Crochet an EASY Box; Bow Tie Capelet, Cowl, or Neck Warmer – Free Guide
• Christa Patel

Crochet an EASY Box; Bow Tie Capelet, Cowl, or Neck Warmer – Free Guide

Grab your crochet hook and yarn! In this guide, I'll walk you through making a beautiful box and bow tie capelet, cowl, or neck warmer. Follow along with me, Christa, from The Secret Yarnery, as we dive into this EASY Crochet pattern. Are you ready to create something amazing?

What You'll Create

This pattern is super versatile! You can use it to make a capelet, cowl, or neck warmer. The best part? It's a simple, four-row repeat, so it's easy to memorize as you go. It looks intricate, but trust me, it's not!

  • Capelet: A stylish shoulder covering that adds a touch of elegance to any outfit. For my capelet, I used 108 chains to start.
  • Cowl/Neck Warmer: A cozy piece worn around the neck to keep you warm on chilly days. For the cowl, I started with 60 chains.

You can easily adjust the size of either project by adding or removing multiples of 12 to your starting chain. This makes it a snap to customize the fit to perfectly suit you! Imagine yourself snuggled up in a warm cowl on a crisp autumn evening. Or perhaps you're stepping out in style with a chic capelet. The possibilities are endless! If you are looking for more EASY Crochet patterns, check out the Patterns section of my website!

Materials You Need

Let's gather everything you'll need to bring this project to life. Do you have your supplies ready?

  • Yarn: I used Ice Yarns Peru Alpaca Bulky (size 5) for this project. Each ball has 50 grams and 160 meters. The fiber content is 25% alpaca, 50% merino wool, and 25% acrylic. But don't feel limited! You can use any yarn you like. Just make sure to adjust your hook size accordingly.
    • Yardage for Capelet: A little over 5 balls
    • Yardage for Cowl: A little over 2 and a half balls.
  • Crochet Hook: A 7-millimeter crochet hook. If you're using a different yarn weight, choose a hook size that corresponds to the yarn's recommendation.
  • Stitch Markers: These little helpers are essential for keeping track of your place in the pattern. If you don't have stitch markers, you can use snippets of yarn, paper clips, or even bobby pins as substitutes.
  • Darning Needle: For weaving in those pesky ends and creating a clean finish.
  • Scissors: To cut the yarn.
  • List of Items:
    • Yarn
    • Crochet hook
    • Stitch markers
    • Darning needle
    • Scissors

Getting Started: The Foundation Chain

The foundation chain is the very first step in our crochet journey. It's what everything else builds upon, so let's make sure we get it right!

  • Slip Knot: Make a slip knot on your hook. Leave a tail of yarn for weaving in later.
  • Chaining: Chain 12. Don't chain too tightly, or it will make it hard to crochet into them on the next row.
  • Counting Chains: Count the "V" shapes or the bumps on the back of the chain to keep track. The knot at the beginning doesn't count.
  • Stitch Marker: Place a stitch marker in the last chain you made. This will help you keep track of the beginning of your repeats.
  • Repeat: Continue chaining in multiples of 12, placing a stitch marker after each set.

Sizing and Adjustments

Here's how to adjust the pattern to perfectly fit you. After all, we all come in different shapes and sizes!

  • Capelet: Start with 108 chains (9 stitch markers).
  • Cowl: Start with 60 chains (5 stitch markers).
  • Larger Size: Add multiples of 12 to your starting chain if you need a bigger size.
  • Smaller Size: Subtract multiples of 12 for a smaller size.

Important: The rest of the pattern stays the same, no matter how many chains you start with.

Size Starting Chains Stitch Markers
Cowl 60 5
Capelet 108 9

Joining the Chain

Now, let's join the chain to form a circle. This is where the magic starts to happen!

  • Layout: Lay your chain flat, making sure there are no twists. Look at the pretty "V" shapes. A twist in your chain will create a Moebius strip, and unless that is what you are going for, make sure you get this step right.
  • Slip Stitch: Insert your hook into the very first chain you made. Yarn over and pull through both loops on your hook.
  • Chain 3: Chain 3. This counts as a double crochet.

Row 1: Setting Up the Pattern

Time to start the main pattern. This is where the box and bow tie design begins to take shape.

