The Simplest Scarf

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.

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Collage showing a soft pink lightweight knit scarf styled six different ways with a white sweater, with the words “Free Pattern” in the center.

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.

Close-up detail of a knit lace mohair scarf, measured with a wooden 4-inch gauge ruler engraved with “Brome Fields.”

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

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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.

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