Cozy Up with a Free and Easy Knit Cowl Pattern

Though it’s hot and hazy now, soon the weather will turn cooler and the leaves will change. And there’s nothing quite like snuggling up in a cozy knit cowl. Now, thanks to our free and easy knit cowl pattern, you can make your own in no time!

Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or just starting out, this pattern is perfect for anyone looking to create a light and stylish accessory. With simple instructions and a modular design, you can customize your cowl to match any outfit or style. So grab your needles and your fingering weight favorite yarn, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate fall accessory. Cozy up with our free and easy knit cowl pattern today!

New! Tapered Modification For This Easy Knit Cowl Pattern

Our free easy knit cowl pattern is perfect for beginners and experienced knitters alike. And now, we’ve added a tapered modification that makes this cowl an even better fit. With the tapered design modification, you can create a cowl that’s narrower at the top and wider at the bottom. This adds a unique twist to the classic cowl design and makes it easy to wear and see the stylish pattern design.

To create a tapered cowl, you’ll follow the modified instructions for the side triangles in the downloadable PDF pattern (sign up below to receive a free copy). By the time you reach the end of your cowl, you’ll have a narrower opening that’s perfect for snuggling up against your neck.

Tips And Tricks For Choosing The Perfect Yarn

Since this easy knit cowl sits right up against your skin, you’ll want to take care choosing the right yarn.  Here are a few tips to help you choose the perfect yarn for your project:

– Consider the weight and texture of the yarn. Fingering weight yarn is perfect for this lightweight cowl, while thicker yarns will create a larger bulkier cowl and will not meet pattern specifications.

– Look for yarns that are soft and cozy against your skin. Merino wool, cashmere, and silk are all great options for a soft and warm cowl.

– Consider the color and style of the yarn. Do you want a solid color or a speckled or variegated yarn? Do you want a bright, bold color, a more muted tone, or a combination of the two?

– Look at the drape of the yarn. A yarn with more drape will puddle around your neck and the bandana section will hang well against your skin. A yarn will little-to-no drape, such as a highland wool or a high twist yarn, will stand up against your neck and the bandana will sit as a solid triangle against your chest.

By taking the time to choose the right yarn for your project, you can ensure that your easy knit cowl turns out just the way you want it to.

Knitting Brioche Basics For Beginners

If you’re new to knitting, you may be wondering what brioche knitting is and how it differs from other types of knitting. Brioche knitting is a technique that creates a thick, squishy fabric with a ribbed texture. It’s perfect for giving a pop to cozy accessories like this free and easy knit cowl pattern, and it’s surprisingly easy to learn.

To get started with brioche knitting, you’ll need to know the basics of knitting, purling, and slipping stitches. Once you’re comfortable with these stitches, you can move on to the brioche stitch. The brioche stitch is worked by knitting into both the stitch and the yarnover from the previous row. This creates a double-layered fabric that’s incredibly warm and soft.

If you’re unsure about how to get started with brioche knitting, there are plenty of online tutorials and instructional videos that can help. This video by 10 Rows a Day is one of my favorites! And once you’ve mastered the basics, you’ll be able to create beautiful and cozy accessories that are perfect for fall and winter.

Inspiration For Styling Your Knit Cowl

Once you’ve completed your knit cowl, you may be wondering how to style it. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to wear a cowl that are both stylish and practical. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

– Pair your cowl with a denim jacket and skinny jeans for a casual, laid-back look or mix it up with a pair of overalls.

– Wear your cowl with a sweater dress and ankle boots for a dressier outfit that’s perfect for a night out.

– Layer your cowl over a turtleneck sweater for a cozy and chic look.

– For warmer days, throw this lightweight cowl on over your favorite plain t-shirt.

Whatever your personal style, there’s a way to wear a knit cowl that’s perfect for you. And since our easy knit cowl pattern is so versatile, you can create a cowl that fits your unique style perfectly.

How To Care For Your Knit Cowl

To keep your free and easy knit cowl pattern looking its best, it’s important to care for it properly. Here are a few tips to help you keep your cowl in great condition:

– Hand wash your cowl in cool water using a mild wool wash, then lay it flat to dry.

– Avoid using fabric softeners or bleach, which can damage the fibers of your cowl.

– Store your cowl in a cool, dry place to prevent it from becoming musty or moldy.

– If your cowl becomes stained or soiled, try spot cleaning it.

By taking good care of your knit cowl, you can ensure that it will last for years to come and continue to be a cozy and stylish accessory that you’ll love to wear.

Details for This Free and Easy Knit Cowl Pattern

To create our free and easy knit cowl pattern, you’ll need the following materials:

Size

Finished Circumference: 27”/68.5 cm

Depth at Center Point: 14”/35.5 cm

Height at Back of Neck: 8.5”/21.5 cm

Yarn

MC – 235 yds/215 m CC – 190 yds/174 m

Suggested

Tapered Version – Asylum Fibers Merino Fingering (100% super wash merino) 438 yds/400 m, 100 g/3.5 oz – Creepy Graffiti (MC) & Siren Song (CC)

Needles & Notions

US 5/3.50 mm – 24”/60 cm (or needles needed to obtain gauge!)

Needle Note: I tend toward being a tight knitter, so go down one size or two sizes if you tend toward loose or looser knitting!

Stitch markers, tapestry needle

24 sts & 50 rows = 4”/10 cm in garter stitch, after blocking With just a few simple materials, you can create a beautiful and cozy knit cowl that you’ll love to wear all season long.

Stitch Glossary for the Free and Easy Knit Cowl Pattern

MC – main color

CC – contrast color

CO – cast on

st(s) – stitch(es)

pm – place marker

m – marker

sm – slip marker

k – knit

p – purl

k2tog – knit 2 sts together

ssk – slip 2 stitches knit wise, return the stitches to the left needle and knit them together through the back loop

Sl – slip stitch with yarn in back unless otherwise noted

wyif – with yarn in front – where to hold the yarn when slipping stitches

k3tog – knit 3 sts together

p3tog – purl 3 sts together

Brioche Abbreviations & Techniques

sl1yo – slip 1 yarn over – Wrap the yarn over over the top of the slipped stitch.

brk – brioche knit – Knit the slipped stitch together with its wrapped yarn over.

brp – brioche purl – Purl the slipped stitch together with its wrapped yarn over.

br4st dec – brioche 4-stitch decrease (worked over 5 sts) – Slip the first two stitches knit wise, place the 3rd stitch on a cable needle or stitch marker, knit the fourth stitch. Pass the second stitch over the knitted stitch. Return the knitted stitch to the left needle and pass the fifth stitch over. Return the knitted stitch to the right needle and pass the first stitch over. Return the 3rd stitch to the left hand needle and return the knitted stitch to the left hand needle. Pass the 3rd stitch over the knitted stitch. (Now is the time to pm on the right needle to mark the correct spot.) Return the knitted stitch to the right hand needle and pull tight. — I know it sounds like it’s a lot but it’s not too bad! See it in action on this YouTube video: How To: br4st dec (brioche 4 stitch decrease) by The Unapologetic Knitter.

brRsl dec – brioche right-slant decrease (two stitches decreased) – Slip 1 stitch knit wise and knit the second stitch. Pass the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch. Return the knitted stitch to the left hand needle and pass the next stitch over the knitted stitch. Return the stitch to the left hand needle. — See it in action on this YouTube video: How To: brRsl (brioche right slant decrease) by The Unapologetic Knitter.

brLsl dec – brioche right-slant decrease (two stitches decreased) – Slip 1 stitch knit wise. Knit the next two stitches together. Pass the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch.  See it on YouTube: How To: brLsl (brioche left slant decrease) by The Unapologetic Knitter.

