Easy Steps for How to Knit a Scarf
Knitted as a long rectangle, a scarf will keep you keep warm in the winter while introducing you to the basics of knitting, such as casting on and binding off. You can easily customize this project by choosing your favorite color, yarn style or length to make a fashion accessory that will help you stand out from the crowd.
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Instructions
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Select materials. Purchase worsted or bulky-weight yarn for a thick scarf that knits quickly. Alternatively, a lightweight or four-ply yarn will give you a lighter scarf that will take longer to knit. The yarn labels will tell you which size knitting needles you should use for your scarf.
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Make a slipknot. Make a loop approximately 10 inches from the end of the yarn, then pull the end through through the center and place the loop on the needle in your right hand. Pull the end of the yarn to tighten the knot.
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Cast on 20 stitches. With the needle in your right hand, insert your left thumb into the yarn tail and place the attached yarn over your left index finger. With the needle tip, go around the yarn on your thumb from the left and then through the yarn on your index finger from the right. Place the new loop on your needle, and pull both ends to tighten. Repeat this step until you have 20 stitches on the needle.
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4
Knit the first row. With yarn to the back, insert the tip of the right needle into the bottom of the first stitch on the left needle. Keeping the needles crossed over, wrap the yarn attached to the skein under and over the needle. Bring the tip of the right needle toward you, and slip off the stitch on the left needle. Repeat this step until you have knitted all 20 stitches.
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Work the second row. Knit the first two stitches, then purl 16 stitches. Purling is similar to knitting: Just hold the yarn in front and insert the right tip into the front of the stitch. Knit the last two stitches on the needle.
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Continue knitting. Repeat these two rows until you have reached the desired length of your scarf. End with a purl row.
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Bind off all stitches. On a knit row, knit the first two stitches. Draw the first stitch over the second, and slip off the needle. Knit another stitch, and repeat. On your final stitch, pull the yarn through the loop to make a slipknot. Pull the yarn tight to secure the knot.
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Weave in any ends. Using a tapestry needle, take any leftover yarn in and out of your stitches until no yarn remains.
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Tips & Warnings
Cast on fewer or more stitches for a narrower or wider scarf.
Knit all the rows to make a garter stitch scarf.
Never cut off excess yarn; always weave in your knitting.
References
Resources
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