I love a good cowl pattern, don’t you? They’re quicker to make than a traditional scarf and they take up less yarn too. Besides, if you think about it, most of the surface area on a scarf is pretty useless. You really only need the bit that sits snug around your neck.
So how do you crochet a cowl anyway? Well it’s really just a tube. Some free crochet cowl patterns will have you make a rectangle and then sew the ends together to form the tube. Although some patterns will skip the sewing step and substitute buttons or a shawl pin instead. Other patterns will have you join your starting chain to work in the round and build your tube up from there.
As you can see, it’s really not all that hard to crochet a cowl! And because it’s such a basic formula, there’s a lot of room for embellishments. You can experiment with all sorts of different free crochet cowl patterns depending on your preference. We’ve got quick-crochet chunky cowls, stylish slender cowls, smooth and sleek cowls, textured cowls, bandana style cowls, hooded cowls, and everything in between!
So if you are looking for easy cowls suitable for beginners or if you are in the market for a skill-builder cowl pattern that’s a little more challenging, then worry not. We’ve got a little something for everyone in this curated list! So what are you waiting for? Scroll down and see all of these gorgeous free crochet cowl patterns for yourself!
Crochet Cowls from Love.Life.Yarn
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25+ Cute and Cozy Crochet Cowl Patterns
1. Mirror Image Cowl
While a lot of patterns that call for colorwork focus on crisp, clean color changes, this is not one of them. The soft eyelash yarn gives this geometric design a soft haziness that’s a perfect representation of a reflection in a mirror. The pattern is crocheted in the round and there’s also a knit version.
Designer: Ashley Jane McIntyre
Yarn: Universal Yarn Minou (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free crochet cowl pattern!
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2. Monstera Crochet Cowl
I’ve been seeing monstera leaves everywhere lately, but I’m not tired of them yet! These popular plants are eye-catching and easy to identify. That makes them a great choice for a tapestry crochet. You can show off your love of plants with this pattern that’s crocheted in the round using one solid color yarn and one with gorgeous gradients of green and purple.
Designer: Briana K Designs
Yarn: Knit Picks Chroma Fingering (Fingering Weight #1)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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3. Crystal Twisted Cowl
Have you ever wondered how people get those effortless and stylish twists in their free crochet cowl patterns? I’ll let you in on a little secret…it’s with the moebius technique! All you have to do is deliberately put a twist into your starting chain before joining in the round. Try it out with this easy pattern that alternates rows of plain and extended single crochet stitches.
Designer: Christineify
Yarn: Caron Crystal Cakes (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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4. Cotswold Cowl
This beautiful cowl is right up my alley! I love the ones that are bulky and close fitting, because they’re just so gosh darn cozy for winter. Even better, this free crochet pattern is made with bulky weight yarn so it should be super quick to whip up! The pattern is crocheted flat in moss stitch and then seamed to form a circle.
Designer: Whistle and Wool
Yarn: Lion Brand Hue + Me (Bulky Weight #5)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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5. Celestine Cowl
Here’s another moebius style design for you to check out! The unique construction makes the color changes of the yarn show up in new and interesting ways. You’ll find that the pattern is actually really easy since all you have to do is alternate between single and double crochet stitches.
Designer: The Stitchin’ Mommy
Yarn: Caron Cakes (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet cowl pattern!
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6. Sparkly Shell Cowl
You can really highlight the lacework in a design by using a larger hook than you normally would. This pattern calls for a dk weight yarn and a 5 mm hook and it really makes the delicate lacework of the shell stitches pop. There are actually 2 free crochet cowl patterns on this page, just scroll down to see this second one.
Designer: Poppytoft
Yarn: Knitting Essentials Sparkle (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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7. Gulls and Slips Cowl
Sometimes I hear crocheters say that they wish they could knit. But crocheting something that looks like knit is the next best thing, right? The Gulls and Slips Cowl is designed to resemble the gulls and garter knit stitch. The pattern involves yarn floats and the waistcoat stitch. The result is really something special!
