The choice of yarn makes all the difference. Here, simple cowl patterns using a stockinette stitch yield three striking scarf alternatives. 

For a multicolored piece, a base yarn is paired with a succession of bright strands. Another cowl uses a single yarn made with different-color fibers in daybreak tones. You can knit each cowl in the round, or create a flat piece with two straight needles and sew it together.

The cowl seen here is ultrathick and cozy. For a thick, textured look, this cowl uses three strands of yarn working as one. The finished garment is about 19 inches tall and 35 inches in circumference.

Gauge
5 sts equal 4 inches in St st worked in the rnd (k every rnd) with 3 strands held tog. (Be sure to check your gauge.)

Pattern Stitch 
K2, p2 Rib (worked in the rnd, multiple of 4 sts) Rnd 1: *K2, p2; rep from * around. Rep Rnd 1 for K2, p2 Rib.

Abbreviations
beg = begin(ning)(s) 
k = knit 
p = purl 
rep = repeat 
rnd(s) = round(s) 
st(s) = stitch(es) 
St st = Stockinette stitch 
tog = together 
Pattern courtesy of Lion Brand Yarn, lionbrand.com.