Easy Scarf Knitting Patterns for Beginners

I don’t suppose it’s always true, but a lot of times it seems to be true that people’s first real knitting project is a scarf. I teach a basic garter stitch scarf when I’m teaching people how to knit, and I think scarves are a great way to learn new stitches and techniques because you get a long time to practice and you can just focus on what you’re doing. (I’m hoping to write a book on this very subject and will let you know if I do!)

So let’s dive into some easy scarf knitting patterns for beginners that honestly are great for the rest of us, too. Because quick and easy gift ideas are always appreciated, right?

Talking of that garter stitch scarf, this simple garter stitch scarf from Yarnspirations will also teach you about changing colors to make a color-blocked scarf. It uses super bulky yarn (and the exact yarn is being discontinued, but you can use whatever yarn you like or have on hand for this one).

Throw some slip-stitch columns in between those garter stitches and you’ve got a different look that’s still super easy to make. You can find this one at Cluck Cluck Boots on Etsy. You can use either worsted weight or bulky yarn for it.

Take it a step further with a slip stitch garter rib stitch, like in the Dunaway Scarf by Julie Hoover (available at the Brooklyn Tweed website). This handsome scarf worked in superfine yarn comes with two options for width and length.

Or try Wheat from Tin Can Knits (a free download on Ravelry) which has bits of garter and ribbing so you don’t get too bored and also learn how to purl if that’s a new skill for you.

Once you’ve got your knits and purls down, you can start playing with ribbing, whether it’s a standard rib like the bulky Simple Ribbed Scarf from Makers’ Mercantile (free on Ravelry) or a variation like the Mistake Rib Scarf from Purl Soho, which uses sport weight yarn.

From there you might venture to fisherman’s rib, like the Cromwell Chunky Scarf from AlltheCraftyThingsTN on Etsy (or you can grab my version, which is worked in worsted weight yarn).

And then you can try something like the checkerboard effect on the Mariner’s Scarf from the Seamen’s Church Institute (scroll down on that page to find their patterns; it opens as a PDF). This one uses worsted weight yarn and is a fun repeating pattern.

As I was searching for easy scarf knitting patterns on Ravelry I also came across the Drop Stitch Scarf by Christine Vogel, which is super nostalgic to me because I knit one of them many years ago (using yarn that looks pretty much exactly like the sample). It’s fun and easy and goes really fast thanks to the drop stitches. It’s a good one for a special skein or a gift knitting project.

Do you have a favorite stitch pattern for an easy scarf? I’d love to hear about it!