To get the assembly schematic and full tapered instructions, sign up below to get the   premium PDF sent straight to your inbox… for FREE!

Easy Knit Cowl Pattern: Step-By-Step Instructions

Square #1

Brioche Border

With CC, CO 60 sts, pm, CO 61 sts – 121 sts. Attach MC.

Row 1, MC (WS): Sl1, * k1, sl1yo, rep from * to last 2 sts, k1, sl1.

Row 1, CC (WS): K1, * sl1yo, brp, rep from * to last 2 sts, sl1yo, k1.

Row 2, MC (RS): Sl1, * brp, sl1yo, rep from * to last 2 sts, brp, sl1.

Row 2, CC (RS): K1, * sl1yo, brk, rep from * to 3 sts before m, sl1yo, pm, br4st dec, * sl1yo, brk, rep from * to last 2 sts, sl1yo, k1 – 117 sts.

Row 3, MC: Sl1, * brk, sl1yo, rep from * to last 2 sts, brk, sl1.

Row 3, CC: K1, * sl1yo, brp, rep from * to last 2 sts, sl1yo, k1.

Row 4-7: Repeat Rows 2 & 3 two more times – 109 sts. Break CC.

Garter Dash – Section 1

Here and in all other Garter Dash sections, resolve all sl1yos with brks.

Row 8: K to 2 sts before m, ssk, sm, k1, k2tog, k to end – 107 sts.

Row 9: K across.

Rows 10-17: Repeat Rows 8 & 9 four more times – 99 sts.

Rows 18, CC: Attach CC. Sl2, * sl2, k3, rep from * to 2 sts before m, sl5, * k3, sl2, rep from * to last 2 sts, sl2.

Rows 19, CC: Sl2 wyif, * sl2 wyif, k3, rep from * to 2 sts before m, sl5 wyif, * k3, sl2 wyif, rep from * to last 2 sts, sl2 wyif. Break CC.

Row 20: K2, * k2, sl3, rep from * to 2 sts before m, ssk, sm, k1, k2tog, * sl3, k2, rep from * to last 2 sts, k2 – 97 sts.

Row 21: K2, * k2, sl3 wyif, rep from * to 1 st before m, k3, * sl3 wyif, k2, rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.

Rows 22-31: Repeat Rows 8 & 9 five times – 87 sts.

Brioche Stripe 1

Attach CC.

Row 32, CC (RS): K2, * sl1yo, k1, rep from * to last st, k1.

Row 32, MC (RS): Sl1, * sl1yo, brp, rep from * to last 2 sts, sl1yo, sl1.

Row 33, CC (WS): K1, * brp, sl1yo, rep from * to last 2 sts, brp, k1.

Row 33, MC (WS): Sl1, * sl1yo, brk, rep from * to last 2 sts, sl1yo, sl1.

Row 34, CC: K1, * brk, sl1yo, rep from * to 2 sts before m, pm, br4st dec, * sl1yo, brk, rep from * to last st, k1 – 83 sts.

Row 34, MC: Sl1, * sl1yo, brp, rep from * to last 2 sts, sl1yo, sl1.

Rows 35-36: Repeat Row 33 & Row 34, CC one additional time – 79 sts. Break CC.

Garter Dash – Section 2

Rows 37-60: Repeat Rows 8-31 one time – 57 sts.

Brioche Stripe 2

Attach CC.

Row 61, CC (RS): K1, * sl1yo, k1, rep from * across.

Row 61, MC (RS): Sl1, * brp, sl1yo, rep from * to last 2 sts, brp, sl1.

Row 62, CC (WS): K1, * sl1yo, brp, rep from * to last 2 sts, sl1yo, k1.

Row 62, MC (WS): Sl1, * brk, sl1yo, rep from * to last 2 sts, brk, sl1.

Row 63, CC: K1, * sl1yo, brk, rep from * to 3 sts before m, sl1yo, pm, br4st dec, * sl1yo, brk, rep from * to last 2 sts, sl1yo, k1 – 53 sts.

