Knitting patterns for cowls that button for easy and versatile accessorizing. Many of the patterns are free. Updated 3/25/23
To get the knitting patterns, scroll down the page to the individual pattern you want and click on the link to that pattern.
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.
All links on this site are for informational purposes, but please note that some links are to affiliate sellers that pay me a small commission on purchases.
Free Patterns
Daisies in Pearl
Stylish, buttoned neck warmer cowl with a cabled center panel, bordered with daisy and garter stitches. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Nidhi Kansal.
Mustard Scarf
Short scarf featuring 4 row repeat open work and a button closure to form a cowl. Rated easy by Ravelrers. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Jane Richmond.
A Mermaid's Tale
Buttoned bandana shaped cowl knit with a 12 row repeat slipped stitch that's a great showcase for variegated yarn. Fingering weight yarn. Designed by Elizabeth Finn.
Rib Lace Scarf/Cowl
Buttoned cowl knit with an 8 row repeat. Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Fiona Morris.
Promenade Cowl
Buttoned cowl with 4 row repeat cables. Uses one skein 75 - 80 yards (69 - 73 m) of Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Mimi Codd. Pictured projects by designer and gurmanfravor
Nienna Cowl
Buttoned cowl with reversible oversized cables. Quick knit in Super Bulky weight yarn. Col Nienna designed by Aurelie Lagneau. Available in English and French
Super Simple Bulky Brioche Crossover
Versatile buttoned cowl knit with a 2 row repeat brioche stitch. Includes video tutorials. Uses one skein 100 - 109 yards (91 - 100 m) of Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Natalia Elam.
Braveheart Neckwarmer
Buttoned cowl with celtic cables. Aran weight yarn. Designed by Sharon Dawson (MissyIrwing).
Button-Up Neck Warmer
Easy buttoned cowl knit with a 4 row repeat slipped stitch texture. 2 Sizes. The pattern adapts readily to any gauge. Rated easy by Ravelrers. The pictured cowls used one skein 85 to 110 yards of handspun yarn. Designed by Mavis Adam.
Herringbone Cowl
Buttoned cowl neckwarmer knit with a 6 row repeat herringbone stitch. Uses less than one skein 80 - 90 yards (73 - 82 m) of Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Amber Bertram.
Grey Owl Cowl
Easy super chunky cowl that can be worn several ways. It has five toggles and no buttonholes so that it can be fastened as a shawl, cowl, hood, or cape. Knit with seed stitch, ribbing, and cables. Rated easy by Ravelrers. Super Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Juju Vail for Loop London.
Cocoon Maxi Scarf Cowl
2 row repeat scarf that transforms into a statement cowl with a button. Bulky weight yarn. Size 40cm x 110cm. Designed by Manuela Cecchetti for Knitting Therapy. Available in English and Italian
More Free Patterns
Celtic Cable Neck Warmer
This neck wrap by Lindsay Hendricks features an allover cable pattern. Pictured project by rebby
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get worsted weight yarn for this pattern on Etsy
- Shop for handmade buttons on Etsy
Snowfall Cowl
Buttoned neckwarmer cowl knit flat with a a 10 row repeat lace pattern that is 8 rows of knit stitch and 2 lace rows. Rated very easy by Ravelrers. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Heather Walpole for Ewe Ewe Yarns.
Woven Cowl
Buttoned scarf knit flat with a knit and purl woven texture. Rated very easy by Ravelrers. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Monique Gascon. Available in English and French
Tangled Lines Cowl
Buttoned scarf knit flat with a 12 row repeat cross stitch openwork that showcases hand-dyed yarn. Uses one skein 225 yds of DK weight yarn. Designed by Vanessa Ewing
Double Ruffle Cowl
Versatile neckwarmer collar is a knitted rectangle with a deep ruffle on each side and a central portion of rib. It is knitted in one piece and can be worn standing up like a ruff or folded over into layers. Great showcase for gradient and ombre yarn. Fingering weight yarn. Designed by Frankie Brown. Available in English and Danish
Button Cable Cowl
The cowl is worked back and forth, on straight needles, a combination of wide cable bordered by garter stitch. There are 4 buttonholes at one end of the strip. Aran weight yarn. Designed by Elaine Phillips.