  • Double Crochet: Into the same stitch where you slip stitched, make one double crochet.
  • Chain 8: Chain 8.
  • Skipping Stitches: Skip 11 chains (use your stitch markers to help).
  • Shell: In the next chain, make a "shell": 2 double crochets, chain 1, 2 double crochets, all into the same chain.
  • Repeat: Chain 8, skip 11 chains, and make a shell in the next chain. Continue repeating this all the way around.

Box & Bow Tie Cowl, Capelet, or Neck Warmer – Versatile Crochet Cowl.

Understanding the Shell Stitch

The shell stitch is the foundation of this pattern. It's what gives the project its delicate, lacy texture.

It consists of:

  • 2 Double Crochets
  • Chain 1
  • 2 Double Crochets

All worked into the same stitch.

Finishing Row 1 and Joining

Here's how to finish the first row and join to start the next. This is how you'll finish every row to ensure it stays seamless.

  • Last Shell: At the end of the row, make your last shell into the same stitch where you chained 3 at the beginning.
  • Single Crochet Join: Find the top of the chain 3 from the beginning of the row. Insert your hook, yarn over, and pull through both loops. This is a single crochet join.
  • Center Space: Wiggle your fingers to find the center of the shell you just made. Hold this space open.
  • Chain 3, Turn: Chain 3 and turn your work.

Row 2: Building the Bow Ties

Row 2 introduces the bow tie element. These cute little bow ties add a touch of whimsy and charm to the design.

  • Double Crochet: Into the center of the shell below, make one double crochet.
  • Chain 4: Chain 4.
  • Single Crochet: Go underneath the two chains from the previous row (the chain 8). Make a single crochet over these chains. This creates the "bow tie."
  • Chain 4: Chain 4 again.
  • Shell: Into the center of the next shell, make another shell (2 double crochets, chain 1, 2 double crochets).
  • Repeat: Chain 4, single crochet around the chains, chain 4, shell into the shell. Repeat all the way around.

Understanding the Bow Tie

The bow tie is made by:

  • Chaining 4
  • Making a single crochet around the chain from the previous row
  • Chaining 4

Joining and Starting Row 3

Finishing Row 2 and starting Row 3. We're on a roll now!

  • Last Shell: Finish the row by making a shell into the center of the last shell.
  • Single Crochet Join: Single crochet to the top of the chain 3.
  • Center Space: Hold the center of the shell open.
  • Chain 3, Turn: Chain 3, turn your work.
  • Double Crochet: Make one double crochet into the center of the shell below.

Row 3: Making the Boxes (Part 1)

Row 3 introduces the "box" element. The boxes add structure and texture to the pattern.

  • Chain 5: Chain 5.
  • Single Crochet: Find the single crochet that forms the bow tie. Insert your hook into the top of the single crochet and make another single crochet.
  • Chain 3: Chain 3.
  • Turn: Turn your work.
  • 5 Double Crochets: Into the chain 5 space you just created, make 5 double crochets.
  • Chain 1: Chain 1.
  • Turn: Turn your work again.

This creates the base of the box.

Box & Bow Tie Cowl, Capelet, or Neck Warmer – Versatile Crochet Cowl.

Row 3: Making the Boxes (Part 2)

Continue building the box. We're almost there!

  • 6 Double Crochets: Make 6 double crochets, working into each stitch across the 5 double crochets and into the chain 3 from the previous step.

Remember that the 6th double crochet goes into the top of the chain 3.

  • Shell: Into the chain 1 space of the next shell, make another shell (2 double crochets, chain 1, 2 double crochets).
  • Repeat: Repeat the box and shell sequence all the way around.

Understanding the Box Stitch (Rows 1 & 2)

The Box Stitch is made by:

  • Row 1:
    • Chain 5
    • Single Crochet into the top of the bow tie single crochet.
    • Chain 3
    • Turn
    • 5 Double Crochets into the chain-5 space.
    • Chain 1
    • Turn
  • Row 2:
    • 6 Double Crochets across the previous row (5 double crochets + 1 into the chain-3).

The box is two rows tall.

Tips for Perfect Boxes

Here are a few tips to make your boxes look their best. These will really make your project pop.

  • Tightness: Keep your tension consistent.
  • Placement: Make sure your single crochet goes into both loops of the bow tie single crochet.
  • Counting: Double-check that you have 6 double crochets on the top row.

Finishing Row 3 and Joining

Finishing the Box Row. We're getting closer to completing a full repeat of the pattern!

