Granny Square Cowl Free Pattern & Video Tutorial
Last updated: 17 October 2025
Elements Granny Square Cowl
The Elements Granny Square Cowl is the fourth and final pattern in the Elements Crochet Along. Throughout the CAL, we’ve made the Elements Beanie, Gloves, and Bandanna, and now we’re wrapping things up with this cosy cowl. It’s the perfect finishing touch to the set, and such a satisfying way to complete your Elements collection.
If you’ve been joining in each week, you’ll already have a feel for how beautifully the yarns work together. This cowl brings everything full circle, combining soft texture, beautiful colour transitions, and that classic granny square charm. It’s a quick and relaxing project that adds warmth and style to your winter wardrobe. Keep reading to learn how to crochet a granny square cowl.
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Get the PDF or eBook
If you prefer to work from a printed copy or just want the full collection in one place, you can get the ad-free PDF for this pattern or the complete Elements Collection eBook, which includes all four matching designs, over in my Etsy shop.
Why You'll Love this Free Pattern
There’s something really comforting about granny squares. They’re timeless, relaxing to make, and so easy to personalise with colour. This pattern takes that classic motif and turns it into a soft, modern accessory that feels just as lovely to wear as it is to crochet.
I love that it’s quick to work up too. You can easily make it over a weekend or an evening or two, and it makes a great handmade gift.
Is It Beginner Friendly
Definitely. If you can make a granny square, you can make this cowl. The construction is simple, the stitches are familiar, and you’ll get to practise seaming and adding ribbing too.
Plus, I’ve included a full video tutorial, so you can crochet along with me step-by-step even if you’re still fairly new to crochet.
About the Yarn
For this design, I used Stylecraft Batik Elements Swirl DK. It’s a soft blend of 80% acrylic and 20% wool that gives just the right amount of warmth without feeling heavy. The gentle colour transitions are what make this yarn really stand out — they add depth and texture to each granny square.
It’s paired with either Stylecraft Bellissima DK or King Cole Cherished DK, both 100% acrylic yarns that look and feel exactly the same. They’re smooth, silky, and have amazing stitch definition. These yarns complement each other perfectly, creating a fabric that’s soft, warm, and beautiful to wear.
If you’re using stash yarns, this project is very forgiving. Try mixing one variegated yarn with a neutral solid for a balanced look.
Block your finished projects faster with the convenience of Knit Picks blocking combs!
Shopping List!
Elements Cowl Video Tutorial
Size Chart
Elements Granny Square Cowl
Materials
Gauge: differs by size, see size chart.
Abbreviations (US Terms / UK Terms)
Sizes Toddler [child, tween, adult]
Pattern Notes
- Read the pattern all the way through before starting.
- A video tutorial is provided to guide you through each step; please refer to this if you are unsure of anything.
- Alternate between MC and CC.
- Chain 3 at start of round counts as dc throughout; you may use chainless stitches if you prefer.
- Unused yarn may be carried up the back of your work — see video.
Granny Square (Make 5)
Starting with mc [cc, cc, mc], ch 4 and join to form ring.
Round 1 Ch 3, 2 dc into ring, [ch 2, 3 dc into ring] 3 times, ch 2, join with sl st to top ch 3, sl st in next 2 sts, changing colour by finishing last sl st with new colour, sl st in corner sp.
Carry old yarn up to next row height, in the ch 3 at start of next row, as follows: ch 1, lay old yarn over hook, ch 2.
Round 2 [Ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc] in same sp, in next and every sp [3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc], join with sl st to top ch 3, sl st in next 2 sts, changing colour by finishing last sl st with new colour, sl st in corner sp.
Round 3 [Ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp], 3 dc in each sp across sides, [3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc] in each corner sp, join with sl st to top ch 3, sl st in next 2 sts, changing colour by finishing last sl st with new colour, sl st in corner sp.
Repeat Round 3 required number of times for size: 1 [2, 2, 3].
We recommend blocking squares before joining, see guide on page 8.
Joining Squares
Sew squares together using mattress stitch or your preferred method, to form a tube. See diagram on page 5.
Ribbing
Row 1 With right side facing, smaller hook and mc, attach yarn at any seam, ch 5 [5, 7, 7] (see size chart on page 5), sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch, sl st in next 2 sts along bottom of granny square, turn. (8 sc)
Row 2 Sk both sl sts, sc blo in each st to last st, in last st work through both loops, turn.
Note no turning chain is used here; instead, very slightly elongate the loop on hook.
Row 3 Sc in next st, sc in all remaining sts working in blo, sl st to next 2 sts along bottom of granny square, turn.
Repeat rows 2 and 3 until you have worked around the entire cowl. Do not fasten off. Turning work inside out, sl st both edges together to join working in blo of sc sts and foundation edge, fasten off.
Repeat ribbing on the other edge of the cowl. Weave in ends.
Finishing Touches
Once your ribbing is done and the ends are woven in, block your cowl gently to even out the stitches and soften the texture. Blocking makes a huge difference to the look and drape of your finished piece.
That’s it! You’ve now completed the final pattern in the Elements Crochet Along. I hope you enjoyed learning how to crochet a granny square cowl. If you’ve made the full set — the Beanie, Gloves, Bandanna, and this Cowl — you have a beautiful handmade collection that’s perfect for gift giving or keeping cosy all winter long.
Thank you so much for joining me on this crochet journey. I hope you’ve enjoyed making the Elements series as much as I’ve enjoyed designing it for you.
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