Knitting a scarf is a beginner-friendly knitting skill that teaches the basic motions used in many projects. In this lesson you will learn how to cast on, knit rows, and bind off so you can complete your first scarf.
Knit with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels 🧶
If you want to learn how to knit a scarf, you are in the right place. This beginner scarf lesson uses the garter stitch (knit every row), which makes it one of the safest first knitting projects. You will practice the core skills used in many patterns, including casting on, knitting rows, turning your work, binding off, and finishing loose ends.
Before You Start
- Skill level: Beginner
- Time needed: Several short knitting sessions
- What to expect: Your first rows may look uneven. This is normal and improves with practice.
- Goal: Practice steady knitting and finish your first full-length project.
In the video, I knit the mini scarf so you can see the full process without watching a long project from start to finish. The skills are the same for every scarf size. To make a larger scarf, you will cast on more stitches, or knit more rows.
The PurlsAndPixels learning method: each project introduces one new skill at a time. Everything else stays familiar, so you can build confidence without feeling overwhelmed.
Beginner Scarf Knitting Pattern (open in a new tab, or print it out)
Watch the full process here, or keep reading to see each step broken down.
Skills Used in This Lesson
Before you start, you should be familiar with these skills. If any are new, review those lessons first. Each skill is quick to learn and makes this project much easier.
Weave in Loose Ends on Flat Knits
Materials Needed to Knit a Beginner Scarf
Yarn to Knit Scarves
One or two (2) 315-yard/6 ounce skeins of Caron Simply Soft yarn in your choice of color (in the video I use the color “Pagoda“).
- one mini scarf uses 10.5 yards (0.2 ounces)*
- one standard scarf uses 304.5 yards (5.8 ounces)*
- one extra-wide scarf uses 420 yards (8 ounces)*
*Weights estimated with Caron Simply Soft yarn; other yarn weights may vary.
Knitting Needles for Beginner Scarves
Knitting Needles:
36-inch (91 cm) long US No. 8 (5 mm) circular needle (or size needed to obtain gauge)
Or 9-inch (23 cm) long US No. 8 (5 mm) straight needles (or size needed to obtain gauge)
Notions to Finish Knit Scarves
How to Knit a Scarf
Step 1: Cast On Your Stitches
Cast on Row 1. This is how you add stitches to your needle to begin the scarf.
For the mini beginner scarf, use the long-tail cast-on method to put 6 stitches on your needles.
Step 2: Turn Your Work
When you reach the end of your row, turn your work so the needle with stitches is back in your left hand and you are ready to knit the next row.
Step 3: Knit Every Row (Garter Stitch)
Begin knitting rows to build the scarf. This pattern uses the garter stitch, which means knitting every stitch in every row.
- Row 2: Knit across all 6 stitches.
- Repeat Row 2 until scarf measures 12 inches (30 cm), or your desired length.
- To change the width, cast on more or fewer stitches. To change the length, knit additional rows.
If your stitches look uneven, continue knitting. Most first projects improve naturally as your hands learn the motion. If something looks wrong, read When Something Looks Wrong in Your Knitting.
Step 4: Bind Off
When your scarf is as long as you want it, bind off to secure your stitches.
Step 5: Finish Loose Ends
Use a darning needle to weave in loose ends. This secures the yarn tails and gives your scarf a clean finish.
Troubleshooting Tips
Small inconsistencies are expected in a first project. Focus on keeping your stitch count correct; appearance improves naturally with practice.
- Counting stitches: You should always have 6 stitches on your needle when knitting the mini scarf.
- Tension check: Your stitches should be even: not too tight, and not too loose. Learn more about knitting tension for extra pointers.
- Mistakes: Dropped a stitch? Use my knitting troubleshooting guide to fix it.
Care Instructions
- Machine wash cold 🧺
- Lay flat to dry 🌬
- Read more knitwear care tips here
What You Learned From This Project
- cast on stitches to begin a flat project
- knit rows in the garter stitch
- keep stitch count steady
- bind off to secure live stitches
- finish loose ends for a clean edge
You Completed a Beginner Scarf 🎉
Your handmade scarf is practical for everyday wear, gift-giving, and skill practice. If you want to keep building your skills, the next projects below each add one new skill while keeping the stitches familiar.
Continue Learning: Your Next Projects
-
Ribbed Scarf
Practice knit + purl rhythm. -
Rice Stitch Baby Blanket
Practice slipped stitches. -
Basic Pillow Cover
Learn to knit in the round. -
Beginner Ear Warmer Knitting Pattern
Practice simple shaping.
If you want another scarf right away, try one of these next:
🧶 Easy Chunky Knit Scarf
✨ School Colors Scarf
🌿 Ribbed Scarf
💫 Slipped Stitches Scarf
🎨 Single-Row Striped Scarf
Learn the full beginner system: You can keep learning to knit for free at PurlsAndPixels, or follow the complete structured beginner path in Liz Chandler’s Knitting Guide: Learn to Knit with Practical Patterns.
Don’t Miss a Stitch! 🧶
Want more free beginner lessons, patterns, and practical tips? Sign up for my newsletter to get updates straight to your inbox. 💌