How to Knit an Infinity Scarf

Co-authored by Jen Webber

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 Approved

Knitting an infinity scarf can be done in several ways. You can knit a large and long scarf and stitch it together into a loop. Or, you can knit in the round if you're more experienced with knitting. Either way will produce a decent infinity scarf.

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:

Simple Infinity Scarf

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This is basically a long scarf, stitched together to form a loop.

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3
Repeat the row until the scarf measures at least 180 cm/70 inches.
- You can also make it shorter if wished, a suggested shorter length would be 95cm/37 inches.
- You can make it longer but remember that this is bulk hanging around your neck!
(Rib = K 1, P 1 to end of row.)
5
Bind off the stitches. Line up the cast-on edge with the cast-off edge and sew the ends together, turning the ends inward as you stitch.
- Some people recommend twisting one end before sewing together, to create the infinity twist. It's up to you, as in putting the scarf on, you'll be twisting it anyway.

Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

Infinity Scarf in the Round

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If you know how to knit in the round, this scarf is very easy to make. You choose the pattern and stitch.

1
Use a very long circular needle. If you use a small one, you'll only knit enough to make a cowl, which is a short infinity scarf but you won't be able to wrap it again and again.
- The needle size should be at least 4mm/6 US and above.
Knit stitch works well for beginners––knit even rows, purl odd rows. You can vary the number of rows as you go.
You'll need to gauge the final length from the stitch used by making a sample piece of about 15 stitches and measuring its gauge. This tells you how many stitches fit for each 5cm/2 inches, allowing you to calculate the final length desired.
Using your calculation from the previous step, cast the number of stitches needed for the required length. Then connect the beginning and end of the row and start knitting in circles.
Then cast off and the infinity scarf is complete.

Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Hood cowl

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This pattern can be worn either as a cowl around the neck or pulled up over the head with some still wrapped around the neck. Just note though––it's not usually long enough to be twist wrapped.

Tension: 7 stitches to 2.5cm/1 inch

1
Use the 2.25mm (1 US) needles first.
- Cast on 152 sts on 3 (2 or 3 US) needles (50-50-52).
- Join; do not twist the sts.
- Work 3.8cm/1 1/2 inches in rounds of K 2, P 2 rib.
2
Change to the 3mm (2 or 3 US) needles. Knit the pattern as follows:
- 1st round: Knit
- 2nd round: Knit
- 3rd round: Knit
- 4th round: Purl
- 5th round: Knit
- 6th round: Purl
- 7th round: Knit
- 8th round: Purl.
Repeat 13 times more, making a total of 14 patterns.
Work in 3.8cm/1 1/2 inches in K 2, P 2 rib.
The cowl is completed! Try it on for size.

Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Simple Infinity Scarf from Your Own Pattern

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An infinity scarf can be made from many existing scarf patterns, provided the length is long and the style stays rectangular. It should also be of a decent width. Experiment to see what will allow the final scarf to hang nicely.
One infinity scarf from your favorite pattern!

Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Abbreviations

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Sts = stitches
K = knit
P = purl

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Question

How many stitches for casting on?

Community Answer

Depends on what you are knitting. If it is above 7 stitches, use bigger knitting needles.

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Question

How many stitches do I cast on for an easy infinity scarf in the round?

Michele

Top Answerer

It depends on how long you want your scarf. The more stitches, the longer the scarf. Cast on as many stitches as you need for the pattern you're using and the length you want the scarf to be. Generally just cast on until you reach the length you want, then give it the twist and join. If the pattern calls for a certain number of stitches though, then you'll need to do some math. Figure out the gauge and measure how long it needs to be. For example, one pattern I've used calls for increments of 6. They recommend 46 repeats of the stitch or 276 stitches to be cast on.

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Question

Can the Chinese wave stitch be used for an infinity scarf?

Michele

Top Answerer

Why not? According to the instructions I've seen for this stitch, any odd number of stitches will work. I don't think it will work in the round, but that doesn't stop you from creating a simple scarf and joining it after to be an infinity scarf.

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The infinity scarf is also known as a cowl, although an infinity scarf is usually longer than a neck cowl. The end look is fairly much the same, depending on scarf length.

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If using wool, do not wash in hot water; always use warm or cool water to clean, along with a gentle wool-certified detergent or hand soap. Always support a wet woolen garment to prevent stretching, including when removing it from the hand washing basin.

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