Free Crochet Pattern: Tunisian Simple Stitch Crochet Cowl

Tunisian Simple Stitch is so versatile! It’s the go-to stitch for beginning Tunisian crocheters. Practice your newfound Tunisian crochet skill with this easy Tunisian Simple Stitch Cowl pattern. Then try it in two colors for a different look!

denim-blue cowl worked in Tunisian Simple Stitch on a dress mannequin

The cowl is crocheted as a rectangle and then seamed. A single crochet edging on each selvedge tidies up any unevenness.

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grey and wine-colored cowl worked in Tunisian Simple Stitch on a dress mannequin-75% of the cowl is grey; about 25% has a combination of marled grey/wine stripes, and the remainder is wine

This free pattern includes instructions for a one-color cowl. You can also purchase a pattern that includes instructions and charts to make both cowls.

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Materials

For the one-color version, you’ll need about 155 yards [142 meters] of medium weight (worsted weight) yarn. The yarns shown on the samples are on the heavier side of medium weight.

The blue cowl pictured used 1 skein of Cascade Yarns Cantata (70% cotton/30% merino). This yarn has a unique construction, giving it kind of a halo-color effect. It comes in 3. 5 ounce [100 gram] skeins of 218 yards [200 meters] each. I used color #09 Blue.

ball of wine-colored Valley Yarns Valley Superwash

For the two-color cowl pictured, you’ll need about 93 yards [85 meters] of the main color (MC) and about 62 yards [57 meters] of the contrasting color (CC). I used one ball each of Valley Yarns Valley Superwash (1005 extra fine merino). It comes in 1.75 ounce [50 gram] balls of 98 yards [90 meters] each. I used colors #200 Steel Grey (MC) and #306 Wine Time (CC).

six bright colored crochet hook "heads" next to four red cords and cord tips, for making interchangeable Tunisian crochet hooks

Tunisian crochet requires a larger hook than you might expect, in order to get a nice fabric. I used a Size L-11 [8 mm] Tunisian crochet hook (afghan hook) to obtain the gauge. You can use either a straight Tunisian hook, or an interchangeable hook like the Love2Crochet interchangeable crochet hooks pictured above.

You’ll also need a hook in a smaller size for the edging. I used size J-10 [6 mm] for the edging.

Finished Dimensions

One Size: 24″ [61 cm] circumference x 7.25″ [18.5 cm] depth
You can always make it longer by crocheting more rows, or narrower or wider by changing the number of stitches. Just remember that your yarn amounts will change, also.

Abbreviations

ch: chain
rep: repeat
RS: right side
sc: single crochet
st(s): stitch(es)
Tunisian slip st: insert hook under vertical bar, yarn over and pull through all loops on hook

Tunisian Simple Stitch

Work a Return Pass. A row consists of one Forward Pass and one Return Pass.
Repeat the last row for desired length.

Final Pass (bind off, RS): Work Tunisian slip stitch to last st, insert hook under two loops at selvedge, yarn over and pull through all loops on hook — 1 loop on hook. Fasten off.

closeup of Tunisian Simple Stitch Cowl fabric with single crochet edging

Cowl Instructions – One-Color Version

With afghan hook, loosely ch 24.
Work in Tunisian Simple Stitch on 24 sts until piece measures 24″ [61 cm] from beginning, or desired length. Work Final Pass, but do not fasten off. Turn.

Finishing

Joining: Fold piece with right sides together so that the beginning edge and the ending edge are parallel. Ch 1; working through both layers (beginning chain and final row) at once, slip stitch across to join. Do not fasten off.

Edging: Change to smaller hook.With RS facing, ch 1, sc in each row-end around, join with slip st to first sc. Fasten off. Join yarn and repeat edging on other edge. Fasten off.
Weave in ends.