So, you want to DIY a scarf. Whether you're dipping your toes into the world of knitting or looking for a relaxing new hobby, a scarf is hands-down one of the best beginner projects out there.
It’s straight, it’s repetitive (in a good way), and you end up with something warm, wearable, and 100% handmade by you. Not sure where to start? We’ve got you—needles, yarn, and all.
Why a Scarf is the Perfect First Project
If you’ve ever Googled “how to start knitting a scarf” or “easiest knitting projects for beginners,” you’ll know scarves top every list—and for good reason. Here’s why:
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No shaping, no stress – It’s basically a rectangle.
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Great for practice – You’ll master the basics: cast on, knit, purl, bind off.
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It grows with you – Want to keep it simple? Stick to one stitch. Feeling bold? Try a textured pattern (like the one in our kits).
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It’s actually useful – You’ll finish with something you’ll wear all winter.
What You’ll Need to DIY a Scarf
To start your scarf-making journey, you only need a few things:
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Yarn – Thicker yarn is easier for beginners to work with (and makes your scarf grow faster).
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Needles – We recommend circular needles around 10mm or 12mm. Don’t worry, you won’t be knitting in the round—circulars just hold stitches better and are comfier to use.
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Darning needle – For weaving in those pesky ends when you’re done.
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A pattern or guide – That’s where we come in 😉
How to Knit a Scarf in 5 Easy Steps
Here’s the general vibe of how most scarf projects go down:
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Cast on – This is how you get your stitches onto the needle. Our kits and videos will show you how (promise it’s not scary).
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Knit (and maybe purl) – The bulk of your scarf will be made up of knit stitches or a simple mix of knit + purl.
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Repeat – This is where the magic happens. The more you stitch, the more your scarf grows. It’s relaxing and honestly kind of addictive.
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Bind off – Once it’s long enough (or you run out of yarn), you’ll bind off to secure your stitches.
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Weave in the ends – A quick tidy-up with your darning needle and you’re done!
Want to Skip the Guesswork? Try a Knit Kit
If you’re not keen on figuring it all out solo (fair), our Having A Yarn scarf kits are made just for you.
You’ll get everything you need in one cute box:
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Super chunky, beginner-friendly yarn
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Circular needles
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Darning needle
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Step-by-step printed instructions
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A full-length video tutorial that shows you exactly what to do
No jargon, no overwhelm—just good vibes, clear steps, and a scarf you’ll be proud to say you made yourself.
How Long Does It Take to Knit a Scarf?
It depends on how fast you stitch and how long you want your scarf—but most of our customers finish theirs in a weekend or two. Pop on a podcast or Netflix and just vibe your way through it.
Final Thoughts: DIY-ing a Scarf is Easier Than You Think
Knitting a scarf is the perfect way to ease into DIY life. It’s simple, satisfying, and super beginner-friendly—with just enough rhythm to keep your hands busy and your mind calm.
Plus, once you finish your first one? You’ll be hooked. (Don’t say we didn’t warn you.)
Ready to get stitching? Check out our beginner scarf kits—they come with everything you need to make your first scarf a total win. 🧣