Free Crochet Katniss Cowl Pattern
EDIT: I HIGHLY recommend you read the FAQ page HERE before you begin this project! Please look at it if you are having any questions… chances are they are answered there!
If you love the look but not the bulk, check out my Ribs and Ridges Scarf. Same pattern, worsted weight yarn!
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When I first watched Hunger Games: Catching Fire and I saw Katniss’s knitted cowl my DIY mind immediately began making a pattern for it. I never attempted it, mostly because I did not feel like I would ever really NEED a one armed vest thing. It just did not seem very practical. (Does her other arm get cold? Is it an archery thing? I just don’t know…)
Then not too long ago, my volleyball coach from the good old days sent me a pin to this scarf and asked if I could whip up something similar. I loved that it is just a giant infinity scarf rather than a one armed t-shirt thing. This means you can wear it multiple ways, but still achieve that “awesome” look sported by the Hunger Games victor. However, that particular pattern was knitted and my knitting skills are sadly lackluster. But I spent some time and developed my own crochet pattern.
This is seriously a mega scarf, measuring just over 60 inches long and 13.5 inches high (this seems to be the magic length for the perfect “wrap”), and made from almost 600 yards of yarn. If you are worried about the length for yourself, measure it by wrapping around yourself after the first row of post stitches because that is essentially the finished length.
This is a beautiful piece with a lot of detail, and can be worn 3 ways!
This is an intermediate pattern, but a beginner could figure it out with some determination.
You will need to know how to front and back post double crochet, front post single crochet and the double crochet. If you don’t know these stitches, there are a lot of great youtube videos to help. (And do not be scared to try them– they are the same basic stitches, just put in a different spot!)
If you want to try out these stitches on an easier (read “smaller”) project try out my Free Katelyn Ear Warmer Pattern.
This scarf is also crocheted in the round to prevent some uneven sewing. The pattern is ridged and so can be hard to make the attached line look very neat. I found it was better to attach in the round. It may still be a little “gappy.” I suggest leaving a long end and sewing the gaps together just a little bit. There is nothing wrong with a little sewing manipulation! And because of the many ways to wrap and wear this, it is easy to hide that section.
Again, please read the FAQ page before you begin!
Ready? Here is what you will need to get started.
Size M Hook (9.0)
**I used to recommend a P hook but the majority do better with an M**
Large sewing needle for sewing in ends
600 yards of size 6 bulky yarn (I used Bernat Collegiate Chunky in Grey)
EDIT: I have had many people end up with scarves that are TOO big when using an extra bulky yarn. I would stay away from thick, wooly yarns like Wool-Ease Thick and Quick. Some size 5 yarns would work, and some size 6 yarns will not. I stay by my recommendation of the Bernat yarn. Also, be sure to try on your scarf after a few rows. Because we are not all the same shape and size, you may need to adjust. And if you need to start over, well better after 2 or 3 rows than after the whole thing. The nice thing with this scarf is that you do not need to have a certain number of chains- you can customize it to your own size!
Row 1: Chain until you reach 65 inches (I am sorry– I could not force myself to make an actual count.) You will want to crochet over the end length of 61 inches because the post stitches pull it together. Connect to form a giant ring.
Row 2: Chain 2, DC across, Join.
Row 3: Chain 2, DC in first stitch, FPDC alternating with BPDC until you reach the last stitch. DC in last St, Join. Chain 2.
Row 4: This next row will depend on the number of stitches you made… But essentially you will FPDC or BPDC on the post crochets you already made. Line up the FPDC with a FPDC and a BPDC with a BPDC (to achieve that nice ridged look!) until you reach the end.Join.
Row 5: Repeat row 4.
Row 6: Chain one, FPSC in every stitch across. Do not alternate like the PDC. This will give you that straight line. Join to the first FPSC when you reach that point.
THEN slip stitch to the DC made in row 5. The FPSC sit in front of those stitches making that pretty line. But you will want to crochet over the DC BEHIND the line made in Row 6. The slip stitch back just helps for a smoother transition.
Row 7: Chain 2, DC in each stitch across, slip stitch. (Remember this row is not done in the FPSC you did in the last row but the DC from Row 5)
Row 8: Chain one, FPSC across. Follow the same technique as in row 6.
Row 9: Chain 2, DC across, slip stitch.
Row 10: Chain one, FPSC across. Follow the same technique as in row 6.
Repeat Rows 2-10 twice more.
Then Repeat Rows 2-5.
Finish off and weave in ends (remember to leave that long tail to weave in between the few gaps of your seam!)
I would love to see any of your finished scarves! Post them to my Facebook page and show them off! And if you would like to see some of my inspiration follow me on Pinterest! Do you prefer Instagram? (So do I!)
I do not have a problem with individuals making and
selling items using this pattern. I do have a problem if you take my
photos and the credit:) No big deal, just use your own pictures and link
back to this page if you are selling online! Thanks so much!
Have any questions?? Please read the FAQ page HERE!
This pattern is influenced by an original copyrighted pattern by Bo Peep’s Bonnets. You can find the original pattern at https://www.etsy.com/listing/170787987/instant-download-knitting-pattern-the?ref=shop_home_active_4 You can also purchase the original product here –https://www.etsy.com/listing/169791485/huntress-cowl-hand-knit-cowl-infinity .
