Knitting patterns for cowls that use just one skein of the recommended yarn. Many of the patterns are free. Updated 5/23/23
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
F773 Split Cowl
This lace cowl knit flat with an 8 row repeat is the perfect accessory for transitional temperatures, dressing up a video call, or covering a challenging neckline. I think you could use buttons instead of a seam to make it even more versatile. Uses one skein 218 yards (199 m) of Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Vanessa Ewing for Plymouth Yarn.
Raspberry Bush Cowl
Lace cowl knit with a Leaves and Berries stitch pattern. Size is easily customizable. Uses one skein 212 - 234 yards (194 - 214 m) of Aran weight yarn. Designed by Skeinwalker Knits for Knotions.
Like Honey Cowl
Stunning cowl knit with an 8 row repeat of Honeycomb cables and smocking. Uses one skein (240 - 260 yards / 219 - 238 m) of DK weight yarn. Length and width customizable. Written instructions. Designed by Liz Abinante.
Free For All Cowl
Cowl knit flat in a zigzag eyelet pattern that looks great with variegated yarn. Uses one skein (200 - 225 yards) of Worsted/DK weight yarn. Length and width easily customizable. Written instructions. Designed by Jen Peck. Pictured project by advilhauer who used 225 yards of DK.
Confirmation Cowl
Lace cowl knit in the round. Uses one skein (123 yards) of Worsted weight yarn. Written instructions. Designed by Shannon Dunbabin for Cascade Yarns.
- Get the free knitting pattern on the Internet archive
- See the Ravelry page
- Get the recommended Cascade Yarns ® Spuntaneous Worsted
- See more of Shannon's FREE knitting patterns
Open Work Infinity Scarf
Cowl knit flat in a 1 row repeat stitch. Uses one skein (123 yards) of Jumbo weight yarn. Rated easy by Ravelrers. Designed by Karen Clements.
- Get the free knitting pattern. NOTE: this is a web version. the link to the pdf isn't working right now but the instructions are on the web page.
- See the Ravelry page
- Get the recommended Cascade Yarns ® Magnum yarn (40+ shades)
- See more of Karen's knitting patterns
Marakata Cowl
Cozy squishy cowl worked in the round with a 5 row repeat textured stitch. Uses one skein of worsted weight yarn. Rated easy by Ravelrers. Designed by Stella Egidi.
Diagonal Hopscotch Cowl
This easy stitch pattern is offset, producing a diagonal rib-look in one row repeat. It’s worked in the round, with no seaming and can be finished in a weekend. The cowl is reversible, with a different look on each side. Perfect with multicolor and gradient cake yarn. Designed by Kim Guzman. DK weight yarn.
Aujourd'hui ("On the day of today") Cowl
Quick cowl knit sideways in stockinette and reverse stockinette. Uses one skein (89 - 90 yards (81 - 82 m)) of super bulky weight yarn. Rated easy by Ravelrers. Designed by Tante Ehm. Pictured projects by the designer and KGS.
More Free Patterns
Divine Drape Cowl
Lightweight, beautifully draped cowl with lace in front and stretchy ribbed back to hold the cowl in place. Uses one skein (200 - 250 yards, 183 - 229 m) of sport weight of yarn.Rated easy by Ravelrers. Designed by Gretchen Tracy.
Copycat Cowl
A simple cowl inspired by popular beanie style. Just knits and purls with some simple increases to add a gentle flair to the base and encourage graceful draping. Rated easy by Ravelrers. Uses one skein 219 yards (200 m) of worsted weight yarn. Designed by Verna Glass. Pictured projects by the designer and xstitch.
Nature Vivante Cowl
Flowers bloom in lace and twisted stitches in this one skein cowl knit in the round. Uses less than a skein - 240 - 320 yards (219 - 293 m) - of fingering weight yarn. Designed by Kadri's Stitches. Pictured projects by the designer and jstdt3t. Available in English and German.
