Crochet Sweater Pattern: Cowl Neck Free Pattern + Video Tutorial

If you’ve been searching for a crochet sweater pattern that feels timeless, cozy, and effortlessly wearable, the Nivelle Cowl Neck Sweater might be exactly what your wardrobe needs. Designed with comfort and modern style in mind, this sweater blends the warmth of a cowl neck with the clean lines of a classic pullover—making it a piece you’ll reach for again and again.

This design sits beautifully between a crochet cowl neck sweater and a crochet turtleneck sweater, giving you that wrapped neckline without feeling bulky or restrictive. It’s perfect for layering during cooler months and transitions seamlessly from casual days to dressed-up evenings.

Jump into the Nivelle Crochet Sweater Pattern now, or pin it for later here!

Why You’ll Love this Crochet Sweater Pattern

The Nivelle sweater was designed to be both practical and polished. The cowl-style neckline drapes naturally, offering warmth and softness while still maintaining structure. If you love the look of a crochet turtleneck sweater but prefer something a bit more relaxed and wearable, this pattern strikes the perfect balance.

This crochet sweater pattern features:

A cozy cowl neck that mimics a soft turtleneck feel
Clean stitch definition for a modern, elevated look
A flattering silhouette designed for everyday wear
Construction that’s approachable yet engaging for confident beginners and intermediate crocheters

I’ve created a helpful video tutorial for this pattern as well. You can find that further down in this post or access it straight away on YouTube here.

This crochet pattern is reader supported by ads on my blog. If you’d rather print the pattern for some cozy couch crocheting, you can find the ad-free, printable PDF in my shop here or on Ravelry here.

A Versatile Crochet Cowl Neck Sweater for Any Season

One of the best things about the Nivelle design is its versatility. Style it with jeans for an effortless daytime look, or layer it over leggings for maximum comfort. The neckline adds visual interest without overwhelming the rest of the garment, making it ideal for minimalist wardrobes.

Because the cowl neck is built directly into the sweater, you get the warmth of a scarf without the extra bulk. This makes it a standout option if you’re looking for a crochet cowl neck sweater that feels intentional and well-structured.

Skill Level & Construction

This crochet sweater pattern is written with clarity and flexibility in mind. You’ll find step-by-step instructions, helpful notes, and sizing guidance to help you create a sweater that fits beautifully.

The pattern focuses on:

Simple shaping techniques
Repetitive stitch patterns that are easy to memorize
A construction method that minimizes seaming

Whether you’re expanding your garment-making skills or looking for a relaxing, satisfying project, this pattern delivers.

🌿 Eco-Friendly Crafting

What makes this crochet pattern eco-friendly and sustainable?

THE YARN: I use only sustainable and eco-friendly yarn that has been ethically grown/raised and processed, putting the people and the planet first. This is why I chose 100% natural yarn for this pattern.

HANDMADE FOR LONGEVITY: Creating your own clothes promotes mindful consumption. This durable, handmade crochet sweater reduces the need for mass-produced alternatives.

THE SLOW YARN MOVEMENT: I’m participating in the Slow Yarn Movement. There’s far too much to talk about here, but please take a few minutes to learn about what this means by reading the article I wrote about the Slow Yarn Movement as part of my 6-part Sustainable Crochet Series.

If you’re interested in learning more about sustainable crochet you can read all about it in the 6-part series I wrote covering everything about Sustainable Crochet and how to implement it into your own crafting starting today!

Policies & Disclaimers:

This crochet pattern is for PERSONAL USE ONLY. This pattern or parts of it may not be reproduced, resold, distributed, published, altered, translated, posted or shared without authorization. You can sell your finished items provided that you credit Off the Beaten Hook as the designer using this verbiage, “This pattern was designed by Lindsey Roe and Off the Beaten Hook.” Thank you for your respectfulness!

This post contains affiliate links for materials I use and love. If you purchase something using one of these links I may earn a small commission which in no way affects the cost to you. These partnerships help me support my small business which allows me to provide you with free crochet patterns. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support!