  • Last Box: Finish the last box of the row.
  • Shell: Make a shell into the center of the starting shell.
  • Single Crochet Join: Single crochet to the top of the chain 3.
  • Center Space: Hold the center of the shell open.
  • Chain 3, Turn: Chain 3, turn your work.
  • Double Crochet: Make one double crochet into the center of the shell below.

Rows 4 & 5: Chains and Shells (Skipping the Boxes!)

These rows create the open, airy feel of the pattern. They're a nice break from the more structured box stitch.

  • Chain 8: Chain 8.
  • Skip Box: Completely skip the box from the previous row.
  • Shell: Into the shell, make another shell.
  • Repeat: Chain 8, skip the box, shell into the shell.

Repeat this row again for Row 5. You are ignoring the boxes for two rows.

Box & Bow Tie Cowl, Capelet, or Neck Warmer – Versatile Crochet Cowl.

Key Reminder: Skipping the Boxes

Important: For these two rows, you are only working chain 8s and shells. Do not crochet into the boxes. Just let them hang loose.

Joining After the Chain and Shell Rows

Finishing the 2 Chain and Shell Rows. Let's keep that momentum going!

  • Last Chain 8: Make your last chain 8.
  • Last Shell: Finish the row by making a shell into the starting shell.
  • Single Crochet Join: Single crochet to the top of the chain 3.
  • Center Space: Hold the center of the shell open.
  • Chain 3, Turn: Chain 3, turn your work.
  • Double Crochet: Make one double crochet into the center of the shell below.

Row 6: Back to Bow Ties!

Time to bring back the bow ties and connect the boxes. These are another element of fun that will give your piece a fun look.

  • Chain 4: Chain 4.
  • Single Crochet: Find the corner of the box (the top double crochet). Single crochet into this stitch, also catching the chains underneath the stitch
  • Chain 4: Chain 4.
  • Shell: Into the shell, make another shell.
  • Repeat: Chain 4, single crochet into the corner of the box, chain 4, shell into the shell. Repeat all the way around.

Tips for Connecting the Boxes with Bow Ties

Here are a few tips for connecting the boxes with bow ties. Follow these for the best results.

  • Two Loops: Make sure you pick up two loops of the corner stitch of the box. This makes a stronger connection.
  • Chains: Hook the chains underneath for extra support.
  • Tightness: Don't pull too tight.

Joining After the Bow Tie Row

Finishing the Bow Tie Row.

  • Last Chain 4: Make your last chain 4.
  • Last Single Crochet: Single crochet to finish the last bow tie
  • Last Shell: Finish the row by making a shell into the starting shell.
  • Single Crochet Join: Single crochet to the top of the chain 3.
  • Center Space: Hold the center of the shell open.
  • Chain 3, Turn: Chain 3, turn your work.
  • Double Crochet: Make one double crochet into the center of the shell below.

The Pattern Repeat: Boxes, Chains/Shells, Bow Ties

The pattern consists of:

  • Boxes
  • Two Rows of Chain 8s and Shells
  • Bow Ties

Repeat these four rows until your piece is the desired length. Remember, practice makes perfect, and soon this pattern will be second nature.

The Importance of Stitch Markers

Stitch markers are your friend! Seriously, they will save you a lot of headaches.

  • Use them to mark the beginning and end of rows.
  • They can also help you keep track of stitch counts.
  • Move them up as you work.

Checking Your Work

Periodically check your work. It's always better to catch a mistake early than to unravel hours of work.

  • Make sure your stitch counts are correct.
  • Check for any mistakes and fix them right away.
  • Make sure your piece is laying flat and not twisting.

Finishing Off with a Bow Tie Row

You want to finish your piece on a bow tie row. This gives it a nice, even edge. Think of it as putting the perfect finishing touch on a work of art.

Invisible Join: A Professional Finish

For a seamless finish, use an invisible join. It's like magic!

  • Chain 1: Chain 1.
  • Cut Yarn: Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail for weaving in.
  • Pull Through: Pull the yarn through the loop.
  • Thread Needle: Thread the yarn tail onto a darning needle.

Step-by-Step Invisible Join

Let's walk through the invisible join. Don't worry, it's easier than it sounds.

