The weather’s turning chilly, and a handmade crochet cowl is the coziest way to bundle up. This roundup of free crochet cowl patterns has stylish designs for all skill levels – from beginners to experienced crocheters.
Free Crochet Cowl Patterns
A crochet cowl is a circular neck warmer, like a short, tubular scarf that slips over your head. They’re fun, easy to make, and the perfect to keep the icy winds out. That’s why I’m so excited to share this roundup of my favorite free crochet cowl patterns!
I love how put-together and stylish cowls look, too. Just slip one on, and you’re good to go! No need to mess around with wrapping and re-wrapping a scarf. And you don’t have to worry about the ends flying around in the wind!
Plus, crochet cowls are super easy to make! Whether you’re a beginner or a more advanced crocheter, you can make yourself a cute cowl in just a few hours. Some designs are worked in the round, while others are made flat and seamed – but they all come together in no time.
To get you started, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite free crochet cowl patterns. There’s something here for everyone – cozy oversized designs, delicate lacy cowls, and everything in between.
Can beginners make crochet cowls?
Absolutely! There are tons of excellent crochet cowl patterns out there that are perfect for beginners. Here are some of the easiest patterns in this list:
Sugar Shack Infinity Scarf (#14), Enid’s Snood (#18), Tupelo Cowl (#23)
30 Free Crochet Cowl Patterns
Take a look at these free crochet cowl patterns for your next project. Happy crocheting!
Herringbone Crochet Cowl Pattern
This cozy cowl is made with chunky yarn and works up in no time! Made with just the herringbone single crochet almost all the way around, this cowl makes a relaxing project to work on while you’re unwinding for the day.
Designer: Sarah Maker
Yarn weight: Bulky
Suggested yarn: Caron Colorama O’Go
Malia Classic Cowl
This classic pattern features beautiful texture with its bean stitches, as well as a top ribbing to finish it off. This project is lovely and thick when made with a chunky yarn, or you can create a more delicate version with a lighter-weight yarn (such as DK). Check out the video tutorial if you need help!
Designer: Yarn + Chai
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Hobby Lobby I Love This Yarn
One Skein Cowl
This easy cowl is quick to make and is a cost-effective project using just one skein of yarn. It’s made with cluster stitches, and you can turn the cowl inside out to create an even more textured look.
Designer: Little Doolally
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Worsted
Valley Vista
This colorful cowl is worked using mosaic crochet. And even though it looks complicated, it’s easy enough for beginners! The pattern is worked in joined rounds and is a great way to practice a new crochet skill if you haven’t tried mosaic crochet before!
Designer: Valerie Moreno
Yarn weight: Fingering
Suggested yarn: 29 Bridges Studio Go To Sock Mini Skeins
Calm Cowl
You can wear this long cowl wrapped around your neck, or hanging like an infinity scarf. This delicate pattern would be beautiful for dressing up in the winter.
Designer: Suzana Davidovic
Yarn weight: Sport
Suggested yarn: Uschi Wolle Sport 2000
Hues Jumbo Puff Stitch Cowl
Sink into this bulky cowl made with giant puff stitches. This pattern works up quickly and alternates colors with each row, so you can tailor it to whatever seasonal hues you love! It’s easy to change the height or circumference of the cowl if you prefer it to be larger or smaller.
Designer: All About Ami
Yarn weight: Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Hue + Me
Fireside Crochet Neck Warmer
Curl up by the bonfire and stay warm with this snug, well-designed neck warmer. This pattern is made with the moss stitch and creates a flexible yet tight fabric that leaves no gaps for the chilly wind to blow through. Bunch it around your neck or pull it up over your nose to keep your breath warm!
Designer: My Crochet Space
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Brava Tweed
Double Layered Braided Cowl
This unique cowl is made by crocheting long strips that you’ll then braid together. After making two braids, you’ll assemble the two layers. Lastly, the pattern is finished off with a buttonhole on one side and a button on the other, so you can easily attach this beautiful cowl snugly around your neck!
Designer: Crochet Dreamz
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
Woven Crochet Cowl Pattern
This easy cowl is quick to make but creates a professional, woven look. It’s worked as a rectangle and then folded and sewn into a circular cowl. Use two solid colors or two self-striping yarns for extra color and depth!
