Free Knit Cowl Pattern With Chunky Yarn

Bristow Cowl is a beautifully textured free knit cowl pattern with chunky yarn. This free pattern is a glorious winter accessory to keep you toasty on all your outings.

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What yarn should I use for this chunky knit cowl?

I used Cascade Yarns Boliviana Bulky for this chunky knit cowl pattern. This is a 100% Merino Wool super bulky (size 6) yarn from one of my favorite yarn companies. It is available in 25 elegant colors.

What skills will I need to know to knit this cowl?

First you’ll need to know how to cast on. I suggest the long tail cast on, as it’s nice and stretchy. You’ll start by working in 1×1 ribbing in the round. I demonstrate 1×1 ribbing in this tutorial video.

If you can knit 1×1 ribbing, you’re set. The stitch pattern used here is Moss Stitch, which is essentially ribbing that switches the placement of the knits and purls every other round.

Then you finish at the top with another border of ribbing.

Matching Bristow Hat knitting pattern

I have a matching winter beanie pattern to go with this cowl! Bristow Beanie uses the same stitch pattern and yarn. The pattern includes sizes from preemie to adult, so you can make this hat for everyone! The cowl pattern is written in just one size, but you could pretty easily size it down by decreasing the stitch count and number of rows.

Get the free Bristow Beanie pattern here.

Photo of a woman wearing a textured, red knit beanie with a white faux fur pom pom on top. Text reads: Banana Moon Studio.

Where can I get this knit cowl pattern?

This knit cowl pattern is free right here in this post! Just scroll down for the free version.

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A woman stands outside in front of a yard and road wearing a red chunky knit cowl and a pale gray sweater. Text reads: Banana Moon Studio.

Bristow Cowl, a Free Knit Cowl Pattern in Chunky Yarn

By April Garwood of Banana Moon Studio

Difficulty Level: Easy

Finished Measurements: About 12 1/4 inches wide x 28 inches around.

Yarn: Cascade Yarns Boliviana Bulky (100% Merino Wool; 175 yds; 200 g; yarn weight category: 6/super bulky): 1 hank #10 Red.

Knitting Needles: Size US 11 (8 mm) 24 inch long circular needles. Adjust needle size if needed to obtain gauge.

I use and love this circular set from Knit Picks!

Notions:

Stitch Markers

Tapestry needle

Pattern Stitch: Moss Stitch (Super Stitches Knitting by Karen Hemingway, p. 50).

Gauge: 10 sts x 17 rows = About 4 inches in Moss Stitch.

Notes:

The cowl begins with 1×1 ribbing, then has a main body of Moss Stitch, and finishes with another band of 1 x 1 ribbing.

Abbreviations Used:

CO: cast on

K: knit

P: purl

st(s): stitch(es)

rnd: round

Cowl

CO 72 sts. Join to work in the rnd. Place st marker to mark beginning of rnd.

Beginning Ribbing

Rnd 1: *K1, p1 repeat from * around – 72 sts.

Rnds 2-8: Repeat Rnd 1.

Main Body

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Ending Ribbing

Work as for Beginning Ribbing.

Finishing

Weave in ends.

Flat photo of a red, textured knit cowl pattern in moss stitch with ribbing borders on top and bottom. It sits on a pale gray cement background. Text reads: Banana Moon Studio.

That completes this knit cowl pattern with chunky yarn. I sure hope that you enjoyed knitting it!

I would love to see photos of your in-process or finished projects! You can share them on Instagram and tag me, or you can join my friendly Facebook group and share them there.

Happy knitting!