Knitting scarves can be addictive.
Even if you're new to knitting, you can knit a scarf to give as a gift or keep for yourself. Simple stitches and straight needles make scarf patterns easy to follow. Scarves are a great way to show off fancy yarns, and they don't require a lot of pieces, like a sweater. Relax and try to keep your stitches even. Soon you'll get into the rhythm of knitting and have a beautiful scarf to show for your efforts.
Yarn
You can knit a scarf with almost any yarn. A bulky-weight yarn will produce a soft, thick scarf, and the work will go quickly. Fluffy "eyelash" yarns produce scarves that resemble fancy feather boas, while ruffled yarns are especially made to knit scarves composed of layers of ruffles. Ask someone at your local yarn store to guide you to yarn suitable for scarves. Look at samples of scarves to help you choose the yarn appropriate for your project.
Pattern
The simplest pattern for knitting a scarf is to cast on eight to 10 stitches and knit every row. Size 8 needles produce large stitches that are easier to handle. Knitting every row produces a garter stitch that lies flat and shows off the yarn. Stockinette stitches curl on the edges and other fancy stitches will be lost in eyelash, mohair or ruffle yarns.
Length
Make your scarf as long or as short as you like. It should be at least long enough to wrap around your neck and knot loosely at your throat. Some people like scarves that can be wound around the neck several times or thrown over the shoulder. You can let the amount of yarn dictate the length of your scarf: when you run out of yarn, your scarf is done.
Finishing
When you reach the end of your scarf, cast off the stitches. Weave in any loose threads. If you like, you can wash your scarf in mild soap and cool water and let it dry flat. Add fringe to the end, or sew on beads or spangles as adornments, if desired.
Related posts
Make handmade scarves using craft supplies.When you make a handmade knit scarf, you may think of using basic cotton or wool yarn. However, you can make the scarf more interesting and colorful by u...
Knitting lace can be an enjoyable way of creating airy accessories and garments that often look more complicated to make than they really are. Anyone who is new to lace knitting may want to practi...
You can make a loop stitch scarf in a hurry.Give a new twist to a basic scarf pattern by knitting it in loop stitch. Also known as fur stitch, loop stitch creates big loops that stick out of your...
Knit a ShawlKnitting is a terrific pasttime that not only keeps your hands busy, but allows you to make gifts for yourself, or family and friends. Some easy projects for novice knitters are scarve...
Bright ribbon yarnA ruana--a traditional shawl with a long back and dramatic open sleeves--is a fairly simple garment to knit. Advanced knitters can add personal detail to a straightforward patter...
