25 Knit Cowl Patterns: Free for the Adventurous Beginner

Knit Cowl Patterns, compiled by Janice Jones

If you’ve never knitted a cowl, this is a great time to add some color to your winter wardrobe.  Most cowl patterns are worked in the round on circular needles, but it is possible to work them up flat and then complete them with a seam. 

I have begun to love cowls for several reasons.

1. They are warm and cozy on a cold winter day.
2. They work up quickly and don’t use a lot of yarn.
3. Cowls are easier to wear than scarves and you never need to worry about them being tied incorrectly or falling off.
4. Beginners love them because they can learn new skills at the same time, they produce something special for themselves or a friend.

There are endless possibilities for knit cowls, but I have searched the internet for you and found some very fashionable cowls that are beginner-friendly. 

Let us look at some options, and then read to the end of this article to review some of the techniques you might need to make your cowl.

Free Knit Cowl Patterns

All of the patterns listed next are free and easy to make if you are an adventurous beginner.

1. Free Bernat Sumptuous Knit Cowl Pattern

Designed By Yarnspiration

Recommended Yarn: Bernat Velvet Plus Yarn (Bulky Number 6)

Project Skill level: Basic/Beginner

This project is worked on large U.S. 13 (9 mm) circular needles in a garter pattern. It doesn’t get any easier than this.

Free Pattern 

2. Free Bernat Knit Simple Garter Cowl Pattern

By Yarnspiration

Recommended Yarn: Bernat Mega Bulky

Skill Level: Basic/Beginner

This cowl is worked on huge straight U.S. 35 (19 mm) knitting needles and then the cast on and bind off edges are sewn together to create this cowl. As you can see in the photo, only knit stitches make up this project, so if you can work a garter stitch pattern, this is the cowl for you.

Simple Garter Cowl Pattern

3. Free Patons Knit Garter Stitch Cowl Pattern

By Yarnspiration

Recommended Yarn: Patons® Classic Wool Roving™ No. 5 Bulky weight yarn

Skill Level: Basic/Beginner

This is yet another variation of the garter stitch cowl, this one is also worked on straight (U.S. size 10 (6 mm) needles. Once knit, the edges are seamed to form the cowl.

Get this free knit cowl pattern

4. Free Bernat Knit Super-Size Seed Stitch Cowl Pattern

By Yarnspirations

Recommended Yarn: Bernat Mega Bulky

Skill Level: Basic/Beginner

If you can make knit and purl stitches, you can knit the seed stitch pattern which is needed for this super bulky cowl. Since it is worked on U.S. 35 (19 mm) straight needles, it is easy to finish this project in a very short time. The only finishing you will need to do is to sew the cast on to the bind off edges, so you’ll be proudly wearing this one in no time flat.

Seed Stitch Cowl Pattern

5. Free Bernat Knit Openwork Cowl Pattern

By Yarnspirations

Recommended Yarn: Bernat Wool-Up Bulky

Skill Level: Easy

This lovely cowl is worked on US 15 (10 mm) straight needles in a pattern of knit and purl increases and decreases to create an open lacy fabric. Don’t get turned off by increases and decreases, these are not difficult to do. The pattern also provides a diagram of how to make the finishing seam.

Openwork Cowl Pattern

6. Free Red Heart Perfection Knit Cowl Pattern

By Yarnspiration

Recommended Yarn: RED HEART® Amore ™

Project Level: Basic/Beginner

Worked on Straight, US. 8 (5.0 mm) This cowl looks much more complicated than it is. If you can make knits and purls, you can make this cowl. It might actually be easier for some who are not accustomed to working with large needles and bulky weight yarn. The pattern calls for a four-row repeat, which is also called the Irish Moss Knit Pattern.

Perfection Knit Cowl

7. InstaKnit Cowl (Knit)

By Lion Brand

Recommended Yarn: Lion Brand Instaknit

Project Level: Basic/Beginner

This is a basic pattern worked with US. Needle Size 13 but the unique thing about this yarn is that there is no casting on. One end of the yarn comes complete with loops that you simply place on the needle and then just knit! That’s right, only knit stitches are needed to make this cowl. Give it a try.

Insta Knit Cowl Pattern

8. Striped Cowl (Knit)

By Lion Brand

Recommended Yarn: Wool-Ease® Thick & Quick® Recycled

Skill Level:  Basic/Beginner

If you’d like to try some colorwork with your knitting, creating stripes is a great way to begin. The cowl can be worked up quickly using this thick yarn and a set of US 15 (10 mm) needles. It’s worked with a stockinette stitch pattern throughout changing colors every other row. If you carry your yarn up the sides, there won’t be many ends to weave in. Sewing the cast on and bind off rows complete the cowl.

