Criss Cross Cowl in Caron Simply Soft Paints & Simply Soft Collection - Downloadable PDF

Criss Cross Cowl Crochet Pattern in Caron Simply Soft Paints & Simply Soft Collection

This free downloadable PDF pattern from Caron guides intermediate crocheters through the construction of a striking Criss Cross Cowl — a generously sized, joined-in-the-round crochet cowl that showcases a beautiful interlocking textured stitch pattern. With an approximate finished circumference of 29 inches (73.5 cm) and a width of 15 inches (38 cm), this cowl is wide enough to wear as a dramatic neck warmer, pulled up over the chin, or even draped loosely around the shoulders as a stylish layering piece.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a crocheted cowl — a seamless, tube-shaped neckwarmer worked in the round. Unlike a traditional scarf, a cowl has no open ends, giving it a polished, structured look. This particular design features a criss cross visual effect created by working stitches that cross over one another in alternating rounds, producing a woven, lattice-like surface texture that is both eye-catching and cozy.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is designed specifically for Caron Simply Soft Paints (Color A) and Caron Simply Soft (Color B), both of which are worsted weight yarns. Using two different but coordinating Caron yarn lines together — one variegated and one solid — creates rich color depth and visual interest throughout the cowl. The two colors are carried and alternated throughout the project rather than cut and re-joined, keeping the wrong side tidy and minimizing ends to weave in.

• Yarn Weight: Worsted
• Color A: Caron Simply Soft Paints (variegated colorway)
• Color B: Caron Simply Soft (solid coordinating color)
• Hook: Size appropriate for worsted weight yarn (as specified by gauge swatch)

Gauge

Achieving the correct gauge is important for this project to ensure the cowl reaches its intended dimensions. The pattern specifies a gauge of 12 double crochet stitches and 14 rows = 4 inches (10 cm). Crocheting a gauge swatch before beginning is always recommended, especially for a fitted accessory like a cowl where circumference matters for wearability.

Construction Method

The cowl is worked entirely in joined rounds with the right side always facing — meaning the crocheter does not turn the work at the end of each round. This technique keeps the right side consistently visible and ensures the stitch pattern reads cleanly on the outside of the finished piece.

Construction begins by chaining 92 stitches loosely, then joining into a ring with a slip stitch, taking care not to twist the foundation chain. The body of the cowl is then built up over 54 rounds, transitioning through distinct stitch phases that create the signature criss cross texture.

Key Construction Phases

• Round 1: Establishes the base of 92 double crochet stitches around the foundation chain ring.
• Round 2 onward: Introduces Color B alongside Color A, beginning the chain-5 mesh framework that underpins the criss cross pattern. Single crochet stitches are worked into double crochet stitches, with chain-5 spaces skipping groups of stitches to create open lacework arches.
• Rounds 3–52: The two-round criss cross repeat is worked a total of 24 times, alternating between rounds worked with both yarns held together and rounds worked with a single color. This alternation is what creates the interlocking, woven visual effect.
• Round 53: A pivotal round in which stitches are worked behind the chain-5 spaces and into previously skipped stitches, physically crossing over the mesh arches to lock in the criss cross design. This round uses a combination of standard double crochet and a special compound stitch — inserting the hook under a chain-5 space and into a skipped stitch simultaneously — to create the crossing effect.
• Round 54 (Top Edging): A clean single crochet edging round worked with Color B fin