Quick answer: Cast on 20-30 stitches, knit every row until the scarf is as long as you want, then bind off. That's it — garter stitch is all knit, no purling, and perfect for beginners.
What you need
- 1-2 balls of chunky or bulky yarn (100-200g)
- 6mm or 8mm straight or circular needles
- Scissors and a tapestry needle
How to knit your first scarf
- Make a slip knot and cast on 20 stitches using the long tail or backward-loop cast on.
- Knit every stitch of every row. Don't purl anything — this is garter stitch.
- Work until your scarf is 150-180cm long for an adult scarf.
- Bind off: k2, pass first stitch over second. K1, pass previous stitch over. Repeat until 1 stitch remains. Cut yarn and pull tail through.
- Weave in both ends with your tapestry needle.
Common mistakes
- Gaining stitches — don't wrap yarn over needle before starting each stitch. Count stitches every 10 rows.
- Tight edges — work the first stitch of each row slightly looser
- Uneven tension — this is completely normal and improves with every row