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Knitted Neck Warmer (Free + Easy Pattern)

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This knitted neck warmer is a quick and easy ribbed scarf to make, which makes it perfect for last-minute gifts.

The neck warmer is knit in the round using chunky yarn/bulky yarn and will keep you warm during cold winter days.

Please scroll down to view the free pattern, or grab the printable PDF in my shop here.

Knitted Neck Warmer

Neck Warmer Pattern

Purchase the printable, ad-free printable PDF pattern in my shop here.

Notes

The neck warmer knits quickly in bulky weight yarn, and the simple design makes for a relaxing and enjoyable knit.

It is knit as a long loop, so it can be doubled to be worn for a tighter fit around the neck.

This is more like an infinity scarf pattern with no seam, a great choice of simple project for an advanced beginner.

To cast on, I used the long-tail cast-on method.

Copyright Info

  • Please do not copy, sell, redistribute, or republish this pattern. 
  • If you wish to share this pattern, link to the pattern page only.
  • You may sell items produced using this pattern.
  • Do NOT use the copyrighted photos for your product listing.
  • For the copyright T&C, please read my Terms of Use.

Skill Level – Easy (Advanced Beginner)

easy knitted cowl
A knit infinity scarf pattern in soft yarn.

Size Information

  • Adult.
  • There are three main different sizes – Add a further 20 stitches to the cast-on amount to make a larger size.
  • Length = 13 inches/33 cm (Small), 15 inches/38 cm (Medium), 17 inches/43 cm (Large).
  • Width (laying flat and not stretched) = 16 inches/40 cm (Small), 14 inches/36cm (Medium), 12 inches/30cm (Large).
  • If you want to make the neck warmers for the medium/large sizes longer (16 inches/40 cm), you will need more yarn.

Gauge – 14 sts and 16 rounds = 4in/10cm measured in ribbing pattern.

The Supplies You Need…

Yarn

  • Bulky Yarn 05/Chunky/12-Ply
  • 2 balls of The Petite Wool in Natural from We Are Knitters (for the Small size) 3 Balls will be needed for the medium and large sizes.
  • One ball is 100g/153 yards of yarn/140m.
  • Use my code – MGM4VHHAT – for 10 off on your WAK yarn order.
  • Yarn Weight Guide (+ Conversion Chart)

Needles

Notions

knitted neck warmer
A great gift idea!

Abbreviations

  • CO – Cast on
  • Cont – Continue
  • K – Knit
  • P – Purl
  • PM – Place marker
  • Rep – Repeat
  • St(s) – Stitch(es)

Pattern Instructions

  • CO 120 sts (small) 140 sts (Medium) 160 sts (Large), join in the round and PM, being careful not to twist the sts.
  • Round 1 – P2, K3 to the end of the round.
  • Rep round 1 until the piece measures 13 inches/33 cm from the co-edge or your preferred length.
  • Loosely cast off in pattern.
  • Cut a tail of yarn and weave in any loose ends of the scarf.
  • You can double wrap it to wear or leave it loose and open, like in the photo below.
Infinity scarf neck warmer
Free knitting pattern to make for chilly days – easy infinity scarf.

How Long Should A Neck Warmer Be?

The length of a neck warmer can vary depending on personal preference and the design you have in mind.

Here are some general guidelines to help you determine the ideal length for your neck warmer:

  1. Standard Length: A typical neck warmer is around 20 to 30 inches (51 to 76 centimeters) in length. This allows it to wrap around your neck and provide warmth comfortably.
  2. Custom Fit: The length can also depend on your neck’s circumference. Measure your neck and add a few inches for a snug fit. If you want it to be looser or to drape more, you can make it longer.
  3. Fashion vs. Function: Consider whether you want your neck warmer primarily for fashion or function. If it’s for warmth, make sure it’s long enough to cover your neck adequately. If it’s more of an accessory, you have more flexibility in choosing the length.
  4. Adjustable Closure: Some neck warmers have adjustable closures, such as buttons or toggles, which allow you to change the length to fit your preferences.
  5. Experiment: It’s a good idea to try on your work in progress and adjust the length as you go. This way, you can ensure that it fits comfortably and looks the way you want it to.

Ultimately, the ideal length for your neck warmer is a matter of personal preference, so you can adjust it to suit your style and comfort.

Keep in mind that you can always add extra length if you find it’s too short, but it’s harder to make it shorter once it’s knitted, so be cautious and plan accordingly.

How Much Yarn Do I Need For A Neck Warmer?

