Go Beyond Garter Stitch to Create 5 Beautiful Scarves

Enjoy knitting scarves? Check out these 5 fun, free scarf knitting patterns

Do you remember the first scarf you ever knit?

If you’re like many knitters, the first scarf you knitted was plain garter stitch. You may have attached fringe at each edge. You probably felt a deep sense of accomplishment when you finished!

(And as an added bonus, you probably felt like you knew the knit stitch.)

Adventures in Newbie Scarf Knitting

Ever the oddball, I did not make my first scarf a straight garter-stitch project. Instead, I alternated between garter and stockinette stitch, changing color for each new block of stitches.

Finishing my scarf was such a thrill! But the curling edges puzzled me. Why didn’t they lie flat?! (Ah, I had so much to learn…)

There’s a reason scarves are the quintessential knitter’s project. It is often the first “major” project a knitter tackles (and, we hope, completes!). They’re can be great for mindless knitting.

And everyone I know who has received a handknit scarf overflowed with appreciation!

Most of us start with garter stitch scarves, but eventually we begin to look for more challenging and interesting patterns. In this spirit, I offer a collection of popular free knitting scarf patterns. They are alike in that all go beyond the standard garter stitch scarf.

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Easy Yet Exciting Scarf Patterns

Drop-Stitch Scarf

• What you’ll need to make it: About 275 DK- or worsted-weight yarn (variegated yarn looks especially lovely in this pattern); any size needles that fits your chosen yarn, with perhaps a slightly larger size if you’d like a lacier scarf

• Why you’ll want to: I’ve come to love any pattern that includes purposeful dropped stitches. They create strong lines and long, lacy stitches that create sheer beauty.

One-Row Handspun Scarf

• What you’ll need to make it: This pattern works with any yarn and any needles; you’ll probably need a full skein of whatever yarn you want to use. Pair it with needles that match the gauge of your yarn.

• Why you’ll want to: Stephanie Pearl-McPhee’s original pattern, so named because it’s the exact same row repeated until the scarf is as long as you want. It couldn’t be easier to memorize, and it looks lovely in any yarn.

Scarf Patterns with More of a Challenge

Multidirectional Diagonal Scarf

• What you’ll need to make it: The pattern was created with Aran-weight yarn, but you can use a thinner or bulkier yarn if you’d prefer–you’ll want 200 to 400 yards; pair the yarn with needles that match your yarn’s gauge, or use a size or two larger for a lighter, lacier scarf

• Why you’ll want to: This scarf has one of the most unique sorts of construction I’ve seen, as it is knitted diagonally, from triangle to triangle, until the scarf is as long as you want. It can take on a lot of different kinds of looks depending on the kinds and colors of yarn you use, which makes for a world of possibilities! Like the previous two patterns, this is especially striking in variegated yarn (or simply multiple colors).

Irish Hiking Scarf

• What you’ll need to make it: About 350 yards of worsted weight yarn; US Size 8 needles; cable needle or spare DPN

• Why you’ll want to: This pretty braided-style scarf has been on my to-do list for a long time! It features such a lovely classical design, and it’s an excellent project for first-time cabling.

Entrelac Scarf

• What you’ll need to make it: About 440 yards of Aran weight yarn; US Size 8 needles

• Why you’ll want to: I won’t call this the perfect way to start entrelac; I reserve that title for my Entrelac Square. 😉 But once you’ve knitted that pattern, this is a fabulous second entrelac project to try! It’s especially gorgeous in variegated or multiple colors of yarn.

When you’re ready to graduate from garter stitch scarves, these popular free scarf knitting patterns are sure to tickle your fancy. Which pattern is your favorite?