These shoulder cozies can drape over the shoulders for more warmth than smaller cowls but are lighter and more manageable than full ponchos. Many can convert easily from a shoulder wrap to a neck cowl by simply pulling up and off the shoulders. Updated 6/25/23
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Free Patterns
Máxima Pelerine
Elegant and flattering shoulder cozy cowl or cropped poncho knit primarily with knit stitches and shaped with short rows. Perfect for summer evenings out! 5 sizes : XS, S, M, L and XL. DK weight yarn. Designed by Durable Yarn.
Side Slit Cabled Cowl
Versatile shoulder cozy with garter rib and easy cables. Instructions are both charted and written. Quick knit in bulky yarn. Designed by Jayalakshmi for Knotions. Photos by Lily Chin for Lion Brand.
Bloomsbury Cowlette
Versatile shoulder cozy or capelet can be worn with the v in back or in front for different looks. The lace pattern is described in chart and written instructions. Size is easily customizable. Uses one skein (220 yards) of the DK weight yarn. Designed by Jayalakshmi for Knotions. Photos by Edsger Studio for Knotions.
Harmony
Large cowl with corrugaged ribbing on edges that can be worn around the neck or over the shoulders like a capelet. Bulky yarn. Designed by Chandi Agee.
- Get the free knitting pattern - at pattern site, put pattern in cart and checkout. You will be asked for contact info but not payment info.
- See the Ravelry page
The Minimalist
Cabled short poncho or capelet is knit in the round. Quick knit in super bulky yarn. Designed by The Noble Thread.
Josie Cowl
Cabled shoulder cozy is knit with a 9 round repeat from the bottom up. Small, medium, large. Designed by Berroco Design Team. Worsted weight yarn.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See the Ravelry page
- Get the recommended Berroco Tuscan Tweed yarn at Amazon
A Braid Apart
Large Aran cabled cowl with a tapered shape to lie gracefully around the neck and over the shoulders. Size can easily be altered. DK yarn. Designed by Jill Bickers for Knotions.
Hostkappe Cowl
This cowl combines simple color-stranded and slipped-stitch patterns with a little lace, knit in 2 colors, a multi-colored yarn and contrasting solid. Small, medium, large. Designed by Cynthia Spencer for Knitty. Fingering weight yarn.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See the Ravelry page
- See more Knitting Patterns by Cynthia Spencer
- Consider supporting Knitty on Patreon
Pine Sway Cowl
This shoulder cozy is knit with garter ridge stripes that lead into a slanting herringbone band in slipped stitch colorwork. Designed by Juju Vail
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See the Ravelry page
- Get the recommended The Fibre Co. Cumbria yarn at Etsy
- See more Herringbone Knitting Patterns
Ribbed Cowlet
This easy cowl/ shoulder cozy is knit in with 2 row repeat mesh and ribbing. Super Bulky yarn. Designed by Shannon Charles for Estelle Yarns. Rated easy by Ravelrers and the designer.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See the Ravelry page
- Get the recommended Cascade Yarns® Spuntaneous yarn at Amazon
Converging Lines Cowl
This cowl/ shoulder cozy is knit in ribbing in sport weight yarn. Designed by Purl Soho
18 Petals Scarf
Wrap this versatile accessory around your neck for a unique layered shoulder cozy cowl, unwind to wear as a scarf, or drape over the shoulders for a shawl. The “petals” of this decorative edged accessory are shaped through short-rows and decreases. Knits up fast in a super bulky yarn. Perfect with multi-colored yarn. Designed by Amy Gunderson for Universal Yarn.
More Free Patterns
Collar Cowl
This shoulder cozy has a ribbed collar for extra warmth. 3 sizes. Quick knit in bulky yarn. Designed by Universal Yarn
Dobbs Ferry Cowl
This capelet is worked with 3 strands of super bulky yarn held together and can be worn as a cowl or poncho.
Lush Cable Cowl
This shoulder cozy increases in circumference from the neck edge to fit over the shoulders. Quick knit in super bulky yarn.
Cozy Polar Cowl
This shoulder cozy is knit flat in ribbing and seamed leaving an opening along shoulder. Approx. 20″ deep x 40″ around. Quick knit in super bulky yarn. I think this would be suitable for beginners comfortable with ribbing.
Soft Shoulder Cowl
This shoulder cozy cowl is knit in stockinette from the top down and bordered at the bottom with a crossed stitch. Perfect with multi-colored yarn. 2 sizes. Designed by Kris Basta – Kriskrafter, LLC. Pictured project by ohmay and yayalovestoknit
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See Ravelry page
- Get the Boutique Unforgettable yarn used in the blue cowl at Red Heart
Cadeau
This shoulder cozy cowl with cables comes with instructions for 2 lengths. Quick knit in bulky yarn. Designed by Wei S. Leong. Pictured projects by IamSta and YorkshireKnitwit
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the Ella Rae Classic Chunky Superwash yarn used in the top project on Etsy
Cozy Shoulders Poncho Cowl
Knit in welt stitch with self-striping yarn this can be worn around the shoulders or the neck depending on what needs extra warmth or style. Designed by Karen Whooley for Red Heart
Isla Wrap
Cowl neck mini poncho wrap. Sizes S (32″-34″ bust), M (36″-38″ bust), L (40″-42″ bust). Designed by Jessica Vinson. Pictured project by forsberk
Inspira Cowl
This gorgeous cowl by graphica features corrugated ribbing with two different colored yarns are stranded across each round, inspired by steampunk designs. Pictured project by missynell.