The amount of yarn you need for a neck warmer depends on several factors, including the yarn weight, your chosen stitch pattern, and the desired length and width of the neck warmer.

To get a rough estimate, you can follow these guidelines:

  1. Yarn Weight: Different yarn weights require varying amounts of yarn. Generally, worsted or bulky weight yarns are common choices for neck warmers. Lighter-weight yarns may require more yarn, while heavier-weight yarns may require less. You can also use any wool yarn or acrylic yarns you like for this project.
  2. Stitch Pattern: If you choose a stitch pattern that uses more yarn per row (e.g., cable patterns or textured stitches), you’ll need more yarn than a simple stitch pattern like garter or ribbing.
  3. Desired Length: The length of your neck warmer will affect the amount of yarn required. Generally, a standard neck warmer that’s around 20 to 30 inches (51 to 76 cm/centimeters) in length will need less yarn than a longer one.
  4. Width: The width of your neck warmer, which is determined by the number of stitches you cast on, will also impact yarn usage. A wider neck warmer will require more yarn.
  5. Gauge: Your knitting tension or gauge will affect the amount of yarn needed. If your stitches are looser, you’ll use more yarn than if your stitches are tighter.

To estimate the amount of yarn needed more accurately, consider checking the yarn label for the recommended gauge and the number of yards/meters per skein.

Then, you can do a quick calculation:

  1. Calculate your gauge: Knit a small swatch in your chosen stitch pattern and measure the number of stitches per inch or centimeter and the number of rows per inch or centimeter.
  2. Measure the gauge in your neck warmer project.
  3. Determine the total inches or centimeters you need for the length and width of your neck warmer.
  4. Multiply the total inches/centimeters by the gauge to find the number of stitches and rows needed.
  5. Divide this by the number of stitches/rows per skein on the yarn label to estimate how many skeins you’ll need.

Remember that it’s always a good idea to buy an extra skein of yarn to ensure you have enough, as it’s better to have some leftovers than to run out in the middle of your project.

The specific amount of yarn needed can vary, so these calculations are approximate and can help you plan your project more accurately.

This neck warmer is knit on circular needles width-wise – so you are knitting the whole length of the scarf until it reaches the length you want.

Knitted ribbed cowl

Resources and tutorials you may find helpful in following this pattern:

This knitted scarf pattern is great for any advanced beginner knitters.

Using simple stitches like the knit stitch and the purl stitch is an easy knit to create ribbing in the round.

For newer knitters, this is the best way to start learning how to knit in the round with circular needles.

Knitted infinity scarf and cowl
Knitted Infinity Scarf

How To Wear A Knitted Infinity Scarf?

Wearing a knitted infinity scarf is easy and versatile.

These scarves, also known as circular scarves or eternity scarves, are designed to be wrapped around your neck multiple times, creating a cozy and stylish look.

Here are some ways to wear a knitted infinity scarf:

  1. Single Loop: The simplest way to wear an infinity scarf is to loop it around your neck once, allowing it to drape loosely. This style works well for milder weather or when you want a more relaxed and casual look.
  2. Double Loop: To keep your neck warmer and create a snugger fit, double loop the scarf around your neck. This style is ideal for added warmth and a more polished appearance.
  3. Hooded Style: You can also wear your infinity scarf as a hood by draping it over your head and down to your shoulders. This provides extra warmth and protection from the elements.
  4. Off-Center Loop: For a more asymmetrical and fashion-forward look, create an off-center loop by twisting one section of the scarf before looping it around your neck. This adds an interesting twist to your outfit.
  5. Knotted Style: Create a knot in the scarf by twisting one section before looping it around your neck. This style adds a unique focal point to your outfit and is great for adding extra texture and flair.
  6. Layered with Other Scarves: You can also layer your knitted infinity scarf with other scarves, creating different textures and colors. Mix and match to achieve a stylish and cozy look.
  7. Pulled Down: In very cold weather, you can pull the scarf down to cover your shoulders, providing extra insulation and a unique, cape-like style.

Remember that the style you choose can be adapted to the weather and your outfit.

Infinity scarves are versatile accessories that can add warmth and flair to your look, so feel free to experiment and find the style that suits you best.

cowl knitting pattern

More Free Knitting Patterns

For more infinity scarf knitting patterns and cowl knitting patterns, please visit these pages…

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If you enjoyed making the knit scarf/neck warmer, I’d love to see it on Instagram.

Be sure to tag me @handylittleme or #handylittleme.

I’d love to see your work.

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Happy Knitting!

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