40+ Free Scarf Knitting Patterns
These knit scarf patterns and knit cowl patterns are perfect for every season and every occasion.
You've thrown on your best blouse and jeans, but one thing is missing: a scarf. No matter what the season, there's the perfect free knit scarf pattern to top off your outfit. Whether you're a beginner knitter or you just enjoy easy scarf knitting patterns for beginners for a lazy project, scarves are meant for you. Plus, if you're looking to cover your face, why pay for a face mask when you can cover up with scarf?
Whether you're seeking a scarf that's warm or a scarf that's rich in color to act as a striking accent, the right one is out there — you just need to find it!
To help get you started, we've pulled together a list of some of our favorite scarves. Below you'll find free scarf knitting patterns for every season, in colorful, lacy and unique patterns. Discover your next favorite project, and then have fun customizing it to suit your personal taste.
There's a reason that scarves are great for beginners; they typically involve little to no increasing or decreasing, and there's no need to pay attention to things like knitting gauge (for the most part). Whether you're doing something simple like garter stitch or a more complicated lace motif, these free scarf patterns have just what you're looking for!
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Learn how to knit a scarf in no time flat with this video, then browse through the other patterns in this list:
Table of Contents
Easy Free Scarf Knitting Patterns
Just because the weather is getting warmer, doesn't mean you can't wear scarves. Check out these gorgeous free scarf patterns that are lightweight and beautiful enough to wear all year long. Nothing says summer quite like scalloped edges, ruffles, and lace! Keep your crafting obsession on a budget this summer and pick out one of these free knitting patterns for scarves as your next project. (Psst... that way you can spend more money on yarn.) No matter your skill level, there's a scarf knitting pattern for everyone.
If you are just learning how to knit, this Fitzgerald Scarf is a wonderful project to help bulk up your skills.
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This beginner knitting pattern is ideal for those who want to get their feet wet in the knitting world. You can easily work up this piece and style it in a variety of ways since it is so wide and so cozy.
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This is one of the most stunning scarf knitting patterns. Free patterns that truly dazzle are hard to find, so knit it up!
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Made with crossed-over stitches, the texture of this buttery yellow scarf is positively alluring.
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When you first learn how to knit, looking at all of the patterns available can sometimes be a bit intimidating. The Garter Drop-Stitch Scarf is the knit scarf pattern made with beginner knitters in mind.
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The Double Basketweave Cowl is the easy knit scarf pattern you need to cast on your needles as soon as you have a chance. The look and texture created from the pattern is simplistic fashion at its best.
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Employing simple knitting techniques, this knit scarf pattern can be taken up by knitters of all skill levels, and it doesn't even take long to complete.
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Advanced knitters, you'll be able to churn these scarves out one after the other, so try making them as gifts for your family, or knitting some for charity.
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Easy scarf knitting patterns for beginners like this one are perfect for drawing the eye without requiring too much patience from you as a knitter.
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This knit scarf has tons of extra bulk and texture because of the layered brioche stitch the pattern uses. The pattern is so long and wide, it could easily be used as a shawl if you were so inclined.
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Bright, colorful, and unique, the easy knitting pattern is a great way to make the most of the odds-and-ends you have on hand.
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The purple people eater would be envious of this scarf! Use this free knitting pattern to make one for yourself. Hurry up because he may eat it before you can wear it!
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The nature of the knit scarf, which is knitted with circular needles, makes this scarf particularly warm without having to be thick, cumbersome, and uncomfortable.
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Great for both men and women, this cozy ribbed knit scarf is dying to keep you warm this holiday season. It takes awhile for the pattern to show, but stick with it, and before you know it, a rich texture will emerge right before your eyes.
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Lace Scarf Patterns
This collection of free scarf patterns are lovely in lace and designed to inspire. Go grab your favorite wool skein from your yarn stash and create any one of these beauties; the free scarf knitting patterns are so visually striking, it doesn't matter what kind of yarn you use -- it'll look fantastic!
Simple yet elegant, this lacy scarf pattern features a gradating color purple scheme, much like a mystical waterfall.
