Free Cowl Knitting Patterns for Beginners

Get ready for winter with these free cowl knitting patterns for beginners. This collection includes easy cowl knitting patterns for every kind of knitter in every kind of weather. Take a look and get inspired.

Just a quick note. These patterns are not my own designs. If you have questions about a particular pattern, please contact the designer directly.

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Blue Stone Bridge Cowl

Here’s a free cowl knitting pattern for beginners using O-Wool yarn.

This cowl knits up with chunky merino wool yarn in five solid colors. You’ll even have leftover yarn to make several of these. What a great knitting gift idea!

Feeling adventurous? Make this knitted cowl your next scrap yarn project. 

You’ll need interchangeable knitting needles in size 9 U.S. (5.5 mm) and size 10.5 U.S. (6.5 mm). As far as knitting notions, check your knitting kit. You’ll need stitch markers and a tapestry needle to weave in ends. 

If you’re familiar with stockinette stitch knitting and can garter stitch in the round you can knit this cowl. Make this your next beginner knitting project.

Ma Belle Amie

Looking for an infinity scarf knitting pattern with straight needles? Here it is!

Knit flat with a garter stitch border, this DK scarf knitting pattern is easy to make, too.

This striped scarf stockinette pattern uses four colors and four skeins of Madelinetosh yarn. When you’re done, just seam the ends to create an infinity scarf.

Tiltawhirl Cowl

Looking for a super simple cowl knitting pattern using chunky yarn? Try this Tiltawhirl Cowl from Universal Yarn.

Using Classic Shades Frenzy yarn, this is a one skein cowl knitting pattern. With an interesting diagonal rib stitch pattern, the bulky yarn will add definition to your stitches. All you need to know is how to knit in the round and how to purl. 

Unfortunately, the recommended yarn has been discontinued, but I've included a yarn substitute below. You can click this link for more options as well.

The pattern includes both written knitting instructions and a knitting chart and is an easy knit cowl pattern for beginners.

Shimmer Cowl

This easy garter stitch cowl from Bernat yarn is a great knitting project for beginners. Knit with size U.S. 15 (10 mm) knitting needles, it uses two balls of super bulky yarn in Bernat Dazzle.

Then, you'll need to knit and seam. Make it for yourself or as a quick knit gift.

Ombre Textured Cowl

If you’ve been looking for a way to use those mini skeins of yarn, this easy ombre knitting pattern is for you.

Knit in fingering weight Sweet Georgia yarn, you’ll need about 550 yards of varying colors. Want something chunky and cozy? You could easily modify the pattern and knit with a heavier weight yarn.

The written pattern alternates between garter stitch, stockinette stitch, and an easy slip stitch texture. You’ll also need to know how to knit in the round and make yarn-overs. Easy peasy.

The Cowl

Here's an easy cowl knitting pattern for circular needles. The Cowl was a big hit at Vogue Knitting Live 2019 in NYC. By popular demand, the free knitting pattern has been made available to you.

This knitted neck warmer is knit in the round using 3 strands of yarn held together – 1 worsted weight and 2 fingering weight yarns. This creates an interesting marled yarn. Explore all the color possibilities!

Aurora Gradient Waves Cowl

Here’s another easy cowl knitting pattern for beginners. Knit flat with straight knitting needles, it’s made with acrylic yarn in a worsted weight. What makes it so unique is the self-striping yarn it uses.

It’s so easy to do, too. If you can knit, you can make this knitted cowl. The only other techniques you’ll need beyond the knitting basics are how to Make 1 (M1) and how to slip knit pass (SKP). That’s it.

You Pick 2 Cowl

If you’re looking to take on a stash buster challenge, this double stranded knitting pattern is for you. As the name of this free cowl knitting pattern implies, you have the option of picking 2 different yarn skeins from your yarn stash. 

You can use two lace weight yarns or two superfine yarns (fingering weight) for this easy cowl knitting pattern. Use solid colors for a marled yarn, or blend speckled yarn or neon yarn and a tonal yarn.This pattern is perfect for those yarn hanks of hand dyed yarn you’ve been saving for the perfect project to showcase them. Or it’s the perfect excuse to visit your local yarn shops. 

