Free Braided Scarf Knitting Pattern

Braiding adds another dimension to an otherwise very simple pattern. Choose a soft yarn -- it will follow the curves of the braid better than a stiffer one.

Picture of a braided, purple scarf
This braided scarf will look stylish
with any outfit.

Size
Width: 4" (10cm)
Length: 55" (140cm), not including fringe

What You'll Need

Yarn: Soft worsted weight yarn, 288 yards (263.5m)

We used: Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk (80% alpaca, 20% silk; 72 yards [66m] per 50g ball): #12 Grape, 4 balls

Needles: US size 8 (5mm)

Notions: Tapestry needle to weave in ends; size 8/H (5mm) crochet hook

Gauge
18 stitches=4" (10cm) in single-rib stitch pattern

Making the Scarf
Cast on 10 stitches.

Row 1: Work in knit 1, purl 1 rib pattern to end of row.
Row 2: Slip first stitch knitwise, (purl 1, knit 1) to end of row, ending with a purl stitch.

Repeat row 2 for pattern until piece measures about 64" (162.5cm).

Bind off all stitches in pattern. Weave in loose ends.

Repeat the above instructions 2 more times to make 3 individual 64" (162.5cm) strips.

Make the Braid
Lay the 3 single-ribbed strips next to each other on a flat surface. With threaded tapestry needle, use mattress stitch to sew the strips together along the inside edges for 1" (2.5cm). Braid the strips together, taking care not to twist them, until 1 to 11/2" (2.5 to 4cm) remains unbraided. Sew the unbraided strip ends together using mattress stitch along the inside edges for 1" (2.5cm) as before.

Make the Fringe
For each fringe, cut three 11" (28cm) pieces of yarn (54 fringe strands total). Beginning at one of the short edges, *insert the crochet hook from back to front into the edge of the scarf. Fold 3 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 * 8 more times across edge, spacing evenly. Repeat fringing at the opposite end of the scarf. Trim all fringes to 5" (10cm).

Next up is another great scarf pattern -- the seven-eleven scarf.

For more helpful knitting tips and interesting patterns, try: