Simple Garter Stitch Scarf

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Pattern Overview

Difficulty: Beginner

Yarn Weight: Worsted Weight (medium)

Estimated Time: 10-15 hours

Finished Size: Approximately 6 inches wide x 60 inches long

Yarn Required: 400-450 yards

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Materials
Gauge
Abbreviations
Instructions
Finishing
Tips

Materials

Yarn: Worsted weight, 400-450 yards. We recommend Red Heart Super Saver Yarn in your favorite color (approximately 3 skeins)
Needles: US 8 (5mm) straight or circular needles. ChiaoGoo Red Lace Circular Needles are excellent for this project
Notions: Yarn needle for weaving in ends

Gauge

16 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches in garter stitch. Gauge is not critical for scarves, but consistent gauge creates attractive results.

Abbreviations

K = Knit

CO = Cast on

BO = Bind off

RS = Right side

WS = Wrong side

Pattern Instructions

Cast-On Row: Using long-tail cast-on, CO 24 stitches on one needle.

Row 1 (RS): K24

Row 2 (WS): K24

Rows 3-210: K24 (knit every row)

Repeat Row 1-2 pattern until scarf measures approximately 60 inches long, ending with a complete pattern repeat. Garter stitch is very forgiving and elastic, so don't worry about being exactly 60 inches—anywhere from 58-62 inches is perfect.

Bind-Off Row: K1, pass previous stitch over. K1, pass previous stitch over. Repeat this sequence until all stitches are bound off. Cut yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail, and pull through final loop.

Finishing Instructions

Weave in ends using yarn needle. Thread the tail through 3-4 stitches along the edge, then back in the opposite direction, creating a zigzag path that anchors the yarn
Gently block scarf by laying flat on a blocking mat or clean towel. Spritz lightly with water if desired (especially helpful if your gauge is tight)
Allow to dry completely before wearing. This usually takes 2-4 hours depending on humidity
If binding off created a tight edge, gently stretch the edge with your hands to relax it

Knitter's Tips

Tension: If your first 10 rows feel tight, that's completely normal. Your tension will relax naturally as you develop rhythm. By row 50, you'll be knitting smoothly
Rhythm: Try to establish a consistent rhythm. Some knitters count their stitches as they work (1-2-3... all the way to 24) to maintain pace
Counting: Count stitches every 5 rows to ensure you haven't accidentally lost or gained any. It's incredibly easy to add an extra stitch without noticing
Dropped Stitches: If you drop a stitch, immediately pick it up with your needle or a crochet hook. A dropped stitch from even 10 rows down is easy to fix with a crochet hook
Yarn Tails: Rather than weaving in the entire cast-on tail, you can leave it hanging and tie it to the bind-off tail at the end, then trim. This is faster and equally secure
Scarf Length: The finished length depends on how much yarn you have and your personal preference. Some knitters prefer shorter, chunky scarves (40-45 inches), while others enjoy longer, drapier versions (70+ inches)