Chunky Cable Knit Scarf :: a Free Pattern

Not only is a knit scarf the best at keeping your neck warm on a cold day, it makes a fabulous gift for just about anyone, you can always use a new one, plus they are so fun to make! There’s an infinity of options including scarf length, width, yarn gauge, stitch pattern, and finishing touches.

As a knitter, I love to make scarves as a practical way to learn new stitch patterns. You get all the practice you need, with a usable product/gift at the end of your journey. For extra cable stitch practice you may want to visit this blog post on How to Make a Cable Knit Swatch.

Cable Stitch Knit Scarf Pattern

by Emily Waechtler

Yarn: 300 gr/225 yds Bulky Weight (CYCA #5)

Suggested Yarn: Trendsetter Yarns “Me”, 100% superwash wool, 100gr/75yds, 3 skeins Floral Turquoise Waters

Needles: US size 15 (straight or circular used as straight)

Notions: Chunky cable needle, tapestry needle, scissors.

Gauge: Not important for this pattern.

Finished Measurements: Approx. 6 in/15 cm wide and 60 in/152 cm long.

Directions

Cast on 24 sts

Row 1 (RS): K3, p3, k12, p3, k3

Row 2: K6, p12, k6

Row 3: K3, p3, k12, p3, k3

Row 4: K6, p12, k6

Row 5: K3, p3, C8F, k4, p3, k3

Row 6: K6, p12, k6

Row 7: K3, p3, k12, p3, k3

Row 8: k6, p12, k6

Row 9: K3, p3, k4, C8R, p3, k3

Row 10 to 1 in. before desired length: repeat rows 2-9

3rd to last Row: K6, p12, k6

2nd to last Row: K3, p3, k12, p3, k3

Last Row: k6, p12, k6

Finishing: Bind off. Weave in all ends. Add tassels or fringe if desired.

Abbreviations:

sts = stitches

k = knit

p = purl

RS = right side of work

CN = Cable needle

C8F = Put 4 sts on CN and hold to front, k4, k4 from CN

C8R = Put 4 sts on CN and hold to rear, k4, k4 from CN

Looking for more free patterns to make? Check out these patterns!

Are you on Ravelry? Come find me at Blue Corduroy.

Happy Knitting!

xo Emily

How to Make a Simple Cable Knit Swatch

One of my favorite things about anything knit is the texture. I LOVE a chunky, cozy, complex, and inviting texture.

Cable knits totally fill this need of mine.

There’s just something fascinating about creating a rich and intricate texture by manipulating loops of yarn, using only the two basic stitches of knit and purl. Because any knit stitch pattern is really only using knits or purls in different combinations to produce endless textures and shapes. Knowing this, I find myself no longer intimidated by trying complex stitch patterns. If I know how to knit and purl, then I’ll know how to do any pattern thrown at me!

SWATCHING

A fun way to practice new techniques is by making swatches. A swatch is just a small sampling of knit “fabric”. By making a small swatch (I recommend knitting up a 6” by 6” square) you save yourself from having to make an entire product to test and try something new. There are numerous advantages to making swatches:

• practicing new stitch patterns

• testing your gauge for a new pattern

• warming up to new yarn and/or needles

• playing with color combinations

BASIC CABLE STITCH

This basic cable stitch is a fun way to prove to yourself that you can do more complicated stitches than stockinette or garter. I challenge you to make a swatch and see for yourself!

Cast on a multiple of 5 plus 1 on straight needles. (Enough to make at least a 6” row in the yarn and needles of your choice)

Row 1: *P1, K4*, repeat between *‘s, ending K1

Row 2: *K1, P4*, repeat between *‘s, ending P1

Row 3: *P1, as if to purl, slip the next 2 sts to a cable needle and hold at the front of the work, K the next 2 sts, K the 2 sts from the cable needle*, repeat between *’s across, ending P1

Row 4: same as row 2

Repeat these four rows 6” more for a swatch of your cable pattern stitch!

This video here on Youtube shows how to use a cable needle. One thing to point out though, is that she puts her cable needle with stitches to the back of her work, and in this little swatch practice I’ve written here, in row 3 it says to put your cable needle to the front of your work. Both ways work! But if you experiment with doing them both ways, you will notice that it affects which way your “twist” goes.

Let me know if you give this a try! I’d love to hear what you think and cheer you on!

xo Emily

Want to try some of my FREE PATTERNS?

Want to try another fun swatch? Here’s the Bubble Stitch.

Ready to knit a sweater? These sweater kits are great for beginners!