Easy Scarf Knitting Patterns: Beginner Knitting Projects

Looking for a beginner knitting project? These easy scarf knitting patterns are a great place to start.

This collection is filled with knit scarf patterns made from simple knits and purls. They will surprise and inspire you. Take a look!

Note: The patterns in this collection are not my own. They've been freely shared by amazing designers. If you have questions about a specific pattern, please contact the designer directly.

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Oxbow Scarf

Here’s a free knitting scarf pattern for beginners. The beauty of it is that the yarn does all the work so you don’t have to.

This easy garter stitch scarf knits up longways on its side. Easy enough for any beginner knitter. It would help to know how much yarn you’ll need for your long tail cast on. After that, smooth sailing.

The pattern requires you to knit with two yarn cakes of Berroco yarn Aero. It’s blend of alpaca, wool, and nylon will be so light and soft. Perfect to give as a gift or a gift for yourself!

Unfortunately, this yarn has been discontinued but I've included a yarn substitute below. You can also see what other knitters have made from this knitting pattern here.

Seaman's Scarf

Looking for a cable knit scarf pattern? Here’s a simple knit and purl pattern that’ll make a warm scarf for him or her!

This chunky knit scarf uses an easy cable knitting pattern and chunky wool yarn from Knit Picks. It’s edged in seed stitches and converts to rib stitch knitting at the neck for comfort. 

You’ll need to know how to knit and purl, how to cable cast on, how to use a cable needle, and kitchener stitch. The pattern knits up in two identical pieces and is grafted together later. 

This chunky scarf pattern includes written knitting instructions.

Get into the Groove

If you’re looking for a fun triangular scarf knitting pattern, here’s a lovely one.

This easy knitting pattern calls for alternating two sport weight yarns. The pattern uses Berroco yarn in Nebula and Folio.

One solid and one variegated yarn add to its touchable texture. Just look at those welts! Without question, this reversible triangle scarf has great color potential.

It’s also an easy beginner knitting project. The pattern includes instructions for alternating rows of knits and purls.

Fringed Violet Scarf

This violet striped beauty from Fairmount Fibers is the result of knitting in seed stitch with five alternating yarns. You heard right, five. The pattern comes alive from this contrast.

Seed stitch knitting is a stitch pattern of alternating knit and purl stitches. It creates a dense, bumpy texture that is the same on both sides. So if you know these basics, you can make this scarf.

The only other technique you'll need to learn is how to make a square knot.

This seed stitch scarf knits up with a fingering weight merino and silk blend on larger needles. Isn't it amazing what knits and purls can do?

Birch Trees Scarf

Looking for a scarf pattern that's a little more delicate? Then this lace scarf knitting pattern might be for you.

Knit in DK weight yarn, it has a moss stitch edging and five panels of pattern repeats. If you know your knitting basics, and how to knit through the back loop (ktbl), you can knit this scarf.

It’s an easy lace scarf knitting pattern for beginners.

Beginner Garter Drop-Stitch Scarf

Dropping a stitch in knitting usually makes knitters cringe. In this case, it’s no accident.

This drop stitch scarf knitting pattern for beginners is just what it claims to be. You’ll just need to know the knitting basics. This includes how to cast on, garter stitch knitting, yarn wraps, and how to bind off. Easy.

The scarf pattern knits up with Red Heart with Love yarn in worsted weight. It’s a one skein knitting project which includes easy to read knitting instructions.

Sapphire Scarf

This hand knit scarf is the perfect beginner knitting project. 

You can knit this easy scarf knitting pattern with a blend of alpaca wool and cotton yarn. It uses two skeins of Serena, a Manos del Uruguay sport weight yarn. 

This simple knit scarf doesn’t pull any punches. If you’re comfortable with knit and purl stitches, you can do this. You'll just need to know how to create a yarn join. Check out our easy tutorial on the Russian Join. You’ll also need U.S. size 4 (3.5 mm) needles. 

It’s also an easy knitted gift idea for Mom, or keep it for yourself.

Lana's Scarf

If you’ve been wanting to try knitting with two colors, this knit scarf pattern is a good place to start. It’s an easy bias knit scarf in garter stitch with fun color stripes in different widths. You could make your knit scarf using solid colors (as shown) or by adding one variegated yarn. 

This free scarf knitting pattern is knit flat - knitting back and forth - on straight needles, and uses Paton’s Canadiana 100% acrylic yarn. Need to use your yarn stash? You could easily use a yarn substitute, too. Here are some similar yarn alternatives.

