16 Free Scarf Knitting Patterns PDF for Straight Needles. Knitting a scarf is often a knitter’s first project, and for good reason! Scarves are relatively quick, incredibly satisfying, and a fantastic way to practice fundamental stitches. And while circular needles have their place, there’s something wonderfully classic and comforting about working with a pair of straight needles. This post is dedicated to the beautiful simplicity of straight needle scarf knitting, and we’ve rounded up a fantastic collection of free scarf knitting patterns (PDF downloads included!) that are all designed to be worked flat.
Why Choose Straight Needles for Scarves?
- Beginner-Friendly: Straight needles are often easier for beginners to manage than circulars.
- Simple Construction: Most scarves knit on straight needles are worked in simple rows, back and forth.
- Readily Available: Straight needles are common and often less expensive than circulars.
- Portable Project: Easy to tuck into a bag and work.
The Round-Up: Your Free Scarf Knitting Pattern Collection
CABLE – Free Scarf Knitting Patterns PDF for Straight Needles
Cabled Avita Scarf
This beautiful scarf features a simple yet elegant cable pattern, creating a textured and cozy accessory. It’s worked flat on straight needles, making it a great project for knitters who are comfortable with basic cables. The pattern includes two sizes for a customizable fit.
- Skill Level: Easy / Intermediate (While the cable is simple, it’s not a true beginner pattern. Beginners who have practiced cables a bit should be fine.)
- Yarn Suggestion: The pattern calls for Avita yarn (Color 7 Light Grey). [If you can find this yarn online, link to it!]. This pattern would also work well with a similar worsted weight yarn, [mention a specific, readily availible yarn, and link to it if you have an affiliate link or to a yarn store that stocks it].
- Needle Size: US Size 9 (5.5 mm) straight needles, and a cable needle.
- Finished Measurements: 5 x 57 inches (narrow version) or 8 x 74 inches (wide version).
- Link to Pattern: Here
Yakima Cabled Scarf
This scarf features a beautiful cable rib pattern, creating a richly textured and visually interesting fabric. It’s worked flat on straight needles and includes garter stitch borders for a clean finish.
- Skill Level: Intermediate (due to the cable pattern)
- Yarn Suggestion: The pattern calls for YAKIMA: 1 – 100g skein, color 204 Violet. A DK weight yarn could be substituted.
- Needle Size: US Size 5 (3.75mm) straight knitting needles, 1 cable needle.
- Finished Measurements: Approximately 6½” x 50” after blocking
- Link to Pattern: Here
Cozy Cable Wrap
This wrap features three panels of “Staghorn Cables,” creating a richly textured and visually appealing design. It’s worked flat and includes optional fringe for a finishing touch. The pattern uses both a standard Staghorn Cable and a Reverse Staghorn Cable.
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Yarn Suggestion: The pattern calls for Premier® Yarns Serenity® Chunky (100% Acrylic; 3.5 oz/100 g, 109 yds/100 m) • 700-41 Smoke – 7 balls or Premier® Yarns Serenity® Chunky (100% Acrylic; 10.5 oz/300 g, 328 yds/300 m) • 1061-07 Smoke – 3 balls. A bulky-weight yarn could be used as a substitute.
- Needle Size: US Size 11 (8 mm) straight needles or size needed to obtain gauge, cable needle, crochet hook (optional for adding fringe)
- Finished Measurements: Width: 24”, Length: 64” (not including fringe)
- Link to Pattern: Here
Cabled Colors Cowl
This cowl features a central panel of ribbing flanked by two cable sections. It’s worked flat and then seamed to create a loop. Although it’s called a cowl, the dimensions and instructions suggest it is functionally a scarf that is seamed.
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Yarn Suggestion: The pattern calls for Premier Yarns® Colorfusion Chunky™ (100% Acrylic; 3.5oz/100g, 109yds/100m) • 1174-11 Painted Desert – 2 balls. A bulky weight yarn may be substituted.
- Needle Size: US Size 11 (8 mm) knitting needles or size needed to obtain gauge, Cable needle, tapestry needle
- Finished Measurements: Width: 6½”, Circumference: 49”
- Link to Pattern: Here
Textured Delights
Zing-Zing Scarf
This vibrant scarf uses a clever short-row technique and five colors of yarn held double to create a dynamic, textured garter stitch fabric. The result is a unique and eye-catching accessory that’s surprisingly simple to knit. The pattern includes optional tassels for a fun finish.
- Skill Level: Intermediate (Due to the short rows and color changes. Adventurous beginners who are comfortable with the basics could tackle this.)
- Yarn Suggestion: The pattern calls for Manos del Uruguay ALEGRIA yarn (75% superwash merino wool, 25% polyamide; approx 100 g/445 yds), 1 skein each of 5 colors. The pattern provides color suggestions for Warm, Cool, and Neutral palettes. You need a fingering weight yarn with a similar fiber content and yardage.
- Needle Size: US 8 / 5mm straight needles, or size to obtain gauge.
