Looking for a quick, cozy knit that brings texture and warmth?

This cable scarf uses super bulky yarn and simple cables to create a plush, modern accessory you’ll reach for all season.

If you’re comfortable with knit and purl stitches and want to try a classic cable stitch, this is a satisfying weekend project.

Before You Get Started

A few helpful notes to set you up for success:

Choose a smooth, light-colored yarn while you learn—the cables pop and it’s easy to read the right side and wrong side.
Use larger needles (10 mm / US 15) so the fabric stays soft and drapey.
Place stitch markers around the cable panel to track your repeating cable section.
Keep your tension relaxed on cable rows; snug yarn can tighten the panel.
Prefer tassels or fringe? Add them after blocking for a clean finish.

Tools/Materials Needed

Yarn: 4 skeins Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick (Super Bulky 06). Sample color: Fisherman.
Needles: 10 mm (US 15) straight needles.
Notions: Cable needle, 2 stitch markers, yarn/darning needle, scissors, tape measure.

Cable Scarf Knitting Pattern Free Printable

Cable Scarf – How To Knit It

This pattern is worked flat with tidy garter edges that keep the scarf from curling.

The center panel features cable patterns you’ll memorize quickly.

Finished Dimensions

Scarf size / dimensions: approx. 178 cm / 70″ long × 33 cm / 13″ width (medium size).
Blocking can adjust cm and inches slightly.
Gauge: 8 sts & 16 rows = 10 cm / 4″ in garter stitch (blocked).

Abbreviations

Beg – Beginning
Cont – Continue
C4B – Slip next 2 sts to cable needle and hold at back, K2 from left needle, then K2 from cable needle
K – Knit P – Purl
PM – Place marker SM – Slip marker
Rem – Remaining Rep – Repeat
RS – Right side WS – Wrong side
St(s) – Stitch(es)

Yarn & Substitutions

Designed for Super Bulky 06.
Sub options (check gauge): bulky weight yarn, aran-weight yarn, worsted-weight yarn, or dk weight yarn held double/triple as needed. Swatch and measure for accuracy before committing.

Instructions (Step-By-Step)

CO 32 sts.

Knit 6 rows (garter edge).

Set the Cable Panel

Place markers to frame the center panel as written below.

8-Row Repeat (work RS/WS as noted):

Row 1 (RS): K8, PM, K3, P3, K4, P3, K3, PM, K8.
Row 2 (WS): K8, SM, P3, K3, P4, K3, P3, SM, K8.
Row 3: K8, SM, K3, P3, K4, P3, K3, SM, K8.
Row 4: K8, SM, P3, K3, P4, K3, P3, SM, K8.
Row 5: K8, SM, K3, P3, C4B, P3, K3, SM, K8.
Row 6: K8, SM, P3, K3, P4, K3, P3, SM, K8.
Row 7: K8, SM, K3, P3, K4, P3, K3, SM, K8.
Row 8: K8, SM, P3, K3, P4, K3, P3, SM, K8.

Repeat rows 1–8 until the piece measures about 170 cm / 67″ from cast-on edge.

Finish

Knit 6 rows (garter edge), then bind off knitwise.

Weave in ends, block lightly to measurements.

Optional Tassels/Fringe

Add tassels or a short fringe at the four corners (or along the short edges)

Tutorial: How to Make Tassels
Video: Tassel Video Tutorial

Why You’ll Love This Pattern

Easy Repeat Rows: The repeating cable motif is intuitive—you’ll memorize it fast.
Super Cozy: Thick fabric from super bulky yarn traps warmth without being heavy.
Versatile Look: Neutrals are timeless; bold shades make a statement.
Skill-Builder: Practice cable stitch technique with clear instructions and visible progress.

FAQs & Extra Tips

→ Can I adjust the length or width?

Yes. For length, repeat the 8-row sequence until your desired measurement.

For width, add/rem multiples of 8 sts inside the markers to keep the panel centered (be sure your edges remain at 8 sts each side).

→ How many skeins will I need?

The sample uses 4 skeins of Thick & Quick.

If you add extra length or fringe, plan one more skein.

→ What if I don’t have super bulky?

Hold lighter yarns together to hit gauge (e.g., aran-weight yarn + worsted-weight yarn, or three strands of dk weight yarn).

Swatch and check your 10 cm gauge in garter.

→ How do I read RS vs WS?

Your garter edges are knit every row.

The cable crosses occur on right side rows; wrong side rows maintain the purl/knit background so the texture pops.

→ Can I add ribbing?

If you prefer a snug edge, swap the 6-row garter borders for 2×2 ribbing for 6–8 rows at start and end.

→ Any blocking tips?

Wet-block or steam lightly—just enough to relax the cables without flattening them.

Free Printable

If you prefer to work from a printed pattern or just want a version you can take on the go, I’ve got you covered!

You can print the pattern below to keep it handy while you knit.

It’s a simple, easy-to-follow design that’s perfect for relaxing with a project you’ll actually use.

Yield: Cable scarf

Cable Scarf Knitting Pattern

Knit a warm, modern cable scarf with super bulky yarn and an easy 8-row repeat.

Clear, step-by-step instructions, tidy garter edges, and a simple C4B cross make this a fast, satisfying knit—perfect for gifts or your own winter wardrobe.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Active Time 6 hours 40 minutes

Additional Time 30 minutes

Total Time 7 hours 20 minutes

Difficulty Advanced Beginner

Estimated Cost $30

Materials

Yarn: 4 skeins Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick (Super Bulky 06). Sample color: Fisherman.
Designed for Super Bulky 06.
Sub options (check gauge): bulky weight yarn, aran-weight yarn, worsted-weight yarn, or dk weight yarn held double/triple as needed. Swatch and measure for accuracy before committing.

Tools

Needles: 10 mm (US 15) straight needles.
Notions: Cable needle, 2 stitch markers, yarn/darning needle, scissors, tape measure.

Instructions

Cast on and set-up

CO 32 sts.

Knit 6 rows (garter edge).

Set the Cable Panel

Place markers to frame the center panel as written below.

8-Row Repeat (work RS/WS as noted):

Row 1 (RS): K8, PM, K3, P3, K4, P3, K3, PM, K8.
Row 2 (WS): K8, SM, P3, K3, P4, K3, P3, SM, K8.
Row 3: K8, SM, K3, P3, K4, P3, K3, SM, K8.
Row 4: K8, SM, P3, K3, P4, K3, P3, SM, K8.
Row 5: K8, SM, K3, P3, C4B, P3, K3, SM, K8.
Row 6: K8, SM, P3, K3, P4, K3, P3, SM, K8.
Row 7: K8, SM, K3, P3, K4, P3, K3, SM, K8.
Row 8: K8, SM, P3, K3, P4, K3, P3, SM, K8.

Repeat rows 1–8 until the piece measures about 170 cm / 67" from cast-on edge.

Finish

Knit 6 rows (garter edge), then bind off knitwise.

Weave in ends, block lightly to measurements.

Optional Tassels/Fringe

Add tassels or a short fringe at the four corners (or along the short edges)

Tutorial: How to Make Tassels
Video: Tassel Video Tutorial