This is the fourth post in my series of roundups for handmade gift ideas for the winter holiday season. Today’s roundup is all about DIY neckwarmers, including scarves, cowls, infinity scarves, and pretty much anything else you can wear around your neck to keep warm. This roundup includes over 50 free tutorials, including 11 free fabric tutorials (with sew, no-sew, and low-sew options), 28 crochet patterns, and 12 knitting patterns. These patterns include luscious projects for your friends and family in cold climates and lacy alternatives for those in warmer locales. And, this roundup includes options for women, men, and kids.
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50+ Patterns and Tutorials for Scarves and Cowls
Roundup by Underground Crafter
11 Fabric Tutorials
These tutorials include no-sew, low-sew, and sewing projects made with fabric or upcycled sweaters and t-shirts. There are some great tutorials for dyeing and stenciling, too. And, you’ll find a range of projects for men, women, and children in this collection.
Left column, from top to bottom:
- Turn a T-Shirt into a Stenciled Infinity Scarf by Club Chica Circle: This tutorial shows you how to turn a plain t-shirt into a uniquely patterned circle scarf.
- Chevron Scarf by Fleece Fun: This pattern uses two colors of jersey knit fabric to make a chevron and includes both a photo and video tutorial.
- 5-Minute Scarf by Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom: This tutorial shows you how to sew a quick scarf that boys and men will love.
- Cuddle Cakes Patchwork Scarf by Crafty Lady Abby: This quilted scarf is made with 10” x 10” fabric squares.
Center column, from top to bottom:
- Infinity Ombre Scarf by This Heart of Mine: This tutorial shows you how to transform a plain old t-shirt into a hand dyed infinity scarf.
- Plaid and Lace Infinity Scarf by Flamingo Toes: This quick sewing project combines flannel fabrics and crochet lace into a striking circle scarf.
- Easiest Fleece Hat and Scarf Set Ever by Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom: This tutorial shows you how to make a quick, no-sew fleece hat and scarf set.
- No-Sew Upcycled Sweater Cowl by Swoodson Says: Repurpose an old sweater into a cozy cowl with this tutorial.
Right column, from top to bottom:
- Braided Cowl by Life Sew Savory: This low-sew cowl is made using just one yard of fabric.
- Fringed Plaid Flannel Scarf by Mad in Crafts: This scarf combines two flannel fabrics and the video tutorial provides some great tips for making fringe down the length of the scarf.
- DIY Lace and Knit Fabric Infinity Scarf by It’s Always Autumn: Combine a knit fabric with a fashion lace for a beautiful sewing project.
12 Free Knitting Patterns
These patterns feature different techniques such as simple lace, Fair Isle, slip stitch colorwork, motifs, cables, and more.
Left column, from top to bottom:
- Two-Toned Diamonds Infinity Scarf by Underground Crafter: This color blocked circle scarf uses a lacy, traveling stitch.
- Ice Cube Scarf by ABC Knitting Patterns: This scarf is made up of blocks that are joined as you knit, so there is no seaming.
- Welted Cowl by Jane Richmond: This simple cowl features horizontal welts and is made with lace weight yarn.
- Pretend Cable Scarf by Frankie Brown: This pattern includes a photo tutorial for making the cables without a cable needle.
Center column, from top to bottom:
- Color My Cowl by Very Pink: This pattern is a good introduction to Fair Isle knitting and includes a video tutorial.
- Ribbon Stitch Cowl by Underground Crafter: This cowl uses slip stitches for easy colorwork.
- Spiral Scarf by Very Pink: This spiral scarf includes a video tutorial.
- Lace and Spit by Very Pink: This pattern uses spit splicing so you have limited ends to weave in.
Right column, from top to bottom:
- The Traveler Infinicowl Scarf by Mama in a Stitch: This jumbo infinity scarf uses a simple lace pattern.
- Sophrosyne by Caitlin ffrench: This lacy cowl is made with one skein of super bulky yarn.
- Fabulous Fair Isle Cowls by Marly Bird for Red Heart: This three-color pattern is a good introduction to Fair Isle.
