make stuff

how to knit a chunky infinity scarf

December 3, 2013

knit scarf

(01.25.15 UPDATE) This post has been getting a lot of traffic lately, thanks for stopping by!  This pattern, and all of my patterns assume a basic knowledge of knitting, i.e. you already know how to cast on and off and know basic stitches. Enjoy the pattern!

It’s December! It’s cold! It’s time for scarves and other warm things!

If  you’ve been into any retail store the past month or so I’m sure you’ve seen these chunky knit accessories gracing every display shelf and mannequin. I thought they all looked so warm and cozy and not to mention FUN to make so I decided to make one of my own. Since it’s made out of thick yarn and huge needles this is a quick project that is perfect to work on road trips (or really any time you feel like knitting). Keep reading to see how I did it!

Chunky Infinity Scarf

Materials:

  •  2 Skeins Chunky Yarn – I used Lion Brand Thick and Quick in Taupe
  • Size 17 Knitting Needles – Or the biggest needles you can find
  • Tapestry Needle
Instructions:
1. Cast on 23 stitches.
2. k1, p1 until the scarf is 60″ long.
3. Cast off
4. Sew ends together with the tapestry needle.

I kept knitting until I had just enough yarn to sew the scarf together. The final dimensions were 11″ wide by about 60″ long.

Of course you could make the scarf wider or skinnier by casting on more or less stitches, just be sure to keep it an odd number so you can start every row with a knit stitch and not have to worry about what row you’re on.

Have fun with this project! It’s a doable project for any skill level and would make a great Christmas Gift!

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102 Comments

  • Reply Steph @ meet.make.laugh. December 3, 2013 at 3:21 pm

    I love a big chunky scarf! They are so quick to make 🙂

    • Reply Elizabeth November 16, 2016 at 3:28 pm

      yes very beautiful and warm

  • Reply MariainCola December 17, 2013 at 10:11 am

    Thanks for this easy pattern! Looks lovely – I can’t wait to make some.

    • Reply steph December 17, 2013 at 7:36 pm

      Thank you! Enjoy making some new scarves 🙂

  • Reply Connie Hecker December 17, 2013 at 1:11 pm

    My granddaughter liked your link. She wants a cowl for Christmas so your pattern is perfect. !!!!!

    • Reply steph December 17, 2013 at 7:35 pm

      Yay! Thanks Connie, have fun making it!

  • Reply Laurie Burk January 1, 2014 at 7:17 pm

    Size 17 needles, is that American or metric sizes?

    • Reply steph January 1, 2014 at 10:26 pm

      Laurie – US 17, 12 3/4 mm.

  • Reply Dot Fashingbauer January 3, 2014 at 9:06 pm

    I will knit this scarf. I am also interested in future patterns

  • Reply Lorraine January 10, 2014 at 12:44 pm

    love this scarf…I am sure I will be using this pattern since I seem to be stashing up on thick yarn these days…just need to get some 17 needles

    Thank you

    • Reply steph January 15, 2014 at 7:54 am

      Thanks, Lorraine! Enjoy your new scarf!

  • Reply Megan January 19, 2014 at 6:02 pm

    I have size 13 and lion brand Homespun will this still turn out to be a chunky scarf?

    • Reply steph January 22, 2014 at 5:09 pm

      Hi Megan, I don’t think it will as chunky as the one in my post, but I’m sure it will still be nice! You could try doubling the yarn to thicken it up. I would suggest just trying out a swatch and see if you’ll like it!

      • Reply Julie March 21, 2016 at 4:49 pm

        I have 10 mm needles instead of 12 3/4 mm, but my yarn is a bit thicker than yours. Will it turn out like the one in your post?

  • Reply Easy Infinity Scarves | Pearltrees February 8, 2014 at 11:24 pm

    […] how to knit a chunky infinity scarf It’s December! It’s cold! It’s time for scarves and other warm things! A Crafty House | Knit and Crochet Patterns and Accessories: Easy Knit Infinity Scarf Pattern: Mid-December Yes, I'm crazy about infinity scarves and cowls still and couldn't resist passing this on….. so Merry Christmas! [+] Purl Pearl home • iPhone & iPad app • android app • contact • blog • facebook • twitter to experience pearltrees activate javascript. […]

  • Reply khadidja March 9, 2014 at 3:29 pm

    I likeeee it; but I want to know if k1 p1 every row because i am beginner and i get always confused thanks ^^

  • Reply Jen October 8, 2014 at 11:01 am

    I randomly came across your website and am completely new to knitting, etc. (great idea!!) Do you have links to your favorite YouTube tutorials about how to knit and/or local shops (JoAnn Fabric, etc) that are a great help in teaching? Also, do you have links to the above things listed as to what we would need to knit the above scarf (the exact products)? I was looking on Amazon… and it’s a little confusing for a new person! Sorry for all the questions… thanks for any help!