Side Line Cowl or Scarf
Easy buttoned cowl or scarf knit in a 2 row repeat garter rib. Rated very easy by Ravelrers. Quick knit in super bulky weight yarn. Designed by Fifty Four Ten Studio.
Dragon Fire Cowl
Easy buttoned cowl knit in garter stitch with a 10 row repeat decorative edge inspired by dragon scales. Rated easy by Ravelrers. Quick knit in super bulky weight yarn. Designed by Wiam's Crafts.
Kell Cowl
Easy buttoned cowl knit flat in a 2 row repeat texture. Leave the cowl half way buttoned for a dramatic collar or button it all the way up to beat the cold weather in style. Aran weight yarn. Designed by Berroco Design Team.
Trilobite Cowl
Reversible buttoned cowl that can also be worn as a scarf knit flat with cables and textured stitches. Aran weight yarn. Designed by Agata Smektala.
Strawberry Jam Neck Wrap
Designed by Janet Dickerson, this neckwarmer is knit with a simple five row stitch sequence including a pretty eyelet row and no purling whatsoever! It’s a quick knit in super bulky yarn. I will say that you might want to use a larger needle than suggested.
Yellow Brick Road
This versatile neck wrap and cowl can be worn many different ways.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get worsted weight yarn for this pattern on Etsy
- Shop for handmade buttons on Etsy
Buttoned Wrap Scarf
Cowl knit in 2 row repeat garter rib. Rated easy by Ravelrers. Designed by Bernat Design Studio. Bulky weight yarn. Pictured project by kniftymama
Patterns for Purchase
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.
Button Cowl Scarf
Easy cowl knit flat with buttons to create a neck warmer. Designed by lanadearg. Worsted weight yarn.
Button Cowl Scarf
Cabled cowl knit flat with buttons to create a neck warmer. Designed by lanadearg. Bulky weight yarn.
Feather Lace Buttoned Wrap Cowl
Buttoned cowl neckwarmer knit flat with a Feather Lace stitch that's quite simple, but looks quite intricate. Designed by TheKnitKnot. Worsted weight yarn.
Cabled Neck Warmer Scarf
Cabled cowl knit flat with buttons to create a neck warmer. Designed by ShiFio's Patterns. Aran weight yarn.
Cowl Collar
Buttoned cowl capelet shoulder cozy with a foldable collar that can be worn many ways. Designed by knitcrochethome. Aran weight yarn.
Cabled Neck Warmer
NO LONGER FREE! Sorry, I didn't realize this was only free for a limited time. Buttoned cowl knit flat with a large cowl on stockinette. Quick knit in super bulky weight yarn. Designed by Wendy.
Hannah Scarf
Buttoned scarf knit with an elaborate cable design, a loop fringe and icord cast on, bind off and side to create an elegant and chic scarf. Designed by BiggerthanlifeKnits. Aran weight yarn.
Cabled Neckwarmer
Buttoned scarf creates a stunning cabled cowl that's easy to put on and quick to knit for last minute gifts. Designed by Noma Ndlovu for Bigger Than Life Knits. Chunky weight yarn.
Honey Waffle Cowl
Elegant neckwarmer features a shawl collar and textured button front. Designed by Lilia Vanini. Worsted weight yarn.
Asterisque Cowl Knit Pattern
Chunky and elegant, this cowl can be worn a number of ways and can easily be stitched in a short amount of time.
Alice Cowl
This versatile neckwarmer scarf-style cowl features cables and texture and can be worn many different ways.
Quilted Lattice Ascot
A dressy scarf becomes a neck wrap in this quick knit.
Two Texture Neckwarmer
I love the mix of mock cables and basketweave stitches in this buttoned scarf cowl. Two different length options.