If you do use an alternative yarn, just make sure you have enough balls of yarn to see you through completion. Speaking of which, these are the knitting techniques you’ll need to know. To knit this project you’ll need to know how to knit front and back (KFB) and how to knit two together (K2TOG). 

You’ll also need to place markers in your knitting so don’t forget your stitch markers. Download the written knitting pattern instructions and get started.

Kallik Scarf

This easy knit scarf pattern from Berroco is perfect for beginners. Knit in super bulky yarn with easy knit and purl stitches, you can make this scarf in no time.

You’ll need straight knitting needles and two hanks of Berroco Macro, a wool blend yarn.

With only easy knits and purls, why wouldn't you knit this scarf?

Thirteenth Doctor

Whether or not you are an avid Dr. Who fan, you're sure to find this creative and colorful scarf knit worthy.

Knit in DK weight yarn, the scarf's uniqueness comes from repeated cast offs in rows.

You'll need circular knitting needles to hold your stitches. You'll also need to know how to knit, purl, and how to cable cast on, and cast off stitches.

This is an easy knitting scarf pattern for beginners.

Chunky Beginner's Scarf

What I love about rib knit scarves is how timeless they are. This beginner’s scarf is no exception.

You simply work this knit two purl two ribbing (knit 2, purl 2) pattern until you’ve knit your desired length. It doesn’t get any simpler than that.

This free rib knit pattern knits up with chunky yarn, which means you’ll see results quickly. This'll make a great men’s scarf or knit one for anyone in the family.

Arbor Scarf

Not really a fan of winter mittens but absolutely love pockets? Here’s a knit scarf with pockets that will keep you warm and stylish.

With a rib knit pattern made up of simple knits and purls, this pocket scarf knitting pattern is a back and forth flat knit. Perfect for beginner knitters! This hand knit scarf has neat knit edges and fun knit fringe. It also works up fast with Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick, a super bulky yarn. 

In addition to knits and purls, you’ll need to know how to slip a stitch and how to knit through the back loop (ktbl) for this pocket scarf pattern. Also, the pockets are knit separately and sewn on later. You’ll find a photo tutorial for this step with the written pattern.

Grayson Scarf

If you’re looking for a knit scarf that’s rich in knit texture, this is it. With a rib knit fabric border and an interesting zig-zag texture, this scarf has so much appeal.

This beginner knitting project comes with instructions for two lengths, a long and a short. Both knit up with with easy knit and purl stitches using Kelbourne Woolens yarn in sport weight. Use their recommended yarn or make a yarn substitution for this hand knit scarf. 

The free scarf knitting pattern includes written instructions and a knitting chart. You can learn how to read a knitting stitch pattern here.

Seesaw Wrap

The beauty of this lacy scarf knitting pattern is in its simple lace pattern and split color design.

Knit with fingering weight yarn in a luxurious merino and silk blend, this women's knitted scarf has beautiful drape.

Want to make your own? You'll need to know how to knit, purl, slip-slip-knit (ssk), and make yarn overs (yo). Here's a complete list of knitting abbreviations.

This free knit and purl pattern comes with both written and charted instructions.

Cascade Scarf 14

Here's a vibrant triangle scarf knitting pattern that you'll love. You’ll need 5 skeins of Cascade Ultra Pima Fine in 5 different colors. With Cascade’s wide selection of yarn colors, it may be difficult to choose.

The yarn itself is a sport weight yarn made with 100% cotton, which is lightweight and breathable.

To make this easy bias knit scarf  you’ll need to know how to slip slip knit (SSK) and knit front and back (KFB). The pattern has written instructions and only requires knowledge of how to knit in garter stitch.

Adelie Scarf

Here’s an easy two color knitting pattern for a lightweight scarf with knitted stripes. 

This knit linen scarf uses Fibra Natura lace weight yarn and size US 4 straight knitting needles so it’ll be light and airy. It’s knit on the bias, so it looks like a diagonal knitting pattern but it’s not. It’s just the way the placement of the knitting increases and decreases affect the fabric. 

You’ll need to carry yarn up the side and understand the knitting abbreviations and how to read a knitting pattern. It’s not a difficult striped scarf knitting pattern at all. You can make this.

This lace weight yarn pattern includes written instructions only.

Galway Collage Man's Scarf

Looking for a men’s scarf knitting pattern? This classic, reversible ribbed scarf might do the trick.

Knit in worsted weight yarn, and with an easy to memorize knit purl pattern, you can make this men's ribbed scarf in no time.

This makes a great knitting project when you're on the go.

One Hank Scarf

Looking for a one skein knitting project? You know you’ve got that one random hank of sock yarn in your yarn stash that you’ve been wanting to knit with.

