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Easy Garter Stitch Scarf Knitting Pattern For Beginners

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This easy knit scarf pattern is perfect for beginning knitters. Knit with worsted weight yarn and in the simple garter stitch, it’s an easy and fast first knitting project.

Today I’m sharing this super simple knit scarf pattern. If you’ve been wanting to knit then this scarf is a great way for a beginner knitter to learn.

Absolute beginners need to know the basics-casting on, the knit stitch, binding off, and that’s it.

Colorful scarf knit in easy garter stitch over white crochet sweater.
Self-striping yarn does all the color work for you!

This post contains affiliate links, I may earn a fee. Read more disclosure policy.

You can purchase the ad-free, well formatted PDF Pattern in one of my shops. Scroll down for the free pattern!

I’ve linked up video tutorials for you on these techniques with beginners in mind. The videos use continental knitting style, where you hold the yarn in your left hand.

As a crocheter first, knitting continental was pretty easy to pick up. But even if you’re just learning to knit (and don’t crochet) this style of knitting is fast and ergonomic.

There’s another style of knitting (actually many more) called American and the yarn is held in your right hand. Many crocheters learn to knit continental style for this reason.

Colorful knit scarf over white sweater on mannequin.
I find a simple stitch pattern works best with variegated yarns.

So grab some needles and yarn and get started with this free knitting pattern! Finishing a simple scarf pattern in the basic garter stitch will give you confidence.

The next stitch for a beginning knitter to learn is how to purl. Then you’ll be knitting that gorgeous stockinette stitch we all love.

This colorful scarf contrasted my crochet Nebbia Sweater nicely too.

More Free Scarf Knitting Patterns

The Giana Pocket Shawl is a cozy and quick, uses #5 chunky yarn and the basic knit stitch!

The Seed Stitch Scarf is a great beginner pattern that’s an easy scarf to knit.

The Bienno Scarf is an easy scarf knitting pattern that features pockets and knits up in super bulky yarn.

Needles

I used my Knitter’s Pride Ginger Bamboo* needles (pictured) that I was gifted this Christmas, which are just fabulous.

They come in a gorgeous case and include sizes 3-17 and 3 interchangeable cords. This is a worthy investment for avid knitters. I love that it includes big needles perfect for chunky yarn too.

For beginner knitters I’ve linked up Clover Takumi Needles below which are what I learned on. They provide a little more needle for you to hold on to, and the needle is not a slick as some, so your stitches stay in place.

Since this scarf is only 6″ wide I’ve linked up 9″ straight needles, I use circulars because that’s what I have. But if you’re purchasing needles for the first time, you might like straight needles. I find circulars more flexible, as you can knit larger pieces on them and knit in the round.

picture of colorful flat scarf

Tips for Beginning Knitters

  1. Keep your tension loose. When you make your stitches keep in mind that you will have to insert your needle back into that stitch on the next row.
  2. Start small. This scarf is not actually the first thing I learned to knit. If you follow me on Instagram (if you don’t you can follow me here), then you know I started on a giant blanket! Really, it was big enough for a king bed. Long story short, I frogged it and redid it after completing many other knit projects!
  3. Don’t despair your mistakes. One of the absolute coolest things about knitting is how easy it is to fix mistakes. Check out this article (with video links!) on common beginner mistakes and how to fix them.
  4. One thing I found challenging when I first learned to knit was that there is a specific way to wrap the yarn around your needle, if you do it incorrectly then your stitches are twisted. I found this article helpful on twisted stitches and how to fix them.
  5. Don’t give up! Ask your questions, watch videos, read the tutorials. It’s so worth it. I love that I get to enjoy yarn in a whole new way and learning to knit has made me a better crocheter too. While I’m no expert, I’m happy to answer any questions you might have, so please ask!
  6. How to change colors when you slip 1 at the start of a row can seem confusing so I created a tutorial.

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Materials

2 skeins of Caron Simply Paints Yarn in Rainbow Brite* (100% acrylic, 5oz / 141g, 235yd / 215m) or 470yd / 430m of comparable #4 med worsted weight yarn. You can substitute any yarn that’s the same #4 yarn weight.