Designer: Mandobug
Yarn: Lion Brand Basic Stitch Anti-Pilling (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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8. Granny Chevron Cowl
This colorful cowl design starts out as individual granny triangles that are then joined together to form a circle. The edging along the top and bottom is added at the end using post stitches. The recommended yarn is on the thicker side of DK, so you might be able to get away with using a worsted weight yarn instead. Just check your gauge!
Designer: Raffamussa Designs
Yarn: Katia Arles Merino DK (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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9. Ombre Granny Cowl
I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of granny squares, especially when crochet designers are always adding their own twist to them! This easy crochet cowl pattern consists of individual granny square motifs that are then sewn together to form a circle. Each square uses 3 shades of green for a gorgeous ombre look.
Designer: Left in Knots
Yarn: Lion Brand Hue + Me (Bulky Weight #5)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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10. East Wind Cowl
One benefit of working with bulky weight yarn (besides finishing your project faster) is that the added bulk provides structure and stiffness. This is a definite plus for free crochet cowl patterns, because it helps them stand up nicely as you can see in the picture. This design calls for herringbone half double crochet worked in rows.
Designer: I Crochet So Hard
Yarn: Lion Brand Hue + Me (Bulky Weight #5)
Click here for the free crochet cowl pattern!
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11. Snow Flurries Cowl
Here’s a neat trick for you: hold a thin strand of glitter together with your regular working yarn to add a touch of sparkle to your finished project. It is such an easy technique but it delivers fantastic results (that, unfortunately, don’t photograph well. So you’ll have to see the sparkle for yourself!) You can make this chunky crochet cowl with just single and double crochet stitches.
Designer: Fiber Flux
Yarn: Hobbii Diablo Glitter (Lace Weight #0) and
Hobbii Fluffy Day XL (Bulky Yarn #5)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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12. Misty Hollow Cowl
Stand out from the crowd with the Misty Hollow Cowl. The design features eye-catching pom pom ties and 3 distinct stitch patterns: Hdc in the 3rd loop for texture, granite stitch (aka moss stitch) for the main part, and split shells for a touch of lace. You’ll be crocheting in the round for this one.
Designer: Kirsten Holloway Designs
Yarn: Bernat Baby Sport Solids & Marls (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free pattern!
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13. Into the Woods Cowl
And just in case you audibly gasped at the sight of the pom pom ties on the last design (like I did), here’s another one to get you excited! The Into the Woods Cowl couples granny stripes with a 70s color scheme for all the vintage vibes you could ever want (with a chic and modern twist).
Designer: Evelyn and Peter Crochet
Yarn: Lion Brand Yarn Basic Stitch Anti-Pilling (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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14. Peaceful Plaid Cowl
If I could only wear one pattern for the rest of my life, then I would probably pick plaid (or polka dots). That’s because plaid is a timeless design that always lends a signature sophistication. You can see that sophistication in spades here in the Peaceful Plaid Cowl. It’s crocheted using the filet crochet technique in rows. Surface crochet stitches are added on at the end.
Designer: Alla Koval
Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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15. Men’s Convertible Hat and Cowl
Red and black is a classic color combination that your man is sure to love. The finished cowl easily converts into a slouchy hat with the drawstring tie that’s threaded along the top. The video tutorial and written pattern calls for half double crochet stitch and double crochet stitches along with popcorn stitches.
Designer: Littlejohn’s Yarn
Yarn: Knit Picks Mighty Stitch Bulky (Bulky Weight #5)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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16. The Eunoia Cowl
I really can’t get enough of these moebius style cowls. I just love how you can make the most impressive looking cowls with just basic crochet stitches (in this case: single and double crochet stitches). Finish it off with a half double crochet ribbing for a polished finish and you won’t be disappointed!
Designer: The Loophole Fox
Yarn: Knit Picks Swish Bulky (Bulky Weight #5)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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17. Sierra Cowl
Hands down, the easiest way to create any of these free crochet cowl patterns using multiple colors is to use a color changing yarn. There’s less ends to weave in and you don’t have to second guess yourself about if the colors match or not! The Sierra Cowl calls for single, extended single and half double crochet stitches along with bean stitches.
Designer: First the Coffee
Yarn: Red Heart Unforgettable (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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18. Seashell Cowl
If it doesn’t get very cold where you live, then you are probably looking for a crochet cowl that’s more cute than cozy. The Seashell Cowl has a loose and relaxed fit with excellent drape thanks to the thin weight of the yarn used. The design is crocheted in the round using post and puff stitches.
Designer: Cerulean Orchid
Yarn: Zombie Yarns Gutsy Fingering (Fingering Weight #1)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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19. Snickerdoodle Cowl
The next one of our free crochet cowl patterns is making me hungry! The Snickerdoodle Cowl is characterized by its signature bandana style and its distinctive stitch pattern. It calls for single crochet V-stitches (aka spider stitch) worked in rows. Keep it together with a shawl pin as shown, or opt for buttons instead.
Designer: Simply Hooked by Janet
Yarn: Knit Picks Tuff Puff (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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20. Follow Your Path Cowl
The Follow Your Path cowl is crocheted widthwise and then joined together with 3 attractive buttons. But if you just can’t seem to stop crocheting the lovely arrow lace stitches and single crochet spike stitches, then you can continue growing your work until it’s a suitable length for a regular scarf.
Designer: Gootie
Yarn: Knit Picks Paragon (Sport Weight #3)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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21. Misty Morning Mosaic Cowl
Where are my tunisian crochet fans at? Have you tried tunsian crochet in the round yet? I must confess that I haven’t tried it myself, because it looks very intimidating. You need a double ended crochet hook and you have to switch between two strands of yarn. The end result is totally worth it though!
Designer: Brooke Byars
Yarn: Knit Picks Chroma (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free pattern!
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22. Cowl Scarlett
The colorblock style is so easy to pull off and it’s perfect for using up bits of yarn leftover from other projects. Try it out with the Cowl Scarlett. It features a rich red color that’s accented by a muted mauve color. The pattern uses the trinity stitch in the round (they’re sort of like single crochet clusters).
Designer: Nordic Hook
Yarn: (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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23. Claire’s Cowl Outlander
Let’s get back to the bold and bulky cowls with this stunning little number inspired by Outlander. This cowl is big on cuteness and short on difficulty. You only need to know how to crochet the single, half double and double crochet stitches. You’ll also need to know how to work in rows. See? Easy!
Designer: Handy Little Me
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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24. Polka Dot Puffs Cowl
I could happily wear polka dots everyday for the rest of my life. They’re just so fun and happy go lucky! And the best part is that you can create these attractive dots using only one color in each row. The pattern calls for regular half double crochet stitches and half double crochet stitches worked into the 3rd loops along with puff stitches.
Designer: Salty Pearl Crochet
Yarn: Knit Picks Swish Worsted (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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25. Woven Cowl
This beginner-friendly cowl pattern uses only one skein of super bulky weight yarn. The thickness of the yarn makes it easy to see your stitches, and you only need to know the basic ones: single and half double crochet. The decorative pointed end is just a bit of super basic weaving.
Designer: Winding Road Crochet
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Click here for the free pattern!
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Are you going crazy for cowls yet? I’ll admit that it was hard to complete this article when all I really wanted to do was reach for my crochet hook! I’m so curious which of these free crochet cowl patterns was your favorite? Tell me all about it in the comments below!
I look forward to seeing you all again next week for another free crochet pattern round-up. I hope that you all have as much fun reading these posts as I do writing them! Do make sure and click follow so you can get notified when the next post is live.
Wait, one more thing! Don’t forget to save this page to your Pinterest board for crochet or add a bookmark in your browser. This is one free crochet pattern round-up that you will definitely be using again and again.
Happy Crocheting!
Amanda
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