Easy Aran Cable Scarf

A classic Aran-inspired scarf with three bold rope cables on a reverse stocking-stitch ground, framed by neat seed-stitch borders. Designed for easy knitting: only two cable crosses and an 8-row repeat.

Size

One size: approx. 20 cm wide × 160 cm long (8 × 63 in) after light steam blocking.

Materials

• Worsted-weight yarn (approx. 18–20 sts per 10 cm): 400 m (440 yd) / 200 g
• 5 mm (UK 6 / US 8) knitting needles, or size needed to obtain tension
• Cable needle
• Stitch markers (optional, to mark panel edges)
• Tapestry needle
• Steam iron or blocking wires/pins for finishing

Tension (Gauge)

20 sts and 26 rows = 10 cm (4 in) over Cable Pattern, lightly steam-blocked. Cables draw the fabric in; always measure tension in the pattern stitch, not stocking stitch. Adjust needle size if necessary to match tension.

Abbreviations (UK)

• k: knit
• p: purl
• st(s): stitch(es)
• RS: right side
• WS: wrong side
• cn: cable needle
• C6F: slip next 3 sts to cn and hold at front, k3, then k3 from cn
• C6B: slip next 3 sts to cn and hold at back, k3, then k3 from cn
• seed st: (k1, p1) across; on following rows knit the purls and purl the knits as they face you

Stitch Patterns

Seed Stitch (worked over odd number of sts)

Every row: *k1, p1; repeat from * to last st, k1.

Cable Pattern (worked over centre 30 sts)

See Chart A and written instructions below. 8-row repeat.

Chart A – Easy Aran Cables (30 sts × 8 rows)

Read RS rows (odd numbers) from right to left; WS rows (even numbers) from left to right.

Row 8 (WS): p2  k6  p4  k6  p4  k6  p2
Row 7 (RS): k2  p6  k4  p6  k4  p6  k2
Row 6 (WS): p2  k6  p4  k6  p4  k6  p2
Row 5 (RS): k2  p6  k4  p6  k4  p6  k2
Row 4 (WS): p2  k6  p4  k6  p4  k6  p2
Row 3 (RS): k2  C6B  k4  C6F  k4  C6B  k2
Row 2 (WS): p2  k6  p4  k6  p4  k6  p2
Row 1 (RS): k2  p6  k4  p6  k4  p6  k2
         |  ||||||  ||||  ||||||  ||||  ||||||  |
         2  6cable  4rev 6cable  4rev 6cable  2

(Note: On chart, blank = knit on RS / purl on WS; • or p column = purl on RS / knit on WS; cables shown only on Row 3.)

Symbol Key

• | or blank : k on RS, p on WS
• – or p : p on RS, k on WS (reverse stocking stitch “gutter”)
• C6B : cable 6 back (rope twists right)
• C6F : cable 6 front (rope twists left)

Panel layout across scarf (40 sts total): [5 seed] [30-st Cable Pattern] [5 seed]

Written Instructions

Cast On

Using 5 mm needles and cable cast-on or long-tail cast-on, cast on 40 sts.

Set-up Rows

Set-up Row 1 (RS): Work 5 sts in seed st, place marker, k2, p6, k4, p6, k4, p6, k2, place marker, work 5 sts in seed st. Set-up Row 2 (WS): Work 5 sts in seed st, slip marker, p2, k6, p4, k6, p4, k6, p2, slip marker, work 5 sts in seed st.

These two rows establish the borders and reverse-stocking gutters. Markers are optional but helpful.

Main Pattern

Work the 8-row Cable Pattern repeat as follows (or follow Chart A for the centre 30 sts):

Row 1 (RS): Seed 5, sm, k2, p6, k4, p6, k4, p6, k2, sm, seed 5. Row 2 (WS): Seed 5, sm, p2, k6, p4, k6, p4, k6, p2, sm, seed 5. Row 3 (RS): Seed 5, sm, k2, C6B, k4, C6F, k4, C6B, k2, sm, seed 5. Row 4 (WS): Seed 5, sm, p2, k6, p4, k6, p4, k6, p2, sm, seed 5. Row 5 (RS): Seed 5, sm, k2, p6, k4, p6, k4, p6, k2, sm, seed 5. Row 6 (WS): Seed 5, sm, p2, k6, p4, k6, p4, k6, p2, sm, seed 5. Row 7 (RS): Seed 5, sm, k2, p6, k4, p6, k4, p6, k2, sm, seed 5. Row 8 (WS): Seed 5, sm, p2, k6, p4, k6, p4, k6, p2, sm, seed 5.

Repeat Rows 1–8 until scarf measures approx. 158 cm (62 in) from cast-on edge, ending after a Row 8 (WS).

(Stitch count remains 40 sts throughout. ✓)

Bind Off

Bind off loosely in pattern on the next RS row (work stitches as they appear: knit the knits, purl the purls, and bind off the seed border in seed). Leave a 15 cm tail.

Finishing

1. Weave in all ends invisibly on the wrong side, following the path of the stitches within each cable or seed section.
2. Steam block gently: lay scarf flat, hover steam iron above fabric (do not press down) to set stitches and enhance cable relief. Avoid flattening the cables.
3. Alternatively, wet block lightly and pin only to width (20 cm) and length (160 cm); allow to dry completely.
4. Once dry, trim ends.

Notes for Success

• Keep cable needle stitches snug when returning them to the left needle to avoid gaps.
• Seed borders should be worked firmly so edges do not flare.
• For a longer or shorter scarf, work more or fewer 8-row repeats; each full repeat adds approx. 3 cm.
• Yarn quantities assume the stated tension and length; extra yarn is wise if you lengthen the scarf.

Enjoy your Easy Aran Cable Scarf — a timeless, cosy accessory with satisfying texture and minimal complexity.