Striped Cowl Pattern

9. Laura Brioche Cowl (Knit)

by Lion Brand

Recommended Yarn: Lion Brand Basic Stitch Anti-pilling™

Project Level: Intermediate

This project requires an intermediate level skill level because it is worked using a Brioche Stitch which is a bit more difficult than other knit stitches. The cowl is worked as a rectangle and then sewn together to make a ring. You may prefer to use a circular needle to accommodate the 128 stitches you will be casting on. Do not join in the round, however.

Laura Brioche Cowl

10. Northwoods Cowl (Knit)

Designer: Trista Ziemendorf

Recommended Yarn: Lion Brand Collection® Merino Yak Alpaca® Yarn

Skill Level: Easy

Merino Yak Alpaca is a worsted weight yarn which is not machine washable, so due keep that in mind if you hate handwashing. You will need a Circular knitting needle size 8 (5 mm), 24 in. (61cm) long, and three balls of this yarn. For an adventurous beginner, this 13 row repeat pattern will be challenging but definitely doable. Some lace work is involved includes skp (slip, knit, pass) and yo (yarn over). Be sure to make a swatch before beginning the cowl. That way you will know whether this pattern is something that you can do comfortably.

Northwoods Cowl

11. Windsor Cowl (Knit)

by Lion Brand

Recommended Yarn: Wool-Ease®

Project Level: Easy + (Intermediate)

This free pattern is marked as Easy, but I might caution you that Stranded Knitting (often mistaken name Fair Isle), which is the technique used in this cowl may better be classified as Intermediate. It’s worked in the round with circular needles, which makes Stranded Knitting easier than flat, but I do recommend creating a swatch first if you have never worked this type of knitting technique.

Windsor Cowl Pattern

12. I Wanna Knit A Cowl 

By Lion Brand

Recommended Yarn: Lion Brand Scarfie

Skill Level: Easy

This colorful cowl is worked in the round with a bulky weight yarn on size 7 US circular needles in a knit one row, purl one row pattern.  Please know that the recommended sized for the yarn weight is US 9 (5.5 mm) which means that the pattern worked will be tight.  The yarn is self-stripping which gives you plenty of color without the need to make the color change yourself.

I Wanna Knit a Cowl Pattern

13. Sterling Place Cowl (Knit)

By Lion Brand

Recommended Yarn: Wool-Ease® Cakes Medium Worsted Weight Yarn

Project Level: Beginner

This is an easy pattern that uses the US 8 (5.0 mm) straight needles and then the finished rectangle is sewn together to make the cowl. It is worked entirely of stockinette stitch pattern (knit one row, purl one row).

Sterling Place Knit Cowl Pattern

14. Two-sided Cowl (Knit)

by Lion Brand

Project Level: 2 Easy

Suggested Yarn: Feels Like Butta® Worsted Weight Yarn

This cowl is worked in the round with one color at a time and switched half way through the product. The cast on and bind off are then seamed creating a fabric that looks alike on both side. However, this is not double knitting.

Two-sided Cowl Pattern

15. Simply Scrapy Cowl

Designed by Helen Stewart

Fingering weight yarn

Skill Level: Easy

Here’s a gorgeous cowl made by using up your stash of fingering weight yarn.  It’s worked in the round on circular knitting needles and consists of a series of increases and decreases to make little eyelets in a series of colored stripes.

Simple Scrappy Cowl Pattern

16. Free Red Heart Knit Drop Stitch Cowl Pattern

by Yarnspirations

Suggested Yarn: RED HEART® With Love® Worsted Weight Yarn

Project Skill Level: Easy

This cowl looks lacy, and it is, but the openwork is an easy beginner friendly technique that is worked on a garter stitch pattern. Learn how to make the drop stitch pattern. If you use a variegated yarn, you’ll not only achieve a colorful fabric, but one that looks much more complicated than it truly is. Work it flat on straight needles and sew the bind off and cast on edges together for a beautiful addition to your wardrobe.

Drop Stitch Cowl Pattern

17. Honey Cowl

By Antonia Shankland

Suggested Yarn:  Madelinetosh Tosh DK (100% superwash merino)

Project Skill Level:  Easy

This waffle type cowl is a simple slip stitch pattern worked on US 8 (5.0 mm) circular needles.  Choose from either a longer version or the short version.

Honey Cowl Pattern

18. Scoreboard

by Michelle Hunter

Yarn:  Simplicity by HiKoo®, 55% Merino superwash,28% acrylic,17% nylon

Project Skill level: Easy

Here’s the perfect cowl pattern for all of you sports fans and the perfect addition to your wardrobe on Game Day.  Use your favorite sport’s teams colors and grab some circular needles and work this easy cowl worked with knit stitches.  Choose a long or short version and customize even further with the instructions provided.

Scoreboard Knit Cowl Pattern

19. Bubblegum Cowl!

by Lion Brand

Recommended Yarn: Lion Brand Hometown Solids

This fun cowl is worked up quickly on US 15 circular needles and is completed by creating stripes of stockinette and a seed stitch pattern.