  • Reply marcy October 9, 2014 at 12:06 pm

    I knit this in the round, it’s another option. I have made several and they knit up quickly.

    • Reply judy October 18, 2015 at 12:56 pm

      how many stitches did you cast on for knitting it in the round and what size needle?

      • Reply steph November 11, 2015 at 1:37 pm

        Hi Judy,

        I haven’t knit this in the round because I prefer to knit shorter rows, so I don’t know how many to cast on to do that. I would think a lot!

  • Reply Bunny October 10, 2014 at 10:03 pm

    Just wondering if you used two strands. I just finished 1 skein and its 60″ long. It also doesn’t look as thick as yours. Great yarn so soft. Thanks so much

    • Reply steph January 25, 2015 at 2:24 pm

      I did not use two strands. Just really thick yarn!

  • Reply Charlotte October 23, 2014 at 3:08 pm

    I thought this was for beginners – what on earth does cast on and cast off mean exactly?

  • Reply Julie October 26, 2014 at 3:39 pm

    Your directions are not correct. You should have an even stitches and purl the stitches you knitted and then the opposite. Not everyone knows what a seed stitch is. I had to Utube it.

    • Reply steph January 25, 2015 at 2:23 pm

      Hi Julie, my directions are correct. If you have an even number of stitches you will need to start row 1 with a knit stitch and row 2 with purl stitch and repeat that over and over. I used an odd number of stitches so you don’t have to worry about which row you’re on and can start each row with a knit stitch. That way you still get the seed stitch pattern.

    • Reply Lisa Ogilvie August 27, 2021 at 5:32 am

      This is definitely a beginner project, cast on is how many stitches you cast on (put on) the needle to start a project and cast off is how many stitches you are finishing off at the end of the project.

  • Reply Nancy November 1, 2014 at 10:12 pm

    Can you telle the length of a scarf or cowl for an average 9-10 year old. My granddaughter would love it if I make her one or both. I am just a simple knitter and wish I could teach her what I know but she is left handed.

    • Reply Joan Meyer December 21, 2015 at 9:05 pm

      Being left-handed should make no difference with knitting; the only time is when you go to pick up stitches around a bottom, or sleeve, your tendency would be to go/come from the opposite directions. I have been knitting for over 65 years and think it would be much more difficult and confusing trying to work a pattern out for left-handed knitting. I learned knitting making argyles when I was still in grade school and following pattern-knitting directions. With the movements you make while knitting, either hand should be able to handle it. Good luck. Don’t tell a left-handed person they are different, after all, we are the ones that are in our right mind! I had good penmanship, wasn’t awkward, looked normal, but was left-handed. No difference, we are normal human-beings!

  • Reply Gerri November 8, 2014 at 1:38 am

    Love the scarf… I have size US-35 needles… Do you think they would be too large for this scarf?

  • Reply Kailey Neenan December 11, 2014 at 4:13 pm

    Hi! im compelety brand new to knitting but i want to knit this so bad, i went to the craft store and bought size 17 needles, 2 skeing bulky yarn and a tapestry needle, i do not know how to start or what these direction mean, if some one could help me that would be great!!
    thanks, KAILEY

    • Reply Elaine Taylor December 27, 2014 at 10:48 pm

      Kailey,
      Look on you tube for how to knit videos. They are pretty
      good. You need to learn to cast on, the knit stitch,
      and the purl stitch. Hope this helps. I would teach you
      to knit if we lived in same town.

  • Reply Nancy December 12, 2014 at 10:48 am

    Can I use just a 4ply yarn and a smaller needle?? Please comment

    • Reply Nancy December 13, 2014 at 6:20 am

      Haven,t heard weather I can use a smaller needle and 4ply yarn… Please advise

    • Reply steph December 14, 2014 at 10:08 pm

      Hi Nancy,

      Since the gauge isn’t very important with this pattern, you could use a thinner yarn and smaller needle, it just will not come out as bulky. I would suggest making a swatch of it and see if you like it. You may need to add more stitches to get the width you want. Hope that helps!

