A knit scarf is the classic first project for a reason. It is just a long rectangle, so you can focus on even stitches and good tension without worrying about shaping. And when you are done, you have something warm to wear right away.
We gathered 11 free knit scarf patterns and opened every one to check that it is still free. You will find all-garter scarves for brand new knitters, chunky scarves that grow fast, and a few with a little texture or a beginner cable when you are ready for more.
Easy Knit Scarf Free Patterns
This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
What You’ll Need
- Straight knitting needles or a 24-inch circular needle
- Soft bulky or worsted yarn
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- Sharp yarn scissors
- Locking stitch markers
- Measuring tape
- Cable needle (for the Irish Hiking Scarf)
1. How to Knit a Scarf for Beginners (Garter Stitch Scarf)
Photo: Sarah Stearns / Sarah Maker
This is the scarf to make if you only know the knit stitch. It is worked flat in garter stitch, and slipping the first stitch of every row gives it a neat, braided edge. The post walks you through the long-tail cast on, each row and the bind off, ending with a scarf about 8 by 72 inches.
- Designer: Sarah Stearns / Sarah Maker
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Bulky (#5)
- Needle size: US 10.5 (6.5 mm)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
2. Side Line Scarf
Photo: Fifty Four Ten Studio
The Side Line Scarf is quick, reversible and looks great in team colors. A simple K3, P3 repeat combined with garter stitch creates soft, subtle stripes. Super bulky yarn and big needles mean you can finish it in a weekend, and the pattern includes tips for using bulky yarn instead.
- Designer: Fifty Four Ten Studio
- Skill level: Beginner / Easy
- Yarn: Super bulky (#6)
- Needle size: US 13 (9 mm)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
3. Beginner’s Stitch Sampler Scarf
Photo: Kristina Tucker
Want to practice more than one stitch? This scarf mixes knit and purl combinations into one long piece, so you learn as you go. Each section feels different, which keeps it fun, and by the end you will be much more confident reading your knitting.
- Designer: Kristina Tucker
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Needle size: US 8 (5 mm)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
4. Roscoe Scarf (Knit)
Photo: Irina Poludnenko / Lion Brand Yarn
Roscoe is a long, simple garter stitch scarf in bulky yarn. At about 10 by 104 inches, it is long enough to wrap twice around your neck with ends to spare. It is a relaxing, mindless knit and an easy gift for anyone on your list.
- Designer: Irina Poludnenko / Lion Brand Yarn
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Bulky (#5)
- Needle size: see pattern
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
5. Lawrence Scarf
Photo: Jane Richmond
Lawrence is garter stitch with a twist. Mirrored bias shaping at each end makes the scarf hang with lovely movement when you wear it. The pattern is written in both DK and bulky weights, so you can pick a light scarf or a cozy one.
- Designer: Jane Richmond
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: DK (#3) or bulky (#5)
- Needle size: US 7 (4.5 mm) for DK, US 11 (8 mm) for bulky
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
6. Harry Potter Scarf Knitting Pattern
Photo: Davina Choy / Sheep & Stitch
This slim, striped scarf is inspired by the house scarves from the films. It is knit in 1×1 rib with a slipped edge, using one wide color block followed by two narrow bands. The designer recommends it for beginners who are ready to move past garter stitch, and the page includes a free video.
- Designer: Davina Choy / Sheep & Stitch
- Skill level: Beginner / Easy
- Yarn: DK (#3)
- Needle size: 4 mm (US 6)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
7. MissMarple Scarf
Photo: SusanneS-vV
MissMarple is a clever keyhole scarf. You pull one end through a small opening, so it stays in place at your neck without a knot. The wider middle covers your shoulders, and it is mostly garter stitch with a little ribbing. The designer calls it an easy knit.
- Designer: SusanneS-vV
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Needle size: US 7 (4.5 mm) and US 9 (5.5 mm)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
8. All Too Well Scarf
Photo: Kristen McDonnell / Studio Knit
This deep burgundy scarf uses an easy knit-and-purl stitch that looks the same on both sides, plus slipped stitch edges and fringe. The finished scarf is 12 by 72 inches. The free page includes a supply list and a video tutorial, which new knitters will appreciate.
- Designer: Kristen McDonnell / Studio Knit
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Needle size: US 7 (4.5 mm)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
9. Honeycomb Scarf
Photo: Emily Bolduan
The Honeycomb Scarf uses a simple slip stitch pattern to make a textured, drapey fabric, finished with a faux i-cord edge. Larger needles keep it quick to knit. It is a good choice when you want a gift that looks a little special but is not hard to make.
- Designer: Emily Bolduan
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Needle size: US 10 (6 mm)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
10. The Arbor Scarf
Photo: Stephanie Lau / All About Ami
The Arbor Scarf is a chunky ribbed scarf with clean chained edges, optional patch pockets and optional fringe. It uses only knit and purl stitches, worked in Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick. The pockets are what make it fun, a cozy place to tuck your hands on a cold walk.
- Designer: Stephanie Lau / All About Ami
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Super bulky (#6)
- Needle size: US 13 (9 mm)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
11. Irish Hiking Scarf
Photo: Adrian Bizilia
Ready for cables? The Irish Hiking Scarf is a hugely popular beginner cable pattern. It is worked flat with no seams, and the designer calls it a great first cabling project. All you need extra is a cable needle or a spare double-pointed needle.
- Designer: Adrian Bizilia
- Skill level: Easy (beginner cables)
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Needle size: US 8 (5 mm) plus a cable needle
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
Which One Should You Make?
- Brand new to knitting? Start with #1. It is all knit stitches and walks you through every step.
- Want it done this weekend? #2 Side Line or #10 Arbor in super bulky yarn grow really fast.
- Ready to learn the purl stitch? #3 Stitch Sampler teaches you several knit-and-purl patterns in one project.
- Knitting a gift for a fan? #6 Harry Potter Scarf or #2 Side Line in team colors.
- Feeling brave? #11 Irish Hiking Scarf is a friendly first cable project.
FAQ
How long should a knit scarf be?
Most adult scarves are 60 to 72 inches long, about the wearer’s height, so they can wrap once and hang nicely. For a double wrap, go 80 to 100 inches. Kids’ scarves are usually 40 to 50 inches long. Width is usually 6 to 10 inches.
How much yarn do I need for a scarf?
A typical adult scarf uses about 250–400 yards of worsted yarn, or 150–250 yards of super bulky yarn. Long scarves, fringe and wide widths take more. Check your pattern, and buy all your skeins from the same dye lot so the color matches.
Why does my scarf curl at the edges?
Stockinette stitch naturally curls. Garter stitch, ribbing and seed stitch lie flat, which is why most beginner scarves use them. If your scarf has stockinette sections, add a garter or seed stitch border, and gently block it when you finish.
Cast on one of these easy scarves today, and you will have a cozy handmade piece ready before the next cold snap.
1 thought on “11 Easy Knit Scarf Free Patterns”
Comments are closed.