Free Striped Scarf Knitting Pattern

For a splash of color, this simple ribbed scarf is great for kids and grown-ups alike! It's also just the thing for showing team spirit: Choose your favorite team's colors, and everyone will know you're a fan.

Picture of a snowman wearing a striped scarf.
Keeping warm should not be a problem
with this great knitted scarf.

Size
Width: 41/4" (11cm)
Length: 83" (211cm), not including fringe

What You'll Need

Yarn: Worsted weight yarn, 190 yards (174m) each in 3 colors

We used: Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Worsted (85% wool, 15% mohair; 190 yards [174m] per 4oz [113g] skein): M120 Limeade, 1 skein (color A); M59 Periwinkle, 1 skein (color B); M23 Fuchsia, 1 skein (color C)

Needles: US size 10 (6mm)

Notions: Crochet hook size I/9 (5mm); tapestry needle to weave in ends

Gauge
28 stitches=4" (10cm) in rib pattern (measured with ribbing relaxed, not stretched)

Making the Scarf
Cast on 32 stitches.

Row 1: Knit first stitch through back loop, (knit 2, purl 2) across row until 3 stitches remain, knit 2, bring yarn to front of work and slip last stitch purlwise.
Row 2: Knit first stitch through back loop, (purl 2, knit 2) across row until 3 stitches remain, purl 2, bring yarn to front of work and slip last stitch purlwise.

Repeat rows 1 and 2 for pattern and at the same time keep this color sequence:

Rows 1-20: Color A
Rows 21-22: Color C
Rows 23-24: Color A
Rows 25-26: Color C
Rows 27-28: Color A
Rows 29-30: Color C

Cut yarns A and C. Join color B.

Rows 31-50: Color B. Leave B attached and join color C.
Rows 51-52: Color C
Rows 53-54: Color B
Rows 55-56: Color C
Rows 57-58: Color B
Rows 59-60: Color C

Cut yarns B and C.

Repeat the 60-row color sequence 5 more times, then work rows 1-50. Scarf should measure about 83" (211cm). Bind off in pattern. Weave in loose ends.

Make the Fringe
There are 7 fringe groups across each short end of the scarf. You will need 84 strands total (28 of each color), each 12 inches (30.5cm). Separate the strands into 14 fringe groups, each with 6 strands (2 of each color). Beginning at one of the short edges, *insert the crochet hook from back to front into the edge of the scarf. Fold 6 fringe strands in half and hold cut ends together to create a loop. Place loop on hook and pull it halfway through the knitted piece. With hook still in place, pull cut ends of fringe through the loop to make knot. Pull fringe ends to tighten. Repeat from * 6 more times across edge. Repeat fringing at the opposite end of the scarf. Trim all fringes to 5 inches (12.5cm) in length.

Would you like to learn how to make a scarf that is just a little different from the rest? Go to the next page to get the free pattern for a braided scarf.

Purl of Wisdom
When working thin stripes, carry unused yarn up the side so you have fewer ends to weave in when you're done knitting.

For more helpful knitting tips and interesting patterns, try: