As the crisp winds of winter weave their way through the landscape, knitting enthusiasts and fashion-forward individuals alike turn their attention to the latest trend in handmade warmth – neckwarmers. These versatile accessories, crafted with love and creativity, serve as both functional shields against the chill and stylish additions to any winter wardrobe. In the realm of neckwarmer knitting patterns, two distinct styles, the gaiter and the dickey, emerge as popular choices, each offering a unique blend of comfort and fashion.

The gaiter, known for its tubular shape, sits snugly around the neck, providing extra warmth against biting winds during cold winter days. They are often long enough to be pulled up over the mouth and nose for added protection. Long before thin gaiters were worn when mask mandates were common, thicker versions of gaiters have been a fan favorite for folks who like to do outdoor winter activities like skiing and snowboarding. We have many such neckwarmer knitting patterns curated in our list today for the adventurous knitters out there! 

On the other hand, the dickey adds a touch of sophistication to attire for the colder months. There’s something decidedly elevated about the look of a dickey so it fits right in with fancier forms of dress. A dickey is like a cowl with extra fabric on the bottom that covers the shoulders. Some are split on the sides so as to sit flush with the front and back, while others are fully connected all the way around so they can completely surround your shoulders. If you want to feel cozy and look great doing it, then dickey style neckwarmer knitting patterns are the ones for you.

Regular scarves are prone to falling off and need to be adjusted often to sit nicely around the neck. Often a simple cowl is largely ornamental as they are just too loose fitting and low on the neck to offer much in the way of warmth during cold weather. So, now you see why these neckwarmer knitting patterns offer so much in the way of practical appeal! Whether you’re heading out for a brisk outdoor adventure, attending a social gathering, or simply seeking a stylish way to stay warm during daily commutes, neckwarmers are the perfect companions for various occasions. Scroll down and prepare to be inspired for your next knitting project!

Cozy Knit Dickey

A classic dickey is the perfect accessory to combine fashion and comfort. You get the look of a full turtleneck sweater when worn under a jacket or cardigan plus an extra layer of warmth without feeling too bulky. The designer used double strands of worsted weight yarn but you could also substitute a single strand of bulky weight yarn. This dickey is a quick knit using only knit and purl stitches and simple increases and decreases making it a great choice for beginner knitters.

Designer: Yarnique

Yarn: I Love This Yarn! (Worsted Weight #4)

Click here for the free knitting pattern!

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Loop Knallerbse

This extra long gaiter style neckwarmer has alternating sections of ribbing and stockinette. There is a generous section of ribbing on either end that forms an attractive ripple along the edges and there is a third section of ribbing right in the middle bookended by smooth stretches of stockinette on either side.

Designer: Petra Peinze
Yarn: Sternenstaub TwistyStar 4fach (Fingering Weight #1)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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The Cooler Side of Warm

Classic black goes well with everything and it’s certainly a fitting color choice for this versatile garment. A long tube-like gaiter style neck sits atop a wide cowl with a split hem that sits down around the shoulders like a dickey. I think it’s safe to say that you get the best of both worlds when it comes to this 1×1 rib and stockinette stitch design!

Designer: Espace Tricot
Yarn: WOOLFOLK FÅR (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Darkside Cowl

A lightly variegated yarn in stunning shades of blue really highlights the attractive textures of the rib and welt stitch in this close fitting cowl design. It sits closely against the neck for extra coziness but the ribbing in the stitch pattern keeps it stretchy enough to get on and off comfortably. You can add a few extra rows to the pattern if you’d like the option of covering your nose and mouth.

Designer: Nibbling Along
Yarn: Sundara Yarn Aran Silky Merino (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Neck Warmer

If you think neckwarmer knitting patterns are just for the ladies, then think again. These fuss free accessories are also perfect for the lads in your life. This unique design uses the 2×2 rib stitch with slanted increases to create the flared edge that sits down nicely around the very tops of the shoulders.

Designer: Needle Beetle
Yarn: Louet Gems Sport Weight (Sport Weight #2)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Structured Alpaca Cowl

This next design is part gaiter, part dickey, and all cozy! It also happens to be part rib stitch and part stockinette stitch. The varying textures of the two stitches contrast the front and back of the cowl nicely. An extra flap on the front of the cowl extends a little farther downward so it can sit nicely underneath a jacket.

