Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Catching Up on Cowls

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It seems like all of a sudden I have a ton of knitting patterns in my email that I want to share with you, so I’m going to be doing a few fall and winter project roundups over the next week or so. I’d love it if you wanted to share some of your favorite patterns in the comments, too.

 

a few great free cowl patterns from Lion Brand Yarn

First up, cowls, because I really want to knit one this weekend. I have a large supply of Berroco Brio left over from my book and I almost can’t stand it. It’s such pretty, big, fluffy stuff and it’s super fun to work with, so I think that’s going to be on my needles soon.

If you’re in the market for a new cowl pattern for fall (or, heck, for spring in the Southern Hemisphere) here are a few great ideas.

From Lion Brand Yarn

  • This Simple Mobius Cowl is made with a pretty silk yarn (see, great for spring, too) with a simple elongated stitch pattern. It’s even worked flat and seamed so it’s a great option for a newer knitter.
  • The Daybreak Cowl looks complex because there are lots of stripes, but it uses mostly one normal sized skein of yarn as well as a collection of mini-balls. Cute and economical!
  • The Level 3 Knit Cowl has a strange name but it’s a cute cabled and textured knit cowl that’s a pretty small project with a lot of interest packed in. (It’s called level 3 because that’s the skill level, which in LB’s case means easy+.)
  • And the Tweed Cowl is a super easy one skein project for newer knitters. Worked in basketweave in the round, it’s quick and easy for knitters of all skill levels.

free cowl patternsClassic Elite Yarns recently featured a striped cowl in its newsletter. Worked in two different kinds of yarn, and three different colors of each, this project is really interesting and the vast majority of it is just straight stripes, so it’s pretty easy, too.

And from Tahki Stacy Charles, there’s the simple and stunning Simona Cowl, which is just ribbing but worked in cashmere and fine merino, it will feel anything but ordinary. And for those who like their cowls a little chunkier, there’s the Anastasia Cowl, worked in two colors in Double Moss Stitch. It’ll knit up in a jiffy to keep you warm and fashionable or as a great holiday gift.

Looking to buy your Yarn online? Check out these online yarn specials.

Specific to knitters, you can join our Knitting Patterns Only group to get, well, knitting patterns, ask questions and gain inspiration for what to knit next.

Check out these books dedicated to Knitted Cowl Patterns still looking for more cowl patterns? Check these out on Etsy.

Have you read?

Free Knitted Crown Pattern for Kids and Adults: A Sweet Handmade Dress-Up Idea

There’s something wonderfully charming about a knitted crown. It’s playful, useful for the dress-up basket, and just the sort of small project that gives a leftover ball of yarn a proper purpose. Much better than letting it roll around the cupboard for another three years.

This free knitted crown pattern for kids and adults combines a simple garter-stitch band with shaped triangular points. The mustard-gold colour gives it that storybook crown look, although pink, purple or woodland green would be equally lovely.

A Manageable Next Step for Beginner Knitters

The construction is the appealing part of this design. Everything is knitted flat, so you won’t need double-pointed needles or experience joining stitches in the round.

You knit the band first, then work each crown point separately over a group of 12 stitches. Paired decreases gradually narrow each triangle, giving you a small, repeatable section to concentrate on.

I’d describe this as a confident beginner knitting project. You’ll need to know how to knit, work two types of decreases, hold unused stitches and sew a simple seam. There are several yarn tails to weave in, so a little patience with finishing will help.

Three Sizes With Room to Personalise

The pattern includes three sizes, with seven, eight or nine crown points. Choose by the wearer’s head measurement rather than age, and check your gauge carefully. Yarn stretch will make a noticeable difference to the fit.

For birthdays, an embroidered initial would be a sweet finishing touch. Contrasting yarn diamonds could suggest little jewels without adding hard embellishments.

What to Know Before Casting On

This is a soft knitted crown, so expect gentle points rather than a rigid costume accessory. A springy wool or wool-blend yarn should give the shaping more support than a very drapey yarn.

The stitch calculations have been checked, but the design has not yet been sample-knitted. The accompanying image is an illustrative mockup, so the finished texture and proportions may vary with your yarn and tension.

For a small handmade birthday accessory or a cheerful addition to the dress-up box, this is an appealing idea. And if an adult needs a matching crown for supervising the royal household, the larger size has that covered too.