  • Reply Mina sanders December 16, 2014 at 7:38 am

    Great instructions easy to follow.

  • Reply Kazzrie December 26, 2014 at 12:43 pm

    I made 3 of these for Xmas gifts and I made mine on a circular needle so sewing required. I used the GAP-tastic Cowl pattern Jen Geigley

  • Reply Kazzrie December 26, 2014 at 12:44 pm

    I made 3 of these for Christmas gifts. I used a circular needle so there was no sewing required. Free pattern: GAP-tastic Cowl by Jen Geigley

    • Reply Caitlin February 5, 2015 at 6:01 pm

      Did you follow that pattern or did you still use the size 17 needles as this calls for!

      • Reply Lanette February 10, 2015 at 10:19 pm

        Hi Caitlin! The gaptastic cowl is with a chunky yarn, not as thick as the thick and quick, so I fear it will end up too long. I haven’t started the project yet, but when I do, I will knit a gauge swatch (probably cast on 10 stitches then knit the pattern for a few inches) to estimate how many stitches that I will need to cast on when I start Steph’s cowl, which is 60 inches around. You can knit a gauge swatch with any size needles or yarn, to calculate how many stitches you will need to cast on. I hope that helps.

        • Reply Nancy January 15, 2016 at 1:08 am

          Aren’t you suppose to cast on an odd number of stitches so the pattern comes out right and it lays flat?

  • Reply carol December 27, 2014 at 1:45 pm

    I havent done any knitting in literally YEARS. But i am so excited to tr one of these scarves. It looks so simple and in terme that I still remember. I am going to try one and if it works out like I hope it will, guess what all my friends will be getting for CHRISTmas next year. In super bulky yarn and PRETTY colors. WIsh me luck !!!!

  • Reply Elsa Schermerhorn December 30, 2014 at 6:41 pm

    Will make this Scarf, can’t wait to see it made up.
    PS. Love to Knit

  • Reply Lorie Shuck January 7, 2015 at 2:19 am

    Can this pattern be done on circular needles? How many stitches would I cast on?

    • Reply steph January 25, 2015 at 2:21 pm

      Hi Lorie, You could do this on circular needles. I couldn’t tell you how many stitches to cast on, it would be a lot! I chose not to knit this in the round because I prefer to have shorter rows, so it’s easier to start and stop.

  • Reply DORATHY January 8, 2015 at 9:17 pm

    I wish that if you are going to print these patterns, why don’t you make it that we can print them with out getting all of the feed back from other people.

    • Reply Lorie Shuck January 25, 2015 at 2:25 pm

      I agree but it may not be up to her. I copy and paste onto a blank document to get around the comments.

    • Reply Kathy A January 29, 2015 at 10:07 am

      You can print the directions by going to print on your computer. Print preview comes up on mine. I select the pages that I want to print, b/c all the comments are included. If you want only the directions, select those pages.

  • Reply Michelle Roth January 28, 2015 at 7:56 pm

    TAHNKS FOR A GREAT PROJECT FOR A BEGINNER WHO LIKES TO KEEP BUSY WHILE WATCHING TV WITH HER HUBBY!

  • Reply Lanette February 1, 2015 at 11:37 am

    Thanks for the great pattern, Steph! How wide is the scarf (in inches, please), just in case I try this on circular needles, or with a different needle size?

    • Reply steph February 1, 2015 at 9:36 pm

      Hi Lanette! My scarf is about 10″ wide. Good luck!

  • Reply Stephanie February 12, 2015 at 1:09 am

    Hi Stephanie. I tried to make this scarf but for some reason it was only 56 inches and I used 2 balls of the thick and quick yarn that you suggested. Would you suggest casting on 21 stitches and restarting or should I knit tighter? I am using a US 17 for the needle as well

    • Reply steph February 12, 2015 at 8:19 am

      I think the shortness has to do with your gauge. If you knit tighter, you’ll use more yarn with less length. That’s OK though! Wrap it around your neck as is and see if you like the length at 56″. If you like it, no need to rip it out! But if you think you really need the extra length I think you’re right you would need to rip it out and try it with 21 stitches.

