Ribbed Scarf Free Knitting Pattern

Learn to knit an easy Ribbed Scarf with this free knitting pattern by Liz Chandler @PurlsandPixels.

Ribbed Scarf

Learn to knit an easy Ribbed Scarf with this free knitting pattern by Liz Chandler @PurlsandPixels.

With this pattern, you can create a cozy ribbed scarf. Alternate knits and purls to make thick and stretchy scarf. As you knit, you will see that the columns of knits and purls line up with one another to highlight the “V” or heart-shaped knit stitches.

Try customizing this pattern by choosing a different yarn color or material. While this scarf looks great in any solid color, you can spice it up with variegated (multicolored) yarn. Self-striping yarn is another way to add visual interest to this scarf. Experiment with different types of yarn material as well; merino wool and alpaca are soft and cozy choices. Just be sure to choose worsted weight yarn when making substitutions.

About This Free Ribbed Scarf Knitting Pattern

This simple ribbed scarf is an easy-level knitting pattern. You will need to know how to make a long-tail cast on, knit, purl, and bind off. If you are not familiar with these skills, find quick, free lessons in my Learn to Knit Guide.

Learn to knit an easy knit, purl ribbed scarf with this free knitting pattern from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Materials

You will need the following materials, which you can purchase at your local yarn shop or on Amazon.com via the affiliate links below:

Knitting Needles:
Long Circular Needles
36-inch (91 cm) long US No. 8 (5.0 mm) circular needle (or size needed to obtain gauge)

Or Straight Needles
9-inch (23 cm) long US No. 8 (5.0 mm) straight needles (or size needed to obtain gauge)

Yarn:

Two 315-yard (6 ounce) skeins of worsted weight yarn* (shown in Caron Simply Soft Yarn), in your choice of color.

  • one standard scarf uses about 514.5 yards (9.8 oz.)
  • one extra-wide scarf uses about 624.75 yards (11.9 oz.)

*Shown in Caron Simply Soft Yarn in “Pagoda,” “Iris,” and “Black.” Weights estimated with Caron Simply Soft yarn; other yarn weights may vary. Weight does not include gauge swatch. A 4×4 inch gauge swatch with a 2 row by 3 stitch border uses an additional 21 yards (0.4 oz.).

Tools:

A measuring tape and a darning needle.

Gauge

18 stitches x 24 rows = 4 x 4 inches in stockinette stitch on No. 8 (5.0 mm) needles. (Learn how to check your gauge here.)

Abbreviations

k = knit

p = purl

** = repeat the pattern between the asterisks

Instructions: Standard Ribbed Scarf

(7 inches x 6 feet or desired length)

Use the long-tail cast on method. Knit flat, turning after each row.

Row 1: Cast on 50 stitches. Turn.

Row 2: *k 1, p 1* x 25. (50 stitches) Turn.

Repeat Row 2 until scarf measures 6 feet or your desired length.

Bind off loosely in *k, p* pattern. Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail, and pull through. Weave in ends. Block if desired.

Instructions: Extra-Wide Ribbed Scarf

(9 inches x 6 feet or desired length)

Use the long-tail cast on method. Knit flat, turning after each row.

Row 1: Cast on 64 stitches. Turn.

Row 2: *k 1, p 1* x 32. (64 stitches) Turn.

Repeat Row 2 until scarf measures 6 feet or your desired length.

Bind off loosely in *k, p* pattern. Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail, and pull through. Weave in ends. Block if desired.

Printable version of this free knitting pattern

Printable Ribbed Scarf Pattern PDF by Liz @PurlsAndPixels


Find More Knitting Patterns

If you like this, check out the other knitting patterns I’ve written. They’re all gathered on one page, which you can find here.

Find all of the knitting patterns by Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Learn to knit an easy Ribbed Scarf with this free knitting pattern by Liz Chandler @PurlsandPixels.

©2022, Liz Chandler of PurlsAndPixels.

This pattern is for personal use, gifting, and charitable donation of completed items. You may also sell handmade items created using this pattern. Do not copy this pattern and distribute it. If you’d like to share the pattern, refer your friends to my website, purlsandpixels.com so they may obtain a copy.

If you find any errors or have any questions, email purlsandpixels@gmail.com and I will do my best to help.

I’d love to see your finished work! Tag your photos with @PurlsAndPixels on Twitter or Instagram.