It’s no secret that knitting is a great way to de-stress. But, it can also be a fun hobby for beginners! If you’re looking for scarves that are simple enough for novices but still stylish and interesting, this list has got your back.
In this article, we’ll go over ten of our favorite simple scarf patterns for beginner knitters—all with step by step instructions so even beginners can make them at home.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Knitting scarves is a great way to learn the basics of knitting. |
| There are many simple and easy-to-follow scarf patterns available for beginning knitters. |
| Choosing the right yarn is important, and you’ll want to consider the weight, fiber content, and texture of the yarn you select. |
| Practice your stitches and use online tutorials or books to help you improve your skills. |
| Join a local knitting group or online community to connect with other knitters and get support and advice. |
Garter Stitch Scarf
This scarf is worked in the round, so you’ll be knitting with the same side facing you at all times. It’s a simple pattern that makes for great practice and would make for a good first project for beginners who want to try out knitting in the round.
The garter stitch allows for some stretchiness, so it won’t cause any discomfort if worn around your neck and since there are no fancy stitches involved, it will be easy to memorize!
Looking to expand your crochet skills beyond scarves? Our guide to 10 Easy Crochet Patterns for Beginners is the perfect place to start, with simple and fun projects that will build your confidence!
Seed Stitch Scarf
If you’re new to knitting and feel like your skills are still a little shaky, this is the scarf for you! Seed stitch is easy to memorize and easy to knit. It creates a textured fabric that’s reversible, making it a great choice for scarves (which you’ll want to wear on both sides).
Even if you’ve been knitting for years, seed stitch is nice because it doesn’t take much time or attention while creating an attractive result.
Seed Stitch Scarf Pattern Ideas
| Pattern | Description |
|---|---|
| Simple Seed Stitch Scarf | This pattern uses a basic seed stitch pattern, alternating knit and purl stitches to create a simple but beautiful texture. Great for beginning knitters. |
| Two-Color Seed Stitch Scarf | Add some visual interest to your scarf by using two different colors of yarn in a seed stitch pattern. |
| Textured Seed Stitch Scarf | This pattern uses a combination of seed stitch and ribbing to create a unique, textured look. |
| Reversible Seed Stitch Scarf | With the same stitch pattern on both sides, this scarf looks great no matter how you wear it. |
| Chunky Seed Stitch Scarf | Using bulky or super bulky yarn, this scarf knits up quickly and has a cozy, chunky texture. |
Purl Ridge Scarf
The Purl Ridge Scarf is a great project for beginners because it’s so easy to knit. But if you’ve been knitting for a while and want something that’s simple and quick, this pattern will work for you as well.
It’s reversible, too: the purl ridge goes in one direction on one side of the scarf and in the other direction on its opposite side. The result is an elegant piece that can be made with any yarn and it’ll only take about four hours!
Dotty Seed Stitch Scarf
This is a beginner level scarf that uses garter stitch and seed stitch. The pattern is easy to follow, and it’s reversible.
It’s also a great way to practice both of these stitches because they’re used so often on their own, but can be confusing when combined in an entire piece of knitting.
The instructions for this scarf are simple: cast on 8 stitches, then work rows 1-6 over and over again until you have reached your desired length (which should be your arm pit measurement).
Getting started with knitting can be intimidating, but don’t worry – our 10 Essential Knitting Tips for Beginners will help you get off to a great start, with tips on everything from choosing the right tools to basic techniques.
Lacey Beanie and Scarf
If you’ve been knitting for a while, now is the time to take your skills to the next level by adding lace to your projects. This beanie and scarf pattern can easily be modified into a hat or cowl as well.
Start with a basic beanie pattern (only one size) and then add on your lacy edge for some added flair! If you’re making this for someone who wears glasses, I would recommend adding buttonholes at the top so they can wear it as an earflap or have buttons added instead of tassels.
Lacey Beanie and Scarf Pattern Ideas
| Pattern | Description |
|---|---|
| Lacey Cabled Beanie and Scarf | This pattern combines a traditional cable knit pattern with a delicate lace pattern to create a cozy yet feminine set. |
| Lacey Knit Beanie and Scarf | A simple yet elegant lace pattern is used in this pattern to create a lightweight and airy beanie and scarf. |
| Lacey Crochet Beanie and Scarf | If you prefer crochet over knitting, this pattern uses a lace crochet pattern to create a delicate and stylish beanie and scarf set. |
| Lacey Cowl and Hat | This pattern combines a lacy cowl with a matching hat, perfect for layering during colder months. |
| Lacey Beret and Scarf | With a delicate lace pattern, this beret and scarf set is both stylish and warm. |
Ribbed Boarder Scarf
The Ribbed Boarder Scarf is a great beginning knitting pattern for those who want to learn how to knit.
This scarf is created using super bulky yarn and size 15 needles. It’s easy enough for even beginners, but the stitch pattern creates a nice textured border that will be appreciated by more experienced knitters as well.
To make this scarf, you’ll need:
- 1 skein of super bulky yarn (I used Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in Fisherman)
- Size 15 needles (I used Clover Takumi Bamboo DPNs)
- A tapestry needle or crochet hook for weaving in ends
To begin, cast on 25 stitches with your super bulky yarn and size 15 needles. Work Rows 1-5 of the ribbing pattern below, repeating the sequence until your work measures 10 inches long or 6 rows have been worked (which ever comes first).
