purlJam

# CLASSIC COMFORT RECTANGULAR SCARF

A timeless beginner-friendly scarf knitted in soft worsted weight yarn. This simple rectangular design uses garter stitch throughout, creating a beautifully textured, reversible fabric that lies flat and doesn't curl. Perfect for your first knitting project or a relaxing make for experienced knitters.

## MATERIALS

- **Yarn:** Approximately 250 metres (275 yards) of worsted weight yarn
  - Suggested: Any soft worsted weight wool, acrylic, or wool blend
  - Sample shown in one colour, but feel free to use multiple colours for stripes
- **Needles:** 5.0mm (UK 6, US 8) straight or circular needles (used flat)
- **Notions:** 
  - Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
  - Scissors
  - Optional: stitch markers

## GAUGE

**18 stitches and 36 rows = 10cm (4") in garter stitch** (knit every row), measured after blocking

*Tension Note:* Tension is not critical for this scarf, but a significant difference will affect the finished size and yarn requirements. If your tension is tighter, consider going up a needle size; if looser, go down a needle size.

## FINISHED SIZE

**Width:** 20cm (8")  
**Length:** 150cm (60")

*Note:* This is a standard scarf size. You may easily adjust the width by casting on more or fewer stitches (in any number), and adjust the length by knitting more or fewer rows.

## ABBREVIATIONS

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

## PATTERN

### CAST ON

Using 5.0mm needles, cast on **36 stitches** using your preferred cast on method.

*Tip:* The long-tail cast on creates a neat, elastic edge perfect for scarves. If you're a complete beginner, the simple cable cast on works beautifully too.

### BODY OF SCARF

**Row 1 (RS):** Knit all stitches.

**Row 2 (WS):** Knit all stitches.

**Repeat Rows 1-2** (which is simply knitting every row - garter stitch) until your scarf measures approximately 150cm (60") from the cast on edge, or until you've nearly run out of yarn, leaving enough to cast off comfortably (about 1 metre).

*Tips for Success:*
- Count your stitches occasionally to ensure you haven't accidentally increased or decreased. You should always have 36 stitches on your needle.
- Garter stitch creates ridges. Each ridge represents 2 rows of knitting.
- The fabric will look bumpy and textured - this is correct!
- Try to maintain an even tension as you knit. Your stitches will become more even with practice.
- Place a stitch marker or safety pin on the right side of your work to help you keep track.

### CUSTOMISATION OPTIONS

**For a narrower scarf:** Cast on 28-32 sts  
**For a wider scarf:** Cast on 40-48 sts

**For stripes:** Change colour every 10-20 rows (5-10 ridges). Simply start knitting with the new colour at the beginning of a row, leaving a 15cm tail to weave in later.

**For a shorter scarf:** Knit to 120-130cm (48-52")  
**For a longer wrap:** Knit to 180-200cm (72-80")

### CAST OFF

When your scarf has reached the desired length:

Knit 2 stitches. *Pass the first stitch over the second stitch and off the needle. Knit 1 stitch. Repeat from * until 1 stitch remains. Cut yarn leaving a 15cm (6") tail, draw through the last stitch and pull tight.

*Tip:* Cast off loosely to maintain the same stretch as the body of the scarf. If your cast off tends to be tight, try using a needle one size larger for the cast off row.

## FINISHING

### WEAVING IN ENDS

Thread the cast on tail onto a tapestry needle. Weave the tail through the bumps along the edge of the scarf for about 5-8cm, weaving back on itself for security. Trim excess yarn close to the fabric. Repeat with the cast off tail and any other yarn tails from colour changes.

### BLOCKING

Fill a clean basin with lukewarm water. Submerge the scarf and gently press to saturate (do not agitate or wring). Let soak for 15-20 minutes.

Drain the water and gently press out excess moisture. Roll the scarf in a clean towel and press to remove more water.

Lay the scarf flat on a dry towel or blocking mat, gently patting and smoothing into shape. Check measurements (20cm wide × 150cm long). Allow to dry completely (24-48 hours depending on humidity).

*Note:* Blocking will even out your stitches and give your scarf a professional finish.

### OPTIONAL FRINGE

For a classic fringed finish:

1. Cut strands of yarn 30cm (12") long - you'll need 3 strands per fringe.
2. Space fringes evenly along each short end (approximately every 3rd or 4th stitch - about 9-12 fringes per end).
3. Fold 3 strands in half. Using a crochet hook, draw the folded loop through the edge stitch from back to front.
4. Draw the cut ends through the loop and pull tight.
5. Trim all fringes to the same length once complete.

### CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Hand wash in cool water with wool wash. Roll in towel to remove excess water, reshape and dry flat. Alternatively, follow the care instructions on your yarn label.

---

**Congratulations on completing your scarf!** This simple project teaches fundamental knitting skills: casting on, the knit stitch, maintaining even tension, and casting off. These skills form the foundation for all future knitting projects.

*Design Notes:* This pattern is endlessly adaptable. Once you've mastered the basic version, try experimenting with different stitch patterns, stripes, or yarn textures to create unique variations.