First Garter Scarf
Knit every row in chunky yarn. A quick first project that teaches cast-on, knit, bind-off and fringe.
- Yarn
- Bulky (5), about 2 skeins.
- Needles
- US 10.5 (6.5 mm) straight needles
- Sizes
- Adult 7 × 60 in (18 × 152 cm); child 5 × 42 in (13 × 107 cm)
- Example gauge
- 14 sts and 28 rows = 4 in (10 cm) in garter
- Yarn needed
- About 290 yd (265 m) bulky for adult, plus 40 yd for fringe.
Do the math
The examples use the gauge above. Put your own swatch into the gauge calculator first, then use your numbers in each formula.
| Step | Formula | Example | Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cast on | width × sts per in | 7 × 3.5 = 24.5 → 25 sts | Cast-On Calculator |
| Rows | length × rows per in | 60 × 7 = 420 rows (210 ridges) | By hand |
| Child size | width × sts per in; length 42 in | 5 × 3.5 = 17.5 → 17 sts; about 150 yd | By hand |
Materials
- Bulky (5) yarn (see yarn needed)
- US 10.5 (6.5 mm) straight needles
- Tapestry needle
- Crochet hook for fringe (optional)
Gauge swatch
Gauge is flexible for a scarf. Knit 20 sts for 4 in to check you like the fabric.
Instructions
Knit
Cast on (example: 25 sts) with the long-tail cast-on. Every row: Knit. Continue until the scarf is 60 in (152 cm) or as long as you like.
Tip: lay the scarf flat to measure; garter stretches when it hangs.
Bind off
Bind off loosely knitwise.
Finishing
- Weave in ends.
- Fringe: cut 12 in strands, fold 3 together, and loop them through every other stitch along each short end.
Designer’s notes
- Stripe it: change colour every 10 ridges.
- Slip the first stitch of every row for a tidy chain edge.
Counter set-up
Counter 1: ridges. Counter 2: skeins.
Open the row & stitch counter for several counters, or use the quick one below.
Tools for this pattern
- Gauge CalculatorEnter your swatch counts to get stitches and rows per 4 in (10 cm).
- Cast-On CalculatorEnter your width and gauge; it rounds to the stitch multiple for you.
- Yarn Quantity CalculatorPick the project, size and yarn weight to get total yardage and skeins to buy.
- Row & Stitch CounterSet up the counters listed below; the screen stays awake while you work.