Call them neck wraps, scarves that button, or close fitting cowls, I love these knitting patterns because they keep my neck warm but fasten and unfasten so I don’t have to muss my hair by pulling them over my head. Many of the patterns are free. Updated 2/4/23
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.
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Free Patterns
Buttoned Striped Scarf
Circular scarf shaped with short rows to curve around the neck and knit with a striking striped pattern. Rated easy by Ravelrers. Designed by Lion Brand Yarn as Short Row Scarf. DK weight yarn. Pictured project by Wavemaid
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
Dissymmetry Neckwarmer
Buttoned cowl knit in garter stitch on the bias can be worn several different ways. Great for beginners, acoording to the designer Elizabeth Sullivan. Rated easy by Ravelrers. Bulky weight yarn.
Ups and Down Cowl
This cabled neckwarmer is worked flat and fastened with buttons. Designed by Jean Guirguis
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
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
Purlieu
This neck wrap by Myrrhia Resneck is knit with a wide fan on one end that tucks into the loop on the other end — no buttons! The pictured project is knit in novelty yarn.
Beginnings
This easy and versatile design by Erron Anderson can be worn many different ways and is knit in garter stitch and dressed up with buttons. A great quick project for beginners.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get Aran weight yarn for this pattern on Etsy
- Shop for handmade buttons on Etsy
Kink
Jodie Gordon Lucas designed this lace edged cowl, named for the pattern’s forgiving nature for less than perfect yarn.
More Free Patterns
Herringbone Neckwarmer
Designed by Breean Elyse, this neckwarmer is a quick knit in super bulky yarn dressed up with giant buttons. Pictured project by IvarOlan
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the yarn used for the pictured project on Etsy
- Get giant buttons to dress up this pattern on Etsy
Button Up Neck Warmer
Linda Cyr designed this neck wrap that looks great in multi color yarn.
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.
Elisabethan Style Neck Warmer
Grace Karen Burns designed this ruffled neck wrap. There is an English version option when you click download.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get Aran weight yarn for this pattern on Etsy
- Shop for handmade buttons on Etsy
Anthro-inspired Scarflet
Kim Selo designed this keyhole style neckwarmer. Pictured project by sugaroni
Neck Truffle
Designed by Breean Elyse, this neckwarmer is a quick knit in super bulky yarn jazzed up with ribbon
© susannapianista
Bainbridge Scarf
Mintyfresh’s neckwarmer features a center tie. The pictured project by susannapianista added leaf motifs to the ties.
Ruffled
Designed by Vanessa Ewing, this neck wrap is created with short rows, not novelty ruffled yarn, so you can use any super chunky yarn you like. The buttons are options so you can knit this as a scarf instead.
Extra Chunky Neck Warmer
Designed by Breean Elyse, this neckwarmer is a quick knit in super bulky yarn.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the super bulky yarn for this pattern on Etsy
- Shop for large handmade buttons for this pattern on Etsy
Cabled Neck Warmer with Flower
DROPS designed this neck wrap featuring cables, a ruffled edge and optional crocheted flower.
Lady Jessica
Veronica O’Neil’s neck wrap features a ruffled peplum cowl, contrasting trim and ribbon laces for a romantic Victorian feel.
Patterns for Purchase
Dragon Wing Cowl
No longer free. Jessie Rayot’s neck wrap uses dropped stitches that are picked up and reknit in bunches to create fun ridges, and simple increases to give it shape.
- Get the knitting pattern
- Get Aran weight yarn for this pattern on Etsy
- Shop for handmade buttons on Etsy
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.
Fun Ruffle Neck Warmer
It’s a fun and fast knit. The neck warmer adds style, fun and cosiness to any ordinary day! Knitted top-down, you first work the rib and then the ruffels spirals off your needles!
- Get the knitting pattern on Etsy
- Get worsted weight yarn for this pattern on Etsy
- Shop for handmade buttons on Etsy
Easy Cable Neckwarmer
This looks complicated but isn’t!
Waterfall Cables Scarf
This buttoned scarf cascades in cables in an elegant shape.
Shawl Collared Cowl
A cozy, button-up neck wrap in chunky yarn.
