Free knitting pattern ·
Easy Knit Scarf Pattern for Beginners: Garter Stitch, No Purling
| Finished size | 6 x 60 in (15 x 152 cm) |
|---|---|
| Yarn | Worsted weight, about 410 yd |
| Needles | US 8 (5 mm) |
| Stitches used | Knit stitch only (garter stitch), no purling |
| Level | Beginner |
| Rows | 480, every row 24 stitches |
| Price | Free |
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What you need
- Worsted weight (CYC #4) yarn, about 410 yd
- US 8 (5 mm) straight needles
- Tapestry needle and scissors
How it's made, in short
- Cast on. Cast on 24 stitches with the long-tail cast on.
- Knit every row. Knit all 24 stitches on every row for 480 rows; every 8 rows add 1 inch.
- Bind off. On the next row (the right side), bind off all stitches knitwise.
- Finish. Weave in every tail along the edge, then mist the scarf and let it dry flat.
Free guides: Knitting cast on
Tips
- Count ridges, not rows: one ridge is two knitted rows.
- Put a stitch marker on the right side so you always know which side is facing.
- Check your stitch count every few rows: it should stay at 24.
The free pattern
US knitting terms. The number in brackets is how many stitches you should have.
Size: 6 x 60 in (15 x 152 cm)
Yarn: Worsted weight (CYC #4 Medium) wool or acrylic, about 410 yd (375 m), so 3 skeins of 200 yd.
Needles: US 8 (5 mm) straight needles
Notions: tapestry needle, scissors
Gauge: 16 stitches and 32 rows (16 garter ridges) = 4 in (10 cm) in garter stitch. A different gauge changes the size and the yarn needed.
Abbreviations: CO cast on, k knit, BO bind off, RS right side, st(s) stitch(es)
Instructions
CO 24 sts with the long-tail cast on. (24 sts)
Row 1 (RS): k24. (24 sts)
Rows 2-480: k every row. (24 sts)
After row 480 you have 240 garter ridges on each side and the right side is facing you again. The scarf measures about 60 in.
For a shorter or longer scarf, stop on any even-numbered row: every 8 rows (4 ridges) is 1 in.
BO all sts knitwise on the next row. Cut the yarn, pull it through the last loop.
Finishing
- When a skein runs out, join the new one at the start of a row and leave both tails 6 in long.
- Weave in every tail along the edge stitches with the tapestry needle.
- Lay the scarf flat, mist it with water and let it dry, so the ridges settle evenly.
How we checked it: knitlib: 480 rows executed, 0 halts, every row 24 sts; finished size 6.00 x 60.00 in; 240 garter ridges; yarn estimate 410 yd. We work hard to get every number right, but mistakes can still happen; tell us at hello@craftuary.com if anything is off.
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The printable PDF (US Letter and A4) is free with a Craftuary account.
Get the printable PDF freeQuestions
How many stitches do I cast on for a beginner scarf?
For this 6 inch wide scarf, cast on 24 stitches in worsted weight yarn on US 8 (5 mm) needles. Each extra 4 stitches adds 1 inch of width.
Can I knit a scarf without purling?
Yes. Garter stitch is knit every row, so this scarf uses no purl stitches at all, and it lies flat without curling.
How much yarn do I need for a garter stitch scarf?
About 410 yards of worsted weight yarn for 6 x 60 inches, so 3 skeins of 200 yards.
How do I make the scarf longer or shorter?
Every 8 rows (4 ridges) is 1 inch at this gauge. Stop on an even-numbered row so you bind off with the right side facing.
The pictures are drawn from the pattern's own measurements and stitches; your finished piece will vary a little with your materials.
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