The Simplest Scarf
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Sometimes a simple knit is all you need. This lightweight scarf is soft, airy, and easy to wear, adding just a little color and texture to your favorite everyday outfits. The simple construction lets a beautiful yarn take center stage, creating a delicate accessory you can wrap, knot, drape, and style again and again.
Get the free knitting pattern below or purchase the ad-free, printer-friendly PDF

About the Simple Scarf Pattern
Available Sizes: One
Pattern Format: Written Pattern, No Chart
Pattern Language: English
Skill Level: Beginner & Advanced Beginner
PDF Format: Printer-Friendly
Skills You’ll Need to Knit This Pattern
Knit Flat
Knit & Purl Stitches
Clean Edge (advanced version only)
Recommended Yarn & Needles
Yarn Weight: Lace
Yardage: 295 – 300 yards (270 – 275 meters)
Suggested Yarn: Scheepjes Mohair Rhythm, color 673 Foxtrot
Needle Size: US 9 (5.5mm) Knitting Needles
Needle Size: US 11 (8mm) Knitting Needles (optional)
Note: Use a larger needle than the yarn label suggests to create an airy, drapey fabric.
Final Project Details
Measurements: 12″ wide x 67″ (30cm x 170cm)
Weight: 1.2oz (34g)
Notes
Not reversible.
Knit from side to side.
Knit loosely in the stockinette stitch.
Yes, the edges curl, however the Advanced Beginner version creates a cleaner, less curly edge using a slipped stitch technique.
Gauge Guide
This visual reference can help you compare your fabric and gauge.

Knitting Abbreviations
*– * – repeat between the asterisks
BO – bind-off in pattern
CO – cast-on (long-tail cast-on method)
K1TBL – knit 1 stitch through the back loop
K – knit stitches (K1 means to knit 1 stitch)
P – purl stitches (P2 means to purl 2 stitches)
RS – right side
S1PW – slip one stitch purl-wise
STS – stitches
WS – wrong side
WYIF – with yarn in front
Save it for Later
- Want a printable version? Grab the ad-free PDF here and knit cozy anywhere — no scrolling required.
- Save it to your Ravelry Library!
- Get it on Etsy
Save this pattern for later!
Download & Print this Pattern
Do you enjoy working from a paper copy? Get the downloadable, printer-friendly PDF completely ad-free.
That way you can have lifetime access to it and download it to any device and view it from anywhere, without ads.
Beginner Pattern Instructions
CO 57 STS
Row 1 (WS): *P* (Purl all the stitches in this row)
Row 2 (RS): *K* (Knit all the stitches in this row)
Repeat rows 1-2 until it measures 67″ or desired length.
BO very loosely in the K1, P1 pattern.
To keep the stitches loose enough, I used US 11 (8mm) needles to bind-off.
Weave in the ends.
Steam-block lightly. Steaming helps smooth out uneven tension, soften the fabric, and allows the scarf to relax into its final shape and measurements before wearing.
Advanced Beginner Pattern Instructions
CO 57 STS
Row 1 (WS): WYIF S1PW, purl to last stitch, WYIF S1PW
Row 2 (RS): K1TBL, knit to last stitch, K1TBL
Repeat rows 1-2 until it measures 67″ or desired length.
BO very loosely in the K1, P1 pattern.
To keep the stitches loose enough, I used US 11 (8mm) needles to bind-off.
Weave in the ends.
Steam-block lightly. Steaming helps smooth out uneven tension, soften the fabric, and allows the scarf to relax into its final shape and measurements before wearing.
Want More Patterns Like This?
Join the BFF Knitting Club — Brome Fields’ monthly membership with new patterns and slow cozy content delivered directly to your inbox every month. It’s a quiet little corner of the internet just for knitters. Come join us.
