Infinity Scarf for Beginners: Knit Flat and Seamed Into a Loop

An infinity scarf does not have to be knit in the round. The simplest version is an ordinary flat rectangle, knit back and forth exactly like a first scarf, with its two short ends sewn together at the finish. If you can cast on, knit and bind off, you already have every skill this project needs except the seam, and the seam is short.

How the construction works

1. Knit a long rectangle. Its length becomes the circumference of the loop.
2. Fold it so the cast-on edge meets the bind-off edge.
3. Sew those two edges together.

Because the loop has no loose ends, you can make it shorter than a regular scarf and still have it stay put. That also means less knitting.

Single loop or double loop

Decide the length before you cast on, because it sets how much yarn you need.

These are example values from the usual ranges: about 26-32 in (66-81 cm) for a single loop and 50-60 in (127-152 cm) for one that wraps twice. The infinity scarf size guide explains how to pick a number inside those ranges and how to check it with a piece of string. The yardage figures are estimates scaled from a typical adult scarf; buy with a margin.

Materials

• Yarn: worsted weight (#4) in a light or medium solid color, in the amount shown in the table for your chosen size.
• Needles: US 8 (5 mm) straight needles, or a circular needle used flat.
• Notions: tapestry needle, scissors, tape measure and two or three locking stitch markers or safety pins for holding the ends together before seaming.

A soft yarn matters more here than in a long scarf, since the whole loop sits against your neck. If you are unsure what to buy, the yarn guide compares the common fibers.

The pattern

Abbreviations: CO (cast on), BO (bind off), k (knit), st(s) (stitch or stitches), sl (slip), wyif (with yarn in front).

Typical gauge is about 4.5 sts per inch in garter stitch, which makes 36 stitches come out at 8 in (20 cm) wide: 36 divided by 4.5 is 8. Garter works on any number of stitches, so matching the gauge exactly is not important. If your fabric is a little wider or narrower, the scarf still works.

1. CO 36 sts, leaving a tail of about 24 in (60 cm). You can use this tail for the seam later, which saves weaving in two extra ends.
2. Knit every stitch of every row. This is garter stitch: two rows make one ridge, the fabric lies flat and it looks the same on both sides.
3. Continue until the piece measures 28 in (71 cm) for a single loop or 55 in (140 cm) for a double loop. Lay it flat on a table and measure without stretching.
4. BO all sts loosely. Before you begin, check that you have a strand at least four times the width of the scarf, about 32 in (81 cm). Cut the yarn, leaving at least 6 in (15 cm), and pull it through the last stitch.

Optional neat edge

For tidier long edges, start every row this way: sl the first stitch purlwise wyif, move the yarn to the back between the needles, then knit to the end. The guide to neat scarf edges shows what the result looks like. Use it on every row or not at all; mixing the two leaves a visible change.

Other stitches that work

Any stitch that lies flat and looks good on both sides suits a loop, because the inside shows when the scarf folds over on itself. Plain stockinette curls and is best avoided.

In the table, p means purl. The counts check out: 35 is odd, and 39 is 4 times 9 plus 3. Mistake rib pulls in, which is why it takes a few more stitches to reach a similar width, and it uses more yarn than garter.

The optional half twist

Before seaming, you can flip one short end over once so the loop has a permanent half twist in it. The twist helps the fabric fold neatly when you double the scarf around your neck and gives the loop its familiar draped look. A plain, untwisted loop is equally correct and lies flatter, which suits a short single loop.

A half twist means one end is joined face down against the other, so the “back” of the fabric becomes visible along part of the loop. With garter, seed stitch or mistake rib that makes no difference. It is one more reason to choose a stitch that looks good on both sides.

Seaming and finishing

Lay the rectangle flat, add the half twist if you want one, and bring the cast-on and bind-off edges together. Pin them with locking markers and try the loop on over your head. Check the length and the twist now; both are awkward to change once the seam is sewn.

Thread the long tail onto the tapestry needle and sew the edges together, matching stitch to stitch. The step-by-step method, including a nearly invisible seam for garter stitch, is in how to join an infinity scarf. Then weave in the remaining ends along a garter ridge and trim them.