The weather here in California is finally starting to cool off and gift giving season is right around the corner. So we scoured Ravelry and did some sleuthing of our own to bring you a big list of our absolute favorite scarf knitting patterns.
We found some beautifully simple knitted scarf patterns for beginners. Others will knit up quick and will make wonderful last minute gifts. Some feature challenging lacework that will put your technical knitting skills to the test.
Regardless of experience level, we're sure you'll love many of the 25 diverse scarf patterns profiled below. Many are free knitting patterns, while a few are paid and well worth the cost. The hardest part might just be deciding which one to knit up first. So take a look and find a wonderful new scarf pattern to cast on. Your perfect late fall project awaits you!
Here they are, in rough order from beginner to more advanced...
1. Noro Striped Scarf
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© Jared Flood
The Noro Striped Scarf is a common pattern that's been written up by many knitters over the years. We like the version of this scarf that Jared Flood detailed in his "Notebook" over at Brooklyn Tweed. It's also available as a free pattern on Ravelry and it's great for beginners. I love this project because while you're manually striping Noro, it also stripes itself! This results in quite a few interesting and sometimes unexpected color variations.
Get this FREE knitting pattern →
- The yarn makes this pattern particularly interesting.
- Watching the colors change and seeing how the stripes turn out is really enjoyable.
- It's something like a gum ball machine. You never know what color you'll get.
- Easy and good for traveling or knitting up while watching TV.
- Easy project that gives you truly stunning results.
2. Easy Mistake Stitch Scarf
© purlsoho
If you know how to knit and purl than you can make this scarf! The Easy Mistake Stitch Scarf is definitely a good scarf for beginners looking for a slightly more advanced project. The deep and soft rib of this scarf looks like it's much more work than it actually is. So jump in and give it a go.
Words of wisdom from other knitters:
- Makes a great gift that looks complicated but isn't really that hard to execute.
- Doesn't come out as long as expected, so if you want a longer scarf keep knitting.
- Hides mistakes easily.
3. One Row Handspun Scarf
This scarf is a quick and easy pattern. It has only one row to learn, and you can easily make it narrower or wider based on your preferences. This makes it a great pattern for your own handspun yarn, or some delicate stash yarn that's been waiting for just the right scarf project.
Get this FREE knitting pattern →
- Easy and loveable pattern, good for beginners.
- Knits up pretty quick.
- Good for traveling and/or watching TV while you knit.
4. Instant Gratification Scarf
The Instant Gratification Scarf is a warm and rewarding project to pick up and requires less yarn than you might think. There is no wrong side to this fun and quick knit. It works for both thin and thick yarn (we prefer the latter), and is great for showing off yarns with unique color ways. It's also quite soft and toasty if you go with the Super Bulky yarn recommendation.
- Unbelievably easy and quick pattern to knit up.
- Stretches a little yarn a long ways.
- Great last minute holiday gift.
- No need to block this pattern.
- Incredibly cozy and warm.
- No wrong side to this scarf so wear it however you like!
- Pattern has a bit more structure than a traditional drop knit scarf.
5. Jumpstart for the Hollydaze Scarf
This scarf is a super fast and ultra cozy knit that makes a great last minute holiday gift. It's very versatile and can be made with virtually any fiber or weight. A chunkier yarn will yield a quicker knit and a warmer neck!
See photos and get this FREE scarf pattern →
Words of wisdom from other knitters:
- Super easy and fast. Quick gift knit.
- Add fringe for a playful but still classy look.
- So soft and cozy!
6. Holding Hands Feeding Ducks Scarf
This scarf is a gorgeous and interesting pattern that is based on the star stitch. It highlights yarns with unique color ways and looks beautiful with variegated yarns too. It's an easily adjustable pattern that works with many types of yarn. The stitches create a tight pattern, making this a great option for cold winter climates.
Skill Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Words of wisdom from other knitters:
- Easy design that can feel slightly tedious after a while, though the finished scarf is well worth the effort.
- Travels nicely.
- Pretty, but not too complicated.
- Great pattern for stash yarn as it's easy to adjust for various weights.
- A quick knit that can be finished in just a few days.
7. Quaker Yarn Stretcher Boomerang Scarf
The quaker pattern makes a little yarn go a long way because it uses a loose gauge. The edge stitches keep the pattern looking classy and uniform. This makes this project a perfect stash busting project, where you can use up any leftover worsted weight yarn. Or use your own personal hand spun yarn if you're a bit more crafty.
See photos and buy this scarf pattern ($3,50) via Ravelry →
- Edges and ridges give the scarf a bit more structure, which keeps it from looking sloppy.
- Block in intensely to make it as large and light as possible.
- Great project for hand spun yarn.
8. Bias Before After Scarf
© Churchmouse Yarns & Teas
This "Before and After" scarf got its name, because it truly is unattractive until you block it. But afterwards, it turns into a gorgeous, soft and luxurious creation that makes it a must knit! The finished scarf is smooth and has the simplicity of stockinette, without all of the normal rolled edges. This is a wonderful scarf for warmer winter days, or slightly chilly spring ones!
