Whether you call them neck warmers, cowls, infinity scarves, you don’t want to miss these winter accessory pieces in your wardrobe.
And nothing better than to learn how to crochet an infinity scarf or cowl with a full list of 20 free patterns for you to choose from.
You may be tempted to make them all for yourself or just save the list to have several quick gift ideas to make for your friends and family.
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Table of Contents
The difference between a cowl and an infinity scarf
The difference is that a cowl is a short loop that does a single wrap around your neck. As for an infinity scarf, it is a longer loop that you can wrap around your neck multiple times.
Another thing to note is that cowls are usually taller than infinity scarves. You can make infinity scarves shorter because you can loop them around your neck more than once.
With that in mind, know that this list of how to crochet an infinity scarf or cowl patterns is very customizable. You can use any of these patterns to make them as cowls or infinity scarves.
How to crochet an infinity scarf or cowl for beginners?
Cowls and infinity scarves are perfect for beginners because they are easy projects. To create your own cowl, all you need is to form a foundation loop. Here is what you will do.
- Crochet as many chains as you need to form a loop that fits your head and slide down to your neck.
- Next, pick simple stitches like single crochet, double crochet, half double crochet, chains, or any combination of those.
- Then, crochet all around the chains and join the rounds with slip stitches.
- If you don’t feel like going through all this thinking process, pick one from the list below, they are all pretty simple for beginners.
How wide should a crochet cowl be?
A perfect width for a crochet cowl can range from 14″ to 20″. If you want a cowl to “hug your neck” with one wrap around, then 14″ wide is a great size.
An infinity scarf, on the other hand, could be made a lot wider than that, that way you can do multiple wraps around your neck.
Basically, both a cowl and an infinity scarf have the same function. But an infinity scarf is wider than a cowl.
Best yarn for crochet cowls and infinity scarves
Cowls are essential accessories for the colder seasons, so the best yarn are the soft and heavier weight ones. That’s to say that anything from worsted (#4) to super bulky (#6) weight yarns will be the ideal.
By the way, I made two versions of this Maine Coast Seashell Cowl, and I like the one I made with super bulky yarn much better for the winter.
Also, it’s important to think not only about comfort, but durability is a must too. A blend of acrylic and wool, besides being comfortable and soft choices, will make a cowl that will last long.
Free Patterns on how crochet an infinity scarf or a cowl
Without further ado, let’s dive into the list of best crochet infinity scarves and cowl patterns. Remember, with the instructions in most of these patterns you can customize them to your preference. Pick your farorite one and click the link to go to the pattern.
The Autumn Crunch Cowl or Infinity Scarf
The first pattern in the list of how to crochet an infinity scarf was designed with the wattle stitch.
The Autumn Crunch Cowl is not a chunky accessory, so it is the perfect one to keep your neck warm and cozy while enjoying a cup of latte by the fireplace.
Check the Pine Tree Crochet’s website for more pictures with other color combinations. I love that zig zag effect; it will sure be beautiful with any yarn color you pick.
The Blake Cowl
Let’s start by mentioning how beautiful and squishy that yarn looks!? The Blake Cowl is another lightweight cowl piece that you will love.
The simple stitches used make it a beginner friendly pattern, yet the fingering weight yarn and the beautiful colors make it look so elegant and stylish. What a great design by Hooked Hazel.
Ice Drop Crochet Cowl or Infinity scarf
Yet another super elegant accessory for your wardrobe collection. The Ice Drop Cowl pattern has a beautiful texture to it and, not to mention, it calls for bulky yarn! So, it’s a super quick project to make.
Another thing that I love about this pattern is that it is a two-row repeat only, what makes it even easier to make.
Rebecca Velasquez is the designer behind this beautiful pattern.
Easy Breezy Cowl
Here is a beautiful pattern that’s also full of bonus: The Easy Breezy Cowl is size inclusive and it’s friendly for beginners. And there is more, you will get to make a beanie to match your cowl.
Fosbas Designs created the beanie to raise awareness on Cancer. Head over to her blog to read further details on that beautiful cause and to see more pictures of the pattern.
Picot Single Crochet Ear Warmer & Cowl Set
Here is another pattern that comes with a matching accessory. With the Picot Me Up set you will make a Cowl and an Earwarmer.
The stitch that The Loopy Land used to design this pattern was the picot single crochet stitch. That stich gives the design a light and beautiful texture with tiny bobbles.
The worsted weight yarn makes it a good suit for the cool spring/fall temperatures.
Ribbed Granny Stitch Cowl
What a fun and unique pattern the Ribbed Granny Stitch Cowl is. I love the granny stitches details that Eye Love Knots created along with the tall, ribbed cowl that can be folded down.
Or you could pull it over your face to protect you from the windy and colder weather. It’s another quick and easy project, it only takes one skein of worsted weight yarn.
Pumpkin Spice Cowl Crochet Pattern
If you are looking for extra warmth and a pop of texture, then The Pumpkin Spice Cowl is the project for you.
The bulky texture of the puff stitches makes it look so cozy and squishy, perfect for the colder temperatures of winter.
Pair it with the Pumpkin Spice Beanie that you will find on Rich Textures Crochet’s blog as well.
