30 Best Free Cowl Knitting Patterns
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.In this blog post, you will see a collection of the 30 best free cowl knitting patterns.
What could be cozier than wearing a hand-knit cowl during a chilled autumn/winter walk?
Winter is the perfect time to make and wear your knits, from cowls, hats + headbands, and gloves to sweaters and cardigans.
Why Make A Cowl?
A simple cowl is an excellent starting project for beginner knitters.
All you need is bulky or super bulky yarn a pair of straight needles and you have a quick knit project.
You can find a variety of infinity scarf cowl patterns online from an easy knitting pattern made with the garter stitch and the purl stitch, perfect for a novice knitter.
To more complicated patterns like a fair isle cowl pattern.
Moreover, a chunky cowl is a perfect last-minute gift for a friend or a family member.
Check out my YouTube channel for video tutorials.
Frequently Asked Questions About Knitting A Cowl
The length of a cowl required to wrap twice around your neck depends on several factors, including the circumference of your neck, the desired snugness of the fit, and the thickness of the yarn or fabric used to make the cowl.
As a general rule of thumb, a cowl that is approximately 60-70 inches (152-178 cm) long would be long enough to wrap twice around an average adult’s neck.
However, it’s always a good idea to measure your neck’s circumference and try on the cowl as you work to make sure that you achieve the desired fit.
The size of a cowl can vary widely depending on factors such as the design, the intended use, and personal preference.
However, as a general guideline, most cowls range in circumference from approximately 20 to 30 inches (50 to 76 cm), and in height from approximately 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm). Of course, these measurements are just averages, and you can adjust the size of your cowl depending on your needs and preferences.
For example, if you want a cowl that can be worn loosely around your neck, you might choose to make it larger in circumference.
Similarly, if you prefer a snugger fit, you might opt for a smaller circumference or a taller cowl that can be pulled up over your nose and mouth for added warmth.
Ultimately, the size of your cowl will depend on your individual style and needs.
The number of yards of yarn needed to make a cowl can vary widely depending on factors such as the size of the cowl, the stitch pattern used, the thickness of the yarn, and the desired drape.
As a general guideline, a typical cowl made with worsted weight yarn and a basic stitch pattern might require between 150 to 300 yards of yarn.
However, a more complex stitch pattern or a larger cowl may require more yarn.
It’s always a good idea to check the pattern you’re using for specific yarn requirements, as the designer will usually include this information.
They can also allow you to use a variety of yarn weights depending on your preferences.
The best yarn weight for a cowl depends on several factors, such as the desired drape, warmth, and texture of the finished product.
Here are a few common yarn weights used for cowls:
Worsted Weight (Category 4): This medium-weight yarn is a popular choice for cowls because it is easy to work with, provides good warmth, and has a good drape. Learn everything about worsted weight yarn here – What Is Worsted Weight Yarn?
Chunky Weight (Category 5): This heavier-weight yarn works up quickly and creates a cozy, warm cowl with good texture and structure. Learn everything about bulky weight yarn here – What Is Bulky Weight Yarn?
Super Bulky Weight (Category 6): This super bulky yarn creates a thick, warm cowl that is perfect for cold winter days. Learn everything about super bulky yarn here – What Is Super Bulky Weight Yarn?
The best yarn for a cowl depends on several factors, such as the desired drape, warmth, and texture of the finished product, as well as personal preference and any potential allergies.
Here are a few yarns that are commonly used for cowls:
Merino Wool: This soft, warm, and lightweight yarn is a popular choice for cowls because it’s warm, hypoallergenic, and comes in a wide range of colors.
Cashmere: This luxurious and soft yarn is warm, lightweight, and has a beautiful drape, making it ideal for cowls that need to be both warm and elegant.
Alpaca: This soft and warm yarn is similar to wool but is hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for people with sensitive skin. It has a beautiful drape and is often used for cowls that need to be both warm and lightweight.
Cotton: This soft and breathable yarn is a good choice for cowls that will be worn in warmer weather or for people who are allergic to wool. It comes in a variety of weights and is available in many colors.
Silk: This luxurious and lightweight yarn has a beautiful sheen and drape, making it a good choice for dressy cowls. It’s often blended with other fibers like wool or cashmere for added warmth.
More Patterns
There are also many great oversized sweater knitting patterns – take a look at this post and find something you can make for fall. – 20+ Fall Oversized Knits (Sweater Knitting Patterns)
Plus many scarf knitting patterns are perfect for fall and winter.
