Scarves are one of the best projects for new knitters. These five use simple stitch repeats that help you build muscle memory, get comfortable with your needles, and discover how much you can do with just knit and purl stitches. For experienced knitters, they’re fun, easy projects that make beautiful gifts.
We knit all five scarves in Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok, a worsted-weight wool with gently heathered colors and beautiful stitch definition. Its texture brings out every ridge, rib, and little seed stitch, making even the simplest pattern something special.
Each scarf uses three hanks of Woolstok or one hank of Woolstok 150. Both options give you approximately 370 yards of the same yarn. Choose your favorite color and stitch pattern, and you’re ready to begin.
All five scarves are worked flat on US 7 (4.5 mm) needles and measure approximately 6 inches wide by 60 inches long after blocking. You’ll also need scissors and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
Whether you’re making your first scarf or knitting gifts for friends, we hope these inspire your next project!
Garter Stitch Scarf Pattern
If you’re just starting out, garter stitch is a great choice. Knit every stitch on every row and watch those soft, squishy ridges grow. The repetition helps you build muscle memory and find a comfortable knitting rhythm. For experienced knitters, it’s an easy project to enjoy while chatting or watching a favorite show.
Garter stitch scarf knit with three hanks of Woolstok in Lilac Bloom.
Cast on 28 stitches, or any number of stitches for a different width.
Row 1: Knit.
Repeat Row 1 until your scarf reaches the desired length, leaving one yard of yarn to bind off.
Bind off knitwise, weave in the ends, and block.
Ribbed Scarf (2×2 Rib) Pattern
Pairs of knit and purl stitches create a stretchy scarf with clean vertical ribs. It’s a wonderful way to practice switching between the two stitches, with a slipped stitch at the beginning of each row for tidy edges. Woolstok’s heathered color gives the simple ribbing extra depth.
Ribbed Scarf knit with three hanks of Woolstok in Pressed Grapes.
Cast on 44 stitches, or a multiple of 4 plus 4.
Row 1: Slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in front, *purl 2, knit 2; repeat from * to the last 3 stitches, purl 3.
Row 2: Slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in back, *knit 2, purl 2; repeat from * to the last 3 stitches, knit 3.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until your scarf reaches the desired length, leaving one yard of yarn to bind off.
Bind off in pattern, knitting the knit stitches and purling the purl stitches. Weave in the ends and block gently without stretching the ribs completely open.
Seed Stitch Scarf Pattern
Seed stitch alternates single knits and purls to create a beautifully pebbled fabric. It gives new knitters plenty of practice moving the yarn between the front and back of the work. Because you cast on an odd number of stitches, every row follows the same instructions.
Seed Stitch Scarf knit with one hank of Woolstok 150 in Driftwood.
Cast on 27 stitches, or an odd number of stitches.
Row 1: *Knit 1, purl 1; repeat from * to the last stitch, knit 1.
Repeat Row 1 until your scarf reaches the desired length, leaving one yard of yarn to bind off.
Bind off in pattern, weave in the ends, and block.
Mistake Rib Scarf Pattern
Mistake rib looks more complicated than it is. One repeated row creates a deeply textured, softly ribbed scarf that’s lovely to tuck into a coat. Once you settle into the repeat, it’s a relaxing knit—and a beautiful gift in a color chosen especially for its recipient.
Mistake Rib Scarf knit with three hanks of Woolstok in Earth Ivy.
Cast on 39 stitches, or a multiple of 4 plus 3.
Row 1: Slip 1 stitch knitwise with yarn in back, knit 1, *purl 2, knit 2; repeat from * to the last stitch, purl 1.
Repeat Row 1 until your scarf reaches the desired length, leaving one yard of yarn to bind off.
Bind off in pattern, weave in the ends, and block.
Broken Garter Stitch Scarf Pattern
Groups of six knit and six purl stitches create alternating bands of texture in this scarf. There’s only one row to repeat, so you can enjoy the changing fabric without keeping track of a longer pattern. It’s a satisfying next step for new knitters and an easy gift project for those with more experience.
Broken Garter Stitch Scarf knit with one hank of Woolstok 150 in Wild Thyme.
Cast on 30 stitches, or a multiple of 12 plus 6.
Row 1: Slip 1 stitch knitwise with yarn in back, knit 5, *purl 6, knit 6; repeat from * to the end.
Repeat Row 1 until your scarf reaches the desired length, leaving one yard of yarn to bind off.
Bind off in pattern, weave in the ends, and block.
Yarns We Recommend
Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok is a lovely match for all five scarves. Made from 100% Fine Highland Wool, it has a gently heathered appearance that adds richness to simple stitches. The different textures show off the yarn beautifully, so choosing a color is part of the fun.
You’ll need either:
- Three 50-gram hanks of Woolstok in the same color.
- One 150-gram hank of Woolstok 150 for fewer joins and ends to weave in.
Both provide approximately 370 yards. The color selections differ between hank sizes, so browse both to find your favorite.
You can also use another worsted-weight yarn, allowing approximately 370 yards for a similar scarf. Different yarns and knitting tensions will affect the finished dimensions. If you’d like a wider or longer scarf, you’ll need more yarn.
A finishing tip: Reserve approximately one yard for binding off and weaving in the final end. Gently hand wash your finished scarf, press out excess water, and lay it flat to dry, smoothing it into shape.
Choose your Woolstok online, or stop by Loop in Philadelphia—we’ll be happy to help you pick a color for your first scarf or your next handmade gift.
