Free knitting patterns for hooded cowls, hooded scarves, balaclavas, and other hoods. Updated 2/17/25
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.
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Free Patterns
HeelHead Scarf
Hooded scarf knit flat in one piece with cables hood shaped with short rows for fit. Designed by Carissa Browning. Worsted weight yarn.
Warm Winter Hood
Balaclava with cowl knit in a garter ridge texture. Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Lee Meredith.
Perfect Hat
For a little more style, try this hybrid hat and hood created with a hat knit flat and then scarf knitted on. Aran weight yarn. Just want a hat? Don't add the scarf. Designed by Wool and the Gang.
Biophilia Cowl
Leaf patterns circle this tubular infinity scarf knit so the back is hidden. Large enough to be worn over the head as a hood. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Neisha Abdulla for Hobbii. A kit is also available.
Lila Cowl
Lace and cable cowl that can be worn as a hood. Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Rico Design
Hooded Neckwarmer
Hood with triangular front ribbed collar for warmth on the shoulders that also works well under a coat. Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Plymouth Yarn
Bashful Balaclava
Cozy close fitting hood with ribbed collar, ribbed border around face, and ridged texture on hood. Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Paintbox Yarns
Ribbed Cowl Hood F297
Cowl large enough to be pulled over your head when you need extra protection. Knit in a one round repeat rib. Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Plymouth Yarn
Super Fan Hooded Scarf
Knit in your favorite team or school colors, this two color scarf is knit flat sideways with garter stitch in two pieces and seamed. Designed by Tracey Rediker. Aran weight yarn.
Hooded Mock Collar
Garter stitch hood with ribbed collar cowl knit flat on two needles. Designed by Lana Gatto. DK weight yarn. This is part of an ebook and pattern is on page 15.
More Free Patterns
Bonnet Hood
One skein hood with ties knit flat and shaped with short rows. Uses one ball of the recommended Super Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Lion Brand. A kit is also available.
Dawn Hooded Cowl
A simple two round repeat creates a beautiful and interesting woven texture for this hood. Using super bulky yarn, the project works up super fast! Designed by Deja Joy. Super Bulky weight yarn. May only be free for a limited time.
Hooded Cowl
Cowl with hood with options for buttoned or circle. Knit in garter stitch and rib and cables. Child and Adult sizes. Chunky weight yarn. Elle 7599 designed by Saprotex International Design Studio.
Watercolors Garter Hooded Scarf
Scarf with pockets and hood knit mostly in garter stitch. Scarf and Hood are worked separately then sewn together. Great showcase for self-striping or gradient yarn. Designed by Lion Brand. Uses about 500 yards(450 meters)of Bulky weight yarn.
Natasha Hood
Quick hood knit in baskeweave and stockinette. Quick knit in Super Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Margaux Hufnagel for Berroco.
Aviator Hat
Hat with attached scarf at ears for extra warmth. The brim features an easy slipped-stitch trellis pattern, garter stitch provides definition, and the top is in stocking stitch. The scarf is in simple 2 x 2 rib. Designed by Wei S. Leong.
Jeansy Cowl
Reversible cowl knit in the round with a textured zigzag chevron stitch that's perfect for color-change cake or ombre yarn, as well as solid colors. 16 row repeat. Rated easy by Ravelrers. Long enough to be worn as a hood as well as a cowl. Fully reversible. Designed by Maria Socha. Aran weight yarn.
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.
Cowl Hood Warmer
Easy stretchy cowl knit in ribbing in the round and generously sized so you can pull it up to wear over your head. Designed by Kim Kotary for Red Heart. Worsted weight yarn.
Patterns for Purchase
Honey Wheat Hood
Hood knit with a diamond cable design. Quick knit in chunky weight yarn. Designed by MadeByDevrie
Cowltopus
Get kraken and knit this hooded cowl balaclava in brioche. Designed by NelkinDesigns
Montana Hooded Cowl
Unique layered construction incorporates a generous hood and two cowls, all knitted together, for extra coziness. The outer cowl lays smooth over shoulders and can be worn under a coat while the inner cowl can be pulled up high over your face or worn around your neck. Super bulky weight yarn. Designed by WomanOnTheWater
High Seas Balaclava
This elegant balaclava features a 4 row/round repeat faux cable stitch (no cable needle necessary!) and a drawstring hood. Quick knit in bulky weight yarn. Designed by Alexandra Tavel of Two of Wands. Kit is also available.
Riga Bonnet Hat
Hooded hat with Latvian Braid all over details and fun braided ties. DK weight yarn. Designed by Allyson Dykhuizen