30 Free Cowl Knitting Patterns
Grab your knitting needles and take a look at the roundup of free easy cowl knitting patterns below and feel inspired to make one of your own.
Outlander Scarf | Brianna Fraser Pattern
This Outlander Scarf – Brianna Fraser Pattern will knit up quickly and the finished scarf will double around your neck and shoulders to keep you warm.
Inspired by the cowl/scarf that Brianna finds in her mother’s trunk in season 4, episode 7 ‘Down the rabbit hole’.
Ribbed Cowl Pattern
Make this easy ribbed cowl for men or women with this free pattern.
If you want to make something for your man that he will love this winter…then make him a knitted bobble hat and matching cowl.
Simple to make in an easy ribbed stitch pattern, this free cowl pattern will knit up in a few hours.
You need around 6 skeins of yarn to make both.
Outlander Cowl Knitting Pattern (Claire Season 1)
The Outlander cowl knitting pattern will allow you to create a large cozy knitted cowl in the style of Claire.
You will have seen this cowl/scarf that Claire wears in season 1, episode 3 ‘The Way Out’.
A beginner knit cowl pattern ideal for new knitters.
Made with chunky wool and straight knitting needles.
There are two versions of the pattern – knit on different size needles.
Infinity Scarf And Hat Pattern | The Hera
This infinity scarf and hat knitting pattern is a great project for an advanced beginner knitter.
The super-chunky scarf is a seamless infinity loop that can be wrapped twice around the neck for extra warmth.
All you need for this chunky knit cowl pattern is 3 skeins of super bulky yarn and a set of 25 mm (US 50 ) needles.
Cowl Pattern And Hat | The Hermione
Keep the cold out this winter with the matching cowl pattern and hat.
They are both knit with a simple ribbing stitch pattern that works up fast.
The pattern is knit in the round and there is a video tutorial to help you along.
Infinity Scarf Pattern (Seed Stitch)
This infinity scarf pattern is a quick and easy scarf to make for a new knitter, with an interesting stitch pattern known as seed stitch.
The scarf is thick and bulky and will give your warmth during the colder months.
You can wear it for chilly morning school runs, for walking the dog in the park, or for any other occasion when you need to go out in the cold weather
Easy Infinity Scarf | The Philomena
This easy infinity scarf is a great pattern for any beginners as it uses basic knitting stitches.
The scarf is knitted using stocking stitch and will keep you warm during the colder months, as it is knit with super bulky yarn.
It wraps around your neck twice to make a warm and cosy cowl.
Cowl Knitting Pattern | The Pandora
This chunky cowl knitting pattern would make a cosy addition to your winter wardrobe.
The chunky ribbed cowl is an easy pattern to follow, all you need is some knowledge of the knit and purl stitches.
This neck warmer has been made using chunky yarn to ensure extra winter warmth!
Knit Infinity Scarf Pattern | The Khione
This knit infinity scarf pattern is a quick and easy ribbed scarf to make, which makes it perfect for beginners.
The scarf is knitted using ribbing and will keep you warm during the colder months, as it is made with super bulky yarn.
Faux Fur Scarf Pattern {Easy + Quick Knit}
If you are obsessed with faux fur yarn you are not alone!
Easy and quick to knit with you can make something cosy to wear in a short amount of time.
Inspired by the fur cowl that Claire wears in Outlander season 1, episode 2 ‘Castle Leoch’.
Hooded Cowl Free Knitting Pattern by Make Do and Crew.
Make a cozy hooded cowl with this free cowl knitting pattern from Make Do and Crew.
It’s a great project for an advanced beginner who wants to practice working in the round with double-pointed needles.
Lion Brand has created a kit that includes all the yarn you need (two skeins) to make this knit hooded cowl as well as a copy of the printable pattern.
Chevron Lace Striped Cowl Pattern by Lux Adorna Knits
Make a chevron lace striped cowl with this free knit cowl pattern from Lux Adorna Knits.
This cozy cowl is worked in the round when changing colors in your stripe work, you can tie on your new color, knot it, and leave it on the inside of your work, which means there are no ends to seam in!
This pattern includes instructions for Advanced Beginners and Intermediates (knit in worsted-weight yarn).
Grab the free PDF on Ravelry.
Cable Cowl Pattern by Purl Soho
Make a cozy cable infinity scarf with this free pattern from Purl Soho.
