Looking for a fast knitting project that gives almost instant gratification? Here are fast cowl patterns that designers or knitters say take a few hours to knit — some even less than an hour! Many of the patterns are free. Updated 2/21/23
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
Make It Tonight Cowl
Easy quick cowl knit with a Diagonal Rib 8 round repeat. Knit with two strands of Aran weight yarn held together it's a fast knit. Uses just one skein of the recommended yarn. Designed by Caron
Squishtastical Cowl
This quick cowl is gathered with an i-cord drawstring so you can adjust it to be as loose or as snug as you want. It can even be pulled up in a hood. It's a quick knit using 2 strands of fingering yarn held together on large needles. A color fade pattern creates a gradient between the 2 colors. Designed by Stephanie Shiman for Knitty.
Quick Pod Stitch Cowl
This cowl is a quick knit in super bulky yarn with a 12 row repeat. Uses just one ball or the recommended yarn. You can easily customize the size by adding repeats. Designed by Lion Brand. Pictured projects by designer and candoknots.
- Get the free knitting pattern - web version - at Joanns without registration
- Get the free knitting pattern - pdf
Easy Quick Ribbed Cowl
This easy cowl is a quick knit in super bulky yarn. Uses just one ball of the recommended yarn
Big Ol' Brioche Cowl
This 2 color cowl is a beginner friendly pattern according to the designer. Using large yarn and needles allows you to work the brioche st easier so you can see what you are doing better. Great first brioche project! Quick knit in Super Bulky yarn. Designed by Shannon Larson.
Urban Snood
Quick cowl with huge cables and seed stitch. Designed by we are knitters. Super Bulky weight yarn. Available in English, French, German, and Spanish
Winter Is Cowling
Quick, versatile neckwarmer can be worn as a tube or with one button open to make a split cowl. Knits up in ONE or TWO evenings with jumbo yarn. Designed by Michele C Meadows.
Serpentine Cowl
This cowl features a special stitch pattern that creates winding texture with increases and decreases. Aran weight yarn. Ravelrers report that it is a quick project. One of the free patterns in the free ebook 7 Free Knitted Cowl Patterns. Designed by Angela Hahn. Pictured project by Carolijn654
Chunky Cowl
Heather Vantress designed this cowl that drapes nicely and could easily convert to a capelet.
- Get the free knitting pattern for free registration at Annie’s
- Get the video tutorial for this and 3 other patterns at Annie’s for $3.99 (not necessary to get the free pattern)
Rendezvous Cowl
Easy fast cowl knit flat in garter stitch with super bulky yarn inspired by Claire’s cowl in Outlander.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get recommende super bulky yarn for this pattern from Red Heart
- See more Outlander Inspired Knitting Patterns
- See more Garter Stitch Knitting Patterns
Whipped Cream Cowl
Taiga Hilliard says this cowl of super bulky yarn can be knit in a hour or so. Four sizes Small(Medium,Large,X-Large)
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the recommended yarn on Etsy
- See more of Taiga's Knitting Patterns
3 Hour Cowl
Ijeoma Oluo’s design is perfect to showcase handpainted yarn.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get worsted multi-color sari, banana, and other yarn at Darn Good Yarn
More Free Patterns
Bubblegum Cowl
Designed by Jennifer Dickerson, this fast cowl is knit with stockinette and seed stitch.
Full Circle Texture Knit Cowl
A blend of seed stitch and knit stitches created a pretty texture in this cowl from Michaels. Quick knit in super bulky yarn.
Pilot Butte Cowl
This cable cowl by Taiga Hilliard can be knit in a hour or so. Four sizes Small(Medium,Large,X-Large)
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the recommended yarn on Etsy
- See more of Taiga's Knitting Patterns
Slip It Cowl
Knitters reported that it took them two hours to finish the cowl and the designer Jenny F says “a few hours”. A great way to show off multi colored super bulky yarn! And it’s reversible!
Bulky Lace Cowl
This cowl from NobleKnits is knit in a super bulky ombre yarn that works up in just a few hours. The easy 4 row lace repeat is a perfect first lace project.
Slouchy Cowl
Moebius cowl is a quick knit with two strands of bulky yarn held together and easy enough for beginners. Designed by nina: a well-knit shop. Pictured project by vanesapolo
One Skein, One Night, Seed Stitch Tall Cowl
Diana Levine designed this easy cowl pattern with plenty of photos. This link is to the web archive page since it appears that her blog is no longer available.
Present Cowl
Designer Mademoiselle C created this simple textured cowl to showcase the subtle color variations of hand dyed yarns and reports it knits up in a few hours.
Two Hour Ribbed Cowl
Designed by Lauren Dahl, ribbing makes this super stretchy.
ASAP Cowl
Taiga Hilliard says this cowl of super bulky yarn can be knit in a hour or so. Four sizes Small(Medium,Large,X-Large)
Marian Cowl
Jane Richmond designed this super bulky cowl with a moebius twist that can be knit in one sitting. Other knitters say it is a fast knit.
1 Episode Cowl
Designer Taiga Hilliard says you can knit this cowl in one episode of your favorite show. Great for multi-colored yarn. Four sizes Small(Medium,Large,X-Large)
Cozy Glitch
Designed by Jessica from Mama in a Stitch, this infinity scarf combines drop stitches, stockinette, and garter stitch into a versatile, easily customized long cowl. I think this would look great in multi-color yarn!
One Hour Cowl
Ingunn R’s lace cowl is knit in super bulky yarn.
Patterns for Purchase
Stag Button Cowl
Cabled neckwarmer knit flat and buttoned. Quick knit in super bulky yarn. Designed by Tin Can Knits.
Margareta Moss Cowl
Knit flat on a circular needle, this cowl forms a deep cozy loop. Quick knit in super bulky yarn. Easy cowl, perfect for adventurous beginners. Designed by MillaMia.
Breckenridge Cowl
Buttoned neckwarmer that can be knit quickly in one evening according the designer. Pattern comes complete with both written and charted instructions. Designed by Melynda Bernardi.
Boston Cowl
Sizes for Toddler, Child, and Adult. Quick knit in super bulky yarn.
Rivulet Cowl
Quick easy cowl knit in the round. Suitable for beginners, it’s knit in super bulky yarn. Designed by Louise Zass-Bangham.
Asterisque Cowl
Chunky and elegant, this cowl can be worn a number of ways and can easily be stitched in a short amount of time.
60 Quick Cowls
With a range of classic styles to more intricate and innovative designs, these practical pieces make for great on-the-go or last-minute gifts. Each one is made using worsted-weight yarn.
Forest Canopy Cowl
Quick easy cowl features a reversible, deep textured stitch pattern that folds, drapes, and wraps perfectly around you. Suitable for beginners, it’s knit in super bulky yarn.
Twist Cowl
Knit in a unique diagonal twist stitch, this neckwarmer is a quick knit in super bulky yarn.
Rustico Cowl
Versatile lace cowl is a quick knit in super bulky yarn and can be worn in limitless ways, including cowl, neckwarmer, wrap, scarf, ascot.
Urbana Cowl
Versatile eyelet lace cowl is a quick knit in super bulky yarn and can be worn in limitless ways, including cowl, neckwarmer, wrap, scarf, ascot.
Two-Hour Neckwear ebook
Chunky yarn, big needles and a couple of hours are all you need to knit any of these 12 designs!
