Beginner Knitting Pattern: Leah’s First Scarf + Free Tutorials!

Looking for the perfect beginner knitting pattern? This post features Leah’s First Scarf and links to more on my free neckwear pattern page!

I’ve taught a lot of people to knit over the years—but this beginner knitting pattern holds a special place in my heart. Why? Because it was designed by my very own 12-year-old daughter, Leah. And not only did she design it, but she also knit it herself. I mean… all by herself. (With a little help from my YouTube tutorials—because who doesn’t love a good “pause and replay” moment?)

Leah’s First Scarf isn’t just any beginner knitting pattern. It’s proof that a young knitter, armed with the right tools and just a bit of confidence, can create something beautiful, wearable, and totally functional. If you’re just starting your knitting journey or teaching a loved one, this is the perfect place to start.

And while Leah’s First Scarf is at the bottom of this post, you can find the rest of my free neckwear patterns on this page.

Why This Beginner Knitting Pattern Works So Well

The beauty of this pattern lies in its simplicity. It’s worked entirely in garter stitch, which just means knit every row. No purling. No shaping. No confusion. Just knit, knit, knit until it’s time for a couple of easy buttonholes and some fun tassels.

When Leah came to me and said she wanted to make her own scarf, I thought we’d be casting on and frogging ten times before she found her rhythm. But nope! She sat down with some yarn she picked out herself in a tote full of Red Heart Super Saver (affiliate link) that someone gave us and a set of my old needles turned on my YouTube videos, and off she went!

She said she liked watching the videos because she could rewind them a million times until the stitches clicked in her brain. So naturally, I’m leaving links below to all the video tutorials you might need if this is your first project too:

What Makes It Beginner-Friendly?

This beginner knitting pattern checks all the boxes:

✅ No purling
✅ Flat knitting only
✅ Teaches yarn overs and decreases in a super simple way
✅ Includes a fun finishing detail (those tassels!)
✅ Ends with a cowl-style look thanks to buttonholes
✅ Requires no shaping, seaming, or advanced techniques

By the time Leah finished, she had learned all the foundational skills she’d need to tackle more complex patterns down the road. But most importantly—she had confidence. She could say, “I made this. All by myself.” And I promise, there’s nothing better than that feeling when you’re just starting out.

(By the way, the skills she learned here were enough that she moved on to my Dathan Hat Pattern for her second project and it came out SO GOOD so if you’re looking for another great beginner pattern I highly suggest that one.)

👉 Dathan Hat Free Pattern

Yarn and Needles (Affiliate Links!)

When I made my version I used KnitPicks Provincial Tweed (affiliate link) because I love the texture and little flecks of color. It’s soft but still rustic, and the stitch definition in garter stitch really shows off beautifully.

For needles, we went with size 7 (4.5mm) KnitPicks circulars (affiliate link), even though it’s a flat project. I always recommend circulars even for beginners because they’re lighter on the wrists, easier to manage and have multiple uses (in the round and flat!).

About the Buttonholes (Don’t Panic!)

When I told Leah she’d be doing buttonholes, she gave me that classic tween look like I’d just ruined her day. But once I showed her how it’s just a simple yarn over paired with a k2tog—she rolled her eyes and said, “That’s it?!” Yep, that’s it!

This beginner knitting pattern introduces those two techniques right at the end, once you’re already feeling comfortable. No stress. Just a chance to add a fun feature that turns the scarf into a buttoned-up cowl—perfect for avoiding helmet hair or tugging over little heads.

The Tassels Were Non-Negotiable

Of course, being the designer, Leah had strong opinions. And one of those was that the scarf absolutely, positively needed tassels. I didn’t argue—it was a good call.

The tassels add a playful touch that really finishes off the look. If you’ve never made one before, don’t worry—I have a step-by-step tassel tutorial right here.

I recreated Leah’s scarf in a lighter color so you could see the stitches and shaping better in photos, but hers will always be my favorite, especially in the pictures of her showing it of with that big smile beaming with pride.

Let’s Get You Knitting!

Whether you’re picking up needles for the very first time or teaching a little one how to knit, Leah’s First Scarf is the beginner knitting pattern I recommend most. It’s easy. It’s quick. It builds all the right skills. And it turns out really cute.

If you’re looking for more scarf and cowl knitting patterns, be sure to check out my free neckwear pattern page. There are lots of simple scarf and cowl designs that help you level up one skill at a time.

But if you’re ready to cast on your very first project—or help someone else take that exciting step—scroll down for Leah’s First Scarf pattern. I hope it brings you as much joy as it brought us.

Leah’s First Scarf Pattern

Materials: Approximately 1 ball of Provincial Tweed 250y/100g needle, 4 – 1/2.5cm buttons of choice

Needle Size: 7(US) 4.5mm straight needle

Gauge (tension): 24sts & 28 rows in garter stitch to make 10cm square, using size 7(US) 4.5mm needles

Finished Measurement Laid Flat

6x25ins (15×62.5cms)

METHOD

This scarf is knit flat with buttonholes on one end and buttoned together.

Scarf Instructions

Cast on 36sts

Work in garter stitch (knitting every row) until your work measures approximately 24ins/57.5cms or desired length (just remember, if you knit longer you will use more yarn!)

Buttonhole row – k4 [yo, k2tog, k7] repeat [to] 3 times, yo, k2tog, k3

Now work in garter stitch until your work measures 25ins/62.5cms.

Bind off.

Sew your buttons on the right side of the front on the cast on side (reference picture below for placement)

OPTIONAL: Add 4 tassels on the bind off side under the buttonholes. I like my tassels to be about 4ins/10cms but make them to your desired length.

ABBREVIATIONS

K – knit                                                  

YO – yarn over

K2TOG – knit 2 together

Sts – stitches

Cms – centimeters

Leah’s First Scarf PDF

Leah’s First Scarf PatternDownload

Affiliate Disclaimer:
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click and purchase through the links, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I use and love. Thank you for supporting my knitting content!


If you or your kiddo makes this beginner knitting pattern, I would love to see it! Share your version on Instagram and tag me @knitinthewomb—or leave a comment below and tell me how it went! And don’t forget to check out all the other beginner-friendly scarf and cowl patterns right here: [insert neckwear pattern page link].

The post Beginner Knitting Pattern: Leah’s First Scarf + Free Tutorials! appeared first on The Knit in the Womb Blog.



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