Ultimate List of FREE Crochet Cowl Patterns
Looking for free crochet cowl patterns? Get ready for an ultimate list—including easy cowls for beginners, stylish bandana cowls, cozy chunky cowls for colder weather, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned crocheter or just starting out, this article has something for everyone!
How do you crochet a cowl?
Crochet cowls can be made a few different ways, depending on the result you want! I love how EASY they are to make.
The two most common methods are both very easy. Here they are:
- Working the circumference of the cowl in a round until it reaches your desired height
- Working the width of the cowl in rows until it reaches your desired length, then sewing the two ends together.
While these are the most common, there are also more unique styles of cowls that require different methods (like bandana cowls for example).
I’m going to show you quite a few different cowls today that use one of these methods!
What is a good crochet stitch for a cowl?
There is an endless amount of options when it comes to the best stitches for cowls. If you want a warm cowl, you’ll want to pick a crochet stitch without holes, or perhaps something textured.
But on the other hand, delicate, lightweight cowls are great for using lacy crochet stitches! So it is really up to you. There will be a variety of different stitches used in the cowls in this article.
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Free Crochet Cowl Patterns – The List!
Without further ado, let’s get into all the patterns! Use the table of contents below to skip to your preferred style/difficulty of cowls.
Table of Contents
Easy Crochet Cowls
To start off, here are a few easy crochet cowl patterns! All of these use simple stitches and row repeats that are perfect for crocheters who aren’t too experienced.
Snowbank Cowl
First up, here’s the Snowbank Cowl! This cowl uses a super simple 2-row repeat and works up fairly quickly, which makes it ideal for beginner crocheters who want to try out a more textured design. Additionally, this cowl is double layered, so it’s the perfect companion for a chilly day!
Designer: Simply Hooked by Janet
Yarn Used: WeCrochet City Tweed Aran
Peacock Cowl
Next is a fun one: the Peacock Cowl! This cowl is so incredibly easy to make and only requires one skein, which is fantastic! This scarf looks particularly beautiful when it features variegated yarn, but you can use just about any DK weight yarn. This cowl would make a wonderful last minute gift or addition to your wardrobe!
Designer: Desert Blossom Crafts
Yarn Used: Mary Maxim Prism
Twisted Cowl
Are you looking for a pattern with a more knit-look? If so, I bet you’ll love the Twisted Cowl! Since this simple cowl is worked up with a repeat of different variations of the half double crochet stitch, it’s a great mindless/multi-tasking project! Depending on what yarn you use, this cowl can be worked up in less than an hour and uses only one skein!
Designer: My Crochet Space
Yarn Used: 4 Seasons Spot Saver USA Style
Northwest Forest Cowl
Next up, meet the Northwest Forest Cowl! This thick and cozy cowl uses extra bulky yarn that not only gives it a gorgeous texture, but also allows it to work up super quickly.
Seriously, this can be a super simple one-sitting project! The addition of the button gives a fun, whimsical look that makes it perfect for anything from going to church, to hiking through a forest trail!
Designer: Golden Lucy Crafts
Yarn Used: Mega Tweed Premier Yarn
Wintergreen Cowl
Next, you’ll be amazed at how simple this Wintergreen Cowl is! This unique design is built up only by chains and slip stitches, which makes it the perfect beginning project for any new crocheter!
This pattern works especially great with bulky yarn, as it gives it an extra cozy feel and allows it to work up super quickly. If you’re looking for a unique yet simple design, this one is perfect!
Designer: Desert Blossom Crafts
Yarn Used: Yarn Bee Colorplay
Granny Chevron Cowl
Lastly for this category, take a look at the Granny Chevron Cowl! This cowl has a unique and classic crocheted blanket-look to it, which makes it such a fun and cozy piece to add to your wardrobe. Since this cowl uses only a little bit of a few different colors, it’s a great stash-busting pattern as well!
Designer: Raffamusa Designs
Yarn Used: Katia Yarns Arles Merino
Quick Chunky Crochet Cowls
Next, here are some super quick and chunky cowl patterns! These will all be perfect when you need a warm accessory during the winter.