Designer: Nana’s Crafty Home
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Ferris Wheel
Facets Cowl
This pattern uses dovetail stripes to accent your favorite colors. Although it looks impressive, this pattern is made with simple single crochets and chain spaces. Grab some contrasting colors to really bring out the beauty of this design!
Designer: Ruth Nguyen
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Chroma Worsted
Aspen Infinity Scarf
Here’s a classic infinity scarf that goes with every outfit! Dress it up or wear it casually - this scarf is simple to make and to wear. It’s made by crocheting a large rectangle and then sewing the edges together to shape the cowl.
Designer: Maria’s Blue Crayon
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Heartland
Winter Glow Cowl
Made with a ribbed texture, this cowl is flexible and comfortable. This pattern would be great for dressing up a solid long-sleeved tee. Add some decorative buttons if you’d like (see the picture for inspiration!).
Designer: Tine Sommer Hansen
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Hobbii Winter Glow
Mustard Puff Infinity Cowl
This gorgeous scarf features intricate-looking designs that are crocheted in long rows. Then, you’ll seam together your rectangle to make this drapey and cozy infinity cowl. It features cozy puff stitches and delicate raised braids, but it’s easy enough for comfortable beginners!
Designer: Knotted Nest
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Yarn Bee Rustic Romance
Sugar Shack Infinity Scarf
This infinity scarf is made using the half double crochet. It’s worked in rounds, and it’s a repetitive but very relaxing pattern to work on while you watch TV and unwind for the day. Because it’s so easy to make, this pattern is a great choice for a crocheted gift!
Designer: While They Dream
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Mandala
Pony Creek Fair Isle Cowl
This cowl uses the fair isle technique to create its beautiful colorwork. It’s worked in the round and looks best with two contrasting colors. This lovely and intricate pattern is best for intermediate crocheters.
Designer: WeCrochet Design Team
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: High Desert Worsted
Malia Buttoned Cowl
This buttoned cowl creates a really put-together look that’s perfect for the holidays or just for everyday life in the winter months! It’s worked flat and features rich texture with fun, boho tassels. The pattern also includes a video tutorial.
Designer: Yarn + Chai
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Yarn Bee Rustic Romantic
Stadium Cowl
Head out to cheer for your favorite team with this cozy cowl! It’s worked back and forth in rows and integrates beautiful, contrasting colors. This pattern is best for intermediates.
Designer: Elisabeth Davis de Herraiz
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Wool of the Andes
Enid’s Snood
This pattern is inspired by the Netflix series, Wednesday. This beginner-friendly pattern is quick to make and is easy to adjust if you prefer it longer or shorter. It’s worked with two strands of worsted-weight yarn held together, or you can use just one strand of bulky yarn.
Designer: The Loopy Lamb
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Bernat Premium
Copenhagen Cowl
Here’s a sophisticated cowl that’s soft, lightweight, breathable, and so comfy to wear. Despite its comfort, though, it creates a sophisticated, upscale look that’s great for dressing up while still feeling warm and cozy. It’s made with just chain stitches and double crochets.
Designer: Fiber Flux
Yarn weight: Fingering
Suggested yarn: Summit Rd. Fibers Deluxe Sock
Half n Half Infinity Scarf
This super soft infinity scarf creates a modern, duo-tone look (which is where it gets its name!). Check your closet and choose the two colors that go best with your style, because you’ll want to wear this comfy scarf all the time!
Designer: Woods and Wool
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Provincial Tweed
Chi-Town Crochet Cowl
Here’s a relaxed, casual cowl that will go beautifully with your favorite winter tees or fit comfortably under a coat. The pattern includes tips for adapting this design to make it a straight scarf, skinny scarf, wider cowl, or double-wrapped cowl.
Designer: Kathy Kelly
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lamb’s Pride Worsted
Two-Color Cable Cowl
This two-color, geometric cowl is a show-stopper! It’s written for two sizes, so you can choose to have it wrap around your neck either once or twice. This pattern is best for intermediates.
Designer: Amy Gunderson
Yarn weight: Aran
Suggested yarn: Simply Alpaca Aran
Tupelo Cowl
Here’s an easy cowl that you can customize for fall, winter, or spring! Made with crochet clusters, this pattern is fun and relaxing to crochet. It creates a more airy fabric that’s ideal for slightly warmer days.