- Finished Measurements: 12” x 75” (excluding tassels)
- Link to Pattern: Here
Ciao Bella Scarf
This scarf features a textured “Pyramid Stitch” pattern, which involves increases, decreases, and slipped stitches to create a visually interesting, geometric design. It’s worked flat in one piece.
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Yarn Suggestion: The pattern calls for Premier Yarns® Ciao Merino (61% Superwash Fine Merino, 22% Nylon, 17% Alpaca; 1.75 oz/50 g, 220 m/241 yds) • 2068-07 Vanilla – 2 balls. A DK weight yarn may be a good substitute.
- Needle Size: US Size 7 (4.5 mm) straight needles or size needed to obtain gauge
- Finished Measurements: Width: 8¾”, Length: 70”
- Link to Pattern: Here
Free Scarf Knitting Patterns PDF for Straight Needles – BEGINNER Easy
Cityscape Scarf
This scarf is a simple garter stitch project that uses a pre-determined stripe sequence to create a visually appealing, modern design. It’s a great project for beginners or anyone looking for a relaxing knit.
- Skill Level: Easy
- Yarn Suggestion: The pattern calls for Premier® Yarns Wool Select™ (75% Acrylic, 25% Wool; 3.5oz/100g, 273yds/250m) in the following colors: C1: 1151-29 Mocha – 1 ball, C2: 1151-21 Vanilla – 1 ball, C3: 1151-04 Linen – 1 ball, C4: 1151-10 Denim – 1 ball. A DK or worsted weight yarn could be used as a substitute.
- Needle Size: US Size 6 (4 mm) straight needles or size needed to obtain gauge
- Finished Measurements: Length: 72”, Width: 10”
- Seeded Stripes Scarf
- This scarf combines sections of “Seeded Stripes” (a textured stitch pattern) with 2×2 ribbing at the ends. The textured stitch creates visual interest while remaining relatively simple to knit.
- Skill Level: Easy
- Yarn Suggestion: The pattern calls for Premier® Yarns Premier Basix™ Marls (100% Acrylic; 5oz/140g, 245yds/224m) • 2001-02 Caribbean Marl – 2 balls. A worsted weight yarn could be used a substitute.
- Needle Size: US Size 9 (5.5 mm) straight needles or size needed to obtain gauge
- Finished Measurements: Width: 9½”, Length: 66”
- Link to Pattern: HereLink to Pattern: Here
Spun Sugar Scarf
This scarf uses a clever technique of alternating two strands of the same self-striping yarn, creating a blended and unique color effect. It’s worked in a simple K1, P1 ribbing, making it a great project for knitters of all levels.
- Skill Level: Easy
- Yarn Suggestion: The pattern calls for Premier® Yarns Sweet Roll® Bold (100% Acrylic; 7 oz/200 g, 109 yds/100 m), 2120-05 Cotton Candy Swirl – 4 balls. A super bulky weight yarn could be substituted.
- Needle Size: US Size 15 (10 mm) straight or 24” circular or size needed to obtain gauge
- Finished Measurements: Length: 75”, Width: 15”
- Link to Pattern: Here
Seeded Stripes Scarf
This scarf combines sections of “Seeded Stripes” (a textured stitch pattern) with 2×2 ribbing at the ends. The textured stitch creates visual interest while remaining relatively simple to knit.
- Skill Level: Easy
- Yarn Suggestion: The pattern calls for Premier® Yarns Premier Basix™ Marls (100% Acrylic; 5oz/140g, 245yds/224m) • 2001-02 Caribbean Marl – 2 balls. A worsted weight yarn could be used a substitute.
- Needle Size: US Size 9 (5.5 mm) straight needles or size needed to obtain gauge
- Finished Measurements: Width: 9½”, Length: 66”
- Link to Pattern: Here
Kaleidoscope Scarf
Featuring seven shades of Be Wool and Be Wool Multis, the Kaleidoscope Scarf is a playful accessory that celebrates color. It is a quick project that’s delightfully squishy and super soft. This scarf is knit flat from the bottom up. Fringe is attached to each end during finishing.
- Skill Level: Easy
- Yarn Suggestion: The pattern calls for Universal Yarn Be Wool (60% acrylic, 40% wool; 200g/94 yds) and Universal Yarn Be Wool Multis (60% acrylic, 40% wool; 170g/80 yds). Specific colors are: 204 Tulips (A) – 1 ball, 104 Jupiter (B) – 1 ball, 111 Pistachio (C) – 1 ball, 109 Tango (D) – 1 ball, 205 Rosewood (E) – 1 ball, 114 Cerulean (F) – 1 ball, and 112 Arctic (G) – 1 ball. [If you can find these yarns online, link to them!]. A super bulky weight yarn could be substituted, but ensure a similar gauge.
- Needle Size: US Size 17 (12 mm) straight needles (or your preferred needle for knitting flat), or size needed to obtain gauge.
- Finished Measurements: Length (excluding fringe): 64”, Width: 11½”
- Link to Pattern: Here
Camilla Scarf
This easy scarf is worked in garter stitch with two yarns held together, creating a warm and luxurious fabric. It’s finished with a fun fringe using only the contrast color yarn.
