I apologize for the absence of the Skinny Ruffle Scarf pattern, but the site has disappeared so the link I had here no longer works.

But, a better place to find LOTS of pattern similar to this one (and they are FREE) is the Ravelry site. If you are not a member, it’s free to join and anyone who knits / crochets should be part of this site.

Check out the Pattern Search for “ruffle scarf” with the word “free” chosen on the left side options. Here is the page, which you may be able to get to if you have an account. It includes knit and crochet patterns and lists over 700 free scarves!

Here is a link to the Ravelry page for this scarf I am knitting… but her links don’t work!

The Basics

The basics of knitting this type of scarf are simple. Cast on a specified number of stitches and begin doing short rows on each side to create the ruffles. One small section in the center will remain simple knit stitches, while the outer parts will have more stitches to create the ruffles.

For my scarf I cast-on 30 stitches. I use the long tail cast on. Circular or straight needles can be used. I use my straight needles to free up my circulars for other projects.

In the photo above I am using size 7 needles and a Madeline Tosh BFL sock / fingering weight yarn (color is Spectrum). I happened to have this yarn on hand. Your needle size will depend on the yarn weight and size scarf needed.

How to Knit A “Wrap and Turn” to Make the Ruffles

This is how I did my turns to create the ruffle effect. YouTube has videos on how to handle a wrap and turn as well. It is used to create short rows, which means the entire row of stitches is not knit all at once. You knit some, turn and go backwards.

Bring the yarn forward – to the front of the work – and slip the next stitch on the from the Left needle to the Right needle. Turn your project completely around – so you are knitting on the other side. Now the needle that was in your left hand is in your right and the yarn is in the back. Bring the yarn forward – to the front of your work -and slip a stitch from the Left needle to the Right once more. Put the yarn in back so you can knit, and knit normally to the end of the row. These will be the same stitches you just knit.

Or Use German Short Rows

UPDATE: Another way to do a wrap-and-turn is called German Short Rows. Here is a good video by Purl Soho where you can easily see how it’s done. You can make the scarf using this method.

As you can see in my first photo above, you will work one side at a time until the short rows are complete. Once each little section of short rows is done, you will knit completely across and do more short rows on the opposite side of the scarf.

The Pattern

Cast on 30 stitches with any preferred cast-on.

Knit 2 rows.

For the wrap-and-turn (W & T) you may substitute German Short Rows (watch video above for help).

I use a marker when beginning my short rows to remind me where I am knitting. Once all the short rows are complete in that section, I remove the marker as I knit across to the other side, and begin again.

• *Knit 13, place a marker here, wrap and turn (W & T see directions above), knit to end (back over the stitches just knit)
• Knit 11, W & T knit to end
• Knit 7, W & T knit to end
• Knit 4, W & T knit to end
• Knit across all stitches (knit the GSR stitches together) to the opposite side of the scarf, removing marker
• Repeat from *

If you use the German Short Row method, remember to knit the funny, double stitches together when knitting across the full row.

One thing that helps me keep track of where I am is to place a stitch marker at the end of the 13 count row. If I get interrupted, I can more easily see which of the short rows I am doing. I remove the marker as I knit the 30 stitches across, and place it again at the end of the 13 stitches for the other side.

Also, I began slipping the first stitch (Purlwise) to create a more uniform edge.  In my photo below the knit first stitch edge is on top, with the slipped stitch edge beneath.

This is a fun and easy little pattern and will make a modern ruffled scarf, that a teen might love. I believe it would look nice in any color or variegated yarn. I’ll add a photo when I finish.  I’m thinking that a brightly colored edging would perfect this scarf.  Maybe a crocheted edge or something like that.  I’ll keep an eye out for options as I have a ways to go before I get this one done.  

My second Ruffle Scarf is being knit using Miss Babs Estrellita yarn which has a bit of a sparkle. I have not finished either scarf…! I usually only knit on these in the evening when I do my simple knitting projects.

One skein of yarn will make a nice length. Any solid, variegated, speckled, or hand-painted yarn works, so it’s a great stash-buster. This scarf will be more decorative than warm, and needle size can be adjusted to the yarn weight as you please.

More Patterns to Try

• Free Shawl Patterns
• Free mitten pattern
• Free Hat patterns
• Free Colorwork / Fair Isle Hat – Katie’s Kep is a more advanced knit for those who are familiar with stranded knitting.