You can knit the small, 38”/96.5cm length scarf with 1 skein of this yarn. You will need the 2 skeins to have enough yarn for a full 60”/152.5cm adult length scarf.

5 mm US Size 8 knitting needles, I recommend Clover Takumi needles* for beginners. I use circular needles because that’s what I have but straight needles* are appropriate for this project also.

yarn needle, measuring tape, scissors

5 mm crochet hook if using it for casting on & binding off.

Skill Level

Beginner

Stitches/Skills needed

CO – cast on

K – knit

BO – bind off

Simple garter stitch scarf on needles.

Helpful Knitting Tutorials

Cast On With A Crochet Hook As a crocheter, this is my favorite and go-to cast on method.

The Long Tail Cast On is another easy and popular cast on method.

Eventually you will need to know how to join new yarn, the magic knot is one way.

How to change colors when you slip 1 at the beginning of a row.

Notes

1. Scarf is worked flat, you will turn your work after each row.

Gauge

4”/10cm = 16 sts x 24 rows

Finished dimensions

6”/15cm wide x 60”/152.5cm long

Colorful knit scarf modeled on boy wearing blue shirt outside.

Fit

I designed this scarf for my son so I kept the length shorter. It’s 38”/96.5cm long so he can manage it. But I’ve written it for both the lengths, 38”/96.5cm pictured and 60”/152.5cm, which is a common length for adult size scarves.

Adjustments

To knit a wider scarf, cast on any number of stitches, to the width you like.

If you would like to knit a shorter or longer scarf, simply knit less or more rows.

Remember changes will effect the amount of yarn, so plan accordingly.

Pin It

Pin image stacked with multicolored knit scarf over white sweater.

You can purchase the ad-free, well formatted PDF Pattern in one of my shops. Scroll down for the free pattern!

Scroll down for the free scarf knitting pattern!

Easy garter stitch scarf crossed over white crochet sweater on mannequin.

How to Knit an Easy Scarf

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Active Time: 4 hours
Additional Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Cost: $10

This Easy Knit Scarf Pattern is perfect for beginning knitters. Knit with worsted weight yarn and in the simple garter stitch, it’s an easy and fast project.

Materials

  • 2 skeins of Caron Simply Paints Yarn in Rainbow Brite* (100% acrylic, 5oz / 141g, 235yd / 215m) or 470yd / 430m of comparable #4 med worsted weight yarn.

Tools

  • 5mm US Size 8 knitting needles
  • tapestry needle
  • measuring tape
  • scissors
  • 5mm crochet hook if using it for casting on & binding off.

Instructions

  1. Start with a slip knot on your needle. You can use any cast on method that you know for this pattern. Here are 4 easy cast ons for beginners.
  2. CO 24, this gives us about a 6” / 15cm wide scarf. You can cast on more or less here to adjust the width.
  3. Row 1. K all.
  4. Rep Row 1 until you’ve reached your desired length. Simple garter stitch scarf on needles.
  5. The scarf in the pictures is 38”/96.5cm for the short, kids length scarf.
  6. For a full length scarf, knit more row repeats until it measures at least 60”/152.5cm (or more!).
  7. BO.
  8. Cut yarn and weave in ends.

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

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2 Comments

  1. ONCE IN A WHILE, ESPECIALLY WITH CHRISTMAS APPROACHING, EVEN EXPERIENCED CRAFTERS NEED A VERY SIMPLE, ULTRA QUICK ITEM TO MAKE. THE TEXT IN THIS PATTERN IS COMFORTABLE FOR PEOPLE LIKE MYSELF WHO GREATLY APPRECIATE USER- FRIENDLY FEATURES. I TACTFULLY DRAW YOUR ATTENTION TO THE SCHEMATIC. THIS IS NOT EASY TO READ. PLEASE CAN YOU MAKE THIS MUCH LARGER. NOT EVERYONE IS COMFORTABLE WITH PCs. CREATIVE CAROL UK 70ish *****GREAT STUFF*****
    I CAN ONLY KNIT. a big thank you ps I NEARLY MISSED THE ALMOST INVISIBLE DIALOGUE BOXES BELOW FOR MY NAME AND JEMAIL ADDRESS