A knit cowl might be the perfect project. It is small, it does not need to fit exactly, and you can wear it the day you bind off. If you are tired of long scarves that take weeks, a cowl gives you the same cozy feeling in a fraction of the time.
We checked 11 free knit cowl patterns that are easy to follow. Most use only knit and purl stitches, many are made in super bulky yarn, and a few add simple texture, lace or color when you want something more.
Easy Knit Cowl Free Patterns
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What You’ll Need
- Bulky or super bulky yarn (1 to 3 skeins)
- 16″ or 24″ circular needles
- Straight needles for flat cowls
- Stitch marker for the start of the round
- Tapestry needle
- Large buttons for button cowls
1. Giana Cowl
Photo: ChristaCoDesign
The Giana is pure garter stitch in one ball of bulky yarn. You can knit it flat as a rectangle and seam it, or knit it in the round if you are ready. That choice makes it a great first cowl, because you can learn the basics now and come back to try the other method later. Squishy, warm and very quick.
- Designer: ChristaCoDesign
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Bulky (#5), 1 ball
- Needle size: 8 mm (US 11)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
2. “Two Ways” Giant Knit Ribbed Cowl
Photo: Mama in a Stitch
This cowl is one long rectangle of knit 2, purl 2 rib in super bulky yarn. The clever part is the finish: five buttons close it into a tall cowl, or three buttons give a draped triangle look. No buttonholes are needed because the buttons push through the knit fabric. Gauge does not matter, so it is very relaxed.
- Designer: Mama in a Stitch
- Skill level: see pattern (designer calls it beginner friendly)
- Yarn: Super bulky (#6)
- Needle size: 9 mm (US 13)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid ad-free PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
3. Beginner Knit Ribbed Cowl
Photo: The Purple Poncho
A neat, fitted button cowl in knit 2, purl 2 ribbing. It is worked flat in rows only, and you either add three buttonholes or simply overlap the ends and sew on the buttons. DK cotton yarn makes it light enough for spring and fall. Sizes are given by neck measurement, so it fits well.
- Designer: The Purple Poncho
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: DK (#3)
- Needle size: 4 mm (US 6)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
4. Simple Knit Cowl
Photo: Love Life Yarn
This cowl uses hurdle stitch, which mixes garter ridges with k1, p1 rows for a soft, nubby texture. Ribbing frames the top and bottom. It is knit in the round, but the designer explains how to work it flat too. Super bulky yarn, or two strands of worsted held together, keeps it fast.
- Designer: Love Life Yarn
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Super bulky (#6)
- Needle size: 6.5 mm (US 10.5), circular
- Price: Free written pattern + paid ad-free PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
5. The Central Park Knit Cowl
Photo: Stitch and Hustle
A reversible three-color striped cowl in stockinette, with purl rounds between the stripes and ribbing at each end. Only 60 stitches on giant 15 mm needles, so it works up in an evening. The designer calls it free-form, so small gauge differences are fine. Great for using up leftover chunky yarn.
- Designer: Stitch and Hustle
- Skill level: see pattern (designer calls it great for beginners)
- Yarn: Super bulky (#6), three colors
- Needle size: 15 mm (US 19), 24″ circular
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
6. Charlie Cowl
A seamless two-color cowl with k1, p1 ribbing at the top and bottom and plain stockinette in the middle. It is knit in the round with two needle sizes, which gives a snug rib and a relaxed body. It is part of a matching hat, cowl and mitten set if you want a full winter look.
- Designer: Knitting with Chopsticks
- Skill level: see pattern (designer says great for beginners)
- Yarn: Super bulky (#6)
- Needle size: 8 mm (US 11) and 10 mm (US 15), circular
- Price: Free written pattern + paid ad-free PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
7. Rustic Hooded Cowl
Photo: Underground Crafter
This tall cowl is about 15″ high, so you can wear it around your neck or pull it up as a hood. The stitch pattern alternates knit rows with a simple k1, p4 repeat for a rustic texture. You can knit it in the round or flat and seam it. A smart pick for windy days.
- Designer: Underground Crafter
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Super bulky (#6), about 174 yards
- Needle size: 9 mm (US 13), circular
- Price: Free written pattern + paid ad-free PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
8. Chunky Crossover Cowl
Photo: Sheep and Stitch
The crossover rib in this cowl looks like tiny cables, but it is made by knitting stitches through the back loop. There is only a two-round repeat, and a video tutorial shows the stitch. It is a nice way to get a fancy texture without a cable needle. About 85 yards of super chunky yarn.
- Designer: Sheep and Stitch
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Super bulky (#6)
- Needle size: 10 mm (US 15), 16″ circular
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
9. Easy Peazy Breezy Cowl
Photo: Megan Delorme
A light, reversible cowl knit in the round in worsted yarn. It uses only knit, purl, k2tog and yarn overs, so it is a gentle introduction to simple openwork. The designer calls it super quick to knit up. A good choice for spring or for anyone who finds chunky cowls too warm.
- Designer: Megan Delorme
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Needle size: 4 mm (US 6)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
10. Lumi Cowl
Photo: Banana Moon Studio
The Lumi is a one-skein cowl with a lace panel framed by garter borders. It is knit in the round as a tube and is about 29.5″ around. If you have made a few plain cowls and want to try lace in a small, low-risk project, this is a lovely one to try.
- Designer: Banana Moon Studio
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Yarn: Worsted (#4), 1 skein
- Needle size: 5 mm (US 8), 24″ circular
- Price: Free written pattern + paid ad-free PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
11. Oceanid Cowl
Photo: Edie Eckman
Bands of sea green and turquoise make a wave pattern in this cowl. The stitch repeat is only four rounds and easy to remember, and you change color every few rounds using a mini-skein set. It is knit in fingering weight, so it takes longer than the chunky cowls, but it is light and pretty.
- Designer: Edie Eckman
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Fingering (#1), five colors
- Needle size: 3.25 mm (US 3), 16″ circular
- Price: Free written pattern + paid ad-free PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
Which One Should You Make?
- Brand new to knitting? Start with #1 Giana. All garter stitch, and you can knit it flat.
- Need it by tonight? #5 Central Park and #8 Chunky Crossover use giant needles and super bulky yarn.
- Like a fitted look? #3 Beginner Knit Ribbed Cowl buttons snugly around your neck.
- Want extra coverage? #7 Rustic Hooded Cowl doubles as a hood.
- Ready for something new? #10 Lumi (lace) and #11 Oceanid (waves and color) are great next steps.
FAQ
How long should a knit cowl be?
A snug cowl that sits close to the neck is usually 20 to 24 inches around. A looser cowl that drapes is often 26 to 32 inches. Infinity cowls that wrap twice are 50 inches or more. Height is up to you: 6 to 9 inches is common, and 12 to 15 inches works as a hood.
How much yarn do I need for a cowl?
A chunky cowl usually takes 80 to 175 yards, often just one skein. A worsted cowl takes around 150 to 250 yards. Thinner yarns need more. Always check the pattern, and buy one extra skein if you plan to make it taller or wider than written.
Can I knit a cowl on straight needles?
Yes. Knit a rectangle and sew the short ends together with mattress stitch. Patterns #1, #2, #3 and #7 above include flat options. Knitting in the round on a circular needle skips the seam, but flat knitting is a great place to start.
Choose a cowl, pick a cozy yarn, and you could be wearing it by the weekend.