Free Cowl Patterns

A cowl, from the Latin cuculla meaning "hood and rope," is a garment historically used to give warmth to monks who often spent long hours in unheated and drafty churches. Today, cowls are fashionable neck warmers or hoods usually knit or crocheted in the round using lace and cabling techniques.

Knitting.

• Old Shale Smoke Ring by Cosymakes
• Simple lace ripple pattern

• Good Luck Cowl by Drop Stitch Knitter
• Simple lace leaf pattern

• Burberry Inspired Cowl Neck Scarf by The Garter Girl
• Cabled pattern based off of an expensive cowl from Burberry

• Quickie Cowl by f.pea
• Quick lacy pattern that can be both a cowl and a headband

• Incognito Cowl by Knitty
• Cowl with mustache knitted into it. Perfect disguise, really. Sizes for both children and adults.

• Cables and Eyelets Cowl by Paper Tiger
• Lacy cable cowl available for download

• Fresco Basket Whip Cowl by Classic Elite Yarns 
• Lacy pattern reminiscent of a dance step called the Basket Whip

Crocheting.

• Black Hole Cowl Pattern by Elletrain Knits
• Giant cowl with large button

• Convertible Cowl by The Crimson Owl
• Chunky cowl that is both a neck warmer and a hood 

• Honeycomb Lattice Button Cowl by Diffusible Interfacing
• Buttoned cowl with a diamond honeycomb texture

• Ribbed Cowl by Oh Baby O
• Simple lacy ribbed pattern

• Cabled Cowl by The Art of Megan
• Cabled pattern

• Skull Cowl by Kimmi's Krafts
• Two-color pattern with skulls stitched in

• One Row Lace Cowl by Without Seams
• Simple lacy cowl for download

Keep in mind.
Most of these patterns are for personal use only. Consult creator of pattern for any questions you have regarding the pattern or the sale of any product resulted from the use of the pattern. 
In addition.
None of these patterns are my own. All rights to all patterns featured here are owned by the creators of the patterns. If any creator would like me to remove the link to his/her pattern, let me know and I will remove any link or reference to the pattern.