Cowl knitting patterns Stay warm and stylish with these stunning cowl knitting patterns—perfect for knitters of all skill levels!
From chunky textures and elegant lace to beginner-friendly basics and eye-catching colorwork, this collection offers something for every taste.
Moreover, these cozy cowls knit up quickly and make great gifts or last-minute winter accessories.
Whether you’re preparing for cold-weather walks or adding a handmade touch to your outfit, these free patterns are both practical and beautiful.
So grab your needles and some soft yarn—your next favorite knit is waiting right here!
Chunky Cabled Cowl
This chunky cabled cowl is a cozy winter essential, featuring bold, textured cables that add both warmth and style.
Cowl Knitting Patterns
Knitted in thick yarn, it works up quickly, making it perfect for intermediate knitters who enjoy a satisfying project without a long time commitment.
The soft, rich red hue adds a pop of color to any cold-weather outfit, while the snug fit keeps out chilly breezes.
Wear it over a sweater or under a coat for a look that’s effortlessly chic and delightfully toasty.
More at: Leelee KnitsFREE
Bamboo Chunky Honeycomb Cowl
The Bamboo Chunky Honeycomb cowl knitting patterns feature a beautifully textured honeycomb stitch that adds depth and elegance to its soft, cozy design.
Knitted with chunky bamboo blend yarn, it works up quickly while offering a luxurious feel against the skin.
This pattern is ideal for intermediate knitters looking to practice stitch patterns and enjoy instant gratification.
Its light cream shade pairs effortlessly with any outfit, making it perfect for both casual weekends and stylish evenings out when you want warmth without sacrificing elegance.
More at: Premier YarnsFREE
Chunky Dotty Cowl
The Chunky Dotty Cowl is a quick and cozy knit that combines simple stitches to create a delightful textured “dotty” pattern.
Made with super bulky yarn, it works up in no time—perfect for beginners ready to try knitting in the round or for experienced knitters seeking a fast, satisfying project.
The golden mustard hue adds a cheerful pop of color to winter outfits, while the plush texture makes it wonderfully warm for chilly days in the city or out on a nature walk.
More at: All About AmiFREE
Bulky Dotty Cowl
The Bulky Dotty cowl knitting patterns are a soft and stylish knit featuring a charming dotted texture created with simple stitch combinations.
Worked in bulky yarn, it knits up quickly, making it an excellent project for both adventurous beginners and seasoned knitters in need of a relaxing make.
Its blush pink tone adds a sweet, feminine touch, while the snug yet comfortable fit keeps you warm on frosty days.
Perfect for pairing with a neutral coat or layering over a cozy sweater for effortless winter style.
More at: All About AmiFREE
Lace Knit Cowl
This lace knit cowl blends soft texture with airy eyelets, creating a lightweight loop that still feels wonderfully cozy.
Worked in the round, the repeating lace panels are rhythmic once established; therefore, it’s great for confident beginners ready to try lace or for intermediates seeking a relaxing make.
Blocking opens the pattern beautifully, and a lifeline is a handy safety net.
Style it doubled for extra warmth, or wear it long to showcase the delicate stitches over a simple sweater or coat.
More at: Leelee KnitsFREE
Desert Cable Cowl
This Into the Desert Cablecowl knitting pattern features dramatic, intertwining cables that ripple across a cushy field of stockinette, framed by neat ribbing.
The taupe tone is beautifully versatile, and the dense texture makes it extra warm without being bulky.
Because the cable repeats are more involved, I’d recommend it for intermediate knitters who are comfortable reading charts and using a cable needle.
Additionally, use markers to track pattern sections and consider a lifeline as you go.
Style it with a wool coat for a quietly luxe, wintry look.
More at: Nimble NeedlesFREE
Parallelogram Cowl
Plush and velvety, the Parallelogram Cowl shows off bold geometric texture that pops in this cheerful aqua chenille.
Worked in the round with chunky yarn, it’s a quick, giftable knit; moreover, the simple repeats make it beginner-friendly and relaxing for more experienced makers.
Place a marker to join without twisting, and bind off loosely so the folds drape beautifully.
With chenille, keep an even tension to prevent worming.
Toss it over a tee or peeking from a coat collar for instant cozy glam.
More at: Premier YarnsFREE
81 Yard Cowl
These quick-knit 81 Yard cowl knitting patterns turn a small amount of yarn into a fun, textured loop.
Worked in the round with an easy, rhythmic stitch that looks woven, it shines in variegated or hand-dyed yarns and drapes softly at the neck.
Since it uses about one skein/leftovers, it’s perfect for beginners practicing knit and purl while experienced knitters enjoy a speedy stash-buster.
Place a marker to keep your join straight; then block lightly to open the fabric.
Toss it on for a pop of color any season.
More at: Balls to the Walls KnitsFREE
Side Line Cowl
This Side Line Cowl wraps you in plush garter stitch, folding into a cozy collar that closes with an oversized button.
Worked flat with super bulky yarn, it’s a fast, TV-friendly project; moreover, it uses only knit stitches, so beginners can dive right in.
The straightforward construction makes sizing easy—just add or subtract rows for length.
Slip the first stitch for tidy edges, then block lightly for drape.
Wear it buttoned high on blustery days or unbuttoned as a short, modern scarf.
More at: Fifty Four Ten StudioFREE
Adore This Lacy Cowl
Lightweight and feminine, the Red Heart Adore This Lacy cowl knitting patterns feature airy eyelet panels framed by gentle garter ridges, all knit in the round for a seamless finish.
