Cheshire Cat Cowl - A Free Knitting Pattern

The Cheshire Cat Cowl is where playful fantasy meets bold, wearable design — a signature blend I’ve become known for. This pattern transforms simple stitches into a striking colorful cowl with that unmistakable mischievous charm. It’s quick, cozy, and packed with personality, making it the perfect project for knitters who crave instant gratification without sacrificing style.

Designed for Aran and worsted‑weight yarns, this cowl works up fast while still delivering that polished, “how-did-you-make-that?” finish. Whether you’re knitting for yourself, gifting to a cat‑obsessed friend, or building a winter wardrobe with attitude, the Cheshire Cat Cowl brings a touch of magic to every outfit. Consider it your invitation to step into a slightly darker, whimsical world — one stitch at a time.

Yarn

Aran weight, for example Drops Alaska

MC: 50 [75, 100] g in Pink 

CC: 50 [75, 100] g in Purple

 

Needles

Short circular needle or double pointed needles, or your favorite needles for short circumference knitting

Size 5 mm (US 8) or size needed to obtain gauge.

Gauge

14.5 sts and 19 rnds = 10 cm (4”) stockinette in the round.

 

Sizes

Child [Medium, Large]

 

Final measurements

Child: 40 cm (15.75 inches) in circumference, 21 cm (8.25 inches) in height.

Adult Medium: 50 cm (19.75 inches) in circumference, 24 cm (9.5 inches) in height.

Adult Large: 60 cm (23.75 inches) in circumference, 26 cm (10.25 inches) in height.

 

Pattern Starts!

 

Upper brim

Using CC, CO 60 [75, 90] sts, join to knit in rounds, careful not to twist.

Rnd 1 (MC): K to end.

Rnds 2-8: [k2, p2] rep to end.

Rnds 9-10: K to end.

Rnd 11 (CC): K to end.

Rnds 12-13 (MC): K to end.

 

Body

Start working the chart

 

Rnd 1: K10 [18, 25] PM, work chart, k to end.

Rnds 2- 27: K to M, SM, work chart, k to end.

Rnd 28 (MC): K to M, remove M, k to end.

Rnd 29: K to end.

Rnds 30-32 (sizes M and L only): K to end.

Rnds 33- 35 (size L only): K to end.

 

Bottom brim

Rnd 1: [K 5, RLI] rep rto the end.

Rnd 2: K to end

Rnd 3: K 2 [LLI, k 6] ep to the end.

Rnd 4: K to end.

Rnd 5 (CC): K to end.

Rnd 6 (MC): K to end.

Rnd 7 (CC): K to end.

Rnd 8 (MC): K to end.

 

Sizes M and L only

Rnd 9 (CC): K to end.

Rnd 10 (MC): K to end.

Rnd 11 (CC): K to end.

 

Size L only:

Rnd 12 (MC): K to end.

Rnd 13 (CC): K to end.

Rnd 14 (MC): K to end.

Rnd 15 (CC): K to end.

 

 

I-cord bind off

Using CC, CO 3 sts.

K2, k2tog tbl, sl 3 back to left-hand needle; rep from * to end.

K3tog. Cut yarn and pull through the last st.

 

Finishing

Sew in loose ends, wet block.

 

Thank you for knitting with me, hope you enjoyed yourself! Please do share your work with #cheshirecatcowl