Bobble Row Cowl or Infinity Scarf
Yet another versatile design and, not mention, how beautiful that ombre yarn is! The Bobble Row Cowl was designed with two stitches: bobbles and the herringbone half double crochet.
If you aren’t familiar with those stitches, Sweet Bee Crochet have included a quick tutorial for them in the pattern.
It is a very fun project and it’s adjustable to any size of your preference.
The Whitney Cowl Pattern
Do you want more fun and beautiful textures? You’ve got that. What about a twist? You got that too, just like the ones you see on crochet headbands.
The Whitney Cowl was designed with the linen stitch, which consists only of single crochet stitches and chain spaces.
Very simple and beginner friendly, yet so beautiful and elegant. Don’t miss out this great pattern by Divine Debris.
The Semper Cowl Free Crochet Pattern
Meghan Makes Do designed this beautiful cowl using simple single crochet stitches worked on back loop only.
The vertical ribbing makes it so unique that you wouldn’t tell at first glance that it is so easy to make.
The Semper Cowl is another great pattern that calls for worsted weight yarn. You will be so tempted to have this elegant piece in your wardrobe. Go check out the free pattern.
Glowing Sea Cowl pattern or Infinity Scarf
Here is another one skein project that you will love to make. The Glowing Seas Cowl was created by Three Fates Creations.
The yarn she used was a blend of wool and silk worsted weight, so it makes it warm enough to wear in those cool spring/fall days. But light enough to make you feel elegant and comfortable.
Tunisian Crochet Concept Cowl Free Pattern
It looks like knitting, but it is Tunisian crochet! RaffamusaDesigns described The Tunisian Concept cowl as the softest thing she has ever crocheted.
She used merino wool to crochet it, so that explains where the softness came from. Not to mention the cables on that design, they brought this piece to a life of elegance.
Her pattern has a lot of pictures for you to follow, check it out.
Big Bold Cabled Cowl
Wait… did someone say cables? I love cables! Let’s face it that it is not easy to accomplish that look with crochet as much as it is with knitting.
But A Crochet Simplicity killed it with those big cables in the Big Bold Cabled Cowl, I love how wide they are. Cables are the king in this beautiful pattern here.
And it’s another cowl that you can pair with a nice slouch hat that has the same design style.
Chaucer Twist cowl crochet pattern
If you are looking for a quick and super chunky project that you can finish in around an hour, then the Chaucer Twist Cowl is the one for you.
It’s so pretty and it looks so soft. Head over to Dora Does’ blog to read about her process and inspiration and how this beautiful cowl was created.
Chunky Crochet Cowl - Layover Cowl Pattern
Bring on the chunky and super quick projects, we love them, right? The Layover Cowl was designed by Blue Star Crochet.
She used DK weight yarn but held 4 strands together to make it super chunky and quick to make.
The pattern has a video for you to follow along and understand how the twist in the cowl works.
Charlottetown Cowl or Infinity Scarf Crochet Pattern
Let’s start by mentioning how gorgeous that fringe looks? It was just the perfect add on to this project.
The combination of the beautiful fingering weight yarn plus the single crochet stitch on back loop only put such a nice drape to the Charlottetown Cowl.
Head over to Sincerely Pam’s blog and check out the pattern, there is instructions for six different sizes.
Aspen Alpine Crochet Cowl Pattern
Burgundy & Blush designed The Aspen Alpine Cowl using one of my favorite stitches: the alpine stitch.
I haven’t seen any crochet piece with that stitch yet that doesn’t come up so beautiful.
This cowl has such a gorgeous texture to it and you can match it with a fingerless pair of gloves. The pattern for the gloves is also free in her blog.
Pumpkin Hooded Crochet Cowl
This is a seasonal cowl + hood, perfect for fall and I can’t stand how cute it is. It’s the perfect project for a gift, that can be worn as a warm accessory and it would also make a great costume for Halloween for the little ones.
Briana K Designs created the Pumpkin Hooded Cowl pattern using bulky yarn. However, if you don’t have bulky yarn in your stash, she has a video tutorial showing you how to create bulky yarn from one light weight skein.
Filet Lines Crochet Cowl
Yet another practical accessory piece that’s not only quick to make, but takes less than one skein of worsted weight yarn.
Loopingly Made created the beautiful Filet Lines Cowl pattern with simplicity in mind, yet the stitch used makes it unique and versatile.
Pair it with your casual look and you will rock on you style.
The Maine Coast Seashell Cowl
The Maine Coast Seashell Cowl was created by yours truly. I had so much fun designing this pattern.
My inspiration came from the fall colors and the seashells I find on the coast of my beautiful home state of Maine.
With the pattern, you get to make a light version or a bulky version of it, there is instructions for both.
Final thoughts
I hope you loved this list of beautiful crochet infinity scarves and cowl patterns. If you made one because you found this list, drop a line or two in the comments sections below and tell me which one you made. Or if you just would like to say “hi”. Another way to reach out to me is by joining my community group on Facebook.
If you use any of my patterns or tutorials for a project, please tag me @zamiguz or use the hashtag #zamiguzmakers. I would love to see what you make.
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