Super Simple Single-Skein Scarf Knitting Pattern

By
Eileen Casey
Eileen Casey

Eileen Casey is an award-winning knitter and writer with over two decades of hands-on experience designing knitting patterns. She worked in a yarn store and began to custom design patterns for clients. Eileen holds workshops teaching knitting techniques to knitters of all levels.

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Updated on 05/25/20
Knit a Bulky Ribbed Scarf
Mollie Johanson
Project Overview
  • Skill Level: Beginner

A bulky ribbed scarf is a great way to use some of the thicker leftover yarn in your stash. This type of scarf knits up fast, so you'll have a completed project in no time. Plus, it will keep you warm on even the coldest days. You can add a fringe if you like or leave it off and knit the scarf longer. If you have several colors of matching yarn, you can even add stripes to the design. Whether you're knitting for yourself or as a gift for a friend or family member, this pattern is fun for men, women, and children.

Sizing / Finished Measurements

Width: 4 inches

Length: 60 inches, not including fringe

Gauge

16 stitches and 13 rows = 4 inches in 1x1 rib

Abbreviations

  • k = knit
  • p = purl
  • [ ] = repeat instructions within brackets as directed

Notes

Measure out approximately 10 yards of yarn for the fringe. By cutting this piece off now, you can knit your scarf until you run out of yarn, and not have to worry about stopping too early or too late. Set the fringe yarn aside.

A skein of yarn, knitting needles, and a crochet hook
Mollie Johanson
Featured Video

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

Equipment / Tools

  • US 13 (9.0 mm) knitting needles
  • crochet hook, approximately US K/10.5-M/13 (6.5-10.5 mm)
  • Yarn or tapestry needle
  • scissors

Materials

Materials

  • 135 yard bulky weight yarn

Instructions

  1. Cast On

    Cast on 16 stitches.

    Closeup of knit in K1 P1 ribbing
    Mollie Johanson

  2. Begin 1x1 Rib

    Work in 1x1 rib until piece measures approximately 60 inches or desired length.

    All Rows: [k1, p1] eight times.

    1:54

    Watch Now: How to Rib Stitch

  3. Bind Off

    To work the final row of the scarf, you will need to have a length of yarn about four times the width of the scarf. Bind off in pattern.

    Scarf in-progress with knitting needles
    Mollie Johanson

  4. Finish

    Weave in any an tail ends of yarn.

  5. Fringe (Optional)

    Fringe adds a nice touch to a knit scarf, especially simple rib designs like the one used here. It's straightforward to do and a skill that you can use throughout your knitting career.

    Cut the 10 yards of yarn you saved at the beginning into 28 pieces, each about 12 inches in length.

    1. For each fringe, fold a length of yarn in half.
    2. Insert the crochet hook into one end of the scarf between two stitches.
    3. Use the hook to pull the folded end through the edge of the knitting.
    4. Use the hook to pull the two ends through the folded loop.

    Do this 14 times on each end of the scarf, placing the fringe pieces between the stitches.

    Closeup of pulling fringe through knitted scarf with crochet hook
    Mollie Johanson
    Closeup of securing fringe to knitted scarf
    Mollie Johanson
    Finished fringe on knitted scarf
    Mollie Johanson

Create More Scarf Patterns

Every knitter needs a good stash of simple scarf patterns in their collection. Scarves are great to make as gifts and a way to use up excess yarn. The Garter Stitch Scarf is perfect for beginners because it is all knitting and no purling. If you're looking for a little bit more of a challenge, bring a little texture to your gifted scarves with the Basket Weave Scarf, an easy woven pattern. It's just as simple as the ribbed scarf and is great for charitable giving.