DIY Easy Garter Stitch Scarf

The quintessential first knitting project is the garter stich scarf. It only requires one stitch!

Garter stitch!

Despite this being a very simple scarf, it is the perfect project to help you practice your knitting. The pattern below is super simple and requires a minimum of three materials: needles, yarn, and a tapestry needle. Optionally, if you would like to add a fringe or need to catch dropped stitches, you will need a crochet hook.

How to spice up your garter stitch scarf

Because a garter stitch scarf can look plain, there are simple ways to beautify it—no additional skills necessary.

Use a variegated yarn, which is a multicolored yarn that automatically knits up easily into a unique color scheme. They can be higher in price, but they are typically high in quality and the color choices are endless.

Malabrigo Mecha in *Arapey*
**100% Pure Merino Superwash Woo**l

Koigu Othello Merino in *0920*
**100% Merino Wool**

If it is within your budget, use natural or luxury yarn. Natural fibers add unique character, texture, and feel to the scarf. Yarn blends with silk add a little shine to the wool. Mohair adds a silky feel with a little fancy fuzz. Alpaca is lovely and soft. Cotton is light yet durable.

Cascade Yarns Cotton Puff in *Fog*
**63% Cotton/37% Nylon**

The Fibre Co. Tundra in *Boreal*
**60% Baby Alpaca/ 30% Merino Wool/ 10% Silk**

Use yarn with texture or fun details. These are really fun to work with because the final texture of your project will have a unique feel and look. Fun fur-like yarns, recycled t-shirt yarns, or yarns with flecks create beautiful scarves.

Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in
*Grey Marble* **80% Acrylic; 20% Wool**

Wool and the Gang Jersey Be Good in *Ballet* **98% Cotton, 2% Elastane**

You can also use recycled fibers or double up on colors for a unique mix. If you are looking for an economical option, acrylic yarns are the way to go. Acrylic and wool blends are long lasting, economical, and warm.

PATTERN

The DIY Easy Garter Stitch Scarf is a forgiving pattern that does not require you to check your gauge, although, it is recommended. For the best results, check the yarn for a gauge that shows roughly 2 to 3 sts = 1″ on US 13 – 17 needles.

This pattern works best with a gauge that recommends 10 stitches over 12 rows that equal a 4″ x 4″ (10cm x 10cm) swatch using size 17 (12mm) needles.

The end result should be a chunky scarf with a lot of texture and length.

Gauge

10 sts and 12 rows = 4″ (10 cm) over g-st using size 17 (12mm) needles.

Total Time

6 to 10 Hours

Materials

400 to 600 grams Super Bulky #6 yarn

US size 17 (12mm) needles

Tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Optional: crochet hook

Scarf

CO 20sts.

Row 1: Beg (begin) g-st (garter stitch). Cont (continue) in g-st until the end of the row.

Row 2: continue in g-st until the end of the row.

Rep rows until the scarf is 50 to 70″ (130 to 180cm) long.

BO/CO (bind off/cast off) stitches and weave in loose ends.

OPTIONAL DETAIL: If desired, a fringe can be added.

Start by cutting several 6″ (15cm) strands of yarn from the skein.
Line up these strands of yarn in groups of three. Make seven to eleven groups.
Using a crochet hook, push the crochet hook into the edge of the work from back to front.
Fold one of the yarn groups over as evenly as possible and use the crochet hook to pull a large loop through the edge of the scarf.
Release the hook and pull the ends through the loops.
Pull the ends down until the fringe is nice and tight.
Repeat this step until the fringes are complete. Trim the excess ends until they are all even.