Designer: Purl Soho
Yarn: Purl Soho Alpaca Pure (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Cocktail Umbrella Cowl

Super bulky weight yarn makes short work of this unique flared cowl design. A bright variegated yarn in cheery shades of pink makes the namesake for this design a perfect fit. All over ribbing is a great way to infuse some easy texture into your winter accessories without sacrificing on stretchiness. Plus, rib stitch in such a thick yarn is so satisfyingly squishy!

Designer: Manos del Uruguay
Yarn: Manos del Uruguay Franca (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Bridger Cowl

Who says that neckwarmer knitting patterns can’t be both cozy and feminine? You’re sure to feel as pretty as a princess when you don this lovely lace accessory. The pattern calls for knit and purl stitches along with knit 2 togethers and yarn overs. I love the way that the front tapers down to a point like a bandana cowl.

Designer: Kriskrafter Cowl
Yarn: Worsted Weight #4
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Motorcyclist’s Neckwarmer

Wearing a regular scarf while riding a motorcycle sounds like an accident waiting to happen! Keep your loved ones safe and snug with a handy dandy neckwarmer. This stretchy ribbed design can be folded over as shown to resemble a turtleneck or pulled up over the face for some extra protection against the harsh elements of winter.

Designer: Wolfberry Knits
Yarn: Worsted Weight #4
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Lumi Neckwarmer

Somewhere between a chic short poncho and a dickey style neckwarmer, whatever you decide to call this accessory you have to call it cute! The stranded colorwork in this design is simply stunning and the frosty blue and white color palette perfectly encapsulates the magic of winter. You can knit this one up in stockinette and rib stitches.

Designer: Yarnsmiths
Yarn: YarnSmiths (UK) Create Chunky (Bulky Weight #5)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Hooded Neckwarmer

There are a lot of neckwarmer knitting patterns out there but this is the only hooded one that I happened upon. I love an accessory with a hood so I was instantly enchanted by this whimsical design. The columns of cables running up from the bottom edge segue smoothly into the sea of stockinette stitch at the top.

Designer: Plymouth Yarn Design Studio
Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Baby Alpaca Grande (Bulky Weight #5)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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The Cozy Neckwarmer

A piece that’s knit flat in garter stitch might not sound super interesting but the unique shape of this neckwarmer is sure to keep you on your toes. This is such a fun piece to watch unfurl on your needles, especially if you are using a fun variegated yarn like the one shown.

Designer: Coffee Tea Knits
Yarn: Lion Brand Comfy Cotton Blend (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Winter Trifecta Neckwarmer

Why stop at a neckwarmer when you can make a whole set of warm winter wearables? This trifecta of a neckwarmer, beanie, and arm warmers will have you snug as a bug in a rug. Everything is made with easy rib stitch except for the smooth stretch of stockinette across the neckwarmer. This is a great set for beginners, made even easier by the fact that it calls for nice thick yarn.

Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Snow (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Boxing Bears

Like a warm hug for your neck, this next neckwarmer offers generous coverage without feeling like it’s so tight that it’s suffocating you. Knit and purl stitches form an easy checkerboard design with lovely texture. It works up surprisingly quickly with a nice bulky weight yarn but the result doesn’t look bulky.

Designer: Deb Hoss Knits
Yarn: BC Garn Semilla Grosso GOTS (Bulky Weight #5)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Pasvik Neckwarmer

Here we see a gaiter style neckwarmer in its natural habitat – on the neck of a skiier on top of a snow covered mountain. This photo is a whole vibe and that slightly fuzzy neckwarmer looks so soft! The pattern is knit double stranded in the round using stockinette stitch along with rib stitch on either ends.

Designer: Sisu Knitwear
Yarn: Sandnes Garn Børstet Alpakka (Bulky Weight #5)
Sandnes Garn Kos (Bulky Weight #5)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Knit Stockinette Bandana Cowl

A lot of bandana cowls are all style and no substance since they sit too low on the neck to offer much in the way of real warmth. This particular design offers enough length up top with just enough structure to keep it supported. With just stockinette and garter stitch, it’s a beautiful and beginner-friendly project.

Designer: Ashley Lillis
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick Solids (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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The Simplest Neck Warmer

If you can knit a dishcloth then you make this cozy neckwarmer. Two rectangular pieces of knit ribbing are partially sewn together along two sides. It really is as simple as that! Add to that the fact that the recommended yarn is a nice thick bulky weight, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for a really relaxing project.

