Free Scarf Knitting Patterns

Find hundreds of free scarf knitting patterns, from easy scarves for beginners to cables, lace, textured designs and modern styles. Whether you’re looking for a simple first scarf, a lightweight lace project or something warm and cosy, use the collections below to find a pattern that suits you.

Find Your Scarf Pattern

Looking for…	Start here
An easy first scarf	Beginner Scarf Knitting Patterns
Simple, relaxing knitting	Garter Stitch Scarf Patterns
Classic texture	Cable Scarf Knitting Patterns
Delicate openwork	Lace Scarf Knitting Patterns
Interesting stitches	Textured Scarf Knitting Patterns
Contemporary designs	Modern Scarf Knitting Patterns
Patterns worked flat	Scarf Patterns for Straight Needles

Free Scarf Patterns from Knitting Bee

These patterns are available directly on Knitting Bee and are a good place to start if you’re not sure which style to choose.

Cozy Ribbed Scarf

Cozy Ribbed Scarf – Free Beginner Knitting Pattern

Best for: Beginners and everyday wear
Yarn: DK/light worsted
Needles: 4 mm

A simple ribbed scarf that gives beginners plenty of practice working knit and purl stitches while creating a classic, wearable texture.

The Skinny Scarf

The Skinny Scarf Knitting Pattern

Best for: Lightweight and fashionable scarves
Yarn: Lace weight
Needles: 4 mm

A long, narrow scarf worked with a simple eyelet pattern. Choose this one if you want something lighter and less bulky than a traditional winter scarf.

Feather and Fan Short Scarf

Best for: Trying lace knitting
Yarn: Lace weight
Needles: 5 mm

A shorter scarf featuring the classic wave-like feather and fan effect. It’s an appealing next step when you want to move beyond basic knit-and-purl texture.

Bear Claw Lace Scarf

Bear Claw Lace Scarf Pattern

Best for: A more involved lace project
Yarn: Lace/fingering weight
Needles: 2.75 mm

A more detailed lace scarf with a decorative stitch pattern and border. Choose this one when the knitting itself is part of the attraction.

Which Scarf Should You Knit?

If you want…	Try…
Your first scarf	Garter stitch or simple ribbing
A quick, cosy project	A simple scarf in a heavier yarn
Classic texture	Cable scarf
Something light	Lace or eyelet scarf
Interesting texture	Slip stitch, ripple or textured scarf
Something colourful	Striped or Fair Isle scarf
Something different	Pocket, hooded or keyhole scarf

New to Knitting Scarves?

Scarves are excellent projects for learning new stitches because many require little shaping. If you’re a beginner, start with a repetitive pattern that lets you concentrate on getting comfortable with your needles.

Garter stitch is particularly beginner-friendly because you knit every row when working flat, and the fabric naturally lies flat.

Ribbing introduces both knit and purl stitches while producing a stretchy, textured fabric.

Seed stitch is another useful knit-and-purl pattern that creates an all-over texture.

If you use stocking stitch, remember that it naturally curls. Look for a pattern that incorporates a suitable border if you want a flatter scarf.

Browse Scarf Patterns by Style

Cable Scarf Knitting Patterns · Lace Scarf Knitting Patterns · Garter Stitch Scarves · Textured Scarves · Striped Scarves · Fair Isle Scarves · Pocket Scarves · Hooded Scarves · Keyhole Scarves

Scarf Knitting FAQs

What is the easiest scarf to knit?

A rectangular garter stitch scarf is one of the easiest choices for a beginner. When worked flat, you simply knit every row, and the fabric naturally lies flat.

How much yarn do I need to knit a scarf?

It depends on the yarn weight, gauge, stitch pattern and finished size. Check the yardage or meterage specified by the individual pattern rather than relying on a standard number of balls or skeins.

What size knitting needles should I use for a scarf?

Start with the needle size recommended by your chosen pattern. Needle size affects both gauge and the character of the finished fabric, so there isn’t one size that’s right for every scarf.

Can you knit a scarf on straight needles?

Yes. Many scarves are worked flat and can be knitted on straight needles. See our free scarf knitting patterns for straight needles for patterns specifically suited to this style of knitting.

How do I stop a knitted scarf from curling?

Plain stocking stitch naturally curls. Garter stitch and many rib patterns lie flatter, while some stocking-stitch scarf patterns use borders to help control the edges.

Browse All Free Scarf Knitting Patterns

Browse the latest free scarf knitting patterns below, with designs for beginners through to experienced knitters and styles ranging from simple everyday scarves to cables, lace and textured designs.