A free scarf knitting pattern for worsted weight yarn is such a great addition to my free scarf knitting patterns because it gives you a practical, textured project that works well for everyday wear or handmade gift knitting.
The Cedar Scarf is a free scarf knitting pattern for worsted weight yarn that uses simple knits, purls, increases, and decreases to create a beautiful tree-inspired texture without needing a complicated construction. If you have been looking for a scarf pattern that feels interesting on the needles but still steady enough to work on in the evenings, this one is a really good fit. It is knit flat in two sections, joined in the center with Kitchener stitch, and finished as a classic rectangular scarf that is easy to wear, wrap, or gift.
The Cedar Scarf is a great project when you want something with quiet detail, but you do not want a scarf that feels fussy or overwhelming.
It gives you enough stitch pattern to keep your hands interested while still making steady progress.
This scarf is one of those knits that feels useful from the very beginning because you know it will actually get worn. The texture makes it feel special, but the shape keeps it practical.
What Materials Do You Need for This Free Scarf Knitting Pattern for Worsted Weight Yarn?
For this free scarf knitting pattern for worsted weight yarn, I used Berroco Vintage Worsted. I really like this yarn for textured projects because it has good stitch definition, which helps those little tree motifs show up clearly.
You will also need size 7 US 4.5mm straight knitting needles, a yarn needle, and scissors.
The finished scarf uses approximately 3 hanks of Berroco Vintage Worsted, which gives you a scarf that measures about 7 inches wide by 72 inches long when laid flat.
Worsted weight yarn is a great choice for this pattern because it works up at a comfortable pace without making the scarf feel too heavy.
It also gives the texture enough structure to stand out, especially if you choose a smooth yarn that is not too fuzzy.
You can substitute another worsted weight yarn if you would like, but I would recommend choosing something with good stitch definition. That will help the knit-and-purl texture look crisp instead of getting lost in the yarn.
How Do You Knit the Cedar Scarf?
The Cedar Scarf is knit flat in two separate halves and then grafted together in the center using Kitchener stitch. This keeps the stitch pattern facing the right direction on both ends of the scarf, which gives the finished piece a clean and balanced look.
Each half starts with a garter stitch edge, then moves into the Cedar stitch pattern with tree motifs worked across the scarf.
The stitch pattern uses knits, purls, make-one increases, and a vertical double decrease to create the textured tree design. There are both written instructions and a chart for the stitch pattern, so you can use whichever format works best for your knitting brain.
This is a good pattern for advanced beginners who are comfortable with basic stitches and ready to practice a few new techniques.
Since the scarf is worked flat, you do not have to worry about shaping a garment or keeping track of complicated construction steps.
The biggest thing to pay attention to is ending each half on the correct row before joining. That will help the stitch pattern line up nicely when you graft the two pieces together.
What Other Scarf Knitting Patterns Should You Try Next?
If you enjoy this free scarf knitting pattern for worsted weight yarn, you may also like these scarf patterns:
• Judah Scarf
• Peter Scarf
• Sarah Scarf
These are great options if you love practical scarf knitting patterns with texture, detail, or simple stitch patterns that still feel fun to make.
Each one gives you a different kind of scarf project, so you can choose based on your yarn, your mood, or who you are knitting for.
The Cedar Scarf is especially nice if you want a classic rectangular scarf with a little more personality than plain stockinette or garter stitch.
It works well for gift knitting, everyday wear, or making a matching set with other Cedar designs like the Cedar Socks or Cedar Headband.
Cedar Scarf Free Pattern
Materials: Approximately 3 hanks Berroco Vintage Worsted 218yds/3.5oz, yarn needle, scissors
Needle Size: 7(US) 4.5mm straight needle
Gauge (tension): 24sts & 32 rows in garter stitch to make 10cm square, using size 7(US) 4.5mm needles in stockintte
Finished Measurement Laid Flat
7x72ins (15x150cms)
METHOD
This scarf is knit flat in 2 separate halves and grafted together in the center using the same stitch pattern as Cedar Socks and Headband. There are both charted and written instructions for the stitch pattern.
Cedar Stitch Pattern
Row 1 – knit across
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – [m1r, k4, vdd, k4, m1l]
Row 4 – [k5, p1, k5]
Row 5 – [p5, k1, p5]
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – [k1, m1r, k3, vdd, k3, m1l, k1]
Row 8 – [p1, k4, p1, k4, p1]
Row 9 – [k1, p4, k1, p4, k1]
Row 10 – purl across
Row 11 – [k2, m1r, k2, vdd, k2, m1l, k2]
Row 12 – [p2, k3, p1, k3, p2]
Row 13 – [k2, p3, k1, p3, k2]
Row 14 – purl across
Row 15 – [k3, m1r, k1, vdd, k1, m1l, k3]
Row 16 – [p3, k2, p1, k2, p3]
Row 17 – [k3, p2, k1, p2, k3]
Row 18 – purl across
Row 19 – [k4, m1r, vdd, m1l, k4]
Row 20 – [p4, k1, p1, k1, p4]
Row 21 – [k4, p1, k1, p1, k4]
Row 22 – purl across
Scarf Instructions
Half 1
Cast on 39sts
Work in garter (knit every row) for 1ins/2.5cms
Set up row 1 (right side) – k7, pm, starting on a row 1 of the charted stitch pattern work stitch chart 1 time, pm, k3, pm, starting on a row 1 of the charted stitch pattern work stitch chart 1, pm, k7
Set-up row 2 – k4, p3, sm, work charted stitch pattern, sm, p3, sm, work charted stitch marker, p3, k4
Continue as above repeating rows 1-40 of the stitch chart pattern until you have 36ins/90cms or half of desired length (just remember, if you knit for longer you will use more yarn!) ending after completing a row 19.
Do not bind off. Leave stitches on a spare needle or stitch holder.
Half 2
Cast on 39sts
Work in garter (knit every row) for 1ins/2.5cms
Set up row 1 (right side) – k7, pm, starting on a row 1 of the charted stitch pattern work stitch chart 1 time, pm, k3, pm, starting on a row 1 of the charted stitch pattern work stitch chart 1, pm, k7
Set-up row 2 – k4, p3, sm, work charted stitch pattern, sm, p3, sm, work charted stitch marker, p3, k4
Continue as above repeating rows 1-40 of the stitch chart pattern until you have 36ins/90cms or the same as the first half ending after completing a row 39.
Do not bind off. Leave stitches on a spare needle or stitch holder.
Finishing
With wrong sides facing, kitchener stitch the 2 halves of the scarf together.
Weave in all ends and block as desired.
ABBREVIATIONS
K – knit
m1l – With left needle pick up strand between 2 stitches front to back. Knit through back loop
m1r – With left needle pick up strand between 2 stitches back to front. Knit through front loop
p – purl
st(s) – stitch(es)
vdd – vertical double decrease – slip the next 2 stitches on the left needle as if to knit them together and then slip them off the left needle and onto the right needle, knit the next st, pass slipped stitches over the knitted stitch together
Have you knit the Cedar Scarf yet? Leave a comment and let me know what yarn color you used, or tell me if you are planning to make it as a gift or keep it for yourself.
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