The Folded Corner Cowl for Beginners

There’s nothing better for late winter and early spring than a soft, fluffy crochet cowl that keeps you warm while staying light and comfortable to wear. That’s exactly why I chose the new Nako Hercai Airwool yarn and intentionally used a larger hook to make the final piece beautifully drapey and extra soft.

NAKO Hercai is a 100% premium acrylic yarn with a yardage of 100 g / 156 m and carries the Airwool label. Thanks to a special production technology, the finished fabric can be up to 50% lighter than items made from standard yarn with the same yardage. The yarn feels surprisingly pleasant to the touch — soft, airy, and very easy to work with.

It works well with hooks from about 5 mm (great for hats) up to 10 mm, which is perfect for cowls, oversized scarves, blankets, or chunky sweaters. Hercai comes in beautiful color combinations with gentle gradients. It may remind you of Alize Show Punto Batik (which is no longer produced), but Hercai Airwool is noticeably softer and fluffier — you can hardly tell it’s acrylic.

We unboxed the Nako Hercai yarn in the podcast Povídání u klubíčka #116, and you can watch the recording there. An article featuring the yarns from Noezon is also available online.

VIDEO TUTORIAL PREMIERE February 4th 2026 – English Subtitles

The cowl itself is suitable even for complete beginners. We crochet a simple rectangle that almost resembles a square. At the end, the opposite corners are joined together, and the top corner is folded forward. The cowl forms a triangular shape at the front. The pattern consists of double crochet stitches and extended slip stitches. All double crochets are worked into the back loop only, which gives the right side a knit-like texture.

The most important thing is to carefully count your stitches to keep the edges straight. Stitch markers placed in the first chain stitches are very helpful. For this cowl, proper fit after seaming is essential — it should sit nicely around the neck without flaring out, otherwise it would lose its warming function. Yarn consumption for one cowl is just under one skein. I’m also preparing a matching hat with a similar stitch pattern as part of the set.

I hope your Hercai Cowl turns out beautifully and that you’ll enjoy wearing it. Feel free to inspire others or share your crocheting experience and styling ideas! You can share your photos in the Krampolinka Facebook group. On Instagram, please use the hashtag #nakrcnikhercai so others can easily find your projects.  If you tag me in your creations made using my patterns, I can reshare them in my Instagram Stories to inspire others.

HERCAI COWL

Yarn: Nako Hercai
Yarn amount: 1 skein, color 28135
Hook: 10 mm

Finished panel size:
• Foundation chain length (panel width): 42–44 cm
• Panel height: 38–39 cm

Other tools: Tapestry needle (large eye), label for decoration

Time needed: approx. 2 hours
Skill level: Beginner

Gauge:
20 cm = 19 double crochet stitches

Abbreviations

ch – chain stitch
esc – extended slip stitch (see video tutorial)
dc – double crochet
sl st – slip stitch

Panel for Hercai Cowl – Pattern, hook 10 mm

Row 1: Chain 43. Turn.

Row 2: Ch 2 (counts as first dc). Dc in each chain across. Turn. (44)

Row 3: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch) — this replaces the first extended slip stitch. Place a stitch marker. Work extended slip stitches (esc) in the back loop only, starting in the first stitch. Count your stitches. At the end of the row, work 1 dc into the turning chain. Turn. (44)

Row 4: Ch 2 (counts as first dc). Work dc in the back loop only across. Count stitches. The last dc is worked into the turning chain. Turn. (44)

Panel width is approx. 42–44 cm.

Rows 5–27: Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until the panel measures approx. 38–39 cm in height. Do not fasten off.

Joining and Finishing

Lay the piece flat with the wrong side facing you and rotate it into a diamond shape.  Fold the opposite corners (left and right) toward the center. Join them together using slip stitches through approximately 15 stitches. Turn the cowl to the right side. Fold the top corner forward over the joined section. The front now forms a layered triangle shape.  Add a label as a finishing touch.

Copyright Notice

This pattern is for personal use only. For commercial use, please contact me directly. Always include the source credit: www.krampolinka.com. The pattern is designed specifically for this yarn, hook size, and my personal tension. If you use a different yarn, hook, or tension, your final product may vary in size or shape.

Enjoy this free pattern and you can follow my latest projects, tutorials, ideas, reviews, video podcasts, tips, and tricks:

• Krampolinka YouTube videos (subtitled since 2024)
• Krampolinka Instagram
• Krampolinka FB group