A loop scarf is a scarf whose ends are joined to form a ring. Depending on its length, you can wear it loosely around your neck or wrap it around twice. Here we show you how to knit your loop scarf in rows and then join the ends.
What patterns and colors match?
Knit and purl stitches, small or large seed stitch, garter stitch, stockinette stitch, lace or brioche stitch: You can design your loop completely to your taste. For beginners, a simple pattern is sufficient. If you already have some practice, you can try out new techniques or combine different patterns.
You also have a free choice of colors. Plain in your favorite color, with gentle color gradients, dots or stripes – every loop can look different.
Which yarn is suitable?
With thick yarn and suitable thick needles, you'll make particularly fast progress. Fluffy yarn can conceal small irregularities in the stitch pattern. However, it also obscures fine pattern details.
Cotton or viscose are suitable for a light summer loop. Linen is also a nice option. The deciding factor is whether your scarf should primarily provide warmth or complement your outfit as a light accessory.
If you prefer to work from a finished pattern, you will find suitable combinations of yarn and pattern among our models.
Plan Your Loop
Before you cast on the first stitches, consider:
- What material do you want to use?
- Should the loop be warm or rather light and decorative?
- Are you knitting for adults or children?
- Which pattern do you want to try?
- Should the loop lie once or twice around the neck?
From this, the desired width and length result – and, together with the gauge swatch, the required number of stitches.
How wide should your loop be?
How many stitches you need to cast on depends on the yarn weight and your pattern. With a thick winter yarn, 30 stitches can already result in about 30 centimeters in width. With a thin cotton yarn, you might need 60 stitches or more for the same width.
For a classic loop, 30 to 40 centimeters in width is a good guideline. You can find out how many stitches you need for this with your yarn by making a gauge swatch.
How long should your loop be?
The required number of rows also depends on the yarn and pattern. With thick wool, you usually achieve the desired length with fewer rows.
For adults, you can use these measurements as a guide:
- About 70 centimeters: for a loosely fitting loop that you pull over your head and wear once around your neck. Around 60 centimeters is the lower guideline here.
- About 150 centimeters: for a longer loop that you wrap a second time around your neck.
These figures refer to the length of the knitted scarf before you sew its ends together.
It's best to test the length while the stitches are still on the needle. Carefully place the knitted piece around your neck and check if it fits as you wish. Now you can add a few more rows or unravel some.
Scarves and neck warmers for children
A child's scarf is quicker to knit, but requires some attention when planning the size. A loop, in particular, must fit comfortably over the head and then sit well around the neck. A stretchy yarn and an elastic pattern are suitable for this.
Measure the appropriate length directly with a tape measure if possible. The following serve as a first guide:
- approx. 50 centimeters in length for a loop that lies once around the neck
- approx. 90 centimeters in length for a loop worn doubled
- approx. 20 centimeters in width
The actual measurements depend on the child and the stretchiness of the knit.
Your loop in four steps
1. Determine Material, Dimensions, and Pattern
Choose your yarn, determine the desired length and width, and decide on a pattern. Also, check if you have enough wool and the right needles.
If you are working from a pattern, you will find the necessary information there. For your own design, a gauge swatch will help you calculate the number of stitches.
2. Cast on Stitches
Cast on the stitches for the planned width. If you are just starting out and your knitting tends to become narrower as you work, you can plan for a little extra width. This will keep your loop nice and voluminous.
Make sure that the number of stitches matches your pattern.
3. Knit to Desired Length
Now you knit row by row. Stick to your chosen pattern or experiment with colors and textures – it's your loop.
Check occasionally to see if the width is still correct. Towards the end, check the length directly around your neck. This way, you'll notice in time if a few more rows are needed.
4. Join the Ends
Once your scarf has reached the desired length, join the two short ends. You can knit them together, crochet them together, or sew them together. For beginners, sewing them together is usually the easiest option.
Decide beforehand whether your loop should be closed straight or with a twist. Place the ends accordingly and check the alignment before joining them.
Then weave in all loose ends. Now your loop is ready to wear.
Fancy a matching set?
If you would like to complement your loop with a hat or gloves, you will find more beginner-friendly instructions from us. Using the same colors or a recurring pattern, you can create your own set.