      Good luck!

  • Reply Tishy February 27, 2015 at 3:01 pm

    Thanks for this pattern, I’ve started it today with some deep purple king cole wool on 15mm needles.

  • Reply Shannon March 23, 2015 at 6:40 pm

    Thanks so much for this pattern. I am a beginner knitter and after only a few mistakes corrected i was able to finish this in the colour wheat, it look gorgeous. 🙂

  • Reply Rachel S. June 17, 2015 at 10:06 am

    So, I am new to knitting. Wondering if the k1.p1. means knit 1 row purl 1 row, or if it means knit 1 stitch, purl 1 stitch. Thank you ahead of time.

  • Reply Rachel S. June 17, 2015 at 11:27 am

    So, I am a beginner and I am wondering.. Does k1p1 mean knit one row purl one row, or does it mean knit one stitch, purl one stitch? Thanks ahead of time.

    • Reply steph June 18, 2015 at 9:39 am

      Hi Rachel! K1 P1 means knit one stitch and then purl one stitch. Keep repeating that pattern for the whole row.

      Good luck!

  • Reply Darlene August 8, 2015 at 4:52 pm

    Thanks for this amazing and easy pattern! I just love it! I’m making my 3rd one…it’s so popular. And thanks for the tip to always cast on an uneven number for a seed stitch pattern. Such a simple suggestion that is so helpful!

  • Reply maymaythan September 30, 2015 at 8:41 pm

    Simply and lovely,thanks

  • Reply Sylvie October 6, 2015 at 11:57 am

    Am looking for a pattern for a lookalike Dallas Dream SCARF. ….Your pattern looks very close to it….could you help me in the numbet of stich es. …I know it is a rectangular looking for the width. ….

  • Reply Christine October 9, 2015 at 1:27 pm

    Hi,
    Just discovered your scarf pattern, If I wanted to work in the round, (no seaming is my goal at the end) Howmany Stitched would you suggest?? maybe it wont work, just thought
    I would ask. Its for a quick gift.

    Thank You

  • Reply Jacqueline October 16, 2015 at 9:50 am

    I have two skeins of super bulky with 17 needles. Will this work?

  • Reply Jacqueline October 16, 2015 at 9:54 am

    I have super bulky with size 17 needles. Will this work?

    • Reply steph November 11, 2015 at 1:36 pm

      Sorry for the late response, the gauge isn’t super important for this project, so I think you could try it out. If it’s too wide, just cast on fewer stitches until you get the right width.

  • Reply Jamey November 6, 2015 at 11:26 am

    Hi. If I cast in 23 and k one p one what do I start row 2 with. Thank you

    • Reply steph November 11, 2015 at 1:35 pm

      Hi Jamey,

      Since you cast on an odd number of stitches, its k1, p1 every row.

  • Reply Tina November 10, 2015 at 9:48 pm

    Steph,
    You call for 2 skeins of yarn is that for double strand throughout or for length and single strand?

    • Reply steph November 11, 2015 at 1:34 pm

      single strand! You need 2 skeins to get the length.

  • Reply Diane November 16, 2015 at 5:25 pm

    Hi Jackie,

    I am making this scarf. I bought the exact yarn and size needle that you used. But I have finished one skein and it doesn’t look like it is going to finish with 60″ Did you use more than 2 skeins? I have knitted for years and I do not knit tight.

    Thank you,
    Diane

    • Reply steph November 16, 2015 at 8:26 pm

      Hi Diane, I did use two full skeins. I don’t know why it’s not working out, but I think even if it is a little short of 60″ it should probably be ok.

      • Reply Diane November 20, 2015 at 3:10 pm

        Hi,

        I did finish the scarf but for 2 skeins it came out to 30 inches!

        Maybe my yarn is too thick. But I bought what you suggested. Very disappointed

        Diane

  • Reply patti friske December 15, 2015 at 4:38 pm

    Just to verify. I knit 1, purl 1 across. No matter if at the end of the first row with a knit. You still start the next row with a knit 1, purl 1 to end of row. Is this correct.

    • Reply steph December 22, 2015 at 8:13 am

      Yes, as long as you cast on an odd number of stitches!