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The lacy pattern on the ends of this scarf will make it an instant favorite. This gorgeous knit scarf pattern is sure to draw plenty of compliments, no matter where you wear it.
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Bursting with eye-catching color and made with a construction that's lighter than air, this scarf also boasts a simple lace pattern, making it ideal for those who are interested in learning the delicate art of lace knitting.
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This light scarf is perfect for all types of weather. If you're looking for a knit scarf, you'll be pleased with your results.
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Combine lace and stockinette stitches to look graceful in this delicate knit pattern. All of the pretty details in this scarf make it a summer essential.
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This lacy scarf pattern is as cozy as it is intricate. The Candle Flame Scarf is a reversible, lace knit scarf with beautiful stitch detailing. The pretty lace and cable pattern mimics the look of flickering candle flames moving with the wind.
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Infinity Scarf Patterns
Scarves are certainly fun projects to work on. Quick and relatively simple, you can get through any one of these free knitting patterns for scarves in almost no time at all. If your collection of scarves is starting to take off, why not try your hand at an infinity scarf for a little variety? These patterns are a great place to start your pattern search.
Because it is such a quick knit, this easy knitting pattern is perfect to work on while curling up on the couch on a Friday night with a good movie.
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This adorable infinity scarf is warm, cozy, and makes a great gift for anyone who loves soft knitwear. The Simple Infinity Scarf is a pattern every knitter should know.
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Learn how to make an infinity scarf entirely in seed stitch; the texture of the pattern enhances the natural beauty of the handpainted wool that's featured in this Bed of Moss Infinity Scarf.
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This quirky knit scarf pattern incredibly simple and knits up extremely quickly. This reflective scarf gets its glimmer from Patons Metallic yarn.
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The Two Hour Cowl is a great pattern for those just beginning knitting who want the satisfaction of finished project in a short amount of time.
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The open weave of the lace pattern is lovely as well. This free knitting pattern is knit in the round with 360 stitches, so it's a bit of a marathon.
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This infinity scarf knitting pattern is also perfect for beginners because it only calls for a simple repeating knit and purl pattern to create the corduroy look, so even new knitters can tackle this easy knitting pattern with confidence.
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You will love wearing this easy knitting pattern all season long and the multitude of colors will surely catch your eye. Once you have completed this scarf, you will be able to enjoy the beautiful wave-like effect of the pattern.
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This stunning infinity scarf pattern incorporates a little bit of lace that's just enough to make it stunning but good for beginners as well.
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Knit Cowl Patterns
These free knitted cowl patterns will add just the right touch of simple elegance to any summertime outfit. With the help of a fun yarn, these knitted cowl patterns are also fun to knit. They are easy to make and beautiful to wear! Wrap them around your neck to stay comfortable and cozy when the sun goes down and the breeze kicks in.
This beautiful light lavender-colored cowl is the perfect addition to a light and lacy top or dress.
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This knit cowl pattern would be an excellent basic to add to your wardrobe!
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As delicate as a doily around your neck, but stylish as a high-fashion kerchief, you'll probably forget you're wearing this cowl until someone compliments you.
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Ridge and Furrow Knit Cowl Pattern
This cowl was originally designed for silk yarn, but you can use any fiber you want for this knitted cowl pattern.
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This stunning twisted cable pattern is great for showing off yarns that feature stunning colorways!
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This pattern is simple and perfect for fledgling knitters out there looking to knit something more interesting than a scarf.
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The pattern uses Bernat Satin Sparkle, which adds an extra shimmer to your knitting and makes this cowl even more mystical.
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Unlike other cowl knitting patterns, this one isn't big and bulky, so you can wear it with almost anything. This knit cowl pattern is fitted and chic enough to layer over a blazer, yet cozy and warm enough to put on under a jacket.
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The royal blue color of the cowl is flattering on almost every skin tone and hair color, making this pretty accessory a must-knit.
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Up Next:
How Much Yarn Do You Need for a Scarf?
Which scarf pattern is going to be your next project?