Cowichan Waves Cowl and Hat
Colorwork shoulder cozy cowl with matching hat. 3 sizes. Designed by Donna Druchunas for Knitty.
Cloos
This shoulder cozy designed by Norah Gaughan for Berroco Design is knit in the round with cables and dropped stitches.
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
- See more Outlander Inspired Knitting Patterns
- See more Garter Stitch Knitting Patterns
Kansas City Cowl
Kim Guzman designed this stunning shoulder cozy that can transform into a cowl or scarf as temperatures change.The capelet features a gorgeous cabled center panel plus an intriguing drop stitch detail.
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)
Angels Landing Cowl
This versatile lace accessory can be worn around the neck as accent scarf or slippped over the shoulders as a wrap. Waves of wandering eyelet lace frame delicate columns of mock cable. Knit flat and seamed. Use a larger needle for an airy drape or smaller needle for coziness. Designed by Alegria DaSilva
Tilting Block Cowl
Versatile reversible infinity scarf can be worn over the shoulders or wrapped around the neck. Knit in a 16 stitch 16 round repeat lace pattern. Aran weight yarn. Designed by Plymouth Yarn Design Studio. Rated easy by Ravelrers.
Patterns for Purchase
Games Night Cowl
Shoulder cozy cowls for adults and children knit in a garter-stitch spiral, spreading to cover the shoulders and ending in either a snake’s head or a more a regular square corner. Alternating colors suggest the bright blocks of a game board and would make this a great stash buster I think. DK weight yarn. Designed by Robynn Weldon.
Ribbed Hugger Cowl
Easy versatile wrap that can be worn many ways knit in garter stitch and suitable for a beginner according to the designer. Quick knit in bulky weight yarn Designed by CharmedFibers
Harmonia's Rings Cowl
Shoulder cozy with a moebius spiral shape and a self-pleating stitch pattern that adds to the warmth and coziness of this graceful garment. The cowl can be stretched over most of the head like a hood. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Sivia Harding.
Lace Meara Shoulder Wrap Cowl
Lace Meara can be a cowl, shoulder wrap or infinity scarf. This design features intriguing lace in DK weight yarn on larger needles. The lace has an easy to memorize stitch. Designed by Monika Sirna.
Easy Shoulder Shrug
Pullover shoulder cozy or cropped poncho knit flat in garter stitch and stockinette and seamed. Great with self-striping yarn. Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL. Rated easy by the designer. Bulky weight. Designed by Andi Javori. Included in Casual Weekend Knits - 25 Go Anywhere Knit Projects.
See more pics and get the Casual Weekend Knits (digital download or paperback) at Leisure Arts for as low as $9.99- Get the recommended Lion Brand Scarfie (20+ colorways)
- Get the paperback on Amazon (Prime available)
Rose Petal Neckwrap
The curved, overlapping front of this shoulder cozy reminds me of a blooming rose. This pattern is knit from the bottom up, starting flat, then joining in the round at the neck for a seamless finish. Great for stash busting, this project uses two skeins or less. This cute little wrap is perfect for warding off the chill of bare shoulders, and makes a great topper over a tank top or strappy dress. Designed by Cathy Pratt
Starshower Cowl
This wrap can be worn as cowl, shoulder cozy, or shawl. Knit in star stitch that showcases variegated sock yarn. Designed by Hilary Smith Callis
Echo Reversible Drop-Stitch Mobius
This stunning wrap can be worn as a cowl, scarf, shoulder cozy, shawl, and more. Knit with reversible cables and drop stitches in bulky yarn. Designed by Teresa Kristin Omdahl. Pictured project by LollyJoy. One of the 22 patterns in Interweave Knits, Spring 2011
- Available in Interweave Favorites: 25 Knitted Accessories To Wear & Share on Amazon (Kindle or paperback)
- See more Drop Stitch Knitting Patterns
Capra Cowl Braided Shoulder Warmer
This knit pattern includes 3 stylish cowls: a roll-over collar style, a neckwarmer and a slouch style. DK weight yarn Designed by daydreamerknits
Miraflores
This versatile accessory can be worn pulled down over the shoulders as a light capelet, or loosely around the neck as a cowl. Knit in fingering weight yarn at a loose gauge, it’s the perfect airy spring or summer layer. 2 sizes. Designed by Kristen Jancuk