Nivelle Cowl Neck Crochet Sweater Pattern Guide:

Size & Gauge:

Size: This pattern is written in size XS with sizes (S, M, L, XL)(2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL) following in parenthesis. I am pictured wearing size XS – I’m 5’4″ with a 32“ bust.

Gauge: 4″ x 4″ of stitch pattern: 14 stitches x 10 rows. Stitch pattern = 2 row repeat, alternating sc rows and dc rows using the larger sized hook

Materials you will need:

Yarn:

Malabrigo Rios

100% Merino Wool | 4/Worsted | 210y (192m)/ball

Color: Kris
Quantity: See size chart above

If you would like to explore other yarn options, choose a worsted weight matched with the recommended hook size. Then, be sure to work through a gauge swatch to be sure you’re matching gauge before continuing with the pattern.

Other tools and materials needed:

Crochet Hook Size: 5.00 mm (or as needed to obtain gauge)
Crochet Hook Size: 5.50 mm (or as needed to obtain gauge)
Tapestry Needle (bent tips make all the difference!)
Stitch Markers
Scissors

Abbreviations used in this crochet sweater pattern:

This pattern is written in English, using US terms. If needed, you can find a handy term conversion chart right here in my Resource Library.

ch – chain
st – stitch
st mk – stitch marker
hk – hook
sl st – slip stitch
sc – single crochet
dc – double crochet
BLO – back loop only
RS – right side
WS – wrong side
rep – repeat
(…) x – repeat instructions indicated number of times
[…] – number of stitches in row/round
PH – photo reference number

The Nivelle Cowl Neck Sweater Pattern:

Ribbed Hem & Body

NOTES:

The hem and body of the sweater are worked in a “tube” from the bottom up.
The ch 1 (on sc rnds) or ch 3 (on dc rnds) does NOT count as a stitch.
Always make your first stitch of the turning rnds of the body in the NEXT stitch, not in the same stitch as the sl st join. This will ensure the join line goes straight up the sweater instead of at an angle. Therefore, your last st of the rnds will be in the same place you chained off of (see PH 01-03 pointing to the placement for your chain, first st of the rnd and last st of the rnd). I illustrate this in the video tutorial.

Begin with the smaller hook.

RIBBING: Begin by chaining 9

Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hk and each ch thereafter, ch 1, turn [8]

Row 2-124(136, 152, 166, 180)(194, 208, 224, 238): sc through both loops of the first st, BLO sc in next 6 st, sc through both loops of the final st, ch 1, turn [8]

Join into a circle. Being sure there are no twists in the hem, hold the last row and the first row together. Working through both layers, sl st through each st across [8], ch 1. The side you made your slip stitches on will be the wrong side (WS) of the sweater.

Switch to the larger hook size. With the WS facing, begin straight away with the first rnd of the body going along the top edge of the hem…

We’ll start the row count over now as we begin the body:

Rnd 1 (WS): sc evenly across the top of the hem, placing one sc at the end of each of the rows of ribbing, sl st to first st to join the rnd, ch 3, turn [124](136, 152, 166, 180)(194, 208, 224, 238)

Rnd 2 (RS): dc in each st around, sl st to first st to join the rnd, ch 1, turn [124](136, 152, 166, 180)(194, 208, 224, 238)

Rnd 3-40(42, 42, 48, 48)(48, 48, 50, 50): repeat rows 1 & 2, alternating between sc and dc rnds, and ending with a rnd of dc

Upper Chest & Upper Back

We will split the tube and begin working just one side (half of the number of stitches in the tube rounds) in turning rows to extend the sweater up to the shoulders. We will do this on both sides – front and back – and then seam across the shoulders which will leave a neck opening and arm openings.