1 Hour Chunky Cowl
To start things off, here’s the 1 Hour Chunky Cowl! Like the name implies, this pattern works up super quickly and requires little effort at all. It’s made using a super simple two-row repeat that gives a gorgeous, knit-like texture. This warm and cozy cowl is perfect for beginners!
Designer: Jewels and Jones
Yarn Used: Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick
Violet Easy Crochet Cowl
Next is the Violet Cowl! This beautiful pattern uses 4 basic stitches that give it a gorgeous texture and final look. In addition to having a thick stitch design, using soft, bulky yarn for this one allows you to have the coziest, warmest cowl to spice up your winter/spring outfits!
Designer: Desert Blossom Crafts
Yarn Used: Chroma Twist Bulky Yarn WeCrochet
Quick Twisted Cowl
Are you looking for something you can make in one sitting? This Quick Twisted Cowl is great! This cowl has a fun, modern look and works up especially quickly since it’s crocheted using 4 strands at once. This also allows it to create an extra thick and plushy fabric that’s perfect for those chillier days!
Designer: Blue Star Crochet
Yarn Used: Scheepjes Eliza
Berry Red Cowl
If you’re looking for something with a little bit more of an elegant look, this Berry Red Cowl is perfect for you! This cowl has a gorgeous lacy texture that looks so unique paired with a bulky yarn. Additionally, it only uses about 100 yards per cowl, so you can either easily make several as gifts, or use up some leftover bulky yarn in your stash to make one!
Designer: Crafting Each Day
Yarn Used: Lion Brand Hometown
Manchester Quick Crochet Cowl
The last bulky pattern I’d like to show you is the Manchester Quick Crochet Cowl! This oversized cowl is so warm and cozy; it’s really like a wearable blanket! It works up quickly and has a gorgeous texture. If you’re looking for a cowl that’s sophisticated, yet perfect for snuggling up in, this one is for you!
Designer: Make and Do Crew
Yarn Used: Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick
Crochet Bandana-Style Cowls
Are you looking for something that won’t ride up under a coat? These bandana cowls are the perfect solution!
Beautiful Bandana Cowl
First up is this super simple Beautiful Bandana Cowl! This cowl is built up using the herringbone double crochet stitch which gives it a lovely, yet simple texture. This cowl works up super quickly and easily, so it makes a great one-sitting project or intro to cowls for beginners!
Designer: Blue Star Crochet
Yarn Used: West Yorkshire Spinners ReTreat yarn
Easy Peasy Cowl
Next up is the Easy Peasy Cowl! This textured cowl has a super cozy, layered look that’s perfect for adding some extra warmth to any of your outfits! This cowl is first crocheted in a rectangle, then folded over into the bandana shape, which makes it a super quick and easy make! I also love how easy this one is to customize with different edgings, buttons, etc.!
Designer: Toy Slab Creations
Yarn Used: Worsted weight yarn
Falling Leaves Bandana Cowl
Are you looking for something a little bigger? This Falling Leaves Cowl is just the thing! This cowl features a unique stitch called the Falling Leaves stitch that gives it its beautiful, raised texture.
If you’re a beginner, don’t worry! This stitch is simple, repetitive, and easy to catch on to. The added fringe and buttons makes this cowl the perfect fall accessory!
Designer: Nana’s Crafty Home
Yarn Used: Yarn Bee Rustic Romantic
Ribbed Granny Stitch Cowl
The last bandana-style pattern I’d like to show you is the Ribbed Granny Stitch Cowl. This fun design features a thick ribbed collar that can either be pulled up over your face and ears on an extra cold day, or folded down for a more stylish look.
Additionally, this pattern only uses one skein of yarn, so it makes the perfect quick and inexpensive gift!
Designer: Eye Love Knots
Yarn Used: Lion Brand Wool Ease
More Unique Crochet Cowls
Lastly, here are some more unique cowls that feature cool techniques or stitches. Think crochet button cowls, lightweight cowls, and more.
3 Button Crochet Cowl
If you’re looking for something with a subtle and elegant texture, this Follow Your Path Cowl is for you! Not only is it beautifully textured thanks to the lace arrow stitch, but it’s also far easier to make than it appears.