- Skill Level: Easy
- Yarn Suggestion: The pattern calls for BERROCO ULTRA ALPACA CHUNKY (100 grs): 2 hanks #72183 Garnet Mix and BERROCO ARTESIA (100 grs): 1 hank #4808 Camellia. [If you can find these yarns online, link to them!]. A bulky weight yarn and a bulky weight yarn with some “fluff” can be substituted but be sure it gives a similar result.
- Needle Size: Knitting needles, size 15 / 10 mm or size to obtain gauge, Crochet hook, size 10.00 mm (N-15)
- Finished Measurements: Approximately 7″ / 18 cm wide x 84″ / 213 cm long (not including fringe)
- Link to Pattern: Here
Hot Cakes Diagonal Scarf
This scarf is worked on the bias in garter stitch, creating a simple yet stylish accessory with diagonal lines. It uses increases and decreases to shape the fabric.
- Skill Level: Easy
- Yarn Suggestion: The pattern calls for Hot Cakes: 1 – 200g Cake, shown in color 3 Grey/Burgundy Mix. A worsted weight, self striping yarn may be substituted.
- Needle Size: Size US 9 needles.
- Finished Measurements: Approx. 7” wide x 80” long.
- Link to Pattern: Here
Lace Scarf Patterns – Free Scarf Knitting Patterns PDF for Straight Needles
Sea Isle Feather & Fan Scarf
This scarf features the classic Feather & Fan lace pattern, creating a beautiful, airy fabric. It’s worked in two pieces and then grafted together for a seamless finish.
- Link to Pattern: Here
- Skill Level: Easy/Intermediate (Feather & Fan is a relatively simple lace pattern, but grafting requires some practice)
- Yarn Suggestion: The pattern calls for Sea Isle: 2 – 100g hanks, shown in color 4 Rosewater. A fingering weight yarn could be a substitute.
- Needle Size: US 8 needles
- Finished Measurements: Approx. 10 x 60”
- Link to Pattern: Here
Mesh Lace Skinny Scarf
This skinny scarf features a simple mesh lace pattern, creating an airy and delicate accessory. It’s worked flat and is a great project for practicing yarn overs and k2tog decreases.
- Skill Level: Easy
- Yarn Suggestion: The pattern calls for Anti-Pilling Everyday® Worsted Gradient (100% Anti-Pilling Acrylic; 7oz/200g, 360yds/330m) • 2115-04 Purple Tones – 1 cake. A worsted weight yarn could be a substitute.
- Needle Size: US Size 8 (5 mm) straight or size needed to obtain gauge
- Finished Measurements: Length: 98″, Width: 4″
- Link to Pattern: Here
Waving Lace Wrap
This wrap features a “Waving Lace” stitch pattern, which creates a flowing, textured fabric. It’s worked flat and includes a simple ribbed border and optional fringe.
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Yarn Suggestion: The pattern calls for Premier® Yarns Stitch Please™ Chunky (100% Wool; 3.5oz/100g, 120yds/110m) • 1135-44 Throwin Shade – 3 skeins. A bulky weight yarn could be substituted.
- Needle Size: US Size 11 (8 mm) straight needles, or size needed to obtain gauge, Tapestry Needle, US Size L-11 (8 mm) crochet hook (optional for attaching fringe)
- Finished Measurements: Length: 60”, Width: 15”
- Link to Pattern: Here
Elysian Breezy Daze Scarf
This scarf features a lace pattern with yarn overs and decreases, creating an open, airy fabric. It includes garter stitch borders for a clean finish. The pattern uses some less-common abbreviations for yarn overs (yon, yfrn, yrn).
- Skill Level: Easy/Intermediate
- Yarn Suggestion: The pattern calls for Cascade Yarn’s Elysian 60% Superwash Merino Wool / 40% Acrylic, 3.5 oz, 219 yds: 1 skein color # 26 (Shadow Lime). A DK or light worsted weight yarn would be a possible substitution.
- Needle Size: US 7 Knitting Needles
- Finished Measurements: 45” x 7” approx. Blocked
- Link to Pattern: Here
And there you have it – a truly comprehensive collection of free scarf knitting patterns (PDF), all designed for the satisfying simplicity and classic charm of straight needles! From the easiest garter stitch to intricate cables and delicate lace, this roundup offers a diverse range of styles and skill levels, ensuring there’s a perfect project for every knitter. We’ve made it easy to get started, with downloadable PDFs readily available (or easily accessible links) for each pattern.
Whether you’re a seasoned knitter seeking a quick and rewarding project or a beginner eager to practice your skills, we hope these free knitting patterns have sparked your creativity and provided you with plenty of cozy inspiration. So grab your favorite yarn and your trusty straight needles, choose a pattern, and enjoy the rhythmic process of creating a beautiful, handmade scarf. We’d absolutely love to see your finished creations! Share your projects with us on in the comments below.
Don’t forget to bookmark this page for future reference – your next straight needle knitting pattern adventure awaits!
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