Free scarf knitting pattern and colour change tutorial using chunky (bulky) yarn.
In the world of knitting, few projects are as satisfying and versatile as a chunky (bulky) weight scarf; they knit up so quickly, and are perfect for a last-minute knitted gift, and you can use my free scarf knitting pattern to make your own, in your favourite colours.
Whether you're a seasoned knitter or just picking up the needles for the first time, my two-colour man's scarf in chunky yarn is a delightfully easy knit that offers the perfect blend of warmth and style, and using my simple technique to change colour, you'll be amazed at what you can achieve.
THE BENEFITS OF SIMPLE KNITTING
There is no need for knitting to be intimidating, especially when simplicity is at the forefront. With just knit and purl stitches, together with simple colour changes, my free scarf knitting pattern in two-colours and using chunky yarn (bulky) yarn, provides an ideal canvas for beginner knitters to hone their skills.
Chunky (bulky) yarn creates larger stitches, and my straightforward pattern makes it an accessible project for those of you who are just starting your knitting journey.
Copyright
Please read the copyright terms, which apply globally, before downloading your pattern:
This pattern revision is published under copyright to me ©Lynne Rowe 2024 and is for your own personal use only. Feel free to sell items made from this pattern for charity fundraising purposes, or to gift to family and friends. Selling small numbers for profit is only allowed with permission. Please email lynne@knitcrochetcreate.com for permission to sell in small numbers. By downloading or using this pattern, you agree to these terms. All rights reserved.
HOW TO KNIT A SIMPLE SCARF IN TWO COLOURS, FOLLOWING MY FREE SCARF KNITTING PATTERN
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNIT A SCARF
All you need is approximately:
100g of chunky (US bulky) weight yarn in a SOLID colour
PLUS
100g of a VARIEGATED chunky (bulky) weight yarn
(so that is 200g of yarn in total)
A pair of 5.5mm (US 9) or 6mm (US 10) knitting needles.
(I used size 5.5mm (US 9 but 6mm will work well too)
Note that using 200g makes it the perfect length for tucking into a coat and isn't over-bulky.
BUT if you want to make it longer you can used 200g of each colour.
HOW TO KNIT A TWO-COLOUR SCARF FROM MY FREE KNITTING PATTERN
The houndstooth check appearance is made by working two rows in the variegate yarn, followed by two rows in the solid yarn, using a broken rib pattern, created by alternating between 2 knit and 2 purl stitches.
These simple stitches make it great to work on whilst you’re watching the TV or listening to the radio.
Plus, the great thing about ribbed patterns is that the back looks just as good as the front.
MATERIALS YOU WILL NEED
I found 4 x 50g balls of chunky (bulky) weight yarn in my stash:
2 skeins of Noro Silk Garden Chunky (Col 04) – this is Yarn A
2 balls of Bergere de France Magic+ (Shade 20868 Bivouac) – this is Yarn B
Noro Silk Garden chunky is a beautiful mix of silk (45)%, mohair (45%) and lambswool (10%). At the time of writing, the yarn was available, but it has now been discontinued. Any chunky yarn will work with this pattern.
Bergere de France Magic+ is a mix of acrylic and wool and is still available to buy.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FREE SCARF KNITTING PATTERN
With Yarn A and 5.5mm (US 9) or 6mm (US 10) knitting needles, cast on 33 sts.
Row 1: Knit the first stitch, *purl 2 stitches, knit 2 stitches; then repeat from * all the way to the end of the row.
Row 2: Purl the first stitch, *knit 2 stitches, purl 2 stitches; then repeat from * all the way to the end of the row.
Next, join Yarn B as follows: first, place the tail end of Yarn B underneath Yarn A:
Tie Yarn B around Yarn A.
Then push the knot to the top of Yarn A so that it sits directly below your needle.
Next, using Yarn B, repeat Rows 1 and 2 once more.
Drop Yarn B, pick up Yarn A then repeat Rows 1 and 2.
Drop Yarn A, pick up Yarn B then repeat Rows 1 and 2.
Continue in this way, working two rows in each colour until your yarn is used up (ending with 2 rows in Yarn A to match the cast-on edge).
Cast off in pattern, which means you follow the pattern for Row 1 as you cast off (follow the Row 1 pattern as you are casting off the stitches).
And there you have it – a cosy scarf that is perfect for a cold winter’s day.
Whilst I made this for a man, you could make one for any member of the family, or for a friend, in their favourite colours.
And it looks just as lovely in a single colour of yarn too.
If you’ve enjoyed this project, you can find a similar scarf and lots more relaxing projects in my knitting book called “Knit Yourself Calm”. You see inside the pages by clicking here
I hope you’ve enjoyed my knitting tutorial for a scarf – I’d love to hear what you think and I’d love to see your scarves too.
If you enjoyed knitting this scarf, you may also enjoy my knitted pumpkin pattern which is also free. You can find the blog post here
Happy knitting,
Lynne x
Hi I really want to try their pattern but would like a bit of a thinner Scraf how can I reduce the stitches, shud they be cast on odd number just? Thanks anna
Hi I really want to try their pattern but would like a bit of a thinner Scraf how can I reduce the stitches, shud they be cast on odd number just? Thanks anna
Hi, the number of stitches should be a multiple of 4, plus 1 extra, so try either 29, or 25 sts. Alternatively, keep the same number of stitches and use thinner yarn, such as aran or dk weight. Good luck 🙂
Hi, this pattern 's on my wish list. . Gonna knit this soon but kindly tell me one thing does the pattern has a smooth edge if not slIping 1st st n knitting last stitch sud do.??? Can u pore in ur comment on this. TIA
Hi and thanks for your comment, I personally do not slip the first stitch, I just pull the yarn nice and tight when I've knitted the first stitch, which keeps a neat edge. However, I know that some people do get loose stitches on the edges of their knitting, so you could slip the first stitch to avoid this - slip the stitch purlways (as if to purl). On Row 1 slip the stitch with the yarn at the back of work, then bring it forward between the needles ready to purl the next 2 sts. On Row 2, slip the stitch with the yarn at the front then take the yarn to the back ready to knit the next 2 sts. I hope this helps you, best wishes, Lynne
Hi and thanks for your comment, I personally do not slip the first stitch, I just pull the yarn nice and tight when I've knitted the first stitch, which keeps a neat edge. However, I know that some people do get loose stitches on the edges of their knitting, so you could slip the first stitch to avoid this - slip the stitch purlways (as if to purl). On Row 1 slip the stitch with the yarn at the back of work, then bring it forward between the needles ready to purl the next 2 sts. On Row 2, slip the stitch with the yarn at the front then take the yarn to the back ready to knit the next 2 sts. I hope this helps you, best wishes, Lynne
Thanks a ton. From your comment above i guess it's all about the way we hold our needles n the tension of the yarn. Thank u once again for sharing this pattern and also for replying to my query. Happy knitting.
Hi!
So I just finished knitting this, but I’m having a hard time figuring out how to cast off. You stated that you just want to finish your yarn, but I bought a bigger size yarn than what you recommended. So how do I cast off with this style of knitting?
does this scarf lie flat when you are done knitting?
Yes, it lies flat and doesn't curl. Hope that helps.
If you work the stitches in the same way as the row you are working, first work 2 sts, then lift the first stitch over the top stitch to cast off. Then work the next stitch and cast off - all the way to the end. So its the same as a normal casting off but you work the stitches in the pattern as set. I hope that helps.