Bubblegum Cowl Pattern

20. New Direction Cowl

Designed by Ubaldo Feliciano-Hernandez

Yarn: Wool-Ease® Thick & Quick® Bonus Bundle® CKC #6 Super bulky weight yarn

This is an easy cowl worked on the Circular knitting needle size 13 (9 mm), 16 in. (40.5 cm) long in a 2 x2 rib makes this pattern a truly beginner-friendly pattern. All you need to know is how to create a two by two rib.

New Direction Cowl Pattern

21. One Skein, One Night, Seed Stitch Tall Cowl

By Knit and Bake, available on the Wayback machine.

Suggested Yarn: Bernat Roving

Working in the round, the cowl is made up of the seed stitch pattern, a beginner-friendly design that is easy to learn. With thick yarn and a large US number 13 needles, you’ll be wearing or gifting this cowl very soon.

One-skein, One-night Seed Stitch Cowl

22. Garter Ridge Cowl

Designer: Hiromi Glover

Yarn: Purl Soho’s Knitting Yarn

Project Level:  Easy

You might assume that this cowl is worked entirely with knit stitches, but since it is worked in the round on circular needles, you will need to add purls to the mix with the addition of some stockinette thrown in for good measure. 

Garter Ridge Cowl Pattern

23. Mistake Rib Cowl In Simply Yak

Designer: Jake Canton

Recommended Yarn: Purl Soho’s Simply Yak

Project Level:  Easy

The mistake rib stitch pattern provides an interesting twist to the regular 2 x 2 rib stitch pattern, and it is a beginner-friendly stitch. The recommended yarn is a DK weight and is worked with US size 4 (3.5 mm) needles. The stitch definition is beautiful, but plan on a little more time to knit this cowl.

Mistake Rib Cowl

24. Time After Time cowl

by Elizabeth Smith

Recommended Yarn: Super Bulky by Hedgehog Fibres

Project Level:  Easy

Stay super cozy in this warm cowl, worked with super bulky yarn and US 15 needles, so it works up very quickly. The interesting design is created with slip stitches.

Time after Time Cowl Pattern

25. Sugar Plum Cowl

by Michelle Krause

Suggested yarn: madelinetosh Tosh Vintage

Project Skill Level: Easy

This eloquent, yet easy cowl is worked in the round with just knit and purl stitches. Find a variegated yarn if you like to create extra color and interest.

Sugar Plum Cowl Pattern

A Word About Project Skill Levels

If you have beeen knitting for awhile, you are familiar with the Craft Yarn Council's Project Skill Level classifications.  Just as a quick review, there are four levels:

I have provided some guidance on these classifications, but you can also go to the Craft Yarn Council for more information.  Remember, these levels do not relate to how long you have been knitting, but rather what skills you have mastered along the way.

Tips for Knitting Cowls

Beginner knitters can easily tackle a cowl project with a few helpful tips in mind:

• Choose the right yarn: Many of the yarns suggested in the patterns above may not be available to you.  Select a yarn that is right for the pattern and your skill level. Thicker yarns and larger needles are often easier to work with and produce quick results.  If you need some suggestions, I suggest you use the resources at Yarn Sub. 
• The patterns on this page are easy but depending on your experience level, start with a simple pattern: Basic stitches create a classic, textured look without being overly complicated.

• Decide whether you want to use straight or circular needles. You may want to practice your seaming skills, so choose a pattern worked on straight needles. If you want more practice on circular needles, pick a pattern that is worked in the round.
• Practice tension: Keeping even tension throughout your knitting is essential for a polished final product. Practice keeping your stitches consistent and avoid pulling too tightly or loosely.

• Learn to read your knitting: Understanding how to recognize knit and purl stitches will help you keep track of your progress and catch any mistakes early on. I recommend that you check each row or round after you knit.  That way, if you have made a mistake, it’s easy to fix.
• Block your finished cowl: Once you've completed your cowl, blocking it will help even out your stitches and give it a professional finish. Gently wash the cowl and lay it flat to dry, shaping it as needed.

Remember, the key to success is practice and patience. Don't be discouraged if your first attempt isn't perfect – every project is an opportunity to learn and improve your skills.

Last Words

A knit cowl is a stylish accessory that combines the warmth of a scarf with the convenience of a closed loop. Unlike traditional scarves, cowls sit comfortably around the neck without the need for constant adjustment or the risk of falling off.

Knit cowl patterns come in a variety of styles, from chunky and cozy to lightweight and lacy, making them perfect for any winter outfit.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced knitter, creating a handmade cowl or two is a rewarding project that allows you to showcase your personal style while keeping warm during the colder months.

Adding a few knit cowls to your winter wardrobe is a practical way to accessorize and layer, ensuring that you look fashionable while staying protected from the elements.

Disclosure:   This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase from one of these links I will get a small  commission.

Hi, there, I'm Janice, the voice behind this website and avid knitter and crochet enthusiast. I want to share my passion with you and help you learn how to knit or crochet, smarter.

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