Top Knitting Patterns of 2016

Triangle scarf knitting patterns are one of those projects that feel wonderfully useful without being overwhelming. They sit somewhere between a scarf, a shawl, and a knitted kerchief, which makes them perfect for layering over a T-shirt, tucking into a jacket, or using up that one special skein you bought because it was “too pretty to leave behind.”

Let’s be honest, most of us have at least one of those skeins.

I love triangle scarves because they give beginner knitters a proper finished accessory without miles and miles of straight scarf knitting. You still get the soothing rhythm of garter stitch, simple increases, soft drape, and a finished piece that looks far more impressive than the effort involved.

If you have been searching for an easy triangle scarf knitting pattern, a knitted bandana scarf, a beginner triangle shawl, or a small kerchief-style knit, these patterns are a lovely place to start.

Easy Triangle Scarf And Shawl Knitting Patterns

Cloudberry Bandana

The Cloudberry Bandana from Purl Soho is a small triangular scarf designed to add a soft pop of colour around the neck. It is worked as a cosy little bandana-style knit and would make a beautiful gift project if you want something that feels special without becoming a six-month commitment. Purl Soho describes it as a small triangular scarf made in DK cashmere yarn, which gives it that polished boutique look knitters love.

This one is especially good for knitters who like a clean, modern finish. I can see this made in a rusty orange, soft oatmeal, or deep navy and worn all winter with a plain cardigan.

Playdate Bandana

The Playdate Bandana is a free triangular scarf pattern that is knitted flat from the centre point. It uses increases on each side every other row, with yarn overs creating a pretty eyelet detail along the edges. There is also an i-cord edge and a simple garter texture, which gives the scarf a lovely finished look without making it too fussy.

This is the sort of triangle scarf that looks simple at first glance but has just enough detail to keep your hands interested. It would be lovely in a soft solid yarn where the eyelet edge can quietly show off.

Skinny Triangle Scarf

The Skinny Triangle Scarf from Brome Fields is a free beginner knitting pattern worked in garter stitch. It starts with a single stitch at the tip and grows row by row into a wearable triangle shape, making it a very approachable project if you are still building confidence with shaping. The finished scarf is lightweight and versatile, and the pattern notes explain that garter stitch helps the edges lie flat without curling.

This is a great stash-busting project because you can use a yarn you already own and simply pair it with the right needle size. It has that “knit while watching TV” feel, which is always a win in my house.

Grain Shawl

The Grain Shawl from Tin Can Knits is a free triangular shawl pattern worked in simple garter stitch. It is part of their beginner-friendly Simple Collection and is designed as a step-by-step shawl project, which makes it a good option if you want to learn how triangle shawls are constructed. Tin Can Knits describes it as a simple garter stitch triangular shawl and includes a free pattern download.

This one is more shawl than tiny scarf, so choose it if you want something you can really wrap around your shoulders. It is a beautiful “learn a new shape” pattern for knitters who already know how to knit and purl but want to move beyond rectangles.

Triangle Garter Wrap

The Triangle Garter Wrap from Purl Soho is another gorgeous garter stitch triangle project. It is worked from the bottom point, increasing at both edges so the wrap grows outward into a generous triangular shape. The whole design relies on garter stitch, which keeps the knitting calm and repetitive while still creating a lovely squishy texture.

This is the pattern I would choose if I wanted a bigger, cosier triangle scarf that could double as a wrap. It would be stunning in a neutral wool blend, especially if you like those timeless handmade pieces that live by the front door all winter.

Lion Brand Triangle Scarf Pattern

The Triangle Scarf Pattern from Lion Brand is a free beginner-level knit scarf pattern made with bulky weight yarn. Lion Brand notes that the gauge is not important for this scarf, which is always comforting when you are knitting something relaxed and wearable.

This is a good choice for new knitters who want quick progress. Bulky yarn makes the project grow fast, and honestly, sometimes that is exactly what you need when your motivation is hanging on by a thread and a cup of tea.

Seymour Triangle Scarf

The Seymour Triangle Scarf is another free Lion Brand triangle scarf pattern, this time made with medium weight yarn. It is listed as an easy beginner-plus project and the finished size is about 12 x 40 inches, making it more of a neat wearable scarf than a huge shawl.

This is a nice middle-ground project if you want something practical and not too bulky. It would tuck beautifully into a coat or denim jacket, and the worsted weight yarn makes it easy to find suitable yarn from your stash.