Kali,
Thanks for the beautiful pattern! I just thought I'd answer your question about the one-arm look: it is an archery thing. But unless Katniss is left-handed, I would expect her right arm to be the free one. Her left arm holds the bow, so it stays steady and does not move. Her right arm aims and shoots the arrow, so it needs to be free to move. The wrap would constrict near her elbow and make it hard to pull back the arrow. Her arm probably does get cold, but oh well! 😉
Love this! Thank you! It does make sense in a way… and whats a cold arm if you have people trying to kill you in the Games? Thanks for sharing!
When you snap the bow string, any fabric on the left arm would get in the way of the fletch and/or the retreating bowstring! Just fyi… 😉
True! But without a guard on, I would consider that protection for my bow arm! I'd rather the string hit the shawl than my bare arm! Ouch!
Hello!!
Thank you so much for sharing! I am BEYOND excited to crochet this beautiful scarf!!!
I have some what of a silly question, is there perhaps a link or maybe you can give me an idea of the abbreviation you used and what they mean? I'm not very acquainted with them! Thank you so much in advance!
Hello. Perhaps you could produce a YouTube channel or tutorial. Thanksz from Oakland California
I looked up the yarn you used (I don't use acrylic) and it recommends an 8mm hook, yet you used an 11.5, is that right? Did you double the yarn or is the tension loose?
I did use the larger hook, and it certainly is a little looser. However, you could use a smaller hook if you prefer. The size will be a little different, but if that is what you prefer go with it!
Help! I made it but don't know how to put it on!
I have tried and tried to find grey bernat collegiate in anything but striped. I gave up and got the bernat big ball chunky which is a #5 I think. I'm going to try this with a 10mm hook and just do the starting chain to length and go from there. Hopefully the drape with work out. Everything that was 6 weight (and on sale so I can afford the 600 yds) was back ordered, or completely acrylic, OR just plain yuck. I will report back on how it goes. I'm stoked! Mostly I'm cold. hahaha
How did this end up? when first looking at the pattern I read bulky so immediately bought a 5 weight. Was still hoping to try it out with what I have
It's perfect. Thank you for the free pattern.
My daughter fell in love with its style and I wasn't expecting to make her one and then we found your pattern.
I used Bernat True Grey Chunky with the 11.5mm hook.
Kali – this pattern is awesome. I did not make it exactly as you wrote it but I used a lot of your ideas for how to use FPDC and BPDC to add texture to an otherwise simple stripe pattern. Thanks so much for your innovation and for being willing to share the details for free!!!
Hi i'm from Venezuela and i'm doing this form my mom on xmas 🙂 tanks
hi I am really struggling with Row 6 and understanding it. I don't quite understand where I am stitching into–row 5? Or jumping from row 5 back to the top? and what stitch am I doing? FPSC? THANKS I am doing it right now so I hate to put it down!
Hi, love your pattern however I am confused on how and where to put the arm hole… am I missing something?
Thank you so much for this pattern, I made one in stonewashed scheepjeswol and shared it with you on Instagram,
Greets Sofie, from Belgium
ok, maybe this is a stupid questions but – is it 60 inches AFTER joining? 120 inches if it's just a straight line? I chained until 60 inches then joined and it's awfully small 🙁
Same here!! I just finished and I realize too late that Kali's instructions are incorrect in the inches of chain. She says the finished product is 60 inches long. My finished one is 30 inches long because I chained 65in then joined in the beginning, exactly as the pattern says.–thus causing it to be 30 in long. Also, I think Kali should have just said repeat rows 2-5 once, not twice because its way wider than 13.5 inches. I am very disappointed. It was supposed to be a Christmas gift.
Hi, I finished the pattern, however I feel it should be taller (for the hooded version pic) is it 16 rows tall total? I am beginning to add additional rows to ensure it completely covers my head :/
Hi Kali.. I just finished the Katniss Cowl,, I followed all directions (they were very easy to read,, thank you);; however,, it was too something (wide,, thick,, idk).. I couldn't get it to wrap at all.. how many rows did u end up with?? It is beautiful & I am going to attempt it again.. maybe I need to add length (mine ended up being 63in round)?? Your help would be greatly appreciated 🙂
I am not sure, but it really is a learning curve. There is a video on youtube that might help by Bo Peeps Bonnets. The link is above in the comments! That should help:)
Same here!! I just finished and I realize too late that Kali's instructions are incorrect in the inches of chain. She says the finished product is 60 inches long. My finished one is 30 inches long because I chained 65in then joined in the beginning, exactly as the pattern says.–thus causing it to be 30 in long. Also, I think Kali should have just said repeat rows 2-5 once, not twice because its way wider than 13.5 inches. I am very disappointed. It was supposed to be a Christmas gift.
Hi Kali…. I was very excited to complete this project…. however I am having a hard time getting it to wrap around =( I'm practically choking myself LOL! Is it possible to get a pic of the way the wrap looks from behind?
Hello when you say twice more you mean 2 times right?
Great pattern. I just finished making it and it turned out beautifully, I may have picked too heavy of a yarn "Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick".
Do you have any pictures from the back – I would love to see them.
Thanks
Kim
I am sorry I dont! Next time I make one I will have to take some. But check out the video by Bo Peeps Bonnets on youtube. The link is in the comments!
Would it be possible to also have the pattern to knit instead of crochet? My crocheting abilities are sadly lacking but I can knit up a storm and absolutely LOVE the Katniss shall.
Wendy,
Check out the link that I shared at the bottom of the page. It is a beautiful knit pattern that is similar!
Thanks for this pattern. I bought the polyester Bernat chenille yarn for this project. Do you think will work or should I stck to the normal yarn?
The only problem with a fuzzy yarn is that it will not show the post stitches as well. I would stick to a more normal yarn, but it might be worth trying out!