The tonal pink-violet yarn adds soft dimension, while the generous length drapes beautifully or doubles for extra warmth.
I’d rate it intermediate: the lace repeat is simple once established, yet benefits from markers and a lifeline.
Additionally, bind off loosely and block to open the pattern.
Style it with a crisp shirt or a cozy sweater for everyday glam.
More at: YarnspirationsFREE
Easy Peasy Cowl
The Easy Peasy Cowl lives up to its name with a fun and relaxing knit, perfect for beginners or anyone craving a cozy project that works up fast.
The simple colorwork uses just one color per row and creates a beautiful zigzag pattern, making it a great introduction to stranded knitting.
Worked in the round with worsted-weight yarn, it’s super soft and warm, ideal for chilly days.
Pair it with a neutral coat or let it peek out over a chunky sweater!
More at: RavelryFREE
Hillview Road Cowl
The Hillview Road Cowl is a beautifully textured, cozy accessory that uses worsted weight yarn and simple stitch combinations to create a rich, squishy fabric.
It’s knit in the round, featuring a slip-stitch pattern that looks more complex than it is—perfect for adventurous beginners or seasoned knitters looking for a relaxing project.
The structure offers enough drape for layering while staying close to the neck for warmth.
This cowl pairs effortlessly with winter coats and is ideal for chilly urban strolls or mountain getaways.
More at: RavelryFREE
Bandana Cowl
The Bandana cowl knitting pattern is a stylish and practical knit that mimics the look of a layered shawl with the ease of a pull-on cowl.
Its worked flat at first and then joined in the round, making it a fun and quick project suitable for confident beginners.
The garter and stockinette sections provide a lovely contrast, while color blocking adds a playful touch.
Great for stash-busting and perfect for layering under jackets, this cowl adds a splash of charm and warmth to any cool-weather outfit.
More at: RavelryFREE
Flying Solo
Flying Solo is a chic and cozy cowl that drapes beautifully while keeping your neck and shoulders warm.
Featuring smooth gradient color transitions and clever shaping, it’s knit in the round from the top down.
The pattern is ideal for intermediate knitters or confident beginners ready to try shaping techniques like short rows.
The cowl sits snugly around the neck with a broader lower section that flares over the shoulders, making it a stylish and functional layering piece—perfect for city walks or weekend getaways!
More at: RavelryFREE
Simple Knit Purl Cowl
The Simple Knit Purl cowl knitting patterns are a dream project for beginners or anyone looking for a fast and satisfying knit.
Made with super bulky yarn, it knits up in no time using just basic knit and purl stitches.
The result is a plush, chunky texture that’s both modern and timeless.
Ideal for gifting or keeping cozy during cold snaps, it wraps beautifully around the neck for maximum warmth.
Try it in a neutral tone like cream or taupe to match everything in your winter wardrobe!
More at: Ashley LillisFREE
Sockhead Cowl
The Sockhead Cowl is a lightweight, slouchy cowl that’s perfect for showcasing your favorite skein of hand-dyed sock yarn.
Designed for simple knitting on the go, it features easy ribbing and soothing stockinette in the round, making it ideal for beginners or as a relaxing side project.
It’s super stretchy, incredibly soft, and long enough to pull up over your nose on chilly days.
With its vibrant, variegated look, it adds a fun pop of color to even the most neutral outfits!
More at: RavelryFREE
Knit Stockinette Bandana Cowl Scarf
The Knit Stockinette Bandana Cowl Scarf is a cozy and stylish layering piece that’s quick to make and beginner-friendly.
Crafted with super bulky yarn, it knits up fast using basic stitches and simple increases.
The bandana-style shape drapes beautifully over the chest while hugging the neck for warmth, making it perfect for layering over lightweight tops or under coats.
This chunky cowl adds instant texture and warmth to your outfit—ideal for snowy walks or sipping cocoa by the fire!
More at: Ashley LillisFREE
Huggle Hooded Cowl
The Huggle Hooded Cowl is a warm, cocoon-like accessory that combines the best of a hood and a cowl in one cozy knit.
Made with chunky yarn and simple stitches, this pattern is perfect for adventurous beginners looking for a comfy project with maximum impact.
It’s knit flat and seamed, featuring generous ribbing that frames the face and adds texture.
Whether you’re hiking in the woods or walking to your local cafe, this oversized hooded cowl brings warmth and timeless charm.
More at: Make & Do CrewFREE
Cowl for Rhinebeck
I’ll Pack a Cowl for Rhinebeck is a charming and whimsical knit featuring adorable stranded colorwork with alpacas and sheep!
Cowl Knitting Patterns
Perfect for intermediate knitters who enjoy working with multiple colors, this pattern is knit in the round and offers plenty of visual interest.
The cowl’s cozy structure keeps you warm, while the playful design makes it a conversation starter.
Ideal for fiber festivals or just showing off your love for all things woolly, it pairs beautifully with a simple sweater or neutral coat.
More at: RavelryFREE
Free For All Cowl
The Free For All Cowl is a lightweight, textured knit that combines eyelets and garter ridges for a modern, graphic look.
Cowl Knitting Patterns
Designed for fingering-weight yarn, it’s a great stash buster and knits up beautifully in both solid and tonal colorways.
This beginner-friendly pattern is worked flat and then seamed, making it a lovely project for newer knitters or a relaxing knit for more experienced hands.
It’s perfect for transitional weather and adds a pop of color and texture to any outfit!
More at: RavelryFREE