Sunset Hexagon Cowl Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

This Sunset Hexagon Cowl is a long, closed-loop tube cowl made from 36 hexagon motifs joined in a flat grid, then seamed into a cozy loop. It is written for experienced crocheters who are comfortable working motifs, joining seams, and keeping a steady gauge. The sunset ombre stripes — deep orange, burnt orange, and golden yellow — give it a warm glow, while the burgundy edging and tiny red cherry appliqués add a playful Nordic winter touch. It is designed for men, and it looks and feels substantial and warm: a generous 48-inch circumference that slips easily over the head and sits comfortably around the neck.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight acrylic, approximately 600 yards total: Color A (deep orange) 150 yards, Color B (burnt orange) 150 yards, Color C (golden yellow) 150 yards, Color D (burgundy) 100 yards, Color E (dark green) 20 yards, Color F (bright red) 30 yards.
• Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook.
• Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors, and a measuring tape.
• Finished size: Circumference 48 inches (122 cm), height 10 inches (25 cm).

Abbreviations

• ch — chain
• sl st — slip stitch
• sc — single crochet
• dc — double crochet
• sp — space
• st(s) — stitch(es)
• rep — repeat
• R — round

Gauge

Hexagon motif = 3.5 inches (9 cm) across the flats after blocking; single crochet = 4 stitches per inch. Check your gauge by working one hexagon motif and measuring it across the flats after a light block — if it is larger or smaller than 3.5 inches, adjust your hook size.

Tips Before You Start

• Work all 36 motifs first and block them lightly before joining so every hexagon measures the same 3.5 inches across the flats.
• Keep your color sequence consistent: 12 motifs each in A, B, and C, arranged in a repeating A, B, C order across the grid.
• When joining, hold motifs wrong sides together and work through both layers so the slip-stitch seam sits neatly on the inside of the cowl.
• Count the 240 single crochet stitches on the first edging round; if your count is slightly off, space your stitches evenly rather than stretching the edge.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Hexagon Motif (make 36)

With A, ch 4, join with sl st to form ring.

R1: ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in ring, [ch 2, 3 dc in ring] 5 times, ch 2, join with sl st to top of ch-3. (6 groups of 3 dc, 6 ch-2 sps)

R2: ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next 2 dc, *[2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc] in next ch-2 sp, dc in next 3 dc; rep from * around, join with sl st to top of ch-3. (36 dc, 6 ch-2 sps)

R3: ch 1, sc in each dc around, working 3 sc in each ch-2 sp, join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off. (54 sc)

Make 12 motifs with A, 12 with B, and 12 with C.

Cherry Appliqué (make 20)

With F, ch 2.

R1: 6 sc in second ch from hook, join with sl st to first sc. (6 sc)

R2: ch 1, 2 sc in each sc around, join with sl st to first sc. (12 sc)

Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch tail for sewing. With E, embroider a small stem and leaf at the top of each cherry using straight stitches.

Joining Motifs

Arrange the 36 motifs in a grid of 3 rows high by 12 motifs wide, alternating colors A, B, and C in a repeating sequence. Join motifs with a slip-stitch seam: hold two motifs wrong sides together, working through both layers, sl st in each st across one flat side. Join all motifs in rows first, then join the rows to form a tube, leaving no opening — the cowl is a closed loop.

Ribbed Edging (top and bottom)

With D, join yarn at top edge of cowl.

R1: ch 1, sc evenly around top edge, working 1 sc in each st and 1 sc in each seam, join with sl st to first sc. (Approx 240 sc)

R2: ch 1, sc in each sc around, join with sl st to first sc. (240 sc)

R3: ch 1, sc in each sc around, join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off. (240 sc)

Repeat the edging on the bottom edge.

Assembly and Finishing

Sew the 20 cherry appliqués evenly spaced between motifs on the front of the cowl, using the photo as a guide. Weave in all ends carefully on the wrong side. Block lightly to the finished measurements — circumference 48 inches (122 cm) and height 10 inches (25 cm) — pinning the edging flat and allowing the motifs to dry fully.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the sunset palette for cool blues and grays for a different Nordic look while keeping the same motif layout.
• Use a contrasting color for the edging to make the top and bottom bands pop.
• Skip the cherry appliqués for a simpler, more minimalist cowl, or place them only along one row of motifs.