Get ready for winter, and help others do the same, with this collection of patterns for knitting chunky cowls
Get ready for winter, and help others do the same, with this collection of patterns for knitting chunky cowlsOn a previous Friday I introduced you to a collection of popular infinity scarves, also known as “long cowls.” Today I’d like to show you a collection of popular patterns for knitting chunky cowls. Chunky cowls aren’t as long as infinity scarves but have considerable heft to them.
This was definitely the toughest collection to put together, because the lines between “long” and “chunky” can be blurry, as can be the lines between “chunky” and “skinny.” How long makes a cowl “long”? How skinny makes a cowl “skinny”? I’m still not sure I have it right… and it doesn’t help that some of these could conceivably be changed to “skinny” cowls, depending on how wide you make them.
But let’s assume I managed to follow my own guidelines with this, ha. Onward to knitting chunky cowls!
Free Patterns for Knitting Chunky Cowls
Just Keep Going Cowl: Here’s a nice, relaxing knit. It features a textured stitch pattern that’s easily memorized and makes for enjoyable “sitting by the fire, and/or watching a movie, and/or listening to an audiobook or a symphony recording” knitting.
Shimmer Cowl: Here’s another very easy knit. Should you prefer a non-sparkly cowl, you could use a different yarn, but personally I love the idea of a special-occasion, glam-up cowl!
Cushiest Cowl: This cowl has enough length that it could almost be considered an infinity scarf. But it’s also got the width for a chunky cowl. (See, this can be tricky!) In the end I decided that the width of this cowl puts it mostly into the “chunky cowl” category. This is another textured cowl with an easily memorized stitch pattern. And its squishy softness definitely helps it live up to its “Cushiest” name.
I’ll Pack a Cowl for Rhinebeck: Now we’re diving into the deep end! The previous cowls were pretty easy but offered enjoyable texture. This cowl features some challenging colorwork that definitely prevents this cowl from being a mindless knit. But look at those sheep. I mean, really. This cowl is too adorable to put one off just because of a little colorwork! (That might be just me, of course…)
Simple Brioche & Garter Cowl: Thanks to the introduction of brioche, this cowl is also a bit more on the challenging side. But the beautiful, sumptuous result definitely make this lovely cowl worth the effort.
Hive Mind Cowl: This cowl is also on the challenging side, as it incorporates not only cables but also bee stitch, which has you knit into the row below. An experienced beginner can pull this off, and for a more experienced knitter in general, it is certainly accomplishable. (Not an actual word, but oh well.) The result is a super-soft, super-squishy cowl that anyone would love to wear.
Cat Lover’s Cowl: Though this cowl incorporates colorwork, it’s only two colors, so it’ll be far easier than the earlier mentioned I’ll Pack a Cowl for Rhinebeck. Plus, the cats! So cute! Perfect for any cat lover.
Ocean Star Infinity Scarf: Yes, this cowl is *called* an “infinity scarf,” but it’s really not long enough to be a “long cowl.” So we’ll stick with putting this one in the “chunky cowl” category. Categorization aside, this beautiful cowl is perfect for both the intermediate and the adventurous beginning knitter. The star stitch pattern takes a little effort, but you’ll master it easily and, I’ll bet, enjoy it. The bulky yarn also makes this a quick knit.
Movement Cowl: This cowl could almost become a “skinny cowl” by folding it in half. It uses a strategic stitch pattern to give it a little added texture and is far simpler than it looks.
Red Climbing Roses Cowl: This is a lacy “chunky cowl” that will feel more like a “skinny cowl.” The lace pattern is beautiful yet easy, and it probably uses less yarn than most of the cowls on this page. A definite showstopper.
I hope you’ve found a chunky cowl you’re dying to knit from this collection of patterns for knitting chunky cowls. Now, check out the last of these collections, featuring free skinny cowl knitting patterns!
Thanks for including my pattern in your roundup.
You’re very welcome, Marie. Thank you for writing such great patterns!