Free knitting patterns for easy scarves that go beyond garter stitch with these knitting patterns that have been rated as easy, some even suitable for beginners. These scarves are gorgeous ways to try out new techniques like lace and cables, or to take a break from more challenging projects. Many of the patterns are free. Updated 6/22/23.
To get the knitting patterns, scroll down the page to the individual pattern you want and click on the link to that pattern.
These patterns are not my designs but links to other designers who have generously shared their patterns. If you have questions about how to knit a specific pattern, please contact the designer directly.
All links on this site are for informational purposes, but please note that some links are to affiliate sellers that pay me a small commission on purchases.
Free Patterns
Jeans And T-Shirt Scarf
Easy scarf knit with a 2 row repeat texture. Suitable for beginners. Size About 6 x 60 in. (15 x 152.5 cm). Quick knit in Super Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Lion Brand.
Weekend Brunch Scarf
Easy scarf knit with a 4 row repeat waffle texture with 2 row ribbing at ends. Suitable for beginners. Size About 14 x 82 in. (35.5 x 208 cm). Quick knit in Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Lion Brand.
Ascot Bow Scarf
A simple bow scarf knit three pieces with garter stitch and then sewn together to make a permanent bow. A snap is then sewn to each side for an easy-on/easy-off scarf. Inspired by one seen at Anthropologie. Rated very easy by Ravelrers. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Amy Bailes.
Frostlight Scarf
Fringed scarf knit with a 4 row repeat eyelet and ribbed stitch pattern. Rated easy by Ravelrers. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Robin Ulrich.
Powder Mountain Scarf
Easy striped scarf knit with a 2 row repeat which is mostly knit stitches. Designed for 4 colors, it's a great stashbuster. Designed by Lena Skvagerson. Aran weight yarn. Featured in Knit and Crochet Now and also one of the patterns in Learn-a-Stitch Knit Scarves.
- Get the free knitting pattern at Annie's for free registration
- Buy the video class for this pattern and 2 other patterns for $3.99
- Buy the Learn-a-Stitch Knit Scarves book
2 Row Repeat Maipo Scarf
May only be free for a limited time. Scarf knit with 2 different sized needles in a 2 row repeat that creates this interesting texture. Includes video tutorial. DK weight yarn. Designed by Barbara Vilas Boas who says this is suitable for beginners.
2 Row Repeat Pebble Rib Scarf
This is an easy scarf with lots of drape knit with a 2 row repeat that that creates a nice texture on both sides of the fabric. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Patrizia Monnerjahn.
Paloma Scarf by Debbie Bliss
This easy scarf is knit with a 4 row repeat of alternating columns of Moss stitch and a slip-stitch pattern inspired by tracks in fresh snow. Rated easy by Ravelrers. Super Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Debbie Bliss. According to the designer, a commonly asked question: When Row 4 tells you to “lift yarn strand” it is referring to the float created on Row 2.
4 Row Repeat Textured Fringe Scarf
This easy scarf is knit with a 4 row repeat Reverse Sand Stitch. Quick knit in bulky yarn. Designed by Cathy Payson
Toffee Scarf
Garter stitch scarf with cable along one edge. Aran weight yarn. Designed by Nadia Crétin-Léchenne. Available English and French. Rated very easy by Ravelrers
Heartwarming Scarf
Julie Farmer’s beginner scarf has an easy to remember stitch pattern to give it texture. This unisex scarf only uses one skein of the recommended yarn. Pictured project is by pixiesmom.
Summer Stream Scarf
This versatile lace scarf is perfect for warmer weather if knit in cotton or silk, or knit it in cozier yarns for cold weather. Designed by Asami Kawa, who says it is constructed of simple lace patterns. Most Ravelrers rated it very easy or easy and said the stitch pattern was easy to memorize (but it might be challenging for beginners). Pictured project by kikkou
More Free Patterns
Prismatic Scarf
Huan-Hua Chye’s easy scarf uses a diagonal slipped-stitch rib pattern that creates slanting rays of color especially designed to show off variegated yarn, though the texture looks great in solid colors too. Pictured project by Maj
Statement Scarf Wrap
Easy scarf features armholes so it can be worn as a wrap or a vest, as well as a scarf. Quick knit in bulky yarn. Designed by Erin Kate Archer for Red Heart.
Different Breeze Scarf
Sachiko Uemura’s mesh scarf is knit in larger needles to get the ethereal effect. Most Ravelrers rated this very easy or easy.
Textured Stripes Super Scarf
Easy oversized cozy scarf knit in sections of slipped stitch texture alternating with stockinette. Quick knit in chunky yarn. Designed by Christine Marie Chen for Red Heart.
Make It Big Super Scarf
This oversized scarf from Bernat knits up quickly in chunky yarn and is rated easy by the designer.
