3 Ways to Knit a Cowl

By Jen Lucas

Cowl knitting patterns are great projects for beginners and experts alike. Cast on some stitches, join in the round, and soon you’ll have a fun accessory for you or a friend. There are many ways to knit a cowl with lots of interesting designs and construction methods to explore. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular ways cowls are often knit.

SNUG NECK COWLS & INFINITY SCARVES

These cowls are some of the easiest to knit because all you need to do is cast on, join in the round (being careful not to twist your knitting, unless that’s the look you’re going for), and knit away.

A snug neck cowl like the gray Chunky Broken Rib Cowl is typically only 24 to 28 inches in circumference, and is perfect for tucking into your coat on cooler days.

A larger infinity scarf like the Waffle Stitch Infinity Scarf will often be about twice the circumference of a snug neck cowl, allowing you to wrap it around your neck for added warmth.

COWLETTES

Cowlettes, also called bandana cowls, are a fun twist on triangle shawls. Many of these patterns, such as the Celine Cowlette, are worked from the top down like a top-down triangle shawl. It’s first worked in rows, then joined in the round to complete the cowl.

These pieces are especially great for those of us who love to knit small triangle shawls but find them challenging to style. The cowlette provides the best of both worlds and is like a miniature shawl that won’t slip off!

Grab our free cowl patterns for your next project:

• Chunky Broken Rib Cowl
• Waffle Stitch Infinity Scarf
• Celine Cowlette

What kinds of cowls do you like to knit? Do you have a favorite cowl construction? Let us know in the comments!

Share tips, start a discussion or ask one of our experts or other students a question.

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12 Responses to “3 Ways to Knit a Cowl”

  1. Sheila. Buckle

    Would like to see pats please

  2. Krystyna Stafenau

    Thank You!

  3. Clare

    Would like to see patterns

  4. Denise Isabel Artem

    Besutifull! 😍😍😍

  5. Mary

    I love the mail I get from this site so many new things to lean

  6. Noreena conley

    like to knit a cowl and been looking for nice patterns

  7. Noreena conley

    would like to knit them living in verm

  8. Pam Pillsbury

    Cowls keep your neck so warm

  9. LYN Moon

    Thanks so much. Patterns appreciated.

  10. Lovett Sylvia

    I could not get the first cowlette. I was in a loop. It kept asking me if I wanted to download the pattern.