Free knitting patterns for scarves and shawls with openings that keep them in place. Most of the patterns are free. Updated 4/21/25
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.
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.
Follow me for more patterns:
Free Patterns
Like a Leaf on the Wind Shawl
Knit in garter stitch with a lovely picot edge and an integral slit to keep it in place, this versatile one skein triangular shawl can be worn in a variety of ways. Uses one skein of fingering weight yarn. Designed by Sharon Jane.
Neckfish Scarf
Keyhole scarf with two interlocking fish shaped tails with a body in a reversible fish-scaled looking texture that can be worn in a variety of ways. Sport or DK weight yarn. Designed by Brenda Dayne.
Felicienne Scarf
Ascot-style lace scarf knit with a falling leaf diamond lace pattern at each end and keyhole slots at both sides to keep the scarf in place. The pattern contains both written instructions and charts for the lace patterns. Uses one skein of Fingering weight yarn. Designed by Ellen Kapusniak.
After the Rain Scarf
One skein scarf with a slot to keep in place, knit with lace leaves between slipped stitch vertical lines. Uses one skein of Worsted or DK weight yarn. Designed by Sheryl Greenfield.
Hornet Shawl
Shawl with half brioche rib and lace waves with adjustable length and an optional slit wo it can be worn as a keyhole scarf. Sport weight yarn. Designed by Audrey Borrego.
Capitola Scarf
Ruffled keyhole scarf is perfect for transitional weather. Knit with stockinette with five ruffles on each side and a loop to thread through. Designed by Sarah Hatton.
Arequipa Scarf and Beanie
Fun shoulder scarf or shawlette with 8 loops are openings so you can thread the scarf to hold in place. Matching ribbed beanie knit flat. Fingering weight yarn. Designed by Lana Gatto.
Isley Openwork Cable Scarf
Unique and scarf with a cable that splits to form oval openings in the scarf creating a versatile accessory you can wear many ways depending on how you thread the scarf through the openings. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Eliza Hinkes. A kit is also available.
More Free Patterns
Keyhole Scarf in Stripes
Striped scarf knit in a tube with a loop at one end to tuck the scarf through. DK weight yarn. Designed by Purl Soho.
Beignet Scarf
A ribbed keyhole section on this easy garter-stitch scarf helps keep the scarf tied securely around your neck. DK weight yarn. Designed by Berroco Design Team.
Hat and Scarf Set
May only be free for a limited time. Cabled keyhole scarf with matching cabled beanie. Chunky weight yarn. Designed by Woman's Weekly.
Ruffled Keyhole Scarf
Garter stitch wrap knit with ruffled ends and an opening to slip one end through to create a double layer of ruffles. Aran weight yarn. Designed by Armina Parnagian.
Chunky Squared Neckwarmer
Wrap with a 4 row repeat checkerboard texture and a slot to thread one end through to keep in place. Super Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Christine L. Krauss.
Tolcarne Scarf
Keyhole scarf knit with a 4 row repeat Puff Rib Stitch. DK weight yarn. Designed by Steph Thornton.
Shawl With Loop
Easy rectangular shawl knit with a staggered rib texture with a loop to hold the shawl closed. Beautiful for showcasing self-striping Chunky weight yarn. Womens Scarf With Loop Designed by Caitlan for Lion Brand. A kit is also available. May only be free for a limited time.
Jules Stole
Rectangular shawl with keyhole to slip one end through and hold the shawl in place. Texture created with a rib pattern of purl and knit back loop stitches. Designed by Pia Stær. A kit is also available.
Patterns for Purchase
Mindless Shawl
Triangular shawl with eyelet details and an easy-to-memorize applied border, as well as what looks like a keyhole to thread the end through. The pattern includes information to make either the original kerchief or the full size.. Designed by YarnTreatsDesigns.
Keyhole Lace Shawl
Mesh lace shawl with boho flair has a loop closure to slip one end through and keep it secure around your shoulders. Designed by Etty Geller.
Lorena Shawl
Cable rectangular shawl with slings that help keep the shawl in place. Knit with diamond cables and lace. Aran weight yarn. Designed by Rita Maassen.
Double Loop Keyhole Scarf
Garter stitch neckwarmer scarf with very little purling (only when you’re doing the keyhole). DK weight yarn. Designed by BiggerthanlifeKnits.