Buy this scarf pattern ($5.00) via Ravelry →
- This pattern is light and airy.
- Goes from ugly to gorgeous once blocked!
- Simple pattern that uses only stockinette stitch.
- Good traveling, conversational, and TV watching project.
- Optional bead bind off adds a unique and glittery look.
9. Sky Scarf
Look up at the sky every day for a year, and knit a row in the colors you see. A Sky Scarf becomes a 5-foot story of your year. It will remind you of the gorgeous warm summer you experienced or bring you back to the first day that winter started to close in. When you drape your finished Sky Scarf around your neck, it will remind you how soothing it was to pay attention to the sky, every day for a full year.
Get this FREE scarf pattern →
Buy the ready made yarn kit ($42.00) via Leafcutter Designs →
- Adaptable to all kinds of stitches.
- Gets you out of the house.
- Makes you slow down and pay attention to the sky.
- Creates a lovely record of an entire year.
- Wonderfully creative gift knitting project!
10. Saroyan Scarf
by feministy
© chibitora
The Saroyan Scarf was inspired by Saroyan (of course!), a character on the television show Bones. It's a delicate scarf and makes a perfect addition to a sleek and professional wardrobe. This is a fairly easy project until you get to the lace leaves, which can be a bit tricky. The combination of an easy scarf body and more complicated edging makes this a great scarf knitting pattern for beginners that want to push themselves.
Get this FREE knitting pattern →
- Light color yarn shows off the lace leaves better than a darker yarn.
- Light color yarn beautifully highlights the delicate work you are doing.
- Very nice pattern for first time lace knitters.
- Thoroughly enjoyable knit!
11. Branching Out Scarf
This is a gorgeous lace pattern, perfect for beginning lace knitters. This was the first lace scarf I ever knit, and it turned out beautifully. Just make sure you have enough yarn so you don't come up short!
See photos and get this FREE scarf pattern →
- Fairly easy starting lace pattern.
- Pattern is a bit short so you may want to do extra repeats to make sure it is long enough.
- Make sure to block this pattern as it truly helps to bring out the details.
12. Mustard Scarf
Jane Richmond's designs are always lovely with easy to follow instructions. Her Mustard Scarf is no exception. This is a simple and short scarf. It has an open lace look to it, and a button closure that keeps it together. This is a great instant gratification project, or a last minute hand made gift.
See photos and get this FREE scarf pattern →
- Very quick knit.
- Short scarf that ties up with a button.
- Easy and unique holiday gift.
13. Old Shale Scarf
If you have extra fingering weight yarn, and plenty of socks in your drawer already, then start an Old Shale Scarf! Use those delicate yarns to knit up this beautiful lace scarf, and wear it around your neck for the world to see.
See photos and get this FREE knitting pattern →
- Nice and easy feather and fan pattern.
- Good beginning lace pattern.
14. Lace Ribbon Scarf
by Veronik
The Lace Ribbon scarf is a fun and portable project. It's a somewhat easy pattern to work with, and perfect for moments when you have idle hands. It's also lightweight and can be worn year round.
- Knits up beautifully.
- Does have to be blocked.
- Perhaps a bit too complicated for TV watching or conversation.
- Makes you pay attention. Good practice for less experienced knitters!
15. Hitchhiker Shawlette
The hitchhiker shawlette is a great starting shawl as it's fairly simple but still more challenging than a basic scarf. This pattern works well with variegated yarns, as it picks up interesting colors and highlights the color changes.
Buy this scarf pattern ($3.50) via Ravelry →
- It's a cross between a shawl and a scarf.
- Wrap it around your neck and wear it like a scarf or wear it like a shawl.
- Fast and delightful knit.
- Great pattern for fun and bright color ways.
- So cozy!
16. Brickless Shawl
© Martina Behm
This pattern is another gorgeous Martina Behm shawl creation, that also plays well with variegated yarn. It's great to take along on trips to big cities in the winter as it has a refined look and will keep you nice and toasty too! Keep in mind that it's an asymmetric shawl, which gives it the feeling of a scarf more than a shawl. Best of all, it's as fun to knit as it is to wear.
Buy this scarf pattern ($4.25) via Ravelry →
- Gorgeous shawlette pattern.
- Not quite mindless knitting, but easy enough that it becomes rhythmic.
- Really brings out the color of variegated yarns.
17. Gallatin Scarf
© kriskrafter
The Gallatin Scarf pattern makes a delicate lace scarf. The pattern is fairly easy to get the hang of and travels well! If you're looking for a project to take on your next cross-country trip, this is the one for you! This scarf works up fairly quickly using worsted weight yarn and size 10 1/2 needles. It's a simple repeat in the pattern that makes this pattern fairly easy to keep up with on the road, as long as you aren't driving!
Get this FREE knitting pattern →
- Doesn't necessarily need to be blocked.
- A bit smaller than expected.
- More of a fall and spring scarf than a winter scarf.
- Nice lacy gift that knits up quick.
