How to Knit a Scarf in Zigzag Pattern
Learn how to easily Knit a Scarf in Zigzag Pattern, perfect for experienced beginners comfortable knitting in the round on circular needles. An intricate texture emerges of interlocking diagonals with a simple series of knits and purls to create this bold, graphic design.
Table of Contents
Zigzag Knitted Scarf
Knit up an impressive infinity scarf with the “long” instructions or create a faster cozy cowl when following the pattern for the “short” size. Edged in the Seed Stitch with the body in a Diagonal Chevron Zigzag design.
Knitting Gauge
- Unblocked 4″ x 4″ Gauge Swatch: 15 sts x 20 rows
- Blocked 4″ x 4″ Gauge Swatch: 14 sts x 19 rows
Size: Long Infinity Scarf
- Finished Scarf Size 30″ x 8″ unblocked / 34″ x 8.5″ blocked
- Size 10 Circular Needles 32″ length
- Yarn 162 yards (126g)
Size: Short Circular Cowl
- Finished Scarf Size 22″ x 5.5″ unblocked / 26″ x 6″ blocked
- Size 10 Circular Needles 24″ length
- Yarn 78 yards (60g)
Knitting Supplies
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Yarn – Bulky Weight #5 in any fiber or color of your choice.
My Samples pictured were knitted up with Merino Wool Cascade Superwash 128 in colors 210 Deep Ocean (Blue) and 841 Moss (Green). - Knitting Needles – Size 10 US circular needles, 24″ length (small) or 32″ (large).
- Blocking Mats (optional). I used my favorite Extra Thick KnitIQ Blocking Mats.
- Tapestry Needle
- Scissors
Watch Video Tutorial
Knitting Instructions
Getting Started: To begin, gather all of your knitting tools and material and get ready to relax into an easy pattern that’s great for last-minute gifts! After you cast on the recommended number of stitches for your chosen scarf length, join your work in the round, being careful not to twist stitches. I like to add a stitch marker by simply using a slip-knot scrap of colored yarn.
Scarf Construction: The knitted scarf is created from the bottom up and in the round. Since this is a reversible pattern, it looks great no matter if the right or wrong side of your work is visible.
First 4 Rows: Begin with a bottom border of the scarf’s first 3 rows in the Seed Stitch, then knit stitch an entire 4th row.
Scarf Body: Continue by knitting the body of the scarf in the Zigzag pattern in the round for as many repeats as mentioned in the pattern below.
Final 4 Rows: You will complete the pattern by knitting four last rows with one entire row of the knit stitch, followed by three final rows of the Seed Stitch.
Finishing Work: Because we are working our piece in the round, once you are finished knitting, there is no construction work beyond weaving in your yarn ends.
Wish to knit a different size? The pattern is in multiples of 8 stitches, if you wish to adjust its size. You may also modify the height of your scarf by knitting as many or as little repeats of the 16-row Zigzag pattern.
Share your knitted Zigzag Textured Scarf photos on Ravelry >
Knitting Techniques
Need to brush up or learn a new technique? Check out my entire library of Knitting Techniques to help you knit up this project.
- How to Cast On Without a Slip Knot
- Slip Knot
- Cast On
- Knitting with Circular Needles
- K = Knit Stitch
- P = Purl Stitch
- Cast Off
- Weave-in Yarn Ends
Printable Knitting Instructions
Printable Knitting Pattern
Learn how to easily Knit a Scarf in Zigzag Texture, perfect for experienced beginners comfortable knitting in the round on circular needles.
Materials
- Yarn - Bulky Weight #5 in any fiber or color of your choice
Tools
- Knitting Needles - Size 10 US circular needles, 24" length (small) or 32" (large)
- Tapestry Needle
- Scissors
Instructions
PATTERN FOR LONG SIZED ZIGZAG SCARF
Finished Scarf Size 30" x 8" unblocked / 34" x 8.5" blocked
Size 10 Circular Needles 32" length
Yarn 162 yards (126g)
Helpful Tip: Before Casting On, unravel about 100 inches of yarn tail. This helps prevent you from underestimating the amount of yarn and running out after casting on dozens of stitches.
___
Cast On: 112 Stitches.
Join in the Round, being careful not to twist stitches.
Add a stitch marker. I simply use a scrap of colored yarn.
The pattern is in multiples of 8 stitches if you wish to adjust the size.