  • Find Top of Chain 3: Find the top of the chain 3 at the beginning of the row.
  • Insert Needle: Insert your needle underneath both loops of the top of the chain 3.
  • Bring Yarn Through: Bring the yarn through.
  • Go Back Through Center: Go back through the center of the chain 1 space where your yarn is coming from.
  • Pull Tight: Gently pull the yarn tight.

This creates a seamless join that looks just like a stitch.

Weaving in the Ends

Weaving in the ends secures your yarn and hides them. It's like tucking away all the little secrets of your project.

  • Thread Needle: Thread the yarn tail onto a darning needle.
  • Weave Along Stitches: Weave the yarn tail along the stitches, following the direction of the yarn.
  • Back and Forth: Go back and forth several times to secure the end.
  • Trim Excess: Trim any excess yarn.

Blocking (Optional)

Blocking helps your finished piece lay flat and look its best. It's like giving your project a spa day!

  • Wet Blocking: Soak your piece in water, gently squeeze out excess water, and lay flat to dry.
  • Steam Blocking: Use a steamer to gently steam your piece, then lay flat to dry.

Care Instructions

How to care for your finished cowl, capelet, or neck warmer. After all this work, you want to make sure it lasts!

  • Follow the care instructions for the yarn you used.
  • Hand washing is usually recommended for delicate items.

Final Thoughts and Encouragement

You did it! You've created a beautiful and cozy cowl, capelet, or neck warmer. Wear it with pride and enjoy! And don't forget to subscribe to The Secret Yarnery YouTube channel for more great crochet patterns and tutorials! Check out my EASY Crochet Tutorials page. I can't wait to see what you create!

FAQs

1. How long does it take to make this crochet capelet, cowl, or neck warmer?

It depends on how familiar you are with crochet. For intermediate crocheters, it may take about 4-6 hours to complete a cowl and 6-10 hours for a capelet. Beginners might need a bit longer.

2. Can I use a different yarn weight for this pattern?

Absolutely! While the pattern uses Ice Yarns Peru Alpaca Bulky (size 5), feel free to use any yarn. Just make adjustments to your starting chain and crochet hook size to ensure proper sizing.

3. How do I know what size to make?

You can adjust the size by adding or subtracting multiples of 12 stitches in your starting chain. Use the table in the pattern to guide you.

4. What should I do if I made a mistake in the pattern?

If you catch a mistake, undo the row (frog it) and redo it. Using stitch markers helps avoid needing to restart large sections.

5. What’s the best way to keep track of where I am in the pattern?

Use stitch markers and count your stitches regularly to stay on track. Following the row pattern sequence (Box, Chain & Shells, Bow Tie) will also help.

6. Do I need to block my finished piece?

Blocking is optional but highly recommended. It helps even out stitches and enhances the lace pattern. Steam or wet blocking are great choices.

7. Can beginners try this pattern?

Yes! The pattern is designed to be beginner-friendly with a simple four-row repeat. The detailed instructions also make it easier for those just starting with crochet.

8. Can I combine this project with other patterns?

Certainly! The texture and design work well with other crochet elements. Feel free to add edging, tassels, or mix it into larger projects.

9. How do I care for the finished capelet or cowl?

Follow the yarn's care label instructions. Generally, gentle hand washing with cold water and drying flat works best for handmade items.

10. What should I do if my piece doesn’t lay flat?

If your item is curling or not laying flat, check your tension and consider blocking the piece. Proper blocking usually resolves these issues.

Christa Patel, the creative mind behind The Secret Yarnery, is an avid crochet enthusiast and teacher dedicated to sharing her love for yarn crafts with the world. With years of experience and a passion for easy-to-understand designs, Krista aims to inspire crocheters of all skill levels.

Highlights about Christa:

  • Founder of The Secret Yarnery: A thriving hub for crochet tutorials, patterns, and inspiration.
  • Popular YouTube Channel: Christa's step-by-step video tutorials have captured the hearts of thousands of crochet enthusiasts worldwide.
  • Focus on Beginners: She specializes in easy-to-follow patterns, making crochet fun and approachable.
  • Fan of Versatility: Most of her designs are adaptable and customizable, allowing crafters to truly make each project their own.

When she's not crocheting, Krista loves spending time with her family, exploring new yarns, and staying connected with her global crochet community. You can find more of her crochet tips, free patterns, and tutorials at The Secret Yarnery's website or her YouTube channel.

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