The SQUISHIEST Sweater Scarf of Them All

Wrap Yourself in Luxury: The Must-Have Sweater Scarf of the Season

Looking for the perfect blend of style, warmth & versatility? Meet the sweater scarf—a chic, ultra-cozy knitwear that’s knit similar to a scarf but stays in place like your favorite sweater.

Crafted with DK weight yarn, this lightweight yet warm accessory is designed for effortless layering, giving you that perfect “wrapped in a hug” feeling without the bulk.

But what really sets this piece apart? The rib stitch. This simply beautifully textured, ultra-squishy fabric gives it a luxurious drape and stretch, making it as comfortable as it is stylish.

Whether you’re heading out for a crisp morning stroll, cozying up at home, or looking for that statement piece to elevate your outfit, this sweater scarf has you covered—literally!

The softest & squishiest of them all!

About the Pattern

This sweater scarf is knit from sleeve to sleeve. There are 2 sets of instructions so you can choose whether you want to knit it flat OR knit it in the round using the magic loop method (no seams!)

Available Sizes: 7 (XS – 3XL)
Pattern Format: Written pattern, no chart
Pattern Language: English
Skill Level: Advanced beginner
PDF Format: Printer-friendly
Pattern Name: Wonderlights

In this post, I’ll walk you through the design, materials, and construction of this stylish and functional knitwear piece. Let’s cast on and create something timeless!

Techniques

Here are some of the knitting skills you need to know before getting started:

You have a choice to knit it flat OR knit it in the round using the magic loop method (no seams!)
Knit & purl stitches
Increase & decrease stitches

Yarn & Substitutions

Yarn Weight: DK
Yardage: 958 – 1580 yards (876 – 1444 meters)
Suggested Yarn: Galler Yarns, Heather Prime Alpaca, Color: Flurry

Alternative Yarn Substitute Options:

• Lion Brand Heartland
• Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
• Caron One Pound

Check out Yarnsub’s for more yarn substitutions.

Needle – Knit Flat

US 9 (5.5mm) Knitting Needles
US 11 (8mm) Knitting Needles
Note: You can knit flat with circular needles using a 24″ (60cm) Cable, or longer.

Needles – Knit in the Round

US 9 (5.5mm) Circular Needles with a 32” (80cm) Cable, or longer
US 11 (8mm) Circular Needles with a 32” (80cm) Cable, or longer
Note: You can knit flat with the circular needles too.

Gauge

17 STS & 14 rows per 4” (10cm) square, knit in the “body” pattern below

Details

Model Details:
– Height: 5’9″ (175cm)
– Weight: 130lbs (59kg)
– Bust: 35″ (88cm)
– Waist: 25″ (63cm)
# of CO stitches: 33
Total measurements, after steaming: 15″ x 98″ (38cm x 249cm)
Sleeves measures: 7 3/4″ x 19″ (20 x 48cm) each
Body measures 15″ x 60″ (38 x 127cm)
Weight: 14.6oz (410g)

Sizes

*The “length” measurement is the circumference of the sleeve.
*The “width” measurement is the width of the whole sweater scarf from sleeve to sleeve.

Fun Fact

According to Scientific America “A person’s arm span is about equal to their height.” Taking that fun fact into consideration, you may want to knit more or fewer rows than recommended in the chart, depending on your height.

Notes

• Not reversible.
• Knit using the rib stitch.
• Knit flat from side to side.
• OR knit in the round using the magic loop method.
• Knit holding 2 strands of yarn together throughout.
• Keep in mind, I’m 5’9″, so if you’re knitting this for a 5’4″ person, you may want to take off a few inches in length, in the arms and/or body.
• The “Length of body section” measurements are AFTER I steamed it. I steamed it as I went, so I could try it on to make sure it fit correctly. Honestly, the stitches feel so much better after it’s been steamed too. 🙂 They were nice and relaxed and it felt like something I wanted to wear immediately, so it helped keep me excited to finish it.

Knitting Abbreviations

*– * – repeat between the asterisks to end of row
BO – bind-off in pattern
CO – cast-on (long-tail cast-on method)
K – knit stitches (K1 means to knit 1 stitch)
K2TOG – knit 2 stitches together
KFB – knit the stitch, before slipping off, knit another stitch into the back of the same stitch, slip to right needle
P – purl stitches (P2 means to purl 2 stitches)
P2TOG – purl 2 stitches together
RS – right side
STS – stitches
WS – wrong side

Save it for Later

• Buy the ad-free, printer-friendly pattern on Etsy, Ravelry or in the shop.
• Save it to your Ravelry Library!
• Pin-it to Pinterest for later.