Row 63, MC: Sl1, * brp, sl1yo, rep from * to last 2 sts, brp, sl1.

Rows 64-65: Repeat Row 62 & Row 63, CC one additional time – 49 sts. Break CC.

Garter Dash – Section 3

Rows 66-89: Repeat Rows 8-31 one time – 27 sts.

Brioche Stripe 3

Attach CC.

Rows 90-93: Repeat Brioche Stripe 1 – 19 sts.

Garter Block

Rows 94-107: Repeat Rows 8 & 9 seven times – 5 sts.

Row 108: Ssk, k1, k2tog – 3 sts.

Row 109: K3.

Row 110: K3tog – 1 st.

Cut yarn and feed through the open loop.

If making the tapered version, download free PDF to continue.

 

Triangle #2

With MC, CO 60 sts, pm, CO 61 sts – 121 sts.

Garter Dash – 1

Row 1: K across.

Row 2: K1, k2tog, k to 2 sts before m, ssk, sm, k1, k2tog, k to last 3 sts, ssk, k1 – 117 sts.

Row 3: K across.

Rows 4-13: Repeat Rows 2 & 3 four more times – 101 sts.

Row 14, CC: Attach CC. Sl3, * sl2, k3, rep from * to 2 sts before m, sl5, * k3, sl2, rep from * to last 2 sts, sl3.

Row 15, CC: Sl3 wyif, * sl2 wyif, k3, rep from * to 2 sts before m, sl5 wyif, * k3, sl2 wyif, rep from * to last 2 sts, sl3 wyif. Break CC.

Row 16: K1, k2tog, k2 * sl3, k2, rep from * to 5 sts before m, sl3, ssk, sm, k1, k2tog, * sl3, k2, rep from * to last 3 sts, ssk, k1 – 97 sts.

Row 17: K2, * k2, sl3 wyif, rep from * to 1 st before m, k3, * sl3 wyif, k2, rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.

Rows 18-27: Repeat Rows 2 & 3 six times – 73 sts.

Brioche Stripe

Attach CC.

Row 28, CC (RS): K1, * sl1yo, k1, rep from * across.

Row 28, MC (RS): Sl1, * brp, sl1yo, rep from * to last 2 sts, brp, sl1.

Row 29, CC (WS): K1, * sl1yo, brp, rep from * to last 2 sts, sl1yo, k1.

Row 29, MC (WS): Sl1, * brk, sl1yo, rep from * to last 2 sts, brk, sl1.

Row 30, CC: K1, sl1yo, brRsl dec, * sl1yo, brk, rep from * to 3 sts before m, sl1yo, pm, br4st dec, sl1yo, * brk, sl1yo, rep from * to last 5 sts, brLsl dec, sl1yo, k1 – 65 sts.

Row 30, MC (RS): Sl1, * brp, sl1yo, rep from * to last 2 sts, brp, sl1.

Rows 31-32: Repeat Rows 29 & 30 one additional time – 57 sts. Break CC.

Garter Dash – 2

Rows 33-44: Repeat Rows 2 & 3 six times – 33 sts.

Rows 45, CC: Attach CC. Sl4, * sl2, k3, rep from * to 2 sts before m, sl5, * k3, sl2, rep from * to last 2 sts, sl4.

Row 46, CC: Sl4 wyif, * sl2 wyif, k3, rep from * to 2 sts before m, sl5 wyif, * k3, sl2 wyif, rep from * to last 2 sts, sl4 wyif. Break CC.

Row 47: K1, k2tog, k1 * k2, sl3, rep from * to 2 sts before m, ssk, sm, k1, k2tog, * sl3, k2, rep from * to last 4 sts, k1, ssk, k1- 29 sts.

Row 48: K3, * k2, sl3 wyif, rep from * to 1 st before m, k3, * sl3 wyif, k2, rep from * to last 2 sts, k3.

