Sofie Scarf

A simple rectangular scarf in garter stitch—knit every row, no purling, no shaping. Reversible, lies flat, and is ideal for a first knitting project.

Skill level: Beginner

Materials

Yarn: Worsted weight (Category 4), approximately 350 yd / 320 m. A smooth wool, wool blend, or acrylic worsted that shows stitches clearly is easiest for beginners.

Needles: US 8 / 5 mm knitting needles, straight or circular (worked flat).

Notions:

• Tapestry needle
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Optional: stitch markers to mark the right side of the work

Yarn note: Two typical 180–220 yd (165–200 m) worsted skeins are usually enough. If your skeins are smaller, buy a third so you do not run short near the bind-off.

Gauge

18 stitches and 32 rows = 4 in (10 cm) in garter stitch (knit every row), after a light steam or wet block.

Work a swatch at least 5 in (12.5 cm) square, measure in the center, and change needle size if needed. If you have more than 18 sts in 4 in (10 cm), use a larger needle. If you have fewer, use a smaller needle.

Gauge matters for width. Length is knitted to measurement, so row gauge can vary.

Finished Size

8 in (20.5 cm) wide × 60 in (152.5 cm) long, after a light block.

To change width, add or subtract stitches in multiples of 1; every 4½ stitches changes the width by about 1 in (2.5 cm) at this gauge. To change length, knit more or fewer rows and allow extra yarn for a longer scarf.

Abbreviations

BO — bind off
CO — cast on
k — knit
st(s) — stitch(es)

Pattern

Cast on

Using US 8 / 5 mm needles, CO 36 sts. A long-tail or knitted cast-on both work; keep it relaxed so the starting edge matches the body.

Width check: 36 sts ÷ 18 sts × 4 in = 8 in ✓

Body

Work in garter stitch as follows:

Every row: Knit all stitches.

Continue until the piece measures 60 in (152.5 cm) from the cast-on edge, with the scarf lying flat and unstretched. At the stated row gauge this is about 480 rows (60 in ÷ 4 in × 32 rows = 480 rows ✓), but measuring is more reliable than counting.

Beginner tip: The “right side” and “wrong side” look the same in garter stitch. If you like, clip a removable marker to the front of the first row so you always know which end is the cast-on.

Bind off

BO all sts knitwise. Keep the bind-off as relaxed as the cast-on so the two ends match. Cut yarn, leaving a 6 in (15 cm) tail, and pull the tail through the last stitch to fasten off.

Stitch count remains 36 sts from cast-on through bind-off ✓

Finishing

1. Weave in all ends on the wrong side (either side is fine) with a tapestry needle, following the garter ridges so the tails stay hidden and secure.
2. Block lightly if desired: soak in lukewarm water, press out water in a towel without wringing, and lay flat to the finished measurements of 8 × 60 in (20.5 × 152.5 cm). Pin only if the edges need evening. Garter stitch already lies flat, so blocking is optional.
3. Once dry, the scarf is ready to wear.

Care: Follow the yarn label. Many worsted wools prefer hand wash and lay flat to dry; acrylics may be machine washable.

Wear it long, doubled, or looped. The Sofie Scarf is meant to be easy to knit and easy to live in.