Free Crochet Patterns for Cowls and Neck Warmers

Crochet cowls are versatile, fashionable, comfortable and quick to make additions to your wardrobe. They are excellent alternatives to scarves, which, let’s be honest, sometimes just get in a way. Cowls make great crochet projects as they are quick to make and use less yarn than most projects.

I have recently designed a beautiful and easy-to-make Malibu Cowl, inspired by the gorgeous ocean waves and frothy seafoam. You can check out the free crochet pattern for it here. I was so inspired by how it came out, I decided to share with you other gorgeous, ocean-inspired crochet cowl patterns. Here are these free crochet patterns for cowls and neck warmers that I found from my favorite yarn companies.

Many of them use basic stitches like slip stitch (SL ST), single crochet stitch and double crochet but make these cowls look intricate. Many offer step by step photos and a video tutorial to help you out no matter what your skill level might be.

The beauty of cowls is that they are made using repeat rows and, once you get into the rhythm, they are quick to make. Many have designs where the wrong side of the cowl looks just as good as the right side and you can wear them inside out. Some might use just a single skein of yarn to make, so you can just grab one of the skeins of yarn you already have in your stash and whip up something cute.

Cozy crochet cowls are a perfect type of project for a new crocheter to make for themselves for personal use or as a Christmas project for a loved one. Make a pretty cozy cowl the next project on your list!

BERNAT BIG CLUSTERS COWL

This cowl is so soft and chunky! This free crochet cowl pattern uses Bernat Mega Bulky yarn which makes it cozy, warm and quick to make. I love its nature-inspired color, perfect to go with any outfit. The little shell elements remind me of finding shells on the beach and laying them out in patterns on the sand.

LION BRAND CARDIFF COWL

Ahhh, another pretty shell-inspired cowl! It uses lighter yarn, and it will be perfect on the days when you want to be comfy but not bundled up. Plus, just look at those stitches! This crochet scarf pattern will adorn any outfit you wear.

BERNAT V-STITCH COWL

Another super cute cowl in Bernat Mega Bulky! You can see how cozy this easy crochet cowl is! And you can totally tell that it will take no time to make one for yourself (or your friends!) I love how the stitch forms circles, like sand dollars being washed on the beach by the turquoise waves. I can totally see this thick neckwarmer paired up with a simple top, a pair of fave jeans and a cute bomber jacket.

LION BRAND YORKSHIRE COWL

Chic and so classic, this cowl will be a sinch to make. It’s nice and warm and cozy, but it’s not so big that it will overwhelm your outfit. Throw any jacket over it and this cowl will hug your neck and accent your wardrobe. This cozy crochet cowl is fun to make and you can crochet it in different colors to match up with different outfits.

PATONS WAFFLIN’ AROUND CROCHET COWL

Oh, look at all this texture! Doesn’t it make you want to hug it and squish it?! Imagine this coziness around your neck! Made with an awesome waffle stitch, this cowl reminds me of the wind-kissed wood of the beach boardwalk, its planks bouncing under your feet as you make your way to the beach.

LION BRAND 1 BALL COWL

The colors, the stitches, the texture! This cowl looks like storm-kissed waves of the ocean, with the turquoise turning into navy blues and then even deeper into stormy waters. And the best part? The yarn used in this beautiful neckwarmer does all the work for you, you just follow this free cowl crochet pattern.

RED HEART CLASSIC CHUNKY COWL

Another chic and easy on the eye chunky cowl. The bulky yarn it uses lets you makes it super fast and the clean lines of this design makes this cowl perfect for everyday wear or a night on a town.

LION BRAND CUMULUS COWL

Who needs a boyfriend for the visit to the beach when you have a cowl like this?! So warm and huggable and gorgeous! I’m in love! (shhh, don’t tell my husband!) Made entirely from bobbles, this beautiful cowl offers texture like no other and it’s size makes it perfect for the chilly nights by the beach. Just wrap yourself in this gorgeous neckwarmer and you are all set!

BERNAT FROSTED CLUSTER COWL

Who said a cowl is needed only to keep warm? This infinity scarf makes a statement, it’s like a large elaborate necklace. The stitch makes it look like lace, with each detail standing out. Don’t be surprised if people stop and ask you where you got it.

LION BRAND GRADIENT RIPPLE COWL

If this crocheted cowl doesn’t remind you of the ocean waves, I don’t know what will. A beautiful gradient of colors, oh so calming and pleasant to the eye. The scalloped stitch-work leaves no doubt – this design is intended to make you think of the seas, the day on the beach and fun time by the water. Wear it with a cool jean jacket for some fun in the sun.

RED HEART HORIZONTAL RIBBED COWL

Mmmm, this crocheted cowl looks so soft, you don’t even have to hold it in your hands, you can just tell. Chunky yarn with a large hook gives you a loose texture that creates softness and a lot of air in between the stitched for added coziness. And the color, ahhh, so pretty!

KIND OF KNIT MALIBU COWL

You can get this free pattern right here on KindOfKnit! This cowl uses the natural gradient of the Red Heart Ombre worsted weight yarn to go from baby blues to darker tones and then back to like. The fade-in and fade-out effect is mesmerizing like the waves rolling onto and away from the beach. Bobble stitch detail on either edge of this crocheted neckwarmer reminds of the pebbles and pearls found in the blue waters of the ocean.

I love these beautiful cowls! The textures, the colors are so pleasant and calming, working on these crocheted neckwarmers will be as relaxing as wearing them to the night on a town or day at the beach!