Ready to knit your first scarf? Watch our “How to Knit a Scarf” video for step-by-step instructions!
How to Knit a Scarf in Garter Stitch for Beginners
For Bulky Weight yarns, you will want to use US 9 – 11 knitting needles. The gauge you will be aiming for is between 3 – 4 stitches for every inch.
For Worsted Weight yarns, you will want to use slightly smaller knitting needles sized between US 6 – 9. The appropriate gauge will be between 4.5 – 5 stitches per inch.
Starting your scarf
You will begin by casting on. To determine how many stitches you will need to cast on, take your (gauge per inch) x (total width in inches) and the total will be the number of stitches needed for your scarf.
For example, if you are using worsted weight yarn and are getting a gauge of 4.5 stitches per inch and you want a scarf that is 8 inches wide, you would simply calculate your cast on number as follows:
4.5 (gauge) x 8 (width) = 36
This means you will need to cast on 36 stitches when working with a gauge of 4.5 per inch in order to get a scarf that is 8 inches wide.
Knitting your scarf
After you finish casting on your scarf, knit across the first row of cast on stitches. Repeat knitting across each row until your scarf has reached the length you want. Working each row as knit stitches is called Garter Stitch, both sides will have a slightly textured look from the stitches on both sides.
Finishing your knitted scarf
On the next row, simply bind off your stitches and voila! You have just knit your first scarf!
Extra help and video tutorials
Here are some handy videos that you might find helpful as you knit your first scarf:
Understanding gauge and what is means for your knitting
How to cast on your stitches using a long tail cast on
How to work the knit stitch – English style (yarn held in the right hand)
How to work the knit stitch – continental style (yarn held in the left hand)
How to bind off