Free Cable Scarf Pattern You’ll Love: Peter Scarf
Looking for a fun cable scarf pattern? Find it here and more on my free scarf and cowl knitting patterns page.
I have a soft spot for cables, and this cable scarf pattern has completely stolen my heart. It’s everything I love in a knit: texture, rhythm, and a classic design that looks far more complex than it actually is. If you’ve been itching to level up your knitting with a project that’s both relaxing and rewarding, this one’s calling your name.
This scarf is knit flat in a traditional rectangular shape — nothing fancy, no short rows or seams — just pure cable satisfaction from start to finish. It’s long enough to wrap around your neck several times or drape casually over your shoulders. Honestly, I think scarves like this are the best because you can wear them so many ways and they never go out of style.
Why You’ll Love This Cable Scarf Pattern
I used Berroco Vintage yarn for this one (affiliate link) and size 7 (4.5mm) needles, and let me tell you, the stitch definition is perfect for cables. The fabric is soft, durable, and has just the right weight to show off every twist and turn of the pattern.
This cables scarf pattern is full of texture — a diamond cable panel runs down the center, framed by neat edges that make blocking almost unnecessary. It’s the same cable panel I used in a few of my other favorites: the Peter Sweater, Peter Purse, Peter Socks, and Peter Vest. (I’ll link those below so you can make a whole matching set if you want to go all in on the diamond cable theme!)
What I really love is that while it looks advanced, it’s actually a great practice piece for anyone wanting to get more comfortable with cabling. It’s repetitive enough to feel meditative but varied enough to keep things interesting.
A Scarf for Anyone on Your Gift List
This particular cable scarf pattern ended up being a gift. I finished it, blocked it, admired it for about two minutes, and then wrapped it up for someone special. The best part? It works beautifully for both men and women. The cables have a timeless, unisex look that fits just as well with a wool coat as it does with a denim jacket.
If you’ve ever struggled to find something hand-knit that doesn’t feel overly delicate or frilly, this scarf strikes the perfect balance. It’s substantial without being bulky and textured without being fussy. Plus, because it’s worked flat, it’s the kind of project you can throw in your bag and take with you anywhere — perfect for car rides, knit nights, or those cozy evenings when you just want something rhythmic to work on.
Let’s Talk Yarn and Needles
Every cable scarf pattern deserves a good yarn partner, and Berroco Vintage (affiliate link) is one of my go-tos for projects like this. It’s a blend that gives warmth, durability, and just enough stretch to make cabling easier on the hands.
Using size 7 (4.5mm) needles creates a lovely dense fabric without feeling stiff. You’ll get that snuggly scarf feel, but the stitches will still pop enough to show off those diamonds in all their glory. And since it’s worked flat, you don’t need any circulars — just your favorite straight or single-pointed needles.
If you’re someone who’s newer to cables, you might be surprised at how quickly the pattern becomes intuitive. Once you’ve knit a few repeats, your hands start to memorize the rhythm — right twist, left twist, knit a few, repeat. Before long, you’ll realize you’re actually flying through it.
The Peter Cable Collection
Like I mentioned earlier, this scarf shares its DNA with a few of my other designs. The diamond cable motif originally appeared in the Peter Sweater, and I loved it so much I kept reusing it in coordinating pieces.
Here’s where you can find them all:
Peter Sweater Free Pattern – a classic cable v-neck set-in sleeve pullover for kids.
Peter Purse Free Pattern – a handy accessory featuring the same centered diamond panel.
Peter Socks Free Pattern – gorgeous socks with subtle cables down the leg for texture.
Peter Vest Free Pattern – a layering favorite for women with those same satisfying cables.
If you’re a matching-set kind of knitter, you could absolutely pair this cable scarf pattern with one (or all) of the others. It would make an amazing handmade gift bundle — think sweater and scarf combo for winter birthdays, or a purse and socks duo for Christmas.
The Joy (and Therapy) of Knitting Cables
There’s something wonderfully satisfying about cabling. Watching stitches twist and cross into intricate designs feels almost sculptural. And even though this cable scarf pattern has a lot of cabling, it’s incredibly relaxing once you get the rhythm down.
If you’ve never knit cables before, don’t worry — this is a forgiving project. You can always use a cable needle (or even a double-pointed needle in a pinch) to make the process easier. Just remember to keep your tension even, especially on the stitches right after each cable cross, so everything stays tidy.
Pro tip: placing a few stitch markers between repeats can help you stay on track if you’re knitting while chatting or watching a show. Ask me how I know.
Blocking and Finishing Touches
After binding off, I gave my scarf a gentle block to help the cables open up and relax. I pinned it out just enough to even the edges but not enough to stretch the texture flat. This step makes all the difference with cable work.
