Here's how to knit a gorgeous chunky scarf for winter
If you want to learn how to knit a scarf, look no further than our free knitting pattern for a gorgeous new addition to your handmade wardrobe.
Knitters are best to begin their foray into the yarn crafting world with anything straight-edged. Moving into chilly season, for a quick knit, look no further than our free knitting pattern for a chunky scarf.
If you’ve been knitting for a while, you could probably bash out a whole scarf in a couple of evenings. Even if you haven’t, it’s really quick to make. This super-cosy chunky yarn will keep you warm all winter.
How to knit a scarf
Using the easiest knitting stitch – the knit stitch, also known as the garter stitch, creates a double-sided ridged fabric which is perfect for scarves. Stitches that look different on each side tend to have a habit of curling at the edges which can look a bit untidy. So this easy knitted scarf pattern looks really neat when it's finished, and is great as a gift and knits up in next to no time.
Learn how to knit garter stitch with our handy video tutorial.
You can easily customise your scarf, too. You could cast on fewer stitches for a narrower scarf or go big with a wider version – it’s completely up to you. Ditch the stripes for a single-coloured version or tailor the width of each stripe by working fewer, more frequent stripes. Or add a tassel at the bottom of each end for some extra detail.
This is a totally customisable project and perfect if you’re just starting to knit and need an easy first knitting project.
How long should I make a scarf?
The perfect length for a scarf is your height at a minimum, longer for something a bit cosier. This secret tip is perfect for making sure that the wearer can tie the scarf and not have it hang down too low on the body, with a couple of wraps around their neck if needed.
This larger-than-life quick-to-knit yarn will start to get heavy if you make it too long, but if you fancy a more oversized version perhaps consider going up to a 12mm needle so that the fabric isn’t quite so dense.
Hand-knitted scarves will lengthen a bit with their first couple of wears as they flex to their finished weight, so if in doubt go a little shorter than intended. After a wash and a few wears you’ll find the fabric will relax and ease into its final shape, with time.
Materials and needles
2 x 200g (96m) balls of super chunky yarn each in grey (A) and cream (B)
One pair of 10mm straight knitting needles, or size needed to achieve tension
Finished measurements
26cm x 260cm or desired length.
Tension
8 stitches and 11 rows to 10cm over garter stitch pattern on 10mm needles.
Abbreviations
St(s), stitch(es); foll, following; K, knit; cont, continue; patt, pattern
Check out our full glossary of knitting abbreviations here.
Free chunky scarf knitting pattern
Using 10mm needles and A, cast on 26 sts.
Row 1 and all foll rows: K.
Work a further 21 rows. Break off A and join in B.
Work 22 rows. Break off B and join in A.
Last 44 rows set patt. Cont in 22-row stripe patt, work until 11 stripes have been worked, or scarf reaches desired length. Cast off. Darn in all ends on wrong side.
Make it a set!
Use your super chunky yarn leftovers to make a snazzy matching headband, it knits up in no time and is a great introduction to cables with our free pattern. It's also a great yarn to use for our free chunky bobble hat pattern. Perfect for a quick-knit gift, as they knit up in next to no time!
Do you love knitting? Share your creations with us by tagging @primamag in your pictures on Instagram!
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