DIY Projects & Crafts Knitting Basic Scarf Pattern By Martha Stewart Martha Stewart Martha Stewart is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, and lifestyle expert who has taught millions of people through generations the joy of entertaining, cooking, gardening, collecting, crafting, and home renovating via her eponymous magazine, Martha Stewart Living, Emmy-winning television shows, and 99 books (and counting). Based in Katonah, N.Y., where she helms her 156-acre Bedford Farm, Martha is America's first self-made female billionaire. Editorial Guidelines Updated on September 20, 2018 Trending Videos Close this video player The main body of this scarf is worked in stockinette stitch, the most common of all stitch patterns, which is formed by alternating knit rows and purl rows. The scarf's border is worked in garter stitch, made by working every row in a knit stitch. Since its edges do not curl, garter stitch is often used for borders. Before you begin the scarf, follow our basic knitting instructions to knit a gauge swatch in stockinette stitch using size-9 needles and Aran-weight yarn. 4 stitches and 6 rows equal 1 inch. Finished size of scarf: 8 by 60 inches For this craft we use the abbreviations: k (knit), p (purl), sts (stitches). What You'll Need Materials Aran-weight yarn, approximately 600 yards, or three 100-gram balls Size-9 knitting needles Safety pin Notebook Tape measure Instructions Work this series of stitches when directed to in the pattern. Row 1: (right side) k32 Row 2: (wrong side) k32 Row 3: k32 Row 4: k4, p24, k4 Row 5: k32 Row 6: k32 Loosely cast on 32 stitches. k32: Knit each stitch across the row for 8 rows. Tally the rows in your notebook. There should be 4 ridges on each side of the work. k4, p24, k4: Knit the first 4 sts. Purl the next 24 sts, remembering to bring the yarn in front of the project. Move the yarn to the back again, and knit the last 4 sts. k32: Mark this side by placing a safety pin in the middle of the knitting so you always know when you are working a right-hand-side row. This side should be facing you when the knitting is in your left hand ready for you to knit a right-side row. Repeat rows 9 and 10 until the knitting measures 3 inches from the cast-on edge. End after working a row 9. To measure, place the knitting on a flat surface, place the measuring tape under the needle, and measure down to the cast-on edge. Work the 6 rows of the pattern stitch. These are the rows that form the ridges at each end of the scarf. Repeat rows 9 and 10 until the knitting measures 6 inches from the cast-on edge. End after working a row 9. Work the 6 rows of the Pattern Stitch. Repeat rows 9 and 10 until scarf measures 53 inches from the cast-on row. End after working row 9. Rows 9 and 10 can be repeated for as long as you like. Any adjustments to length should be made while working these rows. If you're adjusting the scarf to a certain length, keep in mind that 7 inches will be added after this point. Work the 6 rows of the pattern stitch. Repeat rows 9 and 10 until scarf measures 56 inches from the cast-on row. End after working a row 9. Work the 6 rows of the pattern stitch. Repeat Rows 9 and 10 until the scarf is 59 inches. Knit next 8 rows. Cast off. Weave in yarn ends. Block the scarf by spraying with water and smoothing it with your hands. If necessary, pin the scarf to a towel to keep the edges from rolling, and allow it to dry flat overnight; or place a damp towel over the scarf, and press flat with a steam iron. Originally appeared: MARTHA STEWART LIVING, NOVEMBER 1997