4 Row 4 Stitch Repeat Racimo Cowl
This easy cowl is knit flat with an all-over Quilted Cross Stitch and seamed. Uses one skein (445 yards) of the recommended yarn. Designed by Sarah Solomon for Manos del Uruguay. Fingering weight. Great for showcasing variegated yarn.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See the Ravelry page
- Get the recommended Manos del Uruguay AlegrÃa yarn at Amazon
Leaf Lace Cowl
The Lacy Linen Snood is knit with leaf lace in one skein of the recommended yarn (219 yards). DK weight yarn. Designed by Sara Thornett for Rowan.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See the Ravelry page (pattern not available at Ravelry)
- Get the recommended Rowan Creative Linen yarn at Loveknitting
- See more Leaf Lace Knitting Patterns
Zig Zag Cowl
This cowl is knit with an 8 row slip stich pattern. DK weight yarn. Uses one skein (240 yards) of the recommended yarn. Designed by Vanessa Ewing for multicolored yarn. Rated easy by Ravelrers. This one is going in my queue.
Woodland Violet Cowl
Chevron lace neckwarmer worked in loose gauge to drape and fastened with a button. Rated easy by Ravelrers. Used just one skein (250 yards) of the recommended yarn. Great with variegated yarn! Designed by Carly Stipe. Worsted weight yarn.
Portreath Cowl
Knit with one-skein-or-less Aran weight yarn on larger needles this cowl drapes nicely and features a variety of textures including the bamboo stitch. Designed by Kezia Cole.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the recommended Stylecraft Special Aran yarn at Amazon
- See more Easy Cowl Knitting Patterns
One Skein Copilot Cowl
This easy cowlfeatures a mesh lace separated by garter stitch sections. Designed to use one skein of that special fingering weight (4ply) yarn, it can be adjusted in both length and width. Rated very easy by Ravelrers. Designed by Dominique Trad
Greater Than One, Two, Three
This slipped stitch pattern herringbone cowl uses just 190 – 200 yards (174 – 183 m) of fingering yarn. Three versions – two Moebius and one regular circular cowl. Designed by Amy Williams to showcase multicolored, specifically Noro, yarn.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the recommended Noro Shiraito yarn on Amazon
- See more Colorful Cowl Knitting Patterns
Drop Stitch Cowl
This easy cowl by Cathy Payson features a drop stitch pattern that looks great in multi-colored yarn. Uses just one ball of the recommended yarn.
Patterns for Purchase
Svīre Cowl
Lace cowl knit with with written instructions and charts. Uses one skein 306 yards (280 m) of Fingering weight yarn. Svīre is the name of the Common Swift in Latvian. Designed by Skeinwalker Knits.
Leannán Cowl
One skein cowl knit with slipped stitch cable pattern that is a perfect showcase for multicolored yarn. Uses one skein of Fingering weight yarn. Designed by All Knit Up Designs.
Dewberry Cowl
Dewberry utilizes purled stripes and the simplest of lace patterns to give it texture and interest. It comes in two sizes and can also easily be enlarged by using a heavier weight of yarn. Rated easy by Ravelrers. Designed by Hilary Smith Callis. Uses one skein 200 - 255 yards (183 - 233 m) of Aran weight yarn.
Lattice and Purl Cowl
Garter stitch and lace cowl is a quick project worked in one skein of worsted weight yarn (210 yards). The cowl is worked in the round with the lace lattice design being repeated three times. Every second row is knit, making this a fast and easy project to complete. Designed by Michelle Krause.
Alpenglow Cowl
Long cowl knit with a fun chevron lace pattern that can be worn open or double-wrapped around the neck. Uses one skein (289 yards) of sport/DK weight yarn. Rated easy by Ravelrers. Designed by Jackie Vlcek.
Railroadster Cowl
This one-skein knit is quick, easy, reversible and knit flat and grafted or seamed. 2 sizes: 24 (32) inches. Uses one skein (150 - 215 yards / 137 - 197 m) of Worsted weight yarn. Rated easy by Ravelrers. Designed by Meaghan Schmaltz.
Cachou Cowl and Infinity Scarf
Knit in a simple lace pattern with your choice of either rolled or scalloped edges. The pattern is written for two weights of yarn, Aran / worsted weight and fingering weight, and comes in three sizes: a standard cowl, an infinity scarf that can be worn draped or wrapped once around the neck, and an even longer infinity scarf. All versions of the cowl but the Large Aran weight version take just one skein of yarn – and it is lovely in variegated hues. Rated easy by designer. Designed by Hilary Smith Callis.
Frons Cowl
Quick, one-skein cowl with a pretty, leafy, allover lace pattern created with simple, rhythmic 4-row repeat.
City Mouse Hat and Cowl
One skein of DK yarn makes both hat and cowl in this set. Herringbone and knit stitches create a striking texture contrast in this set, and the loose knit of the hat body makes it the perfect hat shape for many heads.