Really, the hardest part is choosing your yarn. The rest is easy. You’ll need to be able to cast on knitting in the round, knit with two strands of yarn, and stockinette stitch in the round. When you’ve finished knitting, use your favorite stretchy bind off or try Jenny’s Stretchy bind off.

For knitting supplies, you’ll need size 8 circular knitting needles and one stitch marker. The written pattern is easy enough to make this your next travel knit so grab your yarn bag and go!

Scraptastic Cowl

If you’ve ever wondered what to do with your scrap yarn, this beginner knit cowl pattern is perfect for you.

You’ll work with circular needles and need to know how to knit in the round. You'll also need to use the provisional cast on method.

Knit with DK weight yarn or Light Worsted weight yarn, this scrap yarn project uses 10 different colors. Each color stripe ranges from 28 yards to 48 yards of each color.

As this is an easy knitting project for beginners, this pattern is in written form only.

Sharing Creativity DK

You can make this knitted neckwarmer with either DK weight yarn or by knitting with two strands of fingering weight yarn held together. Knitting with 2 strands of sock yarn will definitely create a one of a kind marled knit bandana cowl in garter stitch.

You’ll begin this knitting project by knitting flat then joining to knit in the round. Don't forget your stitch markers.

You’ll need to know how to increase with knitting front and back (KFB) and make one in knitting (M1L, M1R). You’ll also need to know how to slip a stitch and how to decrease with a slip-slip-knit (SSK). Finally, you’ll use an i-cord bind off to cast off your knitting. 

So dig through your yarn stash. This could be the ultimate stash buster project full of fun marled knitting and color fade magic.

And guess what? There's also a fingering weight version of this pattern. Get your favorite version below... or get them both!

Knit Cozy Tweed Cowl

If you’re looking for a knit and purl stitch pattern for beginners, then you’ve found it. It’s knit with two balls of Caron Simply Soft Tweeds on size U.S. 8 (5 mm) knitting needles.

There are no increases or decreases to learn, no knitting techniques beyond the knitting basics. You’ll only need to know how to knit in the round, which makes it a great circular knitting pattern for beginners.

Tumble Weave Cowl

Sometimes the beauty of hand knitting is best when featuring the stitch texture with solid color yarn. This cowl knitting pattern is the perfect example of monochromatic colors showcasing the basket weave pattern. 

Knit in the round with circular needles, this shoulder wrap cowl works up in DK weight yarn. The checkered pattern is easy enough for beginners with simple knit and purl stitches. 

In addition, you’ll need to know how much yarn to cast on so you don’t end up playing yarn chicken. You’ll work this basketweave cowl pattern from the bottom up and incorporate simple knitting decreases. Finally, you’ll need to know how to bind off in pattern. 

It’s seamless knitting with both written knitting instructions and a knitting chart.  It also includes instructions for a knit beanie. You’ll also find an option for a yarn substitute in the link below.

Hug Cowl

This off the shoulder cowl neck warmer pattern will keep you warm on cool nights. It knits up in the round on circular needles with heavy worsted weight yarn. You’ll need two skeins of Cascade Aereo yarn, a soft wool blend which includes alpaca and nylon. 

To knit this shoulder warmer, you’ll need to know how to knit and purl, and knit in the round. You’ll also need to know how to yarn over (yo), knit two together (k2tog), and slip stitch knitting for the SSK. Don’t forget your stitch markers!

This hand knit cowl pattern includes written knitting instructions and a knitting chart for the simple lace pattern. 

You could also do a yarn substitute if you prefer. Just make sure you have enough yarn. I’ve included a suggestion below.

Zig Zag Cowl

Light and delicate, this easy lace cowl knitting pattern makes the perfect everyday accessory. Knit in the round, it requires a single hank of yarn in luxurious merino cashmere.

You’ll need to know how to knit in the round, knit two together (K2tog), and Slip-slip-knit (SSK). So easy. Keep it for yourself or surprise someone you love with this beautiful hand knitted gift.

Just Slip It Cowl

If you've ever wanted to try slip stitch knitting, this free cowl knitting pattern is perfect for you.