Pick up where you left off with your working yarn after the last round of the tube. We’re going to restart the row count again as we start this new section…

Row 1 (WS): sc in next [62](68, 76, 83, 90)(97, 104, 112, 119) sts, ch 2 loosely (doesn’t count as a st), turn [62](68, 76, 83, 90)(97, 104, 112, 119)

Row 2 (RS): dc across, ch 1, turn [62](68, 76, 83, 90)(97, 104, 112, 119)

Row 3: sc across, ch 2, turn [62](68, 76, 83, 90)(97, 104, 112, 119)

Row 4-12(12, 12, 14, 14)(14, 16, 16, 16): repeat Rows 2 & 3, ending with a row of dc, ch 1, turn [62](68, 76, 83, 90)(97, 104, 112, 119) | PH 04

We will now add some shorter rows on each side of the shoulder to create the neckline.

Row 13(13, 13, 15, 15)(15, 17, 17, 17) (WS): sc in next 16(19, 23, 26, 30)(33, 37, 41, 44) st, ch 2, turn

Row 14(14, 14, 16, 16)(16, 18, 18, 18) (RS): dc across, ch 1, turn [16](19, 23, 26, 30)(33, 37, 41, 44)

Row 15(15, 15, 17, 17)(17, 19, 19, 19): sc across, ch 2, turn [16](19, 23, 26, 30)(33, 37, 41, 44)

Row 16(16, 16, 18, 18)(18, 20, 20, 20): dc across, ch 1, turn [16](19, 23, 26, 30)(33, 37, 41, 44)

Row 17(17, 17, 19, 19)(19, 21, 21, 21): sc across. Next, working your way down the edge of the neckline extension you just created, sc your way down to the front of the neckline, making 1 sc in the end of each of the sc rows and 2 sc in the end of each of the dc rows, sc across to end of row, ch 2, turn | PH 05

Row 18(18, 18, 20, 20)(20, 22, 22, 22): dc in next 16(19, 23, 26, 30)(33, 37, 41, 44) st, ch 1, turn

Row 19(19, 19, 21, 21)(21, 23, 23, 23): sc across, ch 2, turn [16](19, 23, 26, 30)(33, 37, 41, 44)

Row 20(20, 20 22, 22)(22, 24, 24, 24): dc across, ch 1, turn [16](19, 23, 26, 30)(33, 37, 41, 44)

Row 21(21, 21, 23, 23)(23, 25, 25, 25): sc across, fasten off [16](19, 23, 26, 30)(33, 37, 41, 44) | PH 06

With WS facing you, slip knot onto your hook and rejoin in first st of unworked section on the opposite side of the tube, so as to repeat the above method to create another upper flap that will be seamed together across the shoulders, completing the torso section of the sweater. PH 07-09

Please note that only one edge of the neckline will end up having sc going down it (as completed in Row 17) – that is correct! You are welcome to create a short sc border going down the other side, after you complete Row 21, but it is not necessary.

With WS facing you, seam across the shoulders using either whip stitch, mattress stitch or slip stitch – whatever your preference is!

Sleeves

NOTES:

The sleeves use the same 2-row repeat that the tube section of the sweater uses – joined rounds, alternating between sc and dc rows.
The sleeves are the same length for all sizes. To adjust the length, simply add or remove rows during the Rnd 4-20 section, before beginning to taper them in the following rounds.
The sleeves use the larger hook size.

Slip knot onto your hook and with wrong side facing, rejoin yarn at the bottom/armpit of the arm opening. Sl st to rejoin yarn and ch 1 – PH 10

Rnd 1 (WS): sc around, placing one sc at the end of each of the sc rows and 2 sc’s at the end of each of the dc rows, sl st to first st to join, ch 3 (doesn’t count as a st), turn | PH 11

Rnd 2 (RS): dc in each st around, sl st to next st to join the rnd, ch 1, turn

Rnd 3: sc around, sl st to next st to join the rnd, ch 3, turn

Rnd 4-20: repeat Rows 2 & 3, ending with a rnd of dc

Rnd 21: sc in each st around until the final 2 st of rnd, sc dec over the final 2 st, sl st to next st to join the rnd, ch 3, turn

