Calling all beginner knitters! This beginner scarf pattern will teach you the essentials of knitting. It’s free and simple to follow. Yes, seriously!

Fun fact: knitting is only 2 stitch types – the knit stitch and the purl stitch. Mastering these 2 stitch types – which you’ll learn in this beginner scarf pattern – puts you on your way to advancing your skills!

I love showing beginner knitters how to knit a scarf. They’re fast to knit, once you get into the rhythm of knitting. Not to mention, you end up with something useful and beautiful once you’re finished.

This beginner scarf pattern will teach you the following:

• How to work the knit stitch (includes video tutorial)
• How to work the purl stitch (includes video tutorial)
• What garter stitch is and how to create it
• What stockinette stitch is and how to create it
• How to begin mentally tracking your work with row trackers built into the pattern
• Explanations around some of the most common roadblocks for beginner knitters like yarn choice, gauge, casting on, casting off and weaving in ends
• An optional extra tutorial about how to create and attach fringe to your scarf

Beginner Scarf Pattern Info + FAQ

Inside this free pattern, you’ll find information about yarn choice, what needles to use, plus all the essential information about creating the actual pattern. Curious what the finished scarf will look like? Check out the photos below. Then read through some of the most common questions I receive about this pattern.

What yarn should I use?

The pattern calls for a “super bulky” yarn. That means it’s a very thick yarn. All yarns have what’s called a “category weight”. Specifically, this refers to the yarn’s thickness level.

Different yarn thicknesses create different results. In this pattern, the scarf is cozy because the yarn is super bulky. A thinner yarn would create a more lightweight scarf.

The yarn I recommend to use is Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick, in Hudson Bay.

This yarn is available at most big box yarn stores, like Joann Fabrics. It’s also a very affordable option for beginners. You need 2 skeins of yarn if you choose this yarn. If you choose a different super bulky yarn, please keep in mind you’ll need 174-200 yards of yarn.

Information about category weight and yardage of yarn is all contained on the yarn label. Get more information about how to read a yarn label right here.

What size needles should I use?

Knitting needles come in many different sizes. Similar to the yarn category weight, different needle sizes will create a different effect. Some needles are very small and thin. Others are very thick.

The size of the needle – it’s thickness – is usually paired to the category weight of the yarn. Accordingly, since this pattern calls for a super bulky yarn, the recommended needle size is also bulky!

The recommended needle size is a US 13. View an affordable US 13 knitting needle set at Joann Fabrics hereUS 13 knitting needle set at Joann Fabrics here.

One thing to note about knitting needles: they come in 3 types.

You’ll notice in the link above, I recommend a type that has a cable connecting the needles. This is called a circular. This is my preferred type of knitting needle. I like these for beginners because the cable will hold your stitches for you, making it less likely that you’ll drop stitches.

You could also choose straight needles, if you prefer. These are needles that look like sticks, and are not connected by a cable. View a US 13 size straight needle here.View a US 13 size straight needle here.

I don’t know how to knit or purl. Should I try this pattern?

In a word: yes!

This pattern has been specifically designed for you as a beginner knitter.

There are included tutorials teaching you how to work the knit and purl stitches. You’ll also learn how to use knits and purls to create the 2 most common stitch patterns: garter stitch (all knits) and stockinette (alternating rows of knits and purls).

You don’t need to know how to knit already in order to use this pattern. You’ll learn to knit by creating the scarf! And, in my opinion, the best way to learn something is by doing.

What happens if I get stuck or make a mistake?

There are no mistakes in knitting! Every “mistake” is an opportunity to uncover what happened, learn more about the structure of stitches, and adjust going forward.

In the pattern, you’ll find a link to a private Facebook community for Charmingly Modern Beginner Knitters. You can get help with your project inside this group. The goal is to build your confidence with this scarf pattern, and show you you can become a knitter. Getting stuck just means you need to ask for help to get unstuck. That’s why the group exists.

That and you’ll also want a place to show off your scarf when you’re finished! We’re cheering you on to that finish line 🙂

What if I don’t understand the pattern when I open it?

I wont sugar coat this: when you’re beginning to read a pattern, it’s going to look strange to you. Like with anything new you try, it takes a bit of time until it becomes familiar.

Luckily, this pattern is very simple and straightforward. It’s structured like a knitting pattern would be. But contains a lot of extra information to help you get used to reading a pattern.

Give yourself time and patience. Go slowly. And, use the link to join the private Facebook Group so you can get help if you need it.

What if I’m too nervous to even get started?! I’m afraid I’ll mess it up.

Getting started is half the battle! Starting a knitting project begins with a slip knot and a cast on. There are instructions with video tutorials on how to do both of those in the pattern.

Plus, since I’ve created this knitting pattern with you in mind, there are places along the way where you’re instructed to pause and observe your work. Which means you won’t get too far into the project without periodically checking in with yourself and your project.

Think of it this way: you want to become a knitter, right? In order to do that… you have to knit. This pattern gives you the best opportunity to do that, because it’s thorough and easy to follow. Plus, you have me behind you, supporting you and cheering you on.

If you have any other questions about the pattern, you can reach out to me at anytime on INSTAGRAM. Send me a DM and we’ll talk it through.

How to download the Free Beginner Scarf Pattern

It’s really simple to get your hands on the pattern. Just use the form below and it will automatically be sent to your inbox: