How to knit the Snowman Scarf – Free Knitting Pattern

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One of Pinterest’s predicted trends for 2026, is “Throwback kid” and I’m absolutely on board. As life spins by faster by the minute, it’s hard not to be nostalgic for all things 90’s childhood – before screens and constant notifications.  As parents, we made the decision to give our children an unplugged childhood, we want them to focus on toys, imagination, and most importantly, time together, especially outdoors.

When the first proper sticky snow aka snowman snow of the season fell, there was really no question about what we’d be doing that day. We dressed the kids warmly and headed outside to roll snowballs as big as we could and built a snowman. 

This is a tradition that is deeply rooted for me. My grandpa has made a snowman every single year for as long as I can remember; with us when we were kids, and now on his own, faithfully, every winter. It’s one of those simple mundane things that carries so many memories.

Our snowman looked a little bare, so my partner dug through our recycling bin and craft supplies. He used small cans to make buttons, an old plant pot which he decorated as a hat and shaped pipe cleaners to make eyes and a mouth. Of course, we used the standard carrot for a nose. 

Then, while I was gone one evening, my partner started playing around with knitting needles and yarn to make a scarf. I thought it was the greatest idea ever, so I jumped in to help him and that’s how the snowman scarf was born.  

This scarf is a super quick knit (less than 1.5 hours!) thanks to the use of very large needles and super bulky yarn. It’s designed to fit snowmen of any size, shape or slightly lopsided personality and now that it’s in our winter toolkit, we officially have a new family tradition.

Construction: The Snowman Scarf is worked flat in simple rows back and forth. 

Important note: The open, hole-y fabric that gives the scarf plenty of character and visual impact may look cozy but it’s important to note that this scarf was not designed with the intention of keeping humans warm but rather as a playful statement piece to decorate a snowman.

Skill level: Beginner

Materials:

Needles

25 mm (US size 50) knitting needles.

Yarn

I used Bernat Blanket Brights yarn which is a Super Bulky (size 6) yarn in colour Race Car Red. 

You will need less than 1 skein but at least 93 yds (85 m/ 127 g).

Notions

• Scissors
• Darning needle

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

Gauge: In garter stitch using 25 mm (US size 50) needles: 4”x4” = 8 stitches x 4 rows high. 

Final measurements: The finished scarf should measure roughly 5″ (13 cm) in width and 96″ (244 cm) in length.

Notes:

• Gauge isn’t all that important in this pattern, however, if you feel like your scarf is too narrow (less than 5″), consider adding a few stitches.

• I designed this scarf to be extra-long to fit all sizes of snowman, ours (pictured) was close to 5′ tall, if yours is smaller, you can simply wrap the scarf one more time around its neck to prevent the ends from reaching the ground. 
• Knitting with needles this big and a yarn like chenille that doesn’t glide easily makes for messy tension. I highly recommend pulling down on your scarf after every row to even out the stitches. This will also make it easier to see your stitches on your needles if you’re a beginner.

Abbreviations:

• CO – cast on
• St(s) – stitch(es)
• K – knit
• BO – bind off

Pattern:

Using 25 mm (US size 50) needles and the long tail cast-on method, CO 10 sts.

Row 1: K every st across.

Repeat row 1 an additional 98 more times for a total of 99 times. Your scarf should now measure roughly 95″ (241 cm) in length. 

BO, weave in ends and go make a snowman

This snowman started as a fun outdoor activity for us, but it has brought so much joy into our hearts. We’ve seen people walking by, pausing to look at our creation. A young man waiting at the nearby bus stop walked over to take a selfie with our snowman. 

One lady who was driving down our street, slammed on her breaks, put her car in park, got out and smiled at the snowman before grabbing her phone to take a picture and drove away as if nothing happened. 

Even our neighbor who lost his wife a couple years back came over to tell us how much he liked seeing our snowy friend. He shared how his wife too, used to make a snowman in their yard every winter and that it had reminded him of her. 

All this happiness, all these smiles, all this delight over a creation resulting from a simple afternoon of outside play – that is what I want my children to remember. Undeniably a core memory for my son. 

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

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