Don’t miss out on this must-have knitting project. Keep reading to discover how to create your own and why this will be your go-to handmade accessory for seasons to come!

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 (and the pattern might not be around forever).

What’s to love?!

People love sweater scarves (or scarves with sleeves) because they combine the cozy warmth of a scarf with the practicality of a sweater. Here are some key reasons why they’re so popular:

1. Cozy & Comfortable

• Made with soft, warm fabrics, they wrap the wearer in warmth like a traditional scarf but stay securely in place with sleeves.
• Perfect for layering over other outfits without feeling restrictive.

2. Stylish & Versatile

• Can be worn in multiple ways—draped over the shoulders, wrapped around like a shawl, or styled like an oversized scarf.
• Looks chic and effortlessly elegant while being incredibly functional.

3. Practical & Hands-Free

• Unlike traditional scarves that might slip off, sweater scarves stay put, keeping the wearer warm without constant readjustment.
• Sleeves provide extra warmth for arms without the bulk of a full sweater.

4. Great for Transitional Weather

• Ideal for in-between seasons like fall and spring when a full coat is too much, but a simple scarf isn’t enough.
• Perfect for layering over lightweight tops or sweaters.

5. Easy to Knit & Customize

• A favorite among knitters because they offer an opportunity to play with textures, stitch patterns, and yarn weights.
• Can be made oversized, fitted, or even with fun details like pockets or buttons.

Pattern Instructions, KNIT FLAT

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Using size US 9 needle with a 24″ cable 

CO the desired number of STS from the “Size” section above.

Sleeve Rib Section (All Sizes):

Row 1 (WS): *P1, K1* P1

Row 2 (RS): *K1, P1* K1

Repeat rows 1-2, for 18″ (45cm), or desired length. (it’ll loosen & relax when steamed)

Increase Row:

Next row (WS): KFB into every stitch, doubling the number of CO STS

Body Section:

Row 1 (RS): *K1, P1* K1

Row 2 (WS): *P1, K1* P1

Repeat rows 1-2 for about 10 rows and then switch to US 11/8mm needle and continue in pattern until desired length MINUS 1 1/2″ (4cm), see the “Length of body section” section above. Measure the body section only, not from the beginning.

Switch back to US 9/5.5mm needle

Repeat rows 1-2 for 8 rows

Decrease Row:

Row 9 (RS): *K2TOG, P2TOG*

At the end of the row there should be the same number of stitches as when you CO.

Sleeve Rib Section (All Sizes):

Row 1 (WS): *P1, K1* P1

Row 2 (RS): *K1, P1* K1

Repeat rows 1-2, for 18″ (45cm), or desired length. (it’ll loosen & relax when steamed)

BO in the K1, P1 pattern.

Before steaming or blocking, sew the sleeve edges together, with preferred stitch. 

Weave in the ends.

Steam-block lightly.

Pattern Instructions, KNIT IN THE ROUND

Using size US 9 needle with a 24″ cable 

CO the desired number of STS from the “Size” section above.

Sleeve Rib Section (All Sizes):

Row 1 (RS): *P1, K1* P1

Row 2 (RS): *K1, P1* K1

Repeat rows 1-2, for 18″ (45cm), or desired length. (it’ll loosen & relax when steamed)

Switch to knitting flat:

Increase Row:

Next row (WS): KFB into every stitch, doubling the number of CO STS

Body Section:

Row 1 (RS): *K1, P1* K1
Row 2 (WS): *P1, K1* P1

Repeat rows 1-2 for about 10 rows and then switch to US 11/8mm needle and continue in pattern until desired length MINUS 1 1/2″ (4cm), see the “Length of body section” section above. Measure the body section only, not from the beginning.

Switch back to US 9/5.5mm needle

Repeat rows 1-2 for 8 rows

Switch to knitting in the round using the magic loop method

Decrease Row:

Row 9 (RS): *K2TOG, P2TOG*

At the end of the row there should be the same number of stitches as when you CO.

Sleeve Rib Section (All Sizes):

Row 1 (RS): *P1, K1* P1

Row 2 (RS): *K1, P1* K1

Repeat rows 1-2, for 18″ (45cm), or desired length. (it’ll loosen & relax when steamed)

BO in the K1, P1 pattern.

Weave in the ends.

Steam-block lightly.

Video – How to Wear Your Sweater Scarf

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