- Bubblegum Cowl by Fiber Flux: This textured cowl pattern is available in knit flat and a knit in the round versions.
28 Free Crochet Patterns
This selection of crochet patterns includes simple, beginner-friendly (or streaming-tv-watching) patterns and more complex projects with tutorials; one-skein and multi-skein projects; feminine and unisex projects; and patterns that can be worn year round as well as some that are perfect for the cold.
Clockwise, from top left:
- Penn Button Cowl by Rescued Paw Designs: This cowl uses seven buttons, so it’s also a great way to bust through your button stash. (If you need more ideas for using up buttons, find 60+ free craft tutorials for button lovers here.)
- Striped Moebius Cowl by The Steady Hand: This beginner-friendly pattern makes a great unisex cowl.
- Enchanted Evening Button Cowl by The Stitchin’ Mommy: This buttoned cowl can be styled several different ways.
- Paris Cowl by My Hobby is Crochet: This textured cowl is a one-skein project.
- Herringbone Scarf with Lacy Shells by Underground Crafter: This detailed feminine scarf includes a complete video tutorial.
- Comfy Squares Color Block Cowl by Little Monkeys Crochet: This color blocked cowl is crocheted flat and then seamed together.
- Snow Drops Reversible Cowl by Moogly: This striking reversible cowl is made in two pieces and then joined.
- Berry Cakes Infinity Scarf by The Stitchin’ Mommy: This plush and lacy circle scarf is made with one skein of Caron Cakes yarn.
Left column, from top to bottom:
- Mongolian Tundra Cowl by Raising Robertsons: This plush infinity scarf is made with bulky yarn.
- Earth Fairy Button Cowl by Fiber Flux: This pattern includes a video tutorial.
- All the Colors Cowl by Oombawka Design: This textured cowl pattern includes a photo tutorial.
- Chunky Butterfly Scarf by Creative Crochet Workshop: This lacy scarf worked in bulky yarn includes a detailed photo tutorial.
Center column, from top to bottom:
- Walking in the Sand Scarf by Underground Crafter: This “dude approved” unisex scarf has great texture using an easy stitch pattern.
- Buttoned Shell Stitch Cowl by All About Ami: The fit of this lacy cowl can be easily adjusted with the button closure.
- Cherry Cowl by Hopeful Honey: This lightweight cowl is perfect for transitional weather or to gift to someone in a warmer location.
- Clusters and Vs Lace Scarf by Underground Crafter: This lacy scarf works up quickly in a bulky yarn.
Right column, from top to bottom:
- Cozy Striped Infinity Scarf by Flamingo Toes: This beginner-friendly, unisex circle scarf works up quickly in chunky yarn.
- All Wrapped Up Infinity Scarf by Left in Knots: This pattern is a great way to use up stray balls of bulky yarn and includes a video tutorial for tying a knotted scarf.
- Frozen Lake Infinity Scarf by Two of Wands: This textured circle scarf is wide and long and made with bulky yarn.
- Josephine’s Cowl by The Lavender Chair: This stunning cowl would make a great gift for a special lady on your list.
Clockwise from top left:
- Quick Covered Boxes Cowl by Underground Crafter: This easy peasy cowl pattern is also available as a free PDF for all subscribers to my newsletter.
- Ocean Waves Scarf by Crochet Dreamz: This lacy, fringed scarf is made with one skein of Caron Cakes yarn.
- Sinfully Simple Unisex Winter Scarf by Oombawka Design: This easy pattern for a unisex scarf includes a tutorial for adding fringe.
- Super Plush Faux Knit Infinity Scarf by Little Monkeys Crochet: This wide and cozy circle scarf uses a beginner-friendly stitch pattern.
- Neon Lights Cowl by My Hobby is Crochet: This cowl uses contrasting colors for a big visual impact.
- Katie Cowl by Divine Debris: This teen/adult sized cowl is a one-skein project.
- Mermaid Isle Scarf by Kim Guzman: This Tunisian crochet scarf pattern includes tips for working with gradient yarns.
- Winter Waves Chevron Cowl by Cre8tion Crochet: This chevron infinity scarf features a punch of color.
Thanks for including my cowl tutorial! Pinning!