Using circular knitting needles, you’ll cast on using your favorite method. The knitted cast on or the long tail cast on method are two of my faves.

You won’t be knitting in the round though. These needles will just accommodate the stitches better.

You’ll need to know how to knit and purl, knit front and back (KFB), and yarn over knit two together (yo k2tog). Easy enough for beginner knitters to do.

This sock weight yarn pattern includes written instructions. 

Ridge Rib Men's Scarf

There are no hidden punches behind this ribbed scarf knitting pattern.

This men’s scarf knitting pattern in worsted weight is the epitome of style and simplicity. Knit on size 10 straight knitting needles in worsted weight yarn, this scarf has an easy (and memorable) 4-row repeat.

While it is a considerably longer scarf (nearly 7 ft. long), don’t let that deter you from knitting this beauty.  You can always customize it to your taste.

Printmaker Scarf

This easy knitting pattern takes complete advantage over self-striping sock yarn and we’re glad it does.

It requires less than 500 yards of fingering weight yarn. So if you've got that one lonely skein in your stash, you now know what to do with it. With colors such as these, it’ll be a fun knitting project. 

To knit this scarf, you’ll need to know the knitting basics. It also requires one increase technique, a yarnover (yo), and one decrease technique, a sl2-k1-p2sso.

This simple knitting project is perfect for knitters of any experience level. It includes written instructions and details on the techniques used.

Renfrew Farm Wrap

If you're looking for an easy knitting project that will impress your friends and family, this is it.

This two-tone textured knit scarf pattern is fancy in its simplicity. If you can knit and purl, bind off, and pick up stitches, you can make this scarf. And who wouldn't want to?

Knit in a blend of merino and cotton, this reversible scarf would work well at any time of year. This free scarf knitting pattern has only written instructions.

Jill's Shawl

Here’s a simple v shaped scarf pattern that uses simple increases and decreases in an interesting way. 

This scarf knitting pattern still uses knit and purl stitches but features a center double decrease (CDD) to create its shape. 

You’ll need to know how to cast on, knit and purl, increase with a knit front and back (KFB), and decrease with a CDD. You’ll also need to know how to place a stitch marker in knitting and slip a marker in knitting. Super easy to do.

This hand knit scarf uses Drops Yarn Sky, a blend of merino wool yarn and alpaca yarn in DK weight.

This free knitting pattern has easy to remember pattern repeats and includes written knitting instructions.

Textured Mix Knit Scarf

If you love your scarves to have lots of texture, you'll love this basket weave knitting pattern.

Knit using three patterns - diamond, diagonal, and basket weave - this is the perfect knitting project for beginners. You'll only need to know how to knit and purl, k2tog, and kfb. Easy right?

This chunky knit scarf knits up quick with size US 10 needles. It also includes both written and charted instructions.

And since it's knit in a luxurious alpaca blend, it'll be so soft to wear.

Spring Kerchief

Here's another triangle scarf you'll love. This scarf is made by holding two strands together in lace weight yarn. The yarn colors are graduated which gives it such a lovely ombre effect.

Overall, it is a very simple scarf knitting pattern for beginners. You will need how to make M1L and M1R increases to knit this scarf. Otherwise, it has a simple pattern repeat and includes written instructions.

Wavy Drop Stitch Scarf

If you want an easy scarf knitting pattern for beginners, this one is worth your time. So simple but so elegant, you'll want to knit one in every color.

If you can knit (k) and yarn over (yo), you can make this drop stitch scarf. Hard to believe, right?

Using Red Heart yarn in Strata, which is a bulky yarn, it’ll be a quick knit. Plus, since this is a jersey knit yarn, this hand knit scarf would be great to wear year-round.

This beginner knitting project includes simple written instructions.

Henny Shawl

This simple scarf knitting pattern is an easy knitting project for beginners.

It’s a bias knit scarf, knit on the diagonal, which gives it that interesting angle.  All you need to know is how to knit garter stitch, knit front and back (KFB), and K2TOG. Believe me, you can make this simple knit scarf.  

The pattern calls for Rowan yarn in Cotton Cashmere, a cotton blend DK weight yarn, in five color stripes. It also includes written knitting instructions.

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We hope you enjoyed these easy knitting projects for beginners. The question is, which will you knit first?

Can't get enough free knitting patterns? Check out our related knitting pattern links below. We're always updating them so there's always new knitting inspiration!

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• How to Knit a Scarf for Beginners: Step by Step
• Slip Stitch Knitting Patterns
• Knit and Purl Stitch Patterns for Beginners
• Easy Knitting Patterns for Beginners
• Free Cowl Knitting Patterns for Beginners