How to knit a scarf (beginner's guide)

Step by step

1. 1

   Step 1: Make a slip knot

   Make a loop in the yarn about 15 cm from the end, pull a bit of the ball end through it to form a new loop, and slide that loop onto one needle. Tighten gently. This is your first stitch.

   Next: step 2
2. 2

   Step 2: Cast on 25 stitches

   Hold the needle with the slip knot in your left hand. Use the knitted cast-on: put the right needle into the stitch from front to back, wrap the yarn round the right needle, pull the new loop through, and slip it onto the left needle. Repeat until you have 25 stitches. Keep them loose enough to slide.

   Next: step 3
3. 3

   Step 3: Learn the knit stitch

   With the full needle in your left hand and the yarn at the back: put the right needle into the first stitch from front to back (left to right), wrap the yarn anticlockwise round the right needle, pull the loop through towards you, and let the old stitch slide off the left needle. That's one knit stitch.

   Next: step 4
4. 4

   Step 4: Knit every row (garter stitch)

   Knit all 25 stitches so they're on the right needle. Swap needles between hands and knit the next row the same way. Knitting every row makes garter stitch, a ridged fabric that lies flat and doesn't curl, ideal for scarves. Count your stitches every few rows.

   Next: step 5
5. 5

   Step 5: Join a new ball

   When a ball runs out, leave a 15 cm tail, start knitting with the new ball, also leaving a tail, and weave both tails in at the end. Join at the edge of a row if you can.

   Next: step 6
6. 6

   Step 6: Cast off

   When the scarf is long enough (try it on), knit two stitches, then lift the first stitch on the right needle over the second and off. Knit one more and repeat until one stitch is left. Cut the yarn, leaving a tail, and pull it through the last loop.

   Next: step 7
7. 7

   Step 7: Weave in the ends

   Thread each tail onto the darning needle and weave it in and out along the edge for a few centimetres, then trim.