Bind off loosely with a basic bind off technique such as The Simple Cast Off or The Long Tail Method – whichever you prefer! Weave all ends into the back side of your project when finished!
Stay warm all winter with our guide to Knit Your Way to Cozy: 15 Warm Hat Patterns, featuring a variety of patterns for hats that will keep you stylish and warm all season long!
Stockinette and Garter Stitch Scarf
The Stockinette and Garter stitch scarf is a great project for beginners because it involves just two basic patterns, stockinette stitch and garter stitch. Both of these stitches are easy to learn, which makes this scarf pattern a great choice for beginning knitters looking to expand their skillset.
This scarf uses worsted weight yarn in two colors (I used Berroco Vintage) and size 8 needles (I like Addi turbos). You can work this scarf as long or short as you want depending on your preference!
Learning to knit can be a relaxing and rewarding experience. Our guide to Mastering the Knit Stitch: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners will walk you through the process, from casting on to binding off!”
Cobbled Stone Path Scarf
To make this scarf, you will need to work with a bulky yarn. The pattern is a simple repeat that requires you to know how to crochet chains, single crochet and double crochet.
You can make this scarf in any length you want but it is best done in multiples of 4 stitches (12 stitches = one repeat).
You can use any color of yarn that you want but the contrast between the white and dark green looks great on a manly man like my husband!
Cobbled Stone Path Scarf Pattern Ideas
| Pattern | Description |
|---|---|
| Cobbled Stone Path Scarf | This pattern uses a combination of garter stitch and a slip stitch pattern to create a unique, textured scarf that resembles a cobbled stone path. |
| Diagonal Cobbled Stone Path Scarf | With a diagonal slip stitch pattern, this scarf has a modern look while still resembling the texture of a cobbled stone path. |
| Ribbed Cobbled Stone Path Scarf | In this pattern, a ribbed stitch pattern is used to frame the cobbled stone path texture, creating a more structured look. |
| Short Cobbled Stone Path Scarf | This pattern is perfect for those who want a shorter scarf that can be worn as a cowl or neck warmer. The cobbled stone path texture creates a great accent. |
| Long Cobbled Stone Path Scarf | This pattern is perfect for those who want a longer scarf that can be wrapped and styled in various ways. The unique texture is sure to make a statement. |
Mistake Rib Cowl
Mistake rib is a great stitch pattern for beginner knitters who want to try something new. It’s also a good pattern to practice on if you’re still getting used to knitting with chunky yarn, as it’s reversible and has only one row of purl stitches in between each row of knit stitches—so it doesn’t take long before you can see results!
Mistake ribbing is worked over an uneven number of stitches, usually between 4 and 12. To work this stitch pattern, alternate rows of knitting all knits together with rows where you purl all the knits together.
Ready to try expanding your crochet stitch repertoire? Our comprehensive Beginner’s Guide to Crochet Stitches covers everything you need to know to get started, from basic stitches to more complex patterns.
Diamond Pattern Crochet Scarf
The Diamond Pattern Crochet Scarf is a simple pattern that you can make as long or as short as you want it. You can use any yarn, and there are many ways to change the pattern to make it your own.
Conclusion
We hope this list has given you some inspiration for your next knitting project! If you want to learn more about the different types of stitches and how to do them, check out our free beginner’s guide here.
Further Reading
If you’re looking for more patterns and inspiration for your knitting, check out these resources:
Craftsy: Easy Scarf Knitting Patterns: A collection of simple and straightforward scarf patterns that are great for beginners.
Sarah Maker: Scarf Knitting Patterns: A variety of patterns for scarves, including some that are perfect for gift-giving.
NobleKnits: Scarf Knitting Patterns (Free!): A selection of free knitting patterns for scarves, including both beginner-friendly options and more advanced designs.
FAQs
What are some good patterns for beginner knitters?
If you’re just starting out with knitting, start with a simple scarf pattern. Look for patterns that use bulky or super bulky yarn, which will knit up quickly and allow you to see progress more quickly.
How do I choose the right yarn for my project?
When choosing yarn, consider the fiber content, weight, and texture. For scarves, you’ll want to use a yarn that is soft and comfortable to wear against your skin. Worsted weight yarn is a good choice for most scarf patterns.
What’s the best way to learn how to knit?
There are many resources available to help you learn to knit, including online tutorials, books, and classes at your local yarn store or community center. Start with a basic scarf pattern and practice your stitches until you feel comfortable with the process.
How do I fix mistakes in my knitting?
If you make a mistake in your knitting, the best thing to do is to fix it as soon as possible. Common mistakes include dropped stitches or accidentally adding stitches. Look for online tutorials or books that cover common knitting mistakes and how to fix them.
What are some good resources for knitters looking to connect with other knitters?
Joining a knitting group or attending a knitting class can be a great way to meet other knitters and get support and advice. Look for local knitting groups or classes at your local yarn store or community center, or consider joining an online knitting community.
My name is Hellen James, and I’m a crochet and knitting expert. I’ve been crocheting since I was just a kid, but I started taking it seriously when I realized that it was a great way to de-stress and relax. Now that I have kids of my own, I love teaching them how to do it too!