purlJam

# Cosy Garter-Stitch Scarf — A Confident Second Project

A relaxing, no-fuss rectangular scarf worked entirely in garter stitch. Because every row is knitted, there's nothing to count or chart — perfect for building confidence on your second knitting project. The garter fabric lies completely flat (no curling) and is reversible, so both sides look lovely.

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## MATERIALS

- **Yarn:** Worsted-weight yarn (aran/medium, #4), approximately **250–300 g** (roughly 460–550 m / 500–600 yds) in the colour of your choice.
- **Needles:** A pair of **4.5 mm (UK size 7)** straight or circular knitting needles.
  - *If your tension is loose, try 4.0 mm; if tight, try 5.0 mm (UK size 6).*
- **Notions:** Tapestry/darning needle for weaving in ends; scissors.
- *(Optional)* A tape measure and a couple of stitch markers — not essential for this project.

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## GAUGE (TENSION)

**18 sts and 36 rows = 10 cm (4")** over garter stitch on 4.5 mm needles, after gentle blocking.

> **Tension check:** Garter stitch is forgiving, but a quick swatch is wise. Cast on 22 sts, knit every row for about 12 cm, then measure 10 cm across the centre — you should count 18 stitches. If you have **more** stitches, go up a needle size; if **fewer**, go down a size.

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## FINISHED SIZE

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

Both dimensions are easy to adjust — see the notes in the PATTERN section.

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## ABBREVIATIONS

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| **k** | knit |
| **st(s)** | stitch(es) |
| **cm** | centimetre(s) |
| **RS / WS** | right side / wrong side (in garter stitch both sides look the same) |

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## PATTERN

**Cast on 36 sts.**

> **Maths check:** 18 sts per 10 cm × 20 cm desired width = 36 sts. ✓ (Within the recommended 32–42 cast-on range for worsted weight.)

**Every row:** k all sts (knit to end).

Repeat this single row until the scarf measures approximately **152 cm (60")** from the cast-on edge, or your desired length. Lay the work flat to measure, without stretching.

> **Length maths check:** At a tension of 36 rows = 10 cm, 152 cm ≈ **547 rows**. You do not need to count rows — simply knit until the tape measure says 152 cm.

**Bind off (cast off):** Knit 2 sts, then lift the first st over the second and off the needle; *knit 1 more st, lift the previous st over and off*; repeat from * until 1 st remains. Cut the yarn leaving a 15 cm tail and pull it through the last loop to fasten.

> **Tip — keep edges tidy:** Knit the first and last stitch of every row at your normal tension (not too tight). For an extra-neat edge, you may slip the first stitch of each row purlwise with the yarn at the back, then knit to the end — entirely optional.

### Adjusting your scarf
- **Narrower / wider:** Change the cast-on in multiples that suit you. Each extra **2 sts ≈ 1.1 cm** of width. For example, 40 sts ≈ 22 cm (8¾").
- **Shorter / longer:** Simply knit to a different length. A child's scarf might be 120 cm; an extra-long wrap could be 180 cm. Remember a longer scarf uses more yarn.

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## FINISHING

1. **Weave in ends:** Thread each yarn tail onto the tapestry needle and weave it through several stitches along an edge on the wrong side. Trim closely.
2. **Block (recommended):** Gently wet the scarf or steam it, pat it out to **20 cm × 152 cm**, and leave it flat to dry. Blocking evens out the stitches and helps the scarf hang beautifully.
3. *(Optional)* **Add fringe:** Cut 30 cm lengths of yarn. Fold a small bundle (3–4 strands) in half, use a crochet hook to pull the folded loop through a stitch at one short end, then thread the tails through the loop and tighten. Repeat evenly across both ends and trim level.

Enjoy your beautifully finished second scarf — you've now mastered casting on, garter stitch, casting off, and finishing! 🧶