a festive touch, try deep cranberry or forest green.
• Yarn substitutions: Loops & Threads Cozy Wool, Bernat Softee Chunky, or any standard size 6 super bulky yarn.

Common Troubleshooting & Fixes

• Problem: My strips are curling tightly and won't lie flat for braiding.
  Fix: This usually happens if your foundation chain is too tight. Try using a larger hook just for the starting chain, or focus on keeping your tension very relaxed.
• Problem: The buttonholes are too small for my buttons.
  Fix: If your wooden buttons are exceptionally large, you can chain 2 instead of chain 1 for the buttonholes in Row 2, making sure to skip an extra stitch to accommodate the larger gap.
• Problem: The braid looks messy and uneven.
  Fix: Lay the cowl flat on a table while braiding. Pin the starting end down with a heavy book to keep even tension as you cross the strands.
• Problem: I am running out of yarn before finishing the final band.
  Fix: Super bulky yarns can vary slightly in yardage. If you are running short, work only 2 rows for the final button band instead of 3.

Care Instructions

To keep your cowl looking fresh and beautiful, I highly recommend hand washing it in cold water with a mild wool wash. Gently squeeze out the excess water without wringing or twisting the fabric. Lay it completely flat on a clean towel to dry. This preserves the shape of the braid and protects the wooden buttons from water damage.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of finishing a beautiful crochet project in a single evening. This braided cowl is the perfect blend of simplicity and style, and I know you are going to love wearing it. Once you make one, you will want to crochet them in every color for your friends and family. Happy stitching, and don't forget to share your finished projects with me!