Row 49: Repeat Rows 2 & 3 four times – 13 sts.

Row 50: K across.

Row 51: K1, k2tog, k1, ssk, k1, k2tog, k1, ssk, k1 – 9 sts.

Row 52: K across.

Row 53: K2tog, ssk, k1, k2tog, ssk – 5 sts.

Row 54: K across.

Row 55: Ssk, k1, k2tog – 3 sts.

Row 56: P3tog – 1 st.

Cut yarn and feed through the open loop

Triangle #3

See schematic in free PDF for layout. Using CC, pickup 60 sts along the top left diagonal of Square 1, pm, pick up 61 sts along the right diagonal of Triangle 2 – 121 sts. 

Repeat Rows 1-60 of Triangle 2—flipping the colors. Cut yarn and feed through the open loop.

Triangle #4

See schematic for layout. Using CC, pickup 60 sts along the left diagonal of Triangle 2, pm, pick up 61 sts along the top right diagonal of Square 1 – 121 sts. 

Repeat Rows 1-60 of Triangle 2—flipping the colors. Cut yarn and feed through the open loop.

 

Top Band for Free and Easy Knit Cowl Pattern

Beginning at the back center, pick up 108 sts in CC. Pm, and join in the round. Attach MC.

Round 1, MC: * K1, sl1yo, rep from * around.

Round 2, CC: * Sl1yo, brp1, rep from around.

Round 3, MC: * Brk1, sl1yo, rep from * around.

Repeat Rounds 2 & 3 five more times. Break MC.

Round 4, CC: * K1, brp1, rep from * around.

BO using Sewn Bind Off or preferred loose bind off method.

Bottom Band for Free and Easy Knit Cowl Pattern

With MC, leaving at least a 12” tail, pick up 61 sts along the exposed edge of Triangle 2. Attach CC at the same point that the picked up sts began.

Row 1, CC (RS): * K1, sl1yo, rep from * to last st, k1.

Row 2, MC (WS): Sl1, * brk1, sl1yo, rep from * to last 2 sts, brk1, sl1.

Row 3, CC (WS): K1, * sl1yo, brp, rep from * to last 2 sts, sl1yo, k1.

Row 4, MC (RS): Sl1, * brp, sl1yo, rep from * to last 2 sts, brp, sl1.

Row 5, CC (RS): K1, sl1yo, brkyobrk, * sl1yo, brk, rep from * to 3 sts, brkyobrk, sl1yo, k1 – 65 sts.

Repeat Rows 2-5 two more times, and Row 2 one additional time – 73 sts. Break MC.

Row 6, CC (RS): K1, * k1, brp1, rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.

Using the CC tails at both ends of the bottom band, whip stitch the bottom band to the first six brioche stitches on Square #1.

Weave in ends & enjoy your free and easy knit cowl pattern!

If you share photos of your Nurture Knitwear projects, please be sure to tag me @nurtureknitwear and use the hashtags #nurtureknitwear and #neonroadcowl.

Other Free Knitting Patterns To Try

If you’re looking for more knitting inspiration, you can access several other free patterns when you sign up for my newsletter such as:  

– Arctic Waters – Easy Lace Shawl Knitting Pattern

– Midnight Frost – Easy Basic Knit Hat Pattern

– Desert Sage Sock – Quick and Easy Sock Pattern for Beginners

With so many free patterns available, you’ll never run out of knitting ideas.

Make & Share

Knitting is a fun and rewarding hobby that allows you to create beautiful and functional accessories that you can wear and enjoy. And with this unique free and easy knit cowl pattern, you can create a cozy and stylish accessory that’s perfect for fall and winter.

We hope that you’ve found this article helpful and informative. If you decide to try our knit cowl pattern, we encourage you to share your finished product on social media using the hashtag #neonroadcowl and tag me at @nurtureknitwear. I can’t wait to see what you create!