This cowl is crocheted in a rectangular scarf-like fashion and then cut short and paired with buttons to create this fun, whimsical look. You should definitely give this one a try!
Designer: Made by Gootie
Yarn Used: Knit Picks Paragon Sport Weight Yarn
Illuin Cowl
Next up is the Illuin Cowl! This cowl has a very thick, unique texture that pairs beautifully with its scalloped edges. It is also extra warm and cozy—can’t you just tell by looking at the picture?! Making a matching ear warmer makes it even better too.
Designer: Kame Crochet
Yarn Used: Style CRaft Special Aran in Sage
Autumn Leaves Cowl
Next up is one I designed: the Autumn Leaves Cowl! This cowl has a beautiful, lacy stitch design that pairs so well with the fall colors. This cowl is lighter weight, so it’s great for dressing up an outfit on a slightly warmer spring or fall day.
Designer: Desert Blossom Crafts
Yarn Used: WeCrochet Chroma Fingering yarn
The Paige Cowl
Next is the Paige Cowl. This cowl is light, yet warm and cozy, and has a unique and elegant texture. The bobble and cross stitches subtly resemble X’s and O’s, which makes it perfect for Valentine’s Day!
Designer: Sunflower Cottage Crochet
Yarn Used: Women’s Institute Aran yarn
Everglade Cowl
Are you looking for a cozy cowl that you can make with worsted weight yarn? If so, this Everglade Cowl is for you! Thanks to the puff stitch, this cowl has a super neat textured look that features variegated yarn beautifully!
I love wearing this cowl with a dress to make the outfit a bit warmer. 🙂
Designer: Desert Blossom Crafts
Yarn Used: Malabrigo Rios
Elsa Cowl
Next up is the Elsa Cowl! This pattern is easy and features several different stitches from single crochets all the way to the treble stitch, which makes it great for practicing various stitches!
This cowl has an elegant zigzag design, as well as some extra height that gives it a unique, modern look. Of course, you can easily adjust the height and color scheme however you’d like to make it your own!
Designer: Blue Star Crochet
Yarn Used: Paintbox Yarns Simply Aran
Chain Mail Cowl
Last but not least, meet the Chain Mail Cowl! This chunky cowl is the perfect layering piece for those extra chilly days. This pattern is made using two strands at once of worsted weight yarn, so it’s extra thick. This cowl would make a great addition to your winter wardrobe or a gift for a loved one!
Designer: Banana Moon Studios
Yarn Used: Berroco Comfort
FAQs about crochet cowls
Before you go, take a look at some questions people usually ask when it comes to making crochet cowls!
How many skeins of yarn do I need for a cowl?
It really depends on the pattern, but most cowls only call for 1-2 skeins of yarn. A 3.5 ounce or larger is often enough yarn to complete a cowl—but if you’re making a bigger one, you may need more!
What is the best yarn for cowls?
Acrylic or wool are the best and most common yarn fibers for cowls. Wool is extra warm—just make sure you pick one that is soft and easy to care for (like a superwash wool!)
Acrylic, on the other hand, is always easy to care for, which is nice. It is durable too. Just make sure to pick a soft yarn. I’ve had some scratchy cowls before and those are not fun to wear!
How wide & long should a cowl be?
When talking about the width and length of cowls, let’s define our terms first.
The length of a cowl refers to the circumference. The width can also be thought of as the depth—the measurement across the short side of the cowl when laid out flat.
Now, the length of crochet cowls can range from 20″ to 40″. The width is generally between 10-20″. It really depends on your size and the style you’re going for.
How do you crochet a delicate cowl?
To make a more lightweight and delicate cowl, you’ll want to use a lightweight yarn. Fingering or sport weight are the most common! Also, make sure to choose a lacy stitch for extra drape.
Conclusion
Crochet cowls are an awesome project that work up quickly. They are sure to keep you in style, whether you need a lightweight cowl during the spring, or a chunky, warm cowl during the winter! I hope you found the perfect pattern to start next in this list.
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