Burgundy & Gold Color Block Cowl Free Crochet Pattern

Burgundy & Gold Color Block Cowl Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

This beginner-friendly crochet cowl is made from just two simple rectangles, so if you can work a half double crochet, you can make this piece. One panel is deep burgundy and the other is warm gold, joined at the short ends to create a clean, minimalist color-blocked loop. The wide, straight-sided shape drapes softly around the neck and adds a cozy layer of warmth to any outfit. It looks polished and modern, yet the construction is as easy as it gets—perfect for a first cowl or a quick weekend gift.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (4) yarn, acrylic or wool blend—about 200 yards in burgundy and 200 yards in gold.
• Hook: 6 mm (US J/10) crochet hook.
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and a few stitch markers (optional, for counting rows).
• Finished size: Approx. 30 inches circumference x 10 inches wide.

Abbreviations

• ch: chain—make a loop of yarn on the hook.
• hdc: half double crochet—yarn over, insert hook in stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through all three loops on the hook.
• sc: single crochet—insert hook in stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops on the hook.
• st(s): stitch(es).
• RS: right side—the side of the fabric meant to show.

Gauge

12 stitches and 14 rows = 4 inches in half double crochet. To check your gauge, work a small swatch in hdc and measure a 4-inch section; adjust your hook size if your stitches are too tight or too loose.

Tips Before You Start

• Count your stitches at the end of every row—each panel should stay at 30 stitches throughout, and a quick count keeps the sides straight.
• Keep your turning chain loose so the side edges stay even and easy to seam later.
• Work both panels to the same number of rows so the color blocks line up evenly when joined.
• If you tend to crochet tightly, try going up one hook size for a softer, more drapey fabric.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Panel 1 (Burgundy)

Row 1: Ch 31, hdc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (30 sts).

Rows 2–35: Ch 1, turn, hdc in each st across (30 sts).

Fasten off.

Panel 2 (Gold)

Work same as Panel 1: Ch 31, then repeat Rows 1–35 (30 sts per row). Fasten off.

Assembly (Seaming Short Ends)

Hold the two panels with RS together and align the short ends.

Seam 1: Join burgundy with sc through both layers along one short end, working one sc in each row end across (35 sts). Fasten off.

Seam 2: Repeat for the other short end with gold, working one sc in each row end across (35 sts). Fasten off.

Edging (Optional)

With burgundy, sc evenly around the entire top and bottom edges of the loop, working one sc in each stitch or row end along the way. Fasten off.

Assembly and Finishing

After seaming both short ends, turn the cowl right side out so the seams sit neatly inside. Weave in all ends with a tapestry needle, working them into the fabric in a few directions so they stay secure. Block lightly by misting with water and patting into shape, or steam gently, then lay flat to dry—this helps even out the stitches and smooth the edges.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the colors for any two shades you love—cream and camel, or charcoal and rust, give the same clean color-block look.
• Add a third panel in a contrasting color for a wider, tri-color cowl, working each panel to the same stitch and row count.
• Skip the optional edging for an even more minimalist finish, or work the edging in gold instead of burgundy for a different accent.