This pattern is not knit in the round so it is perfect for beginners. Using DK weight or Aran weight yarn, you can make it short, long, or use the pattern to knit up a scarf instead. Depending on your project, you'll need from 110 yards to 220 yards of yarn.

The free knitting pattern also includes helpful tips on gauge, project suggestions, yarn choices, and more. And with a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars on Ravelry.com, you can't go wrong.

Mobius Cowl

Most circular knitting patterns remind you to make sure your stitches aren’t twisted when you join the round. Not this one. This Mobius Cowl knitting pattern does the opposite.

Knit with Bernat Roving bulky yarn in a lovely wool-blend, this oversized cowl will knit up quick. To make one of your own, you’ll need to know how to knit one below (K1B) and purl one below (P1B).

Hooded Neckwarmer

Looking for an all-in-one cowl and hat? This bulky weight hooded cowl knitting pattern is the perfect thing to knit.

To knit this you’ll need to know how to knit flat AND in the round. You’ll also need to know how to slip slip knit (SSK), make one in knitting (M1), and knit two together (K2TOG). As for knitting notions, you'll want to use a couple of stitch markers.

It uses a 80/20 blend of alpaca yarn and acrylic and calls for size U.S. 9 circular knitting needles, or whatever is needed to make gauge. Speaking of gauge, you can learn how to swatch in the round here.

Autopilot Cowl

If you love to knit and binge on Netflix, this free knit cowl pattern on Ravelry is perfect for you. But you don’t have to stay home to make it. Why not make it your next travel knitting project?

This eyelet knitting pattern is designed for worsted weight yarn, but you can knit it using any yarn you choose. You'll need size 9 circular knitting needles and knit in the round. Simple knit increases and decreases and colorful yarn give this cowl so much movement and knit texture.

The knitting instructions come with details on how to customize this cowl to your preference. So, if you want to double the length and turn it into an easy knit infinity scarf, you can.

Viento Cowl

Don’t you just love knitting rib patterns? I do. They’re easy enough to knit without having to give your complete attention to. Perfect for Netflix and chill.

Here’s a super simple lightweight cowl that won’t skimp on warmth. Made with Viento from Plymouth yarn, it’s a silky blend of alpaca wool and bamboo viscose. While it is a bulky weight yarn (5), it won’t take away from the fashion either.

Using the mistake rib stitch and straight knitting needles, the pattern is a simple one row repeat. Alternating two stitches, knits and purls, just knit to your desired length then seam it together.

Maybe you’re looking for a knitted scarf pattern using bulky yarn. No problem. You could easily modify this written pattern into a mistake rib scarf. All you have to do is eliminate seaming the ends.

Moody Romance Herringbone Cowl

Sometimes yarn and a knitting stitch pattern collide and make something absolutely amazing. Take this herringbone knitting pattern and combine it with Qing Fibre fingering weight yarn, for example. The result is this moody color cowl that has all the feels.

Want to learn the herringbone knit stitch? You can find a great knitting tutorial here. It’s simpler than it looks. Give it a try.

Three Color Cowl

I love a good rib knit, don’t you? This Three Color Cowl from Lion Brand definitely fits the bill.

Knit with Lion Brand Heartland, this super bulky yarn pattern is easy knitting for beginners.

It’s a simple rib stitch knitting pattern that needs only knits and purls. You’ll need to know how to knit in the round and how to change colors in knitting.

Choux Cowl

If you’re looking to practice your color knitting, this is a great pattern to start with. This 2 color cowl knitting pattern is a reversible cowl, too.

Doubled up or worn long as an infinity scarf, it will keep you lovely and warm. Knit with Rozetti Yarns Alaska, it is a blend of acrylic, alpaca, and wool, and uses two balls of yarn in two colors.

An interesting detail for this knitting pattern is that it is knit as a tube in the round. You'll also need to finish off the ends by either sewing or grafting.

Try this easy infinity scarf knitting pattern for yourself.

Fair Isle Stranded Cowl

Love stranded knitting? Then this modern Fair Isle cowl pattern is a great project to knit.