___
Bottom Border of Long Scarf in Seed Stitch Pattern
- Row 1: * K1, P1 *(Repeat pattern between the * * asterisks)
- Row 2: * P1, K1 *
- Row 3: * K1, P1 *
- Row 4: Knit All
___
Body of Long Scarf in Zigzag Pattern
Knit Rows 1 - 16 Twice, for a total of 32 Rows of the Zigzag Pattern
- Row 1: * K1, P1, K1, P5 *
- Row 2: * K1, P1, K1, P5 *
- Row 3: * K1, P1, K5, P1 *
- Row 4: * K1, P1, K5, P1 *
- Row 5: * K1, P5, K1, P1 *
- Row 6: * K1, P5, K1, P1 *
- Row 7: * K5, P1, K1, P1 *
- Row 8: * K5, P1, K1, P1 *
- Row 9: * P4, K1, P1, K1, P1 *
- Row 10: * P4, K1, P1, K1, P1 *
- Row 11: * K3, P1, K1, P1, K2 *
- Row 12: * K3, P1, K1, P1, K2 *
- Row 13: * P2, K1, P1, K1, P3 *
- Row 14: * P2, K1, P1, K1, P3 *
- Row 15: * K1, P1, K1, P1, K4 *
- Row 16: * K1, P1, K1, P1, K4 *
Knit Rows 1 - 16 Twice, for a total of 32 Rows of the Zigzag Pattern
___
Top Border of Long Scarf in Seed Stitch Pattern
- Row 1: Knit All
- Row 2: * K1, P1 *
- Row 3: * P1, K1 *
- Row 4: * K1, P1 *
___
Finishing Scarf
Cast Off Loosely
Weave-In Yarn Ends
_________________________
PATTERN FOR SHORT SIZED ZIGZAG SCARF
Finished Scarf Size 22" x 5.5" unblocked / 26" x 6" blocked
Size 10 Circular Needles 24" length
Yarn 78 yards (60g)
Helpful Tip: Before Casting On, unravel about 70 inches of yarn tail. This helps prevent you from underestimating the amount of yarn and running out after casting on dozens of stitches.
___
Cast On: 80 Stitches.
Join in the Round, being careful not to twist stitches.
Add a stitch marker. I simply use a scrap of colored yarn.
The pattern is in multiples of 8 stitches if you wish to adjust the size.
___
Bottom Border of Short Scarf in Seed Stitch Pattern
Row 1: * K1, P1 *(Repeat pattern between the * * asterisks)
Row 2: * P1, K1 *
Row 3: * K1, P1 *
Row 4: Knit All
___
Body of Short Scarf in Zigzag Pattern
Knit Rows 1 - 16 once and repeat Rows 1 - 8, for a total of 24 Rows of the Zigzag Pattern
Row 1: * K1, P1, K1, P5 *
Row 2: * K1, P1, K1, P5 *
Row 3: * K1, P1, K5, P1 *
Row 4: * K1, P1, K5, P1 *
Row 5: * K1, P5, K1, P1 *
Row 6: * K1, P5, K1, P1 *
Row 7: * K5, P1, K1, P1 *
Row 8: * K5, P1, K1, P1 *
Row 9: * P4, K1, P1, K1, P1 *
Row 10: * P4, K1, P1, K1, P1 *
Row 11: * K3, P1, K1, P1, K2 *
Row 12: * K3, P1, K1, P1, K2 *
Row 13: * P2, K1, P1, K1, P3 *
Row 14: * P2, K1, P1, K1, P3 *
Row 15: * K1, P1, K1, P1, K4 *
Row 16: * K1, P1, K1, P1, K4 *
Knit Rows 1 - 16 once and repeat Rows 1 - 8, for a total of 24 Rows of the Zigzag Pattern
___
Top Border of Short Scarf in Seed Stitch Pattern
Row 1: Knit All
Row 2: * K1, P1 *
Row 3: * P1, K1 *
Row 4: * K1, P1 *
___
Finishing Scarf
Cast Off Loosely
Weave-In Yarn Ends
Notes
Knitting Techniques
- How to Cast On Without a Slip Knot
- Slip Knot
- Cast On
- Knitting with Circular Needles
- K = Knit Stitch
- P = Purl Stitch
- Cast Off
- Weave-in Yarn Ends
Kristen McDonnell
Author & Designer
After publishing her first knitting tutorial video, Kristen founded StudioKnit LLC. Enamored with teaching online, she films knitting lessons and designs from her vibrant production studio on Half Moon Bay’s California coast.
Kristen McDonnell is the author of the highly acclaimed book Knit Stitch: 50 Knit + Purl Patterns featuring vintage and unique designs.