Two Super Easy Scarves to Knit

Seed stitch makes up into a very pretty, nubby fabric. Making both of these scarves is good exercise for those learning to knit. Experienced knitters will find that both the seed stitch scarf and the garter stitch scarf make up quickly. Gauge is not vitally important for either one of them.

I think this first seed stitch scarf is particularly well suited for a woman.

You will need a skein of worsted weight yarn in the color of your choice, and size eight straight needles for a seed stitch scarf. Bold colors are nice and variegated yarns make up nicely. To avoid pooling of colors when using variegated yarns, work from two separate skeins. Knit ten or fifteen rows from one skein and then ten or fifteen rows for the other, in the pattern stitch. Alternate the yarns until you've reached the desired length. You'll have enough yarn for two scarves using this method.

To make a long skinny scarf, cast on twenty-one stitches. Knit one, purl one across the row. On the next row, purl one, knit one across. Continue on in this fashion until you've reached the desired length or you run out of yarn; whichever comes first. Bind off. Your scarf will be beautiful and look as though it was difficult to make. Don't tell.

You can knit a wider and shorter scarf by casting on a few more stitches. The trick is to be sure to cast on an odd number when making seed stitch.

The second scarf is excellent choice for the men in your life.

Tight knitters of this scarf will need a little less than a skein of worsted weight yarn. Loose knitters may need the whole thing. Again, use size eight needles. Cast on thirty-two stitches and knit in garter stitch (knit every row) for ten inches. Work a three by three ribbing, (knit three, purl three) for fourteen inches. Knit another ten inches in garter stitch. Bind off. This scarf is especially warm when knitted using wool. I like to use rich dark colors for the men, deep grey, ruby red, dark green, warm navy blue, rusty orange, or chocolaty brown.

Always knit with yarns that feel good in your hands, and use colors that you love. They don't have to be expensive yarns but they have to please your senses. The knitting process is the gift you give to yourself. The finished product is the scarf you give away.

If you start now, you can have a handmade scarf to give everyone on your Christmas list next year.