  • Reply Joyce January 13, 2016 at 1:23 am

    Hi Steph,
    Did you use Lion Brand WOOOL-EASE thick & Quick for the yarn? or Lion Brand Heartland Thick & Quick? They are both super bulky. let me know. Thanks

    • Reply steph January 14, 2016 at 12:28 pm

      Hi Joyce, I used the Wool-Ease Thick and Quick yarn

  • Reply Elaine January 14, 2016 at 5:50 am

    how many ounces of wool in a skein ? January 13 2016 s

    • Reply steph January 14, 2016 at 12:27 pm

      Hi Elaine, there’s 6 oz in each Lion Brand Thick and Quick Skein

  • Reply Karen January 18, 2016 at 6:15 pm

    This scarf looks great!
    How many stitches should I cast on to knit this on circular needles?

  • Reply Joyce January 19, 2016 at 11:02 pm

    Geat Steph, thank you for your reply

  • Reply Suey January 22, 2016 at 2:54 pm

    I don’t know what i’m doing wrong.. i try in many ways but always get rows

  • Reply Paddy January 31, 2016 at 2:54 pm

    If I wanted a chunky “regular” scarf (as opposed to an infinity scarf) could I simply follow this pattern and then NOT sew it together at the end? Would I need to do anything else differently?

    • Reply steph February 17, 2016 at 8:20 am

      That’s right! Just don’t sew it together and you’ll have a regular scarf

  • Reply Emma July 25, 2016 at 10:24 am

    Thanks for your post! Just the pattern I was looking for to use some bulky yarn I forgot I had! 🙂

  • Reply Riley October 30, 2016 at 1:35 pm

    Hi Steph,
    Love the color of this scarf! Is the color in the pictures exactly what it looks like in real life? I was thinking of ordering this yarn in Taupe, but the swatches online look like a much darker color.

    • Reply steph October 30, 2016 at 10:13 pm

      Thanks Riley! I think the pictures are true to the color, but this was nearly 3 years ago, so hopefully the color names are still the same. Unfortunately I don’t have any more of the yarn to double check for you. Good luck with the project!

  • Reply Julie November 7, 2016 at 3:40 am

    Hi, Steph! Just completed the scarf. Turned out beautifully, but is it supposed to be knitted to 60″ long before the ends are sewn together or after the ends are sewn together?

  • Reply Irene December 19, 2016 at 11:14 am

    I have recently found that a member of Ravelry is using your image of this cowl in her patterns for sale library, I find this disturbing on your behalf. This is the pattern in question. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/anthro-inspired-rush-st-scarf

  • Reply sheida December 26, 2016 at 11:04 am

    Thanks a lot, It is so beautiful, Merry Christmas <3 <3 <3

  • Reply Paula B. January 12, 2017 at 5:37 am

    I have been a “beginner” for years, and recently picked up my knitting needles again. It was so much fun to make this easy and quick design. I made two of these for Christmas presents using the recommended yarn. Just lovely and the cowls were much appreciated. Thank you for the inspiration!

    • Reply steph January 31, 2017 at 8:46 pm

      Yay! Thanks for letting me know!

  • Reply Alycia January 12, 2017 at 12:30 pm

    I recently began knitting, and up until now I had only made dishcloths. I was dying to make a scarf when I came across this pattern. It turned out beautifully! I have gotten so many compliments on it. I’ve since bought a ton more yarn to make a few more, and I’m teaching a friend to make this scarf next weekend. Thanks for such a great pattern!

    • Reply steph January 31, 2017 at 8:45 pm

      So glad you enjoyed it!

  • Reply Lisa Ogilvie February 9, 2017 at 6:35 am

    I do love the pattern. I’m seeing a lot of confused comments here, I suspect some of it is because All Free Knitting has the pattern as a feature with the yarn listed as a 5 Chunky, the yarn recommended in this pattern is in fact a 6 Super bulky, having worked with this yarn, I can say it is closer to a 7 Jumbo yarn than it is to a 5 chunky.

  • Reply simone October 8, 2017 at 1:22 am

    Thank you Steph for this simple pattern. Scarf comes out looking great and it’s so fast to knit up; just what I needed.

  • Reply Gail M Motzkus January 23, 2018 at 10:08 pm

    Question, you said use the biggest needles I have. I am using size 25 and the loops are huge. Not sure this size will work. What do you think?

    • Reply steph January 31, 2018 at 9:21 pm

      Hi Gail, Size 25 is pretty big. I think I used size 11 to make the scarf.

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