Make the Greus Cowl, a Simple Asymmetrical Crochet Cowl

Updated: 16 October 2026 by Sylwia (MyCrochetory)

Love the look of a triangle shawl, but not the ends that keep sliding off your shoulders? This asymmetrical crochet cowl gives you that shawl shape with nothing to retie all day.

Greus started with a knitted cowl called The Shift. I fell for its shape, and the idea of a crochet version kept coming back to me for weeks.

So I made one in moss stitch, light gray and black, with the stripes running on the diagonal. It’s about 26 inches around and 22.75 inches deep, and you just pull it over your head.

Jump to the free Greus Cowl pattern. Want it all in one file? Grab the ad-free, printable PDF with the stitch chart HERE on ETSY or HERE on Ravelry.

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Why I designed this asymmetrical crochet cowl

Shawls look great in photos. In real life, one end usually ends up in your coffee or under your bag strap.

This asymmetrical crochet cowl is sewn into a loop, so the point stays at the front all day. You put it on once and forget about it.

From the front, it still looks like a shawl you wrapped very carefully. Only you know it took two seconds.

How the asymmetrical crochet cowl is made

This asymmetrical crochet cowl starts with just 3 chains in one corner and grows on the bias, row by row.

Part 1 builds a little triangle, with increases on both sides. In Part 2 you increase on one side only, and in Part 3 you decrease on that same side, which turns the piece into a long, slanted shape.

When the piece is done, you block it, sew the two short ends together with mattress stitch, and the flat piece becomes a cowl. Lying flat it looks a bit strange, but once it’s sewn it drapes just right.

Moss stitch and diagonal stripes

The whole cowl is moss stitch, which is just single crochet and chain 1 worked into the spaces below. It’s simple, but the fabric comes out textured and woven, a lot like linen.

That’s why it also goes by linen stitch or granite stitch. It’s warm and soft, which is exactly what you want around your neck.

Because you crochet on the bias, every color change turns into a diagonal line. The gray and black stripes run across the cowl, and the tip finishes in solid black.

If moss stitch is new to you, my moss stitch tutorial shows every step, with photos and a video.

Is this asymmetrical crochet cowl good for beginners?

Greus is rated intermediate, but an adventurous beginner can make this asymmetrical crochet cowl. You need single crochet, half double crochet, simple increases and decreases, and a bit of sewing at the end.

Within each part the rows repeat, so you won’t need to check the pattern constantly. Greus was also tested by a group of crocheters before release.

The stripes do mean a lot of ends. Crochet over them as you go, and there’s very little left to weave in at the end. My guide on how to join yarn ends has a few more ideas.

Yarn, colors and blocking for your asymmetrical crochet cowl

I made mine with Drops Merino Extra Fine, a soft 100% wool with crisp stitch definition, and I still recommend it. You’ll need 2 skeins of light gray (05) and 2 skeins of black (02).

You can easily swap the colors. Two shades with strong contrast keep the stripes clear, and a gradient yarn gives a softer look. Any DK or light worsted yarn works, but check your gauge.

Since it’s wool, I wet block my cowl before sewing. Pin it to the shape from the construction diagram, let it dry completely, and then seam it.

Love Greus but can’t start today? Pin it to your Pinterest board now, so it’s easy to find later. And while you’re there, come say hi at www.pinterest.com/mycrochetory!

Greus Cowl free crochet pattern

• Purchase the ad-free, printable PDF with stitch charts here on ETSY or here on Ravelry.
• Add this pattern to your Ravelry Queue HERE.
• Pin it for later.

Copyright 2019 – 2026 MyCrochetory. All rights reserved. This pattern is property of Sylwia Kawczyńska @MyCrochetory. Please DO NOT sell the pattern and claim this pattern as your own. The pattern is for personal use only and may not be translated or reproduced in another language. Please respect my rights, DO NOT share or publish this pattern anywhere without my permission.

The cowl you make following this pattern is yours, and you are free to sell it, as long as you credit MyCrochetory as the original designer. For more information, please read Terms Page.

As a bonus in the ad-free, printable PDF, I’ve provided stitch chart. If you’re a visual learner or if you just want to support my work you can purchase this crochet pattern HERE on ETSY or HERE on Ravelry. Thank you and I hope you find it useful!

Materials & Tools

• Yarn Drops Merino Extra Fine (50g/105m/115yd, 100% Wool) in 2 colors. Yarn A light grey (05), 2 skeins. Yarn B black (02), 2 skeins.
• Hook size 4mm (US G/6). Adjust hook size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.
• Tapestry needle (to weave and hide yarn ends and to seam).
• Scissors.

Level

Intermediate (adventurous beginners welcome). Moss stitch, increases and decreases, simple sewing.

Size after blocking

Circumference 66cm (26”)

Center depth 58cm (22.75”)

Back neck depth 23.5cm (9.25”)

Gauge after blocking

After Row 12, the side of the triangle measures 10cm (4”).

Gauge is not important for this project. However, changes might result in different yardage requirements and a different finished size.

