Free easy cowl and infinity scarf knitting patterns that are perfect for beginner knitters. Most are knit flat, so if you'd rather have a scarf, just don't seam at the end. Updated 10/30/23
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These patterns are not my designs but links to other designers who have generously shared their patterns. If you have questions about how to knit a specific pattern, please contact the designer directly.
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Free Patterns
Basketweave Collar Cowl
Easy beginner cowl knit flat in one piece and then twisted before seaming to give it extra elegance. It features a 12 row repeat reversible basketweave texture of just knit and purl stitches. with a bottom half of wide ribbing and top half of 1x1 ribbing. Quick knit in Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Mary Maxim. May only be free for a limited time.
Garter Stitch Cowl
Easy cowl knit flat in garter stitch and seamed. Perfect for beginners according to designer. Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Patons.
Ribbed Collar Cowl
Easy buttoned cowl knit flat with a bottom half of wide ribbing and top half of 1x1 ribbing. The new technique for beginners might be that it is knit sideways back and forth on circular needles because of the number of stitches. Quick knit in Super Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Mary Maxim. May only be free for a limited time.
Urbana Cowl
Beginner level cowl knit flat with a 2 row repeat garter ridge texture and then seamed. Great showcase for self-striping cake yarn. Uses one skein of the recommended DK weight yarn. Designed by Bobbie Fitzgerald for Lion Brand. A kit is also available.
Triangle Cowl
Super simple bandana style cowl, knit flat as a scarf in 2 row repeat seed stitch, then stitched together to form a triangle front with decorative buttons. Just loop around your neck to wear. Great beginner project. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Sylvia McFadden.
Sea Wave Infinity Scarf
Striped long cowl that's great for beginners who want to try knitting lace. Knit flat in three colors of stripes with a 2 row repeat chevron lace with only one lace row, and then seamed. Can be worn long around the shoulders as well as looped around the neck. Fingering weight yarn. Designed by Amarela Stitch.
Glam Cowl
Easy neckwarmer cowl knit flat in stockinette and garter stitch that can be worn in a variety of ways. It does involve some increases and two bind-offs. Uses one skein 100g of Aran weight yarn. Designed by Petra Breakstone.
Trulia Cowl
Beginner level cowl knit flat with a 2 row repeat double moss texture and then seamed. Want a scarf instead? Just don't seam at the end. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Teresa Chorzepa for Lion Brand.
Big Garter Cowl
Easy cowl that's great for beginners who want to try knitting in the round. It's just knit and purl rounds with no shaping. Versatile cowl can be worn down around the shoulders as well as around the neck. Perfect for self-striping yarn. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Plymouth Yarn.
More Free Patterns
Shoulder Warmer Cowl
Easy beginner shoulder cozy cowl knit flat with a 1 row repeat and then seamed. Great project for beginners. Quick knit in Bulky weight yarn. F924 Viento Shoulder Warmer Cowl designed by Helen Gallagher for Plymouth Yarn.
Chatsworth Cowl
Striped and color blocked easy cowl knit flat with a 4 row repeat texture and then seamed. DK weight yarn. Designed by Teresa Chorzepa for Lion Brand.
Raphael Cowl
Chevron striped scarf knit flat in a 4 row repeat and joined. Basic increases and decreases are used. Gender neutral scarf suitable for men and women. Size 160cm/63in by 18cm/7in. Super Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Debbie Bliss.
Essential Knitted Cowl
Easy cowl knit flat with a 2 row repeat broken rib and then seamed. Great showcase for self-striping cake yarn. Size 26 cm, 10 in, deep by 80 cm, 31½ in, all round. Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Paintbox Yarns.
The 3 Rib Cowl
Easy beginner cowl knit with a 1 round repeat. Versatile cowl can be worn down around the shoulders as well as around the neck. Great project for beginners who want to try knitting in the round. Rated very easy by Ravelrers. Aran weight yarn. Designed by Debbie Seton.
1 Row Cowl
Super easy cowl knit flat with a 1 row repeat of just knit and purl stitches and then seamed to create a stylish look. Great project for beginners. Super Bulky weight yarn. Two Stitch Cowl Version 4 designed by Lion Brand.
Bird Seed Cowl
An easy 2 row beaded rib stitch pattern is perfect for showcasing self-striping or gradient yarn. Knit it flat and then sew the ends together to finish your cowl. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Marly Bird
Welted Rib Cowl
Beginner friendly easy cowl knit flat with a 3 row repeat and then seamed. Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Lion Brand. A kit is also available.
Beginner Ribbed Striped Cowl
Great first knitting in the round project for beginners! This cowl shoulder cozy is knit with a 1 round repeat rib with 2 rounds of each color or colorway. Knit in a tube with no decreasing or increasing. Using self striping yarn such as the recommended yarn makes the color changes easy. However, you can also use it for stashbusting with leftover yarn. Perfect for beginners according to designer. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Caron.
Patterns for Purchase
Gesha Shoulder Cape
Easy neckwarmer looks like it's knit flat in garter stitch and ribbing. Super bulky weight yarn. Designed by Grace Rose for WomanOnTheWater.
As You Like Cowl
Easy bandana style cowl knit with flat in what looks like garter stitch. Striped and designed to use up leftover yarn, it's a great stash buster. Designed by Kelene Kinnersly.
Ribbed Cowl Scarf
Easy buttoned cowl neckwarmer knit with just knit and purl stitches. Designed by Athena for HomeofYarns.
Rib Mesh Infinity Scarf
The buttoned cowl is quick to make and knitted on large needles with bulky or chunky yarn. This is a very easy pattern that has been specially written for beginner knitters. Designed by Matilda's Meadow.
Ascend Cowl
This infinity scarf is easy enough for the beginning lace knitter, according to the designer Robin Ulrich. Rated easy by most Ravelrers. Bulky weight yarn.
Ribbed Hugger Cowl
Easy versatile wrap that can be worn many ways knit in garter stitch and suitable for a beginner according to the designer. Quick knit in bulky weight yarn Designed by CharmedFibers
Convertible Rustic Neckwarmer, Shoulder Cozy, and Mini Poncho
Easy versatile 3 button scarf that can be worn many ways and suitable for a beginner according to the designer. Quick knit in super bulky weight yarn. Designed by KnitPlayLove.
Super Snood
Easy cowl is knit flat in a 2 row repeat. A quick cozy knit in bulky yarn.