Caron Triangle Knit Shawl

The Caron Triangle Knit Shawl from Yarnspirations is a free easy knitting pattern designed to show off self-striping yarn. The pattern notes mention that it works especially well with Caron Cakes, which means the colour changes do most of the visual work for you.

This is perfect if you have a cake yarn sitting in your basket and no idea what to do with it. A triangle shawl is one of the nicest ways to let long colour changes shine without needing complicated stitch patterns.

Red Heart Textured Triangle Shawl

The Red Heart Textured Triangle Shawl is a free easy knit shawl pattern from Yarnspirations. It is designed with Red Heart Soft Essentials and includes a free download without sign-up required. The texture makes it a little more interesting than a plain garter scarf, while still staying in the easy knitting category.

This would be a good next step after a plain triangle scarf. You still get the comfort of a wearable shawl, but with enough texture to make it feel like you are learning something new.

Red Heart Simple Lace Triangle Shawl

The Red Heart Simple Lace Triangle Shawl is another free Yarnspirations pattern, this time with a simple lace look. It is marked as easy and uses Red Heart Super Saver Ombre for a soft flowing colour effect. Yarnspirations also notes that shawls make convenient gifts because they do not require precise sizing.

This is a lovely option if you want your triangle scarf to feel a little prettier and more gift-worthy. Lace can sound intimidating, but simple lace in a shawl is often much more achievable than it looks.

Grateful Shawl

The Grateful Shawl is a free asymmetric triangular shawl pattern that is knit sideways from the corner. It includes a 3-stitch i-cord edge worked at the same time as the main fabric, which gives the shawl a smooth, tidy finish without needing extra finishing later. The designer also notes that you can adjust the size as you go, which is brilliant for stash yarn.

This one is a good choice if you like modern asymmetrical triangle scarves. It feels a little more elegant than a basic scarf but still has that meditative garter stitch rhythm many knitters love.

Why Triangle Scarves Are Such A Good Beginner Knitting Project

Triangle scarf knitting patterns are surprisingly forgiving. Unlike fitted garments, they do not need to match exact body measurements, and many patterns let you keep knitting until the scarf is the size you want. That makes them ideal for using hand-dyed yarn, leftover skeins, cake yarns, and those “I bought this on holiday and now I’m scared to use it” yarns.

A small triangle scarf or knitted kerchief is also much faster than a full shawl. You still learn useful shaping techniques like yarn overs, increases, garter tabs, i-cord edges, and blocking, but you are not trapped under hundreds of stitches forever.

Not that I have ever dramatically sighed at row 214 of a shawl. Obviously.

Best Yarn For A Triangle Scarf

For a soft everyday triangle scarf, look for DK, worsted, or fingering weight yarn depending on the size and drape you want. Fingering weight makes a lighter kerchief-style scarf, DK gives a cosy but still wearable accessory, and bulky yarn is perfect for fast beginner triangle scarves.

If the scarf will sit against your neck, choose something soft. Merino, alpaca blends, cashmere blends, bamboo blends, or soft acrylics are all good options. Scratchy yarn near the neck is one of those mistakes you only need to make once.

Self-striping yarns and gradient cakes are especially pretty in triangular shawls because the shape lets the colour changes fan out naturally.

Triangle Scarf Knitting Tips

Use circular needles even if the pattern is worked flat. Triangle scarves can grow wide, and circular needles hold the stitches much more comfortably than straight needles.

Block your scarf when you finish. Even a simple garter stitch triangle looks cleaner after blocking, and lace or eyelet edges really benefit from being opened up.

If you are nervous about running out of yarn, weigh your skein before you begin and again as you go. For patterns worked from the point outward, you can often stop early and still have a wearable scarf.

Choose a colour you will actually wear. That neon variegated skein might be fun in the ball, but if you only wear navy, cream, and denim, it might be happier as a gift project.

More Knitting Ideas

If you enjoy this style of project, you may also like looking for knitted kerchief patterns, one-skein shawl knitting patterns, beginner garter stitch shawls, and skinny scarf knitting patterns. They all sit in that wonderful category of small-but-satisfying knits, which is exactly where my attention span likes to live.

A triangle scarf is also a lovely handmade gift because it feels stylish without needing the exact sizing of a sweater, socks, or mittens. Make one in a favourite colour, tuck it into a gift box, and suddenly you look much more organised than you actually are.