Using Red Heart Fair Isle yarn, this beginner knit cowl pattern is stranded knitting at its simplest. The self-striping yarn does all the work so you don’t have to, which is great if you’re new to Fair Isle knitting. The best part? Only a few ends to weave in. Hooray!

Knit in the round, this chunky knit cowl pattern has both charted and written instructions. It also recommends using locking stitch markers to keep track of the pattern.

Nose Hill Park Cowl

This gorgeous green lace cowl has such amazing texture. You can knit this cowl with an acrylic, aran weight yarn on size U.S. 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles.

This free intermediate knitting pattern is knit in the round. You’ll also need to know knitting techniques such as how to increase with yarn overs (yo) and decrease with Slip-Slip-Knit-Pass (S2KP). Both techniques are easy to do. Otherwise, it’s just knits and purls.

Autumn is Coming Bandana Cowl

This bandana cowl begins as a flat knit, but later you’ll join to knit in the round. You’ll need to know the knitted cast on, which is a stretchy cast on. You’ll also need to know how to knit front back (KFB), slip slip knit (SSK), how to yarn over and knit two together (YO, K2TOG).

This knitted neck warmer is a simple knitting project that knits up with your favorite DK weight yarn.

The designer used Rico Essentials Merino DK, which required 2 balls. According to YarnSub, Langwood Yarns Merino 120 makes for a great yarn substitute. You can find links to both yarns below. 

The pattern includes complete written knitting instructions and a knitting chart for the lace pattern.

Cozy Ribbed Scarf

This is a classic rib knit cowl pattern that is easy enough to make. Knit with two skeins of chunky alpaca yarn and size 15 knitting needles, it’s the ultimate quick knit project.

Just look at the drape. The key is the 100% alpaca yarn. So whether you use their yarn recommendations or a yarn substitute, be sure to check the fiber.

To make this knitted cowl pattern on circular needles, you’ll need to be able to knit in the round. The pattern creates a simple rib knit fabric of knit 2 purl 2 (K2, P2).

It also uses Jeny’s surprisingly stretchy bind off, which you can find a tutorial for here. 

Twisted Stitch Columns Cowl

Check out this Twisted Stitch Columns Cowl. Knit in the round from the bottom up, it requires only a single 100g skein of your favorite worsted weight yarn.

As far as knitting techniques go, you’ll need to know how to knit in the round with easy knits and purls. A stretchy cast like the knitted cast on or the long tail cast on would help, and knowing how to bind off in pattern, too. Other than that, there’s a simple twist technique involved but it’s easy to do.

This knitted neck warmer pattern uses U.S. Size 7 circular knitting needles and a single stitch marker.

This easy 4 row repeat pattern includes only written instructions.

Glacier Cowl

This free lace cowl knitting pattern features a wavy knit texture that gives the appearance of knit cables, but cabling isn’t involved. It’s really the magic of the knit increases and knitting decreases that this design is accomplished. 

Using a DK cotton yarn blend and size 4 and size 6 circular knitting needles, you’ll need to be able to cast on in the round, 2x2 rib knit, and block your knitting when you’re finished.

This easy knitted lace pattern includes written instructions and a brief knitting tutorial to get you started.

Waves of Hope Cowl

Looking for an easy knitting project for a gift? This Waves of Hope Cowl is just the thing.

Knits up quick with Rowan felted tweed yarn in aran weight, and has such a lovely pattern design.

For this free cowl knitting pattern, you’ll need to know most knitting basics like how to cast on, how to bind off, and how to knit and purl. You’ll also need to know how to knit in the round with circular knitting needles and basic increases and decreases. Easy, peasy.

The pattern includes written knitting instructions only.

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A NOTE ABOUT THE HOST COWL
In a previous update I shared the Host Cowl pattern. It was a very popular pattern that featured a turtleneck design. The pattern is now a paid pattern. As such, it has been removed from this free collection.

If you are interested in this pattern and want to support the designer, you may find and purchase the pattern by clicking this link to Ravelry.

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Looking for more knitting ideas for beginners? Take a look at our easy scarf knitting patterns for more inspiration. Or, if you're looking for something for Mom and baby, check out these baby blanket knitting patterns. All are easy enough for beginners, too!

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