One of the easiest items for learning how to knit is a scarf. Dishcloths, too, but it’s November and I want to talk scarves. They’re flat, straight pieces. Or if you want to join in the round for a cowl, it’s really simple (and a great way to learn how to knit in the round). And they’re long enough to give you plenty of practice with whatever new stitches they require.

15 FREE Scarf Knitting Patterns

1. Reversible Cabled Brioche Stitch Scarf

The nice thing about scarves that are cabled from end to end is that they’re reversible, thick, warm, and really soft. I’ve done this with a similar pattern (but it wasn’t free, which is why it’s not on the list). It takes a while to knit, but it’s so worth it.

2. Golden Windowpane Scarf

I have a scarf just like this that I bought from Old Navy years ago and it’s my favorite. Hand-knitted? Even better! Love the color, too.

3. Cozy Ribbed Scarf

“Cozy” is about right, look at this thing. And I love doing rib stitches because they’re quick and easy, but look fantastic. 

4. Super Soft Merino Fluted Cowl

Very similar to the ribbed cowl above, but a little fancier.

5. Pea Coat Scarf

I love all the little details to this. The fringe at the end looks professionally done (maybe I’m just not that good at it) and I love the drops. 

6. Meringue Hand-Knitted Cowl

Another very stylish cowl, I really like that band on the one side. 

7. Silver Symphony Scarf

This has been on my Pinterest board for a while, I love the color choice here.

8. Henry Knit Scarf

Something very simple, but it looks thick and warm.

9. One-Night Seed Stitch Cowl

I have made this a few times and it’s one of my favorite scarf/cowl patterns. It’s so simple, it only uses one skein, and it takes about 3 hours to knit. I adore seed stitch.

10. Toasty Twisty

If you love the look of cables, but hate actually making them, this is perfect for you. No cables at all, but look at it!

11. Elegant Seed Stitch Scarf Knitting Pattern

As I said above, I adore seed stitch. Like the first cabled scarf at the beginning of this post, seed stitch is completely reversible. But it’s way simpler and faster to knit. Love the fringe, too.

12. Herringbone Infinity Scarf

I’ve never tried herringbone before. Need to, though, because look at how pretty this is.

13. Noro Striped Scarf

This photo actually comes from Knit Picks Instagram, but I decided to use it instead of the one from the actual pattern because the colors (which are Weathervane and Wildflower from Knit Picks’ Chroma Fingering yarn) blew me away. I immediately ordered that yarn in Groovy and Pegasus to make one for my tie-dyed obsessed sister-in-law. (Hope she doesn’t read my blog!)

14. Dragon Scale Scarf

I love these colors! And the scarf looks so simple and quick to make. What a great choice.

15. Olivia’s Scarf

The lacy look is really cute, though I can’t think of anyone I’d make this for. It’s a pattern that would be fun to experiment with once I think of someone. (Maybe my niece when she’s older.)

Do you have any tried and true scarf knitting patterns?