purlJam

# BEGINNER'S GARTER STITCH SCARF

A perfect first project! This cozy scarf uses the simplest stitch in knitting - garter stitch (knit every row). The result is a warm, squishy fabric that looks the same on both sides and won't curl at the edges.

## MATERIALS

- **Yarn**: 300 yards worsted weight yarn (#4 Medium)
  - *Suggested yarns*: Lion Brand Wool-Ease, Cascade 220, Red Heart With Love, or any worsted weight yarn of your choice
  
- **Needles**: US 8 (5.0 mm) straight or circular needles (used flat)
  - *Note*: Circular needles can be more comfortable for your wrists, even when knitting flat
  
- **Notions**: 
  - Scissors
  - Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
  - Measuring tape

## GAUGE

**19 stitches and 36 rows = 4" (10 cm) in garter stitch**

*Beginner Tip*: Gauge isn't critical for a scarf - if your scarf is a bit wider or narrower, it will still be beautiful and functional! But if you want to practice checking gauge, knit a small square and measure it.

## FINISHED SIZE

**Width**: 8" (20 cm)  
**Length**: 60" (152 cm)

*Note*: You can easily make your scarf longer or shorter - just keep knitting until it's the length you want!

## ABBREVIATIONS

- **k** = knit
- **st(s)** = stitch(es)
- **RS** = right side
- **WS** = wrong side

*For this pattern, you'll only need to know how to knit - that's it!*

## PATTERN

### CAST ON
Cast on **38 sts** using your preferred method.

*Beginner Tip*: The long-tail cast on is recommended, but any cast on method will work. Your cast on edge should be relaxed, not tight.*

**Math verification**: 38 sts × (4" ÷ 19 sts) = 38 × 0.211 = 8" width ✓

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### BODY OF SCARF

**Row 1 (RS)**: Knit all sts.  
**Row 2 (WS)**: Knit all sts.

**Repeat Rows 1-2** until scarf measures approximately 60" (152 cm) from cast on edge, or until scarf is your desired length.

*Beginner Tip*: In garter stitch, every row looks the same - just knit across! The "ridges" you see are created automatically. Count your ridges to track progress: every 2 rows = 1 ridge.*

**Estimated rows**: Approximately 540 rows (270 ridges) for 60" length  
**Math verification**: 60" × (36 rows ÷ 4") = 60 × 9 = 540 rows ✓

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### BIND OFF

When scarf reaches desired length, bind off all sts loosely in knit.

*Beginner Tip*: Make sure your bind off edge is as stretchy as your cast on edge. If your bind off is too tight, try using a needle one or two sizes larger just for binding off.*

## FINISHING

1. **Weave in ends**: Thread yarn tails onto tapestry needle and weave through several stitches on the wrong side of fabric. Weave in opposite direction for security, then trim excess yarn.

2. **Blocking (optional)**: Gently hand wash your scarf in cool water with wool-safe detergent. Roll in a towel to remove excess water (don't wring!). Lay flat on a clean towel or blocking mat, gently pat into shape, and allow to dry completely. Blocking will even out your stitches and give your scarf a professional finish.

3. **Wear with pride**: You did it! Your first knitted project is complete.

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### PATTERN NOTES

- **Garter stitch** is created by knitting every row. This creates a reversible, squishy fabric that lies flat and doesn't curl.

- **Don't worry about perfection**: Your first scarf might have some uneven stitches or tension variations - that's completely normal and part of the learning process! These quirks add character.

- **Yarn substitution**: Feel free to use any worsted weight yarn. Softer yarns like merino wool or acrylic blends are more comfortable against skin.

- **Making it your own**: 
  - **Wider scarf**: Cast on 48 sts for a 10" wide scarf (add 100 yards of yarn)
  - **Narrower scarf**: Cast on 29 sts for a 6" wide scarf (use 225 yards)
  - **Stripes**: Change colors every 10-20 rows for a striped scarf

- **Yarn amount verification**: 8" wide × 60" long ≈ 480 square inches ÷ 16 square inches per 100 yards (worsted weight estimate) = 300 yards ✓

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### TROUBLESHOOTING FOR BEGINNERS

**My scarf is getting wider**: You may be accidentally adding stitches. Count your stitches every few rows to make sure you still have 38.

**My scarf is getting narrower**: You may be accidentally dropping stitches. Count regularly and fix any dropped stitches right away.

**My edges look messy**: Keep your first and last stitch of every row a bit looser - this helps create neater edges.

**I need to stop in the middle**: No problem! Just slide a piece of paper through your work to mark your place, or use a stitch marker to note which row you're on.

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**Congratulations on starting your knitting journey! This scarf is just the beginning.**

*Pattern designed for absolute beginners | © 2024*