Made with one of their yummy yarns, the incredibly soft bulky weight yarn Lanecardate Feltro (a wool-merino blend).
It’s one of those knitting projects that can be made quickly when you need something warm and toasty for yourself or to give to someone you love.
Twisted Cowl Pattern by Patons
Make a twisted cowl with this free pattern from Patons.
This is a plush cowl with a fun twist – knit in Patons Classic Wool Roving.
A great pattern for intermediate knitters because the knit stitches are used to create a chunky fisherman’s rib.
Crabapple Cowl Pattern by Noble Knits
Make this crabapple cowl with a free pattern from Noble Knits.
Knit this easy wide ribbed cowl that uses one skein of hand-dyed Crabapple Posh Fingering yarn (this is knit using fingering weight yarns).
It’s long enough to wear loose or doubled around the neck.
Cowl Knitting Pattern by Lion Brand Yarns
Make this stunning fall cowl with a free pattern from Lion Brand Yarns.
The cowl has been made using Lion Brand Heartland (medium yarn weight).
Skill Level – Easy.
This cowl would make a great gift idea.
Openwork Cowl Pattern by Bernat
Make this openwork cowl with a free pattern from Bernat.
This bulky cowl has a gorgeous texture, that looks hard but is actually easy to work!
Knit in Bernat Wool-Up Bulky yarn, this pattern works up quickly and makes the perfect fall and winter accessory.
Skill Level – Easy
Colour Work Cowl Pattern by Graphica
Make this color work cowl with a free pattern from Graphica on Ravelry.
The Inspira Cowl is worked in the round on circular needles.
Corrugated ribbing is used, where two different colored yarns are stranded across each round.
The ribbing height varies throughout for each of the three color cowl options.
After two plain knit rows, the corrugated ribbing pattern shifts, or is staggered, i.e., previous knit columns become purl columns.
This graphic shift of color & texture is what gives Inspira its dynamic flow.
Skill Level – Intermediate
*This pattern is available as a free Ravelry Download*
Blue Stone Bridge Cowl by Jocelyn J. Tunney
Knit a cozy cowl with this free knitting pattern by Jocelyn J Tuney.
This is a cozy chunky knit cowl that will be perfect for the winter.
The pattern is available as a free PDF on the O-Wool website.
Autopilot by Dominique Trad
Knit two-row repeat cowl with this free knitting pattern by Dominique Trad.
Perfect if you are looking for a simple project to cast on.
Grab the free PDF on Ravelry.
Hideaway Cowl by Noriko Ho
Knit a trendy cowl with this free knitting pattern by Noriko Ho.
Hideaway Cowl was designed for The Fiber Gallery for the North Puget Sound LYS tour.
All you need is dk weight yarn and US 7/{4.5mm} - 24” circular knitting needles.
Grab the free PDF on Ravelry.
Waverly Weekend Cowl Pattern by Donna Brooks
Knit an intricate cowl with this free knitting pattern by Donna Brooks.
If you love lace patterns, you need to make this cowl.
Grab the free PDF on Ravelry.
Lexington Cowl by Michael Vloedman
Knit a beautiful cowl for the spring and summer with this free knitting pattern by Michael Vloedman.
A perfect project for an advanced beginner.
Grab the free PDF on Ravelry.
Embracement by Still Life with Knitting
Knit a comfy cowl with this free knitting pattern by Still Life with Knitting.
You can add decorative buttons.
Grab the free PDF on Ravelry.
Bernat Shimmer Cowl by Yarnspirations
Knit a sparkly cowl with this free knitting pattern by Yarnspirations.
A perfect pattern for beginners to practice the knitting basics.
The pattern is available as a free PDF.
Willow Cowl by Purl Soho
Make a classy cowl with this free knitting pattern by Purl Soho.
Ideal for fall.
Cowl Abdiel by Bettina Kast
Knit a super chunky cowl with this free pattern by Bettina Kast.
The pattern is knit in the round.
Grab the free PDF on Ravelry.
Herringbone Cowl Knitting Pattern: Sacred by Brome Fields
Knit a beautiful cowl with this free knitting pattern by Brome Fields.
The pattern is perfect for new makers.
Bulky Mobius Cowl by Haley Waxberg
Knit a bulky cowl with this free knitting pattern by Haley Waxberg.
The ideal winter accessory.
Grab the free PDF on Ravelry.
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