Notes

• The pattern uses US crochet terminology.
• The cowl is worked in rows back and forth then seamed together to turn into a cowl.
• Instructions in square brackets […] are worked as many times as indicated.
• You can also use yarn in different weights, but just know that the width will be different depending on your gauge.
• Ch2 in the beginning of the row doesn’t count as a stitch.
• Crochet over your ends as you go along to minimize finishing.
• You can follow the color scheme below or use your own color combination.
• The stitch chart is included in the ad-free printable PDF here on ETSY or here on Ravelry.

Stitches & Abbreviations (US terms)

ch(s) – chain(s) stitch

st(s) – stitch(es)

sc – single crochet

hdc – half double crochet

yo – yarn over

sp – space

sk – skip

Construction

PART 1: Increase on both sides

PART 2: Increase on one side

PART 3: Decrease on one side

Color scheme

Asymmetrical crochet cowl pattern

Ch3

PART 1: Increase on both sides

Row 1: (hdc, sc, hdc) in 3rd ch from hook. Turn.

Row 2: ch2 (doesn’t count as a hdc here and throughout), hdc in first hdc, (sc, ch1, sc, ch1, sc) in next sc, hdc in last hdc. Turn.

Row 3: ch2, hdc in first hdc, sc in next sc, ch1, sc in next ch-1 sp, [ch1, sk next sc, sc in next ch-1 sp] rep until last ch-1 sp, ch1, sc in next sc, hdc in last hdc. Turn.

Repeat row 3 until row 29 or until the side of the triangle measures 23.5cm (9.25’’).

PART 2: Increase on one side

Row 30: ch2, hdc in first hdc, sc in next sc, ch1, sc in next ch-1 sp, [ch1, sk next sc, sc in next ch-1 sp] rep until last ch-1 sp, sc in next sc, hdc in last hdc. Turn.

Row 31: ch2, hdc in first hdc, sc in next sc, [ch1, sk next sc, sc in next ch-1 sp] rep until last ch-1 sp, ch1, sc in next sc, hdc in last hdc. Turn.

Repeat Rows 30 – 31 until row 77 or until the increased side measures 66cm (26’’).

PART 3: Decrease on one side

Row 78: ch2, hdc in first hdc, sc in next sc, ch1, sk next ch-1 sp and sk next sc, sc in next ch-1 sp, [ch1, sk next sc, sc in next ch-1 sp] rep until last ch-1 sp, sc in next sc, hdc in last hdc. Turn.

Row 79: ch2, hdc in first hdc, sc in next sc, [ch1, sk next sc, sc in next ch-1 sp] rep until second last ch-1 sp, ch1, sk next sc and sk next ch-1 sp, sc in next sc, hdc in last hdc. Turn.

Repeat Rows 78 – 79 until row 106 or until the decreased side measures 23.5cm (9.25”).

Row 107: ch2, hdc in first hdc, sc in every sc and ch-1 sp until last st, hdc in last hdc.

Fasten off yarn, weave in all ends and block your cowl.

After blocking seam both short ends of cowl together to form cowl (using mattress stitch or your favorite method)

Stuck on a row? Leave a comment below, or ask in my Facebook Group or Ravelry Group, where other crocheters can help you too. And if you spot a mistake, email me at mycrochetory@gmail.com and I’ll fix it.

Finished your Greus? I’d love to see your colors! Share it on Instagram or Facebook with #mycrochetory or #greuscowl, or tag me @mycrochetory.

More free crochet cowl patterns

Here are four more of my cowls, each in a different stitch.

• Ombre Moss Stitch Cowl. Moss stitch again, this time in the round with a three-color ombre.
• October Cowl. A cozy collar cowl with front post cables and ribbed edges.
• Namari Mosaic Cowl. Two-color mosaic crochet worked in the round, with ribbing on both edges.
• Lilac Mobius Cowl. A soft mobius with a knit-look texture, great for adventurous beginners.

More bias and asymmetrical crochet patterns

These designs are also worked on the bias or lean to one side.

• Monochrome Bias Wrap. A long rectangle worked on the bias, with a black, gray and white mosaic section.
• Havra Wrap. Chevrons on the bias in two colors, friendly for adventurous beginners.
• Willow Shawl. An asymmetrical moss stitch shawl made from one gradient cake.
• Crax Gradient Shawl. Mosaic crochet with two gradient cakes in an asymmetric triangle.

Asymmetrical crochet cowl FAQ

How do I wear an asymmetrical crochet cowl?

Pull it over your head with the point at the front, like a bandana, or turn it so the point sits slightly to the side.

Is the Greus Cowl reversible?

Yes. Moss stitch looks almost the same on both sides, so either side can face out.

Can I make it bigger or smaller?

Yes. Each part has a target measurement in the pattern, so you can stop earlier or work longer. Just keep in mind that a bigger cowl needs more yarn.

Is there a video tutorial for the Greus Cowl?

Not yet. My moss stitch tutorial has a video, and the ad-free PDF includes a stitch chart if you prefer working from diagrams.