Easy Keyhole Scarf
This beginner pattern by Ann Regis features easy garter stitch sections and ends with heart / flower shaped motifs at the ends.
Zick Zack Scarf
Christy Kamm’s scarf is knit with an easy chevron lace pattern. Use two colorways of self-striping or variegated yarn for the most colorful scarf. Pictured project by knispeltante.
Wavy Drop-Stitch Scarf
Laura Bain designed this easy scarf using the classic sea foam stitch.
Star Stitch Scarf
Morgen Dämmerung’s Holding Hands, Feeding Ducks Scarf features an easy all-over star stitch that can be adapted to almost any yarn. Pictured project by Hatodd.
First-Timer Lace Scarf
This easy scarf is knit with a 8 row repeat lace stitch that the designer says is suitable for beginners looking for their first lace project. You can use written instructions or chart, or both. Rated easy by the designer. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Lisa Gentry for Red Heart.
Dewdrop Scarf
This easy scarf features a lace pattern designed for bulky yarn so it’s a fast knit too! Designed by Cathy Payson. Pictured project by erato7
Upstairs Scarf
WollSchnegge’s lace scarf or shawl is rated as easy, though beginners might find it more of a challenge. Although the original pattern calls for lace yarn, other knitters have been successful with heavier weights of yarn, such as fingering (used in the pictured project by speightyknits ) and sport weight.
Cerus Scarf
Designed by Hilary Smith Callis, this scarf gets its dressy professional look from the linen stitch that looks like woven fabric. Use a variegated yarn to enhance the woven look.
Cable Edge Scarf
Braided cables frame simple ribbing in Jodi Lewanda’s scarf rated easy by the designer and Ravelrers. Pictured project is by BlueDevilGirl11.
Beginner Garter Drop-Stitch Scarf
Michelle Maks proves shows you how easy it is to make a quick drop-stitch scarf If you can do a knit stitch and you can wrap yarn around a needle. Video tutorial included with this Red Heart pattern.
Potato Chip Scarf
Barbara Aguiar’s easy scarf is knit with short rows in a 4 row repeat. Pictured project by SheepTricks. Great with multi-color yarn.
Drop-Stitch Scarf
This easy scarf is a quick knit in super bulky or jumbo yarn. Designed by Amanda Saladin for Red Heart.
Patterns for Purchase
Elysian Blanket Scarf
Reversible scarf with chevrons and diamonds textures looks almost cable-like but is achieved using only knits and purls for a satisfyingly addicting project that’s suitable for beginners according to the designer Alexandra Tavel of Two of Wands. Bulky weight yarn.
City Life Scarf
Garter stitch scarf with brioche-tuck ridges inspired by city skylines. Written instructions and charts are available. Rated easy by many Ravelrers. Size Finished Measurements 25.4cm (10”) wide, 198cm (78”) long (after blocking). Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Monika Anna
Get in Touch Scarf
An 8-row repeat stitch pattern creates a modern triangular design that is reversible! It looks exactly the same on both sides. Rated easy by Ravelrers. Designed by Fifty Four Ten Studio
Grand Canyon Scarf
Scarf created simple knits, purls, decreases and increases to evoke the beautiful geology of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River that runs through it. No cables or cable needles! Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Tamara Moots
Falling Water Scarf
16 row 8 stitch repeat elegant yet easy lace framed by crisp garter stitch. All wrong side rows are the same. 3 widths: narrow, medium, and wide, but easily customizable. The lace pattern is provided in a chart and also is written out, line by line. Rated easy by Ravelrers. Designed by Bonnie Sennott
Slow Dog Noodle Scarf or Shawl
Knit in one piece from side to side, this wrap features easy-to-knit mix of knit/purl texture and simple openwork stitches and comes in two sizes for a scarf or shawl. Rated easy by the designer and most Ravelrers. Designed by anne hanson
Gallatin
No longer free! Kris Basta’s scarf works up quickly with worsted weight yarn and size 10 1/2 needles. A simple repeat in the pattern makes this a great tv watching project. Pictured project by naramoon
Mistral Scarf
Lace scarf that designer rates as easy to knit. Pattern directions include lots of color pictures, very detailed knitting instructions and definitions of stitches used, and NO CHARTS.
Diamond Lace Scarf
The Diamond Trellis pattern may look complicated, but it isn’t! It only involves 5 basic stitches and once you’ve mastered those you’ll knit this up in no time at all! Quick knit in Super Bulky Yarn.
Easy Lace Scarves
This easy and easy lace scarf pattern contains instructions for worsted, sport, and fingering yarn.
Openwork Scarf
This easy unisex scarf is a quick knit and can be made any size.
Get Free Pattern News From In the Loop Knitting
Free newsletter emailed each Monday with
- New free knitting patterns I've added to the site
- New free pattern collections
Outlander on STARZ Watch Now!
