purlJam

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# CLASSIC GARTER STITCH SCARF
### *A Beginner Knitting Pattern*

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## MATERIALS

| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| **Yarn** | Worsted weight yarn (#4 Medium) |
| **Yardage** | Approximately 250 yards (229 m) |
| **Sample Yarn** | Any smooth worsted weight yarn works beautifully — try Lion Brand Fishermen's Wool, Cascade 220, or Paintbox Simply DK Worsted |
| **Needles** | US 7 / 4.5 mm straight or circular needles |
| **Notions** | Scissors, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, ruler or measuring tape |

> **Yarn Note:** A smooth, plied yarn in a light to medium color is recommended for beginners — it is easier to see your stitches clearly. Avoid very dark colors, mohair, or highly textured yarns when learning.

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## GAUGE

**18 stitches × 36 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in Garter Stitch**
*(Garter stitch produces a square gauge: 18 sts = 4" and 36 rows = 4")*

> **Why gauge matters:** Knitting your gauge swatch before starting ensures your finished scarf will be close to the measurements listed below. Knit a small square of at least 20 stitches, work 40 rows, then measure the center 4 inches. If you have *more* stitches than 18 per 4 inches, try larger needles. If you have *fewer* stitches, try smaller needles.

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## FINISHED SIZE

- **Width:** Approximately 8 inches (20.5 cm)
- **Length:** Approximately 60 inches (152.5 cm)

> Finished size is based on the gauge listed above after a light blocking. Your finished scarf may vary slightly depending on your personal knitting tension.

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## ABBREVIATIONS

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| **k** | knit |
| **st(s)** | stitch(es) |
| **CO** | cast on |
| **BO** | bind off |
| **RS** | right side |
| **WS** | wrong side |
| **rep** | repeat |
| **approx** | approximately |

> **About Garter Stitch:** In this pattern, you will knit *every single row* — both the right side and the wrong side. This is called garter stitch, and it creates a squishy, ridged fabric that lies beautifully flat. There is no purling in this pattern at all!

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## PATTERN

### CAST ON

Using the long-tail cast on or your preferred method, **CO 36 stitches**.

> **Beginner Tip — Cast On Loosely:** The most common beginner mistake is casting on too tightly. Try casting onto two needles held together, then remove one needle before you begin knitting. This gives your cast-on edge a little extra stretch and makes it easier to knit into those first stitches.

> **Math Check:** 36 stitches ÷ 4.5 stitches per inch = **8 inches wide** ✓

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### BODY OF SCARF

**Every Row:** K across. *(Knit all 36 stitches.)*

- There is no right side or wrong side in garter stitch — both sides look the same.
- Simply turn your work at the end of each row and knit back across.
- Continue in this manner, knitting every row, until your scarf measures **60 inches (152.5 cm)** from the cast-on edge.

> **How to Measure Your Work:** Lay your scarf flat on a table without stretching it. Use a measuring tape or ruler to measure from the cast-on edge (bottom) to the needle (top). Keep knitting until you reach 60 inches — or your desired length!

> **Beginner Tip — Counting Garter Ridges:** Each "ridge" you see on your fabric equals **2 rows** of knitting. If you want to track your progress, count the ridges. At the listed gauge of 36 rows per 4 inches (9 ridges per inch), you will knit approximately **270 ridges** (540 rows) for a 60-inch scarf. Don't worry about counting exactly — just measure!

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### BIND OFF

**BO all 36 stitches loosely.**

> **How to Bind Off:** Knit the first 2 stitches. *Using the left needle, lift the first stitch over the second stitch and off the needle.* Knit 1 more stitch. Lift the first stitch over and off again. Repeat from * until 1 stitch remains. Cut your yarn, leaving a 6-inch (15 cm) tail. Pull the tail through the last stitch and gently tug to secure.

> **Bind Off Loosely:** Just like the cast-on, a tight bind-off can make the end of your scarf pucker. Knit each stitch a little more loosely than usual, or try binding off using a needle one size larger.

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## FINISHING

### Weaving In Ends

1. Thread your tapestry needle with one of the yarn tails.
2. Weave the tail through approximately 4–5 stitches along the wrong side of the fabric in one direction.
3. Turn and weave back through 3–4 stitches in the opposite direction. This locks the end securely.
4. Trim the yarn close to the fabric — but not so close that it might unravel.
5. Repeat for all remaining yarn tails.

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### Blocking (Optional but Recommended)

Blocking evens out your stitches and gives your scarf a more polished, professional look.

1. Fill a basin with cool water and gently submerge your scarf.
2. Allow it to soak for 10–15 minutes.
3. Gently squeeze out excess water — **do not wring or twist**.
4. Roll the scarf in a dry towel and press firmly to remove more water.
5. Lay the scarf flat on a blocking mat or clean dry towel.
6. Gently stretch it to 8" wide × 60" long and pin into place if desired.
7. Allow to dry completely before unpinning (this may take 24 hours or more).

> Always check your yarn's ball band for specific washing and care instructions before wet blocking!

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### Fringe (Optional)

Adding fringe gives your scarf a fun, boho finish and is a great beginner technique.

**You will need:** Approximately 50 yards of extra yarn.

1. Cut lengths of yarn approximately **14 inches (35.5 cm)** long. You will use 3 strands per fringe bundle.
2. Fold 3 strands in half together to create a loop.
3. Using your fingers or a crochet hook, pull the folded loop through a stitch at the cast-on edge, from front to back.
4. Pull the loose ends through the loop and tug firmly to create a knot.
5. Repeat every 2–3 stitches across both short ends of the scarf (approximately 8–10 fringe bundles per end).
6. Trim all fringe ends to an even length with scissors.

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### Congratulations!

You have just finished knitting a beautiful handmade scarf. 🎉

**Your finished scarf at a glance:**
- **Cast on:** 36 stitches
- **Stitch Pattern:** Garter stitch (knit every row)
- **Finished width:** approx. 8 inches (20 cm)
- **Finished length:** approx. 60 inches (152.5 cm)
- **Yarn used:** approx. 250 yards worsted weight

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*Pattern designed for US terminology and imperial measurements. Metric equivalents provided in parentheses throughout.*

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