Classic Buffalo Plaid Crochet Cowl Pattern (Free Pattern)

Pattern Instructions – Buffalo Plaid Crochet Cowl Pattern

Now that you’ve gathered your materials and reviewed the plaid stitch basics, it’s time to start crocheting your Buffalo Plaid Crochet Cowl.

This pattern is worked flat using the plaid stitch and three coordinating yarn colors to create the classic buffalo plaid design. Once the plaid section is complete, you’ll add a buttonhole section, finish the edges, and sew on decorative buttons to create the finished cowl.

Take your time with the first few rows as the color sequence is established. Once the plaid pattern begins to emerge, you’ll quickly recognize the repeating color placement and find the pattern relaxing to work.

If you’re new to plaid crochet, be sure to keep the Plaid Stitch Tutorial nearby. It includes step-by-step instructions and helpful tips for managing multiple yarn colors and creating crisp plaid blocks throughout your project.

Buffalo Plaid Crochet Cowl Construction

This Buffalo Plaid Crochet Cowl is worked flat in rows as a single rectangular piece using the plaid stitch and three coordinating yarn colors.

The plaid design is created by alternating blocks of color and stacking them in specific rows to achieve the classic buffalo plaid effect. After the plaid section reaches the desired length, a buttonhole section is added along one edge before the entire cowl is finished with a simple border.

Once complete, the cowl is folded and secured with decorative buttons to create its signature layered look. The buttoned construction provides a comfortable fit while adding a stylish finishing detail.

Prefer an Ad-Free Version?

If you’d rather crochet without interruptions, the printable PDF version of the Buffalo Plaid Crochet Cowl Pattern is available in my shop.

The PDF includes:

• Ad-free, printer-friendly formatting
• Complete pattern instructions
• Step-by-step photo tutorials
• Plaid stitch guidance
• Construction schematics
• Convenient digital download
• Lifetime access to save and re-download your purchase

Get the Printable PDF Pattern

Finished Dimensions

The finished cowl measures approximately:

• Length: 44.25 inches
• Width: 10.75 inches

Measurements are taken before wear and are approximate. Finished size may vary slightly depending on yarn choice, crochet tension, and blocking.

The decorative button closure creates a cozy layered fit that can be adjusted to suit your personal style and comfort preferences..

Additional Notes

• Before beginning the pattern, crochet a swatch measuring at least 4 x 4 inches (10 x 10 cm) using the plaid stitch described in the Gauge section. If your gauge does not match, adjust your hook size as needed.
• All finished measurements are based on unblocked projects and are provided as approximations.
• Finished dimensions may vary slightly based on yarn choice, crochet tension, and individual stitching style.
• The cowl is worked flat in rows before being folded and finished with decorative buttons.
• Whenever the pattern instructs you to turn, chain 3, and work a double crochet in the first stitch, the beginning chain 3 does not count as a stitch. If preferred, you may substitute a chainless standing double crochet for a cleaner edge.
• To reduce the number of ends you’ll need to weave in, carry your yarn through the work or up the sides as you crochet.
• As you work the plaid stitch, pay close attention to color placement. The buffalo plaid effect is created by stacking specific color blocks directly above one another in designated rows.
• Stitch counts are provided at the end of rows when applicable.
• If you’re new to plaid crochet, review the Plaid Stitch Tutorial and color-changing tutorials before beginning the pattern.
• For best results, choose a light, medium, and dark yarn color with strong contrast between the shades. This contrast is what creates the signature buffalo plaid appearance.

Buffalo Plaid Crochet Cowl Pattern

Small/child sizeWith Black (DARK shade), Ch 38.

Row 1:  Dc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across. (36 sts)

Row 2 (PLAID row 1):  Turn work, ch 3, dc in the first stitch (or work a standing DC) and in the next 2 stitches. (3dc)

Change to Burgundy (MEDIUM shade) -Dc in the  next 3 stitches. (3dc)

*Change to Black (DARK shade) -Dc in the  next 3 stitches. (3dc)

Change to Burgundy (MEDIUM shade) – Dc in the  next 3 stitches. (3dc)*

Repeat from * to * to end. There should be 12 plaid stitches – 6 Black (DARK shade) & 6 Burgundy (MEDIUM shade).