Designer: Gepard Garn
Yarn: Gepard Garn Puno (Bulky Weight #5)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Halsey

If you are looking at all of these beautiful neckwarmer knitting patterns and wondering how badly putting one on would mess up your head, then this might be the one for you. A toggle style button closure makes this accessory a cinch to put on and take off without undoing all the hard work you did on your hair. The pretty stitch pattern is honeycomb brioche.

Designer: Annete Caughman Designs
Yarn: Ewethful Fiber Farm & Mill Romney Wool (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Cozy Ribbed Neckwarmer

This next design is a little bit gaiter style and a little bit dickey style. You’ll get plenty of practice with your knits and purl stitches as you work both in rows and in the round. The yarn you choose to work with is going to make a big difference here as the pattern is fairly basic, so be sure to treat yourself to something soft and warm.

Designer: Handknit Yarn Studio
Yarn: Lang Yarns Luna (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Golden Fields Neckwarmer

As a person who overheats fairly quickly, I appreciate a little lacework, even in my winter accessories, so that the piece is more breathable and not stuffy. This beautiful horseshoe lace long cowl design is right up my alley and I hope that some of you readers will fall in love with this stunning lace piece too! 

Designer: LSSLusciousKnits
Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Washted (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Walnut Bark Cowl

Multiple kinds of cables add tons of texture and interest to the next one of our free neckwarmer knitting patterns. This lightweight design uses a thinner weight yarn to keep it from being too stiff. It’s a perfect project for more experienced knitters who are looking for a design that can really keep their interest.

Designer: Sidispinnt
Yarn: Sidispinnt Merino DK Hightwist (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Swilly

Gorgeous cables of multiple kinds run down the length of this stunning split hem knitted cowl. The tube part of this attractive cowl is long enough to comfortably fold back in on itself as shown. This gives you an extra layer of protection and it also adds more structure so the cowl will stand up instead of slouching down. 

Designer: Jancacha’s Designs
Yarn: Rohrspatz & Wollmeise Merino DK (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Songbird Neckwarmer

Show off your knitting skills a little bit with this pretty three color neckwarmer. If you have been wanting to try fair isle colorwork, then this would be a great pattern to start with because you are only working with two colors at a time. Easy rib and stockinette stitches keep things simple so you can focus on changing colors.

Designer: Colorfully Handmade
Yarn: Quince & Co. Lark (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Seattle Neck Warmer

You’ll feel like a true pacific northwest native in this bandana style neckwarmer. Unlike an actual bandana, the neckwarmer doesn’t tie in the back. It is just a tube that is fully connected at the back. This pattern keeps it classic with stockinette stich accented on the edges with lovely textured seed stitch. You start from the top and work your way down starting in the round using circular needles and ending working in rows.

Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Karisma (DK Weight Yarn #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Cozy Cable Cowl

You can keep your neck warm and your shoulders too with this voluminous cabled and cozy cowl. Super bulky yarn gives this piece tons of squishy texture and it really helps define those jumbo sized cables. This is a statement piece if I’ve ever seen one before and it’s a great way to stand out in the crowd. 

Designer: Purl Soho
Yarn: Purl Soho Lanecardate Feltro (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Click here for the free pattern!
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Thuja

Be the most mysterious woman in the room with this enchanting neckwarmer. This chunky knit cowl is tapered at the neck and it widens at the bottom to easily encompass the shoulders. It’s like the more sophisticated sister of a short poncho. The simple stockinette stitch design is bordered on either side with 5×5 ribbing. 

Designer: Caitlyn French
Yarn: Bulky Weight #5
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Final Thoughts on Neckwarmer Knitting Patterns

Ok let’s wrap this up so y’all can start working on wrapping up your necks. Whether you prefer the snug embrace of a gaiter or the timeless charm of a dickey, you’re in for a real treat when you cast on one of these neckwarmer knitting patterns! 

Don’t forget, sharing is caring! Send this free knitting pattern round-up to all your knitting friends so they can join in on the fun too! Bookmark this blog post or save the link to your Pinterest board for amazing knitting patterns. 

I’ll see you next week for another free knitting pattern round-up. Make sure to follow the blog so you never miss a post. <3

Happy Knitting!