Berroco Vintage (affiliate link) handles blocking beautifully — it blooms a little, softens up, and the cables settle into crisp definition. Once it was dry, I couldn’t stop running my hands over the texture. That’s when I knew I had to gift it; it was just too perfect not to share.
Why This Cable Scarf Pattern Belongs in Your Project Queue
If you’re hunting for a project that balances classic style with fun technique, this cable scarf pattern checks every box. It’s practical, beautiful, gender-neutral, and endlessly giftable.
Whether you’re adding it to your winter wardrobe or knitting it as a thoughtful handmade gift, it’s one of those patterns that’s as enjoyable to knit as it is to wear. And honestly, there’s no better feeling than giving something you’ve spent hours crafting and watching the recipient’s face light up when they unwrap it.
Peter Scarf Free Pattern
Materials: Approximately 3 hanks Berroco Vintage Worsted 218yds/3.5oz (affiliate link), 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 stockinette
Finished Measurement Laid Flat
7x72ins (15x150cms)
METHOD
This scarf is knit flat using the same stitch pattern as Peter Sweater, Vest, Socks, and Purse There are both charted and written instructions for the stitch pattern.
Row 1 (right side) – p4, 2/1RPC, 2/2LC, 2/1LPC, p4
Row 2 – k4, p2, k1, p4, k1, p2, k4
Row 3 – p3, 2/1RPC, p1, k4, p1, 2/1LPC, p3
Row 4 – k3, p2, k2, p4, k2, p2, k3
Row 5 – p2, 2/1RPC, p2, 2/2LC, p2, 2/1LPC, p2
Row 6 – k2, p2, k3, p4, k3, p2, k2
Row 7 – p1, 2/1RPC, p3, k4, p3, 2/1LPC, p1
Row 8 – k1, p2, k4, p4, k4, p2, k1
Row 9 – 2/1RPC, p4, 2/2LC, p4, 2/1LPC
Row 10 – p2, k5, p4, k5, p2
Row 11 – 2/1LPC, p4, k4, p4, 2/1RPC
Row 12 – k1, p2, k4, p4, k4, p2, k1
Row 13 – p1, 2/1LPC, p3, 2/2LC, p3, 2/1RPC, p1
Row 14 – k2, p2, k3, p4, k3, p2, k2
Row 15 – p2, 2/1LPC, p2, k4, p2, 2/1RPC, p2
Row 16 – k3, p2, k2, p4, k2, p2, k3
Row 17 – p3, 2/1LPC, p1, 2/2LC, p1, 2/1RPC, p3
Row 18 – k4, p2, k1, p4, k1, p2, k4
Row 19 – p4, 2/1LPC, k4, 2/1RPC, p4
Row 20 – k5, p8, k5
Scarf Instructions
Cast on 40sts
Work in a k1p1 ribbing for 1ins/2.5cms
Set up row (right side) – k7, p2, k2, p2, pm (this marker is for the above stitch chart), p5 (k1, m1) 4 times, p5, pm (this is the 2nd marker for the above stitch chart), p2, k2, p2, k7 (44sts)
Row 1 (wrong side) – k3, p4, k2, p2, k2, sm, work row 20 of the stitch chart pattern above, sm, k2, p2, k2, p4, k3
Continue in pattern repeating rows 1-20 of the stitch chart pattern between your markers until you have 71ins/177.5cms or desired length (just remember, if you knit for longer you will use more yarn!) ending after completing a row 1.
In k1p1 ribbing work 18sts, (k2tog, p2tog) 2 times, work 18sts in k1p1 ribbing (40sts)
Continue in k1p1 ribbing for 1 in/2.5 cms.
Bind off in pattern. Weave in all ends and block as desired.
ABBREVIATIONS
cm(s) – centimeters
in(s) – inches
K – knit
K2tog – knit 2 stitches together
M1 – make 1 – lift the strand front to back between the stitch on your right and left needles and knit that strand
P – purl
P2tog – purl 2 stitches together
pm – place marker
sm – slip marker
st(s) – stitch(es)
2/2LC – slip the next 2 sts onto cable needle and hold at front of work, k2 from left needle, k2 from cable needle
2/1LPC – slip the next 2sts onto cable needle and hold at front of work, p1 from left needle, then k2 from cable needle
2/1RPC – slip, the next st onto cable needle and hold at back of work, k2 from left needle, p1 from cable needle
Affiliate Disclaimer
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them — at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work and helping me keep free patterns coming!
Are you a fellow cable lover, or are you about to try them for the first time? Tell me in the comments — I’d love to hear how your cables scarf pattern turns out and what yarn you choose for yours!
The post Free Cable Scarf Pattern You’ll Love: Peter Scarf appeared first on The Knit in the Womb Blog.
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