The Judah Scarf – A Free Ribbed Scarf Pattern You’ll Love
Looking for a fun ribbed scarf pattern? You’ll love this one! Find more free scarf & cowl patterns here.

There’s just something about a ribbed scarf pattern that never goes out of style. Maybe it’s the stretchy texture, or maybe it’s that satisfying rhythm of knit and purl stitches. Either way, I knew when I designed the Judah Scarf, I wanted a texture that felt timeless, easy to knit, and endlessly wearable.
This ribbed scarf pattern is my go-to recommendation for beginner knitters because it uses only two stitches — knit and purl — and still looks incredibly polished. Plus, the stitch pattern is just interesting enough that even experienced knitters will enjoy watching it come together.

Why You’ll Love This Ribbed Scarf Pattern
If you’ve ever found yourself searching for a scarf that’s both simple and stylish, this ribbed scarf pattern is exactly that. It has the perfect amount of texture — not too chunky, not too flat. The edges are worked in 1×1 ribbing, giving it a crisp, finished look, while the center section uses a broken 1×1 rib. That little switch-up adds a subtle change in rhythm, keeping things fun without requiring constant counting.
The Judah Scarf works up quickly (always a win in my book), making it a perfect choice for last-minute gift knitting or when you just want something comforting and rhythmic to work on during snowy days.

Yarn & Needles
For this ribbed scarf pattern, I used KnitPicks Upcycle Alpaca (affiliate link) — a soft, warm, slightly heathered yarn that adds cozy depth without the heaviness. It’s lightweight but still wonderfully warm, making it perfect for those frigid mornings when you don’t want to leave the house without something soft wrapped around your neck.
You’ll also need size 7 (4.5mm) needles, which keep the ribbing neat and bouncy without feeling too tight. I knit mine on bamboo circulars (I always prefer circulars even for flat pieces — less wrist strain and the weight of the project stays on my lap instead of my hands!).

Let’s Talk Texture
This ribbed scarf pattern starts with a classic 1×1 rib (that’s knit one, purl one), then switches to a broken 1×1 rib in the middle section before returning to 1×1 rib for the final edge. That transition is subtle, but it’s what gives the scarf its depth and interest.
The broken rib creates a slightly more textured look that catches the light beautifully, especially when worked in alpaca blends like KnitPicks Upcycle Alpaca (affiliate link). And because ribbing naturally stretches, this scarf feels soft and plush without being bulky.
Even better? This ribbed scarf pattern is versatile! Because of it’s length it can be worn multiple ways. That’s a huge bonus for scarves since we all have different tastes.

Perfect for Beginners
If you’re new to knitting, this ribbed scarf pattern is such a great confidence builder. All you need to know are the knit stitch and the purl stitch, and I’ve got tutorials for both:
- How to Cast On Knitting
- How to Do the Knit Stitch
- How to Do the Purl Stitch
- How to Bind Off Knitwise
Each tutorial is written with beginners in mind, and there’s even a left-handed version on my YouTube channel if that’s you (hi, fellow lefty knitter!).
The Judah Scarf is a relaxing knit, ideal for practicing your tension and stitch consistency while still producing something beautiful and practical.

How Long Does It Take to Knit?
That depends a little on your pace, but I finished my Judah Scarf in just a few evenings of movie knitting. The ribbed scarf pattern naturally has a stretchy texture, so it feels like you’re making fast progress — especially since the broken rib section adds that little variation to keep things interesting.
And because KnitPicks Upcycle Alpaca (affiliate link) has such great yardage, you’ll likely only need a couple of skeins for a nice, long wrap.

Styling the Judah Scarf
A ribbed scarf pattern like this one is versatile — it looks great draped over a coat, tucked into a jacket, or even doubled up for extra warmth. The simple ribbing means it pairs well with everything from jeans and sweaters to dressier coats.
If you like matching sets, this texture would pair beautifully with any ribbed hat or mittens pattern you might already have in your wardrobe.

Why I Love Ribbed Scarf Patterns
I think every knitter needs at least one ribbed scarf pattern in their repertoire. They’re just so forgiving — they look great no matter your tension, they lay flat, and they stretch beautifully. Plus, they make amazing gifts because you don’t have to worry about sizing!
And honestly, there’s something therapeutic about the rhythm of ribbing. Knit, purl, knit, purl — it’s repetitive in the best way. The ribbed scarf pattern gives you that satisfying flow that feels like a knitting meditation, especially when worked in something as soft as KnitPicks Upcycle Alpaca (affiliate link).

Ready to Try It?
If you’ve been craving an easy, rewarding project, this ribbed scarf pattern is waiting for you. Whether you’re knitting your first scarf or your fiftieth, you’ll love how fast this one comes together.
And remember — THIS pattern, the Judah Scarf, is at the bottom of this post, but you can find even more scarf and cowl patterns over on my free scarf and cowl pattern page.
Judah Scarf Free Pattern
Materials: 3 balls KnitPicks Upcycle Alpaca 219y/100g, yarn needle, scissors
Needle Size: 7(US) 4.5mm straight needle
Gauge (tension): 24sts & 32 rows in garter stitch to make 10cm square, using size 7(US) 4.5mm needles in Judah Stitch Pattern
Finished Measurement Laid Flat
7x72ins (15x150cms)
METHOD
This scarf is knit flat using the same stitch pattern as Judah Zipped Cardigan. There are both charted and written instructions for the stitch pattern.
JUDAH STITCH PATTERN
Row 1 – Knit across
Row 2 – [p1,k1] across
Scarf Instructions
Cast on 45sts
Set up row (right side) – k1, work in [k1,p1] across to last 2sts, k2
Row 1 (wrong side) – k1, work in [p1,k1] across
Row 2 – k1, work in [k1p1] across to last 2sts, k2
Repeat rows 1 & 2 until you have 1 in /2.5cms from cast on edge ending after completing a wrong-side row.
Work in pattern stitch pattern as follows –
Row 1 – knit across
Row 2 – k1, work in [p1, k1] across
Continue as above until your work is approximately 71ins/177.5cms or desired length (just remember, if you knit longer you will use more yarn!) ending after completing a wrong side row.
Bind off.
Weave in all ends and block as desired.

ABBREVIATIONS
K – knit
P – purl
st(s) – stitch(es)
cm(s) – centimeters
in(s) – inches
Judah Scarf PDF Download
Affiliate Disclaimer
This post contains affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through those links — at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my designs and free patterns!

Let’s Chat!
If you knit this ribbed scarf pattern, I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and tell me what yarn you used, or tag me on social media so I can see your finished Judah Scarf. Did you gift it or keep it for yourself? Either way, I know you’ll love how soft, warm, and timeless it feels.
Now grab your KnitPicks Upcycle Alpaca (affiliate link), your size 7 needles, and let’s cast on together — happy knitting! 
The post The Judah Scarf – A Free Ribbed Scarf Pattern You’ll Love appeared first on The Knit in the Womb Blog.
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