18. Lintilla Scarf
This shawlette is another Martina Behm creation that relies heavily on garter stitch and knits up quickly. The scalloped and ruffled edging gives this shawlette a dynamic effect that conjures up images of gentle waves or a nice easy breeze. We love this unique detail!
Buy this scarf pattern ($4.25) via Ravelry →
- Gorgeous garter stitch shawlette with a wave like edge.
- Nice stretchy feel to the shawl because of the garter stitch.
- Very cozy and warm final product. Best for snowy winters!
- Relatively easy pattern that looks more difficult that it is.
- Delicate and beautiful finished product.
19. Antarkis Scarf
The Antarkis scarf is a simple modern and fresh pattern. It is meant to make the most out of just one skein of fingering weight yarn, and it sure does! It is an asymmetric triangle shape, that will be a classy addition to anyone's wardrobe.
See photos and buy this knitting pattern ($6.50) via Ravelry →
- Modern, fresh and simple garment.
- Really takes advantage of fingering weight yarn.
- Can be completed before the pattern specifies if you like.
- Lovely asymmetric shawl/scarf.
20. One Row Lace Scarf Two
The One Row Lace Scarf Two is a wonderfully adaptable pattern. It can be made in any width or length and happily accommodates any kind of yarn. So pick up that gorgeous sock yarn, or that sport weight yarn from your stash, and start knitting!
Get this FREE knitting pattern →
- Use that fingering weight wool, soft alpaca, perhaps some of your sock yarn or sport weight yarn.
- Makes a beautiful reversible lace scarf that can be knitted in different yarns.
- Use bigger needles than the yarn calls for or the lace pattern won't come out very lacy.
- Great stash busting project that knits up quick.
21. Checkerboard Lace Scarf
© purlsoho
The Checkerboard Lace Scarf is a simple lace pattern, with a complicated appearance. The pattern truly is basic yarn overs: knit two togethers and slip slip knits, which makes it very easy to catch mistakes. It is a fun knit to pick up if you want to challenge your knitting skills a bit and push yourself.
Words of wisdom from other knitters:
- Not very pretty while working through it, but once you block it, the pattern is stunning.
- A bit challenging but not too difficult.
- More complicated lace pattern than some others, but it's easy once you get the hang of it.
22. Favorite Scarf Ever Pattern
This is a gorgeous lace pattern scarf, that's simple and easy to follow. The pattern repeats so it's good for folks without much lace experience. The finished scarf shows off the colors of a variegated yarn nicely.
See photos and get this FREE knitting pattern →
- Perfect for fall and springtime.
- Lacey and lightweight. Drapes nicely too!
- Showcases delicate and colorful yarns very well.
- Knit in two pieces and seam in the middle for a symmetrical chevron pattern.
- Or knit all in once piece for a modern and playful asymmetrical look.
- This is one that I've knit many times and given as a gift often.
23. Short Feather and Fan Scarf
© mstanton
© saphirsteph
This subtle and beautiful lace scarf features a repeating pattern that's fairly easy to learn. The finished scarf highlights the airiness of lace weight yarn and it's great practice for those wanting to work on their lace knitting skills.
Words of wisdom from other knitters:
- Beautiful light and airy scarf, perfect for spring.
- Nice lace pattern that is easy to memorize.
- Intricate lace pattern that knits up fairly quickly.
- Blocking makes all the difference.
- It looks bumpy and cumbersome before blocking, but then becomes light, airy, and intricate.
24. Strangling Vine Lace Scarf
The Strangling Vine Lace scarf is another light and airy lace pattern. It knits up very fast and is fairly easy to follow. It makes a great last minute holiday gift for a loved one and is sure to impress. The pattern even comes with a request from the designer that you commit a random act of kindness in return for the free download!
See photos and get this FREE knitting pattern →
- Very fast knitting project.
- Easy pattern to follow but also easy to make mistakes.
- Knit carefully so that you don't have to frog your pattern too often.
25. Color Craving Scarf
The Color Craving Scarf is a Stephen West creation and is a somewhat wild way to finish our list! This very long scarf starts with two stitches and quickly increases in size. It has color blocked sections, large gaping holes, and lends itself well to brightly colored yarns. If you want to try something different and bold, then this is the knit for you!
See (wild) photos and buy this scarf pattern ($6.00) via Ravelry →
- This is a playful knit. Lots of fun yarn overs. Playing with colors is a must!
- Perfect project to bust out your stash on.
- Can really see the evolution of the piece as you go along.
- Wild and unique look.
- More advanced knit, but give it a try and see how you do!
So, which one will you knit first?
These scarf knitting patterns are all clear winners in our book. The designer of each pattern obviously took great care and plenty of time to confidently craft each creative knitting project. Do you have your own favorites? Post them in the comments and we'll use your suggestions for a "readers' choice" follow-up list.
We can't wait to see what wonderful scarf patterns you bring to life! Take photos as you knit and share them on Instagram: #25KnitScarves
The post 25 Scarf Knitting Patterns: The Best of Ravelry & Beyond appeared first on The Leafcutter Blog.