NOTE:  You should be alternating Black (DARK shade) and Burgundy (MEDIUM shade) every 3 double crochet stitches.

Row 3 (PLAID row 2):  Change to Red (LIGHT shade) – turn work, ch3, dc in the first stitch (or work a standing DC) and in the next 2 stitches. (3dc)

Change to Burgundy (MEDIUM shade)- Dc in the  next 3 stitches. (3dc)

*Change to Red (LIGHT shade) – Dc in the next 3 stitches. (3dc)

Change to Burgundy (MEDIUM shade)- Dc in the  next 3 stitches. (3dc)*

Repeat from * to * to end. There should be 12 plaid stitches – 6 Black (MEDIUM shade) & 6 Burgundy (LIGHT shade).

NOTE:  You should be alternating Red (LIGHT shade) and  Burgundy (MEDIUM shade) every 3 double crochet stitches.

NOTE:  The Burgundy (MEDIUM shade) should be above the Black (DARK shade) stitches from the previous row and the Red (LIGHT shade) stitches should be above of the Burgundy (MEDIUM shade) stitches from the previous row.

Row 4 (PLAID row 3) :  Change to Black (DARK shade)- turn work, ch3, dc in the first stitch (or work a standing DC) and in the next 2 stitches. (3dc)

Change to Burgundy (MEDIUM shade) – Dc in the  next 3 stitches. (3dc)

*Change to Black (DARK shade)- Dc in the next 3 stitches. (3dc)

Change to Burgundy (MEDIUM shade)- Dc in the  next 3 stitches. (3dc)*

Repeat from * to * to end. There should be 12 plaid stitches – 6 Black (DARK shade) & 6 Burgundy (MEDIUM shade).

NOTE:  

• You should be alternating Black (DARK  shade) and BURGUNDY (MEDIUM shade) every 3 double crochet stitches.
• The Black (DARK shade) stitches should be on top of the Burgundy (MEDIUM shade) stitches from the previous row and the Burgundy (MEDIUM shade) stitches should be on top of the Red (LIGHT shade) stitches from the previous row.

Repeat rows 3-4 (plaid rows 2-3) until your project measures 38  inches in length.  This should be a total of 67 rows (66 plaid rows).

Row 68:  Turn work, change to black (DARK shade), ch 3, dc in the first stitch (or work a standing DC), dc in each stitch to end. (36 sts)

Rows 69-70:  Turn work,  ch 3, dc in the first stitch (or work a standing DC) , dc in each stitch to end. (36 sts)

Row 71:   Turn work,  ch 3, dc in the first stitch (or work a standing DC), dc in the next 7 sts, skip 2 sts, ch 2, dc in the next 9 sts, *skip 2, ch 2, dc in the next 7 sts*, Repeat from * to * 1 more time. 

NOTE:  What you are doing here by chaining 2 and skipping stitches (called a ch2-space)  is creating  the buttonholes.

Row 72:  Turn work,  ch 3, dc in the first stitch (or work a standing DC) and in each stitch across, including the ch2-spaces (work 2 dc sts in each ch2-space).  (36 dc)

Row 73:  Turn work,  ch 3, dc in the first stitch (or work a standing DC), dc in each st across to end. (36 dc)

Do NOT bind off.

Finishing:

• Continue with black (DARK shade) – sc around the edge of the cowl to create a cleaner edge.
• Bind Off & Weave in ends.
• Fold cowl as seen in the picture below.

• Using coordinating thread, sew buttons on the edge of the cowl that’s folded down (see picture below) – each button should be sewn so that when the other end of the cowl is folded down (the one with the button holes), the buttons line up directly beneath each button hole.