Free knitting patterns for curlicue and spiral scarves knit with regular yarn creating twists and curves with stitches like short rows and lace. Many of the patterns are free. Updated 2/3/25
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.
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Free Patterns
Corkscrew Scarf
Garter stitch scarf shaped with short rows so it creates a twisty spiral scarf. Pretty showcase for self-striping DK weight yarn. Designed by Mary Maxim.
Ruffle Lace Scarf
Easy corkscrew scarf knit lengthways using simple yarnovers to create curves and pretty eyelets. Aran weight yarn. Designed by Suzie Blackman.
Painted Circle Scarf
Easy scarf knit flat in a circle shaped with short rows so it creates a subtly curling scarf. Beautiful in ombre boucle Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Lion Brand. A kit is also available. Note: if you are new to short-rows, remember you will have to wrap stitches before turning or you will leave holes in the knitting. This is not stated in the pattern.
Rockhound Shawl
Colorful crescent shawlette or shawl with curlicue ends, stripes with crossed slipped stitch stitches, and picot bindoff. Great stash buster for Fingering weight yarn. Designed by Pam Sluter.
Elisia Shawl
Crescent shaped shawl knit in garter stitch stripes with increases that cause the shawl to form pretty spiral ends. DK weight yarn. Designed by Petra Breakstone.
Edisto Shawl
Free crescent shawlette that ends in twisting spirals knit with a 4 row repeat waffle stitch and 4 row repeat eyelets. Fingering weight yarn. Designed by Rachel Brockman.
Scallop Scarf
This gorgeous scarf is knit with individual shells so when it's assembled it creates a curvy and twisty scarf. Beautiful showcase for self-striping Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Bernat
Nessie Scarf
Fun one skein scarf with slightly curved shape and spiral ends knit in garter stitch and shaped with short rows. Uses one skein of Fingering weight yarn. Designed by Julia Zahle.
More Free Patterns
Undulate Scarf
Reversible scarf worked in wedge-shaped fan sections shaped with short rows to create a spiral shape. DK weight yarn. Designed by Mary Beth Kelso for Hobbii. A kit is also available.
Helix Scarf
Garter stitch scarf pattern with short-row ruffles on each side of a central strip that creates waves and twists. Lace weight yarn. Designed by Stephenie Gaustad.
Spiral Scarf
Garter stitch scarf with increases every few rows that cause the scarf to automatically twist around itself, creating the spiral look. Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Mary Maxim
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.
Round the Twist Scarf
Scarf knit with garter stitch shaped by short rows into semi-circles to make a twisty scarf. Designed by Frankie Brown. Aran weight yarn.
Easy Short Row Scarf
Worked in short rows of garter stitch that create natural ruffles and ripples that showcases color change yarn. Rated easy by Ravelrers. Designed by Lion Brand Yarn. Worsted yarn weights. Pictured projects by the designer and Okiecowgirl.
Girotondo Scarf
Whimsical scarf designed to use up leftover yarn scraps. Knit in a 6 row repeat with short rows that create the corkscrew curls. Any weight yarn. Designed by Minimi Knit Design.
Spring Blossom Scarf
One skein scarf with garter stitch shaped with short rows that creates spiral ends. Uses one skein of Aran weight yarn. Designed by Yuko Fredrick.
Patterns for Purchase
Isolabella Scarf
One skein garter stitch scarf/shawl with gently curving shape and curly ends created with short rows and finished with a fun looped edging. Fingering weight yarn. Designed by Sarah Alderson.
Ruffled Scarf
This scarf with a twist is worked in the round with increases at the corners, which creates ruffles all the way around without having to pick up stitches. DK weight yarn. Designed by Kirsten Hipsky.
Swirling Stripes
Two-color scarf develops in a spiral to create a versatile neckpiece that is graciously drapeable but not bulky. Sport weight yarn. Designed by Linda Day Morehouse.
Curves and Corners Scarf
This reversible scarf is knitted in sections of mitred corners with a garter stitch ridge pattern and curves created using short row shaping in a rib and twisted stitch pattern. As the sections are worked and the scarf grows longer, it begins to curl. Chunky weight yarns. Designed by Emma Vining.
Truffle Scarf
This scarf is constructed by attaching three different sizes of concave, oval shaped “leaves” to a stem, creating a cascading leafy effect that naturally twists and spirals. Super Bulky weight yarns. Designed by Anna Cohen.
Scalene Scarf
Scalene is an asymmetrically shaped, triangular scarf that features both horizontal and vertical keyholes for several styles of wear. 3 gauges to accommodate lace - worsted weight yarns. Designed by Carina Spencer.