Rnd 22: dc in each st around, sl st to next st to join the rnd, ch 1, turn

Rnd 23: sc dec over first 2 st, sc in each st around, sl st to next st to join the rnd, ch 3, turn

Rnd 24: dc in each st around, sl st to next st to join the rnd, ch 1, turn

Rnd 25-32: repeat Rnds 21-24, ending with a rnd of dc

Rnd 33: sc dec over first 2 st, sc in each st around until the final 2 st of rnd, sc dec over final 2 st, sl st to join the rnd, ch 3, turn

Rnd 34: dc in each st around, sl st to next st to join the rnd, ch 1, turn

Rnd 35-45: repeat Rnd 33 & 34, ending with a repeat of rnd 33, sl st to next st to join the rnd. Do not fasten off as you will continue straight away with the cuffs below.

Sleeve Cuffs

Be sure the right side is facing before adding the cuffs. Switch to the smaller hook size, and begin the cuff by chaining 11

Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hk and next 9 st, sl st in next 2 st on last rnd of sleeve, ch 1, turn [10]

Row 2: skipping the ch and both sl st’s, BLO sc in next 9 st, sc through both loops of final st, ch 1, turn [10]

Row 3: sc through both loops of the first st, BLO sc in next 9 st, sl st in next 2 st on last rnd of sleeve, ch 1, turn [10]

Row 4+: repeat rows 2 & 3 all the way around cuff

Hold the last row and the first row together. Working through both layers, sl st through each st across Fasten off. Weave in end – PH 12.

Cowl Neck

NOTES:

The cowl is crocheted separately in turning rows and then seamed onto the neck of the sweater.
If you want a shorter cowl or more of a turtle neck look, reduce the number of starting chains – any number will do based on how tall you want your cowl to be.
Be sure to keep your tension loose on the cowl so it will drape nicely. Blocking the sweater, and especially the cowl will be important in order for it to not fit tightly.
If your tension is tight and the cowl feels too snug you can also try substituting the sc stitches for hdc stitches – this will make the cowl much looser.

The number of rows to crochet for the cowl neck sweater should exactly match the number of stitches you have around your neckline. Go ahead and count the number of stitches around the neckline on your sweater to determine the number of rows for the cowl neck.

Using the larger hook size, ch 61

Row 1: sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch thereafter, ch 1, turn [60]

Row 2: BLO sc in each st across, ch 1, turn [60]

Row 3+: repeat Row 2 for the required number of rows for your neckline as determined above | PH 13

Holding the first and last row together, sl st through each st in order to seam the cowl panel into a tube.

With the WRONG side of your sweater facing you and the RIGHT side of your cowl facing you (PH 14), seam the cowl onto the sweater, stitch by stitch. This sounds like a mind bender, but remember your cowl neck is going to be folding over like a turtleneck so, ultimately, you want the seam to be hidden on the inside of the cowl. Fasten off and weave in end – PH 15)

Blocking

Wet block or steam block your sweater to finish it off and really make the stitch texture pop! If you’ve never blocked a crochet or knit item before, you can learn all about how to do it (3 different ways!) in my video tutorial here.

My recommended wet blocking method:

Soak in lukewarm or cold water for 15 minutes (non-rinse wool wash optional, but I like it!)
Dump or drain water and gently squeeze excess water out of garment without stretching or wringing – just push against the sink/tub/whatever
Lay gently in between towels and roll up
Press on towels to extract the rest of the additional water – you can use your hands, arms or feet for this step!
Unroll towel and gently transfer to prepared blocking mats (or towels, etc)
Without stretching excessively, gently shape garment to size and pin in place
Allow to fully dry in well ventilated area – depending on the size and thickness of the garment, this may take up to 2 days.

Nivelle Crochet Sweater Pattern Video Tutorial:

Show Off Your Work! ✨

I can’t wait to see your beautiful cowl neck crochet sweater! Be sure to tag me on social media @offthebeatenhook or use the hashtag #offthebeatenhook so I can admire your makes. ❤️