Knitting collar pattern: our tips and patterns for knitting a soft, warm and stylish collar 💫
Knit SisShare
Knitting a cowl: the soft, quick and stylish solution for facing winter 🧣
Looking for a quick, useful, and rewarding knitting project? An accessory that's easy to wear, to give as a gift, or to treat yourself to? A knitted cowl is THE perfect project for that. And if you're still unsure, we'll explain why—with our best tips, our personal stories, and of course, our favorite patterns at Knit-sis ❤️
Why We Love Collars (And Why You'll Love Them Too)
When we were little, our grandmother always knitted us soft cowls for winter. No scarves that dangle or get caught in the zipper, no itchy hats... Just a cozy cowl that slips under your jacket and keeps your neck warm.
Looking back, we understand why it's a project we still love today:
✅ It knits up quickly (perfect for instant gratification 🤩)
✅ It requires little wool (hello, leftover balls and overflowing stash 👋)
✅ It allows you to test points or techniques without stress
✅ It's always a pleasure to give (even to the most cautious)
✅ It comes in an infinite variety: turtleneck, snood, high collar, loose collar, cables, stripes, textured stitches...
Key takeaway: The cowl is a great entry point for beginners and a playground for experienced knitters. And it ticks all the boxes for a rewarding project ✨
Which knitted collar style should you choose? 🧶
There are a thousand and one ways to knit a cowl. It all depends on the look you want to achieve, your skill level, and the yarn you have available.
The main types of collars to knit
1. The simple collar or snood
Knitted in the round or flat then sewn, it is perfect for beginners.
▪️ Easy to adjust in size
▪️ Ideal for highlighting a pretty thread or stitch
2. The high collar or chimney collar
Higher up, it protects well from the cold and has a very modern look. It can be close to the neck or looser.
3. The cable or textured stitch collar
A little more technical, but so satisfying! Perfect for exploring cables without embarking on a whole sweater.
4. The hooded / bib collar
A mix between accessory and clothing, it also covers the shoulders or the head. Ideal for children or those who are very sensitive to the cold ❄️
Lenny's Tip:
To try out a new stitch (honeycomb, cables, lace, etc.), I always knit myself a small test collar. This allows me to see if I like the result and to use up my leftover wool in style.
Which wools and needles for a successful collar? 🧵
The right combo is: soft wool + needles adapted to the desired result.
Recommended wools:
▪️ Alpaca / merino : warm, light and very soft
▪️ Mohair + silk : for a vaporous and chic look
▪️ Combed or carded wool : for a rustic or sporty look
👉 For beginners, choose a wool that doesn't split too much and that slides well on the needles (merino type).
The needles:
▪️ Circular if you knit in the round (more practical to avoid seams)
▪️ Straight if you are more comfortable, with a seam at the end
▪️ Sizes 5 to 8 mm for a quick, soft, cuddly effect guaranteed ✨
Remember: you don't need a lot of footage, a collar often uses between 100g and 150g of wool.
Our favorite models at Knit-sis ✨
We haven't (yet!) released a 100% collar pattern at Knit-sis, but several of our models include a beautiful collar or one that can easily be adapted with a collar version!
🧣 The Cardichou : a soft neck like a cloud
This top-down raglan cardigan is knitted on 7mm needles, and its ribbed collar is the ultimate in softness . Some of our customers even adapt it into a matching snood.
🌀 The Twist & Shout vest : retro twisted collar
We love it for its 70s look and its clearly visible twists. Ideal for learning how to master them... before you start making a homemade twisted collar 🧵
🌼 The Doudou sweater (free): perfect for beginners
A free and fluffy pattern with an easy-to-adapt neckline. Some people use it as a base to create a snood using the same stitches.
Want a 100% knitted collar? Let us know! We might have a surprise in store for this fall 👀
Keep on hand: cheat sheet for knitting a collar 📝
Here's a visual recap to save or print (and slip into your project bag):
✅ Level: from beginner to expert
🧶 Recommended wool: merino, alpaca, mohair, combed wool
🧷 Needles: 5 to 8 mm circular or straight
⏱ Average time: 2 to 5 knitting evenings
🧵 Useful techniques: ribbing, jersey, fancy stitch, casting on in the round, soft cast-off
💡 Bonus: perfect for testing new points
In conclusion: what if you knitted a cowl this weekend?
A knitted cowl is one of the most versatile, accessible, and satisfying projects you can make with your needles. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, there's always a version you'll love. And with a little creativity, it can even become a staple of your winter wardrobe 🧣
💌 Want regular ideas, knitting tips and pattern previews? Sign up for our newsletter — we chat about knitting every Sunday morning over coffee ☕
🎁 Discover our collection of beginner patterns to find your next easy and fun knitting project!
