There’s something about a plaid scarf in the winter… I want to pair it with a wool coat and some simple Chelsea boots to really feel the full effects of a cozy winter. Bonus if I can match the scarf to my beanie.
Scarves are an essential item in my winter wardrobe and I love having enough to match them to my outfits each day. I knit this one while still living in Phoenix, AZ and have been happy to break it out more often since moving to cities with real winter weather.
Why this scarf stands out
I was instantly drawn to this completely free pattern on the Two of Wands website. It’s a gorgeous pattern and looks much more intricate than it really is. This scarf uses only one stitch: garter stitch. After the scarf is complete, you do a little extra weaving, but that’s it: no cables, no lace, no advanced techniques. Just cast on, knit, bind off, and weave. Beginner-friendly, but with high-impact results, which is why I was so intrigued by it as a beginner knitter.
Materials & dimensions
Yarn: Lion Brand Re-Tweed
- Color A: Hay (3 skeins)
- Color B: Vineyard Wine (2 skeins)
- Color C: Everglade (1 skein)
- Color D: Elmwood (1 skein)
Needles: US 11 (8 mm)
Finished size: approx. width: 20” (51 cm) × length: 68” (173 cm).
Gauge: 13 sts + 24 rows = 4”/10 cm in garter stitch.
Construction & technique
This scarf starts with a traditional flat scarf knit in garter stitch, slipping the first stitch of each row to keep a clean selvedge.
Once the base is complete, there’s a bit more work to do: weaving long strands vertically into the knitted base to create the plaid effect. The fringe is a twisted rope fringe at each end, making it easy, but still adding the perfect finishing touch.
Tips & tweaks
Want something shorter/thicker for a more cosy wrap? Adjust your cast-on stitch count or use a chunkier needle and try knitting with a slightly chunkier yarn! Personally, I added 4 additional rows to each red section for larger color sections and a bit of overall length to my scarf.
When weaving the vertical strands, cut the lengths generously (~110”/279 cm) and work carefully for even tension.
Block the finished piece to smooth and set the fabric before weaving in ends. This helps the fringe hang nicely.
Final thoughts
The Waterbury Plaid Blanket Scarf was a pretty long project but easy to tackle as a beginner knitter. While it took a while, this project is one I reach for every winter and it looks way more intricate than it really was to make (cue the compliments)!
If you want something unique and customizable to your favorite color palette, I would highly recommend this pattern for the winter!