Designer: Lion Brand Yarn
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Pima Cotton
Follow Your Path Cowl
Get ready for adventure with this warm, beautiful cowl. It closes with real buttons but can also be slipped on and off. You can finish it off with either one button or three!
Designer: Made by Gootie
Yarn weight: Sport
Suggested yarn: Brava Sport
Crochet Tartan Cowl
Cozy up for the holidays with this gorgeous cowl! You’ll use a technique called surface crochet to create the vertical striping (which is explained in the pattern). This pattern is best for intermediates.
Designer: The Loopy Lamb
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Mary Maxim Woodlands
Into the Woods Crochet Cowl
This crochet hooded cowl pattern is worked from the bottom up, all in one piece! It’s made with the granny stripe stitch. Check out the video tutorial if you need help!
Designer: Evelyn & Peter Crochet
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Basic Stitch Anti-Pilling
Sierra Crochet Cowl
This beginner-friendly cowl uses the single crochet, extended single crochet, single crochet back loop only, half double crochet, and bean stitch to create a design rich with textures and colors! Feel free to change up the length and width if you want!
Designer: First the Coffee
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Unforgettable
Woven Cowl
This lovely design features a woven pattern in the front complete with finishing tassels. Made with bulky yarn, it’s super quick to work up and can be finished in an afternoon! The pattern is available in adult size and child size.
Designer: Winding Road Crochet
Yarn weight: Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick
Crochet Ombre Granny Cowl
This vintage-style cowl is made with classic granny rectangles. It’s crocheted with bulky yarn, works up quickly, and would make a beautiful winter gift! To make this pattern, you’ll crochet four rectangles and then seam them together and add the border.
Designer: Left in Knots
Yarn weight: Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Hue + Me
Free For All Cowl
This intricate cowl is made with textured “V” stripes and an i-cord edging. It only takes around one skein of yarn to make and would be ideal for gift-giving. Feel free to adjust the size if needed!
Designer: Jen Peck
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Plymouth Yarn Encore Tweed
Necessary Supplies
Once you’ve chosen your pattern, take a look at the supplies list and make sure you have everything you need! Some common supplies for making crochet cowls include:
- Yarn. For cowls, you’ll want a soft yarn that feels nice against your face and neck. Merino wool, alpaca, acrylic, or blends are all good choices. Worsted weight or bulky weight yarns are common, but check the pattern for specifics. (Each pattern in this list includes a suggested yarn and weight to make it easy for you!)
- Crochet hook. Refer to your pattern or yarn label for the recommended hook size. Make a gauge swatch to check your tension, and size your hook up or down if needed.
- Additional tools, like scissors, a yarn needle, stitch markers, buttons, or anything else called for in your pattern instructions.
Techniques to Know
The cowl pattern you choose will list any special stitches or techniques required to complete the project. Most patterns also note the skill level – beginner, intermediate, advanced.
Some common techniques used in crochet cowl patterns include:
- Reading a crochet pattern – Understanding pattern formatting, abbreviations, etc.
- Basic stitches: chain (ch), slip stitch (sl st), single crochet (sc), half double crochet (hdc), double crochet (dc)
- Other stitches: herringbone stitch, bean stitch, cluster stitch, puff stitch, moss stitch, granny stitches
- Working in the round to create a seamless cowl.
- Joining techniques, for cowls that are crocheted in rows and then seamed. Whipstitch and mattress stitch are standard seaming methods.
- Colorwork techniques, for more complicated cowl patterns.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks for crocheting cowls:
Choose the right pattern for your skill level.
Before you start, take a look at the pattern’s recommended difficulty level to see if you’re up for the challenge. If any of the stitches or techniques are new to you, check out our helpful tutorials linked above. And if you’re new to crochet altogether, check out our crochet beginner’s guide.
Adjust the size as needed.
The beauty of making your own accessories is that you can customize them however you like! You can adjust the length or width of your cowl by adding/removing rows or stitches.
Block your finished cowl for the best results.
Blocking helps even out the stitches and makes your project look even more professional.
More Crochet Projects
If you love to crochet, you may be interested in these related posts.
- 25 Free Easy Crochet Scarf Patterns for Beginners
- 25 Free Crochet Sock Patterns
- 25 Crochet Headbands and Ear Warmer Patterns
- 14 Free Balaclava Crochet Patterns
- 25 Free Crochet Poncho Patterns You’ll Love
What’s Next?
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