*  You can purchase the INEXPENSIVE AD-FREE PDF of this pattern on Etsy! This printer friendly, stylishly formatted PDF includes is a total of 5 pages including the cover page. *

Canadian winters are known to be cold, and they are. We’ve been experiencing many days with feels-like temperatures of -30°C (that’s -22° Fahrenheit for my American friends). 

As I headed back to work after maternity leave, I realized I needed a new scarf; something elegant enough to be worn to business meetings but simple enough to also be worn for everyday mom life. Above all, I wanted it to be warm. 

I looked through my sketch book of ideas and came across one from a couple years ago, a singular color for simplicity, clean edges and textured stripes to add that elegant visual interest without the complexity making this a perfect project for beginner and advanced knitters alike. 

I came across Wool Ease roving Origins by Lion Brand Yarns and immediately knew I’d found the perfect yarn for this timeless scarf. It is 100% wool which is just what you want to keep warm. Now I know wool isn’t for everyone, I’m pretty particular about wool yarns myself as I hate the scratchy feeling, but I’m very happy to report that this one doesn’t itch at all. Best of all, it has an incredible squish and drape. 

Construction: The Baseline Scarf is knit flat, worked back and forth in rows from end to end. 

Skill level: beginner 

Materials:

Needles

7 mm, straight or 24″ circular knitting needles or size needed to obtain gauge

Notions

• Scissors
• Darning needle
• Ring stitch markers – 2 (optional)

Yarn

I used Lion Brand Wool Ease Roving Origins yarn which is a Worsted weight (size 4) yarn in colour Latte. 

You will need 2 skeins or at least 598 yds (546 m/ 280 g).

Not ready to knit just yet? Pin it so you can come back to it later!

Gauge: In pattern repeat: 4”x4” (10cm x 10cm) = 15 stitches across x 25 rows high.

Final measurements: The finished scarf should measure 12″ (30.5 cm) in width and 72″ (183 cm) in length.

Notes:

• The clean side edges are created by always slipping the first stitch (purl wise with yarn in front) and always knitting the last stitch of every row. 
• I recommend using stitch markers after the first stitch and before the last stitch as reminders to work the stitches that will create clean edges. 
• To change the width of the scarf, add more stitches. To change the length of the scarf, add or remove repeats of rows 1-4. 
• This scarf is reversible and looks just as good (though different) from both sides.

Abbreviations and special stitches:

• CO – cast on
• St(s) – stitch(es)
• Sl1pwyif – slip one stitch from left needle onto right needle purl-wise with yarn held in front
• K – knit
• P – purl
• BO – bind off

Pattern:

Using 7.0 mm needles and the long tail cast-on method, CO 45 sts.

Row 1 (RS): Sl1pwyif, K every st across.

Row 2 (WS): Sl1pwyif, P every st across until 1 st remains, K1.

Row 3 (RS): Sl1pwyif, K every st across.

Row 4 (WS): Sl1pwyif, K every st across.

Repeat rows 1-4 an additional 111 more times for a total of 112 times (or stripes). Your scarf should now measure roughly 71.5″ (181.5 cm) in length. 

Row 449 (RS): Sl1pwyif, K every st across.

Row 450 (WS): Sl1pwyif, K every st across.

Row 451 (RS): Sl1pwyif, K every st across.

BO, weave in ends and enjoy your new scarf. 

I truly love this scarf so much, I even wear it around the house. 

The easy-to-memorize repeats will have you saying “just one more repeat” over and over again. What knitter doesn’t need an excuse to knit just a few more rows 😉

The baseline scarf is the perfect palate cleanser project in between more complicates ones. It’s simplicity is also perfect for on-the-go as it requires very little thinking. 

If you like this pattern, please share on social media using #BaselineScarf and tag @KnitalieCo.

If you would like to purchase the INEXPENSIVE AD-FREE PDF of this pattern, here’s the link! Purchasing the printer friendly, stylishly formatted PDF helps me continue sharing free content.

Check out more knitting patterns