How to Knit an Infinity Scarf

If you’re a relatively new knitter and have experimented with knitting simple scarves, you may be ready to try something a bit different. Why not try learning how to knit an infinity scarf? Instead of being one long piece of knitted fabric, an infinity scarf is closed at the ends and forms a loop. Learn more about knitting an infinity scarf with this tutorial.

Knitting Supplies

To knit an infinity scarf, you’ll only need standard knitting supplies. If you’ve already knit other simple projects, you probably have most of what you need.

Infinity Scarf Knitting Pattern

If you’d like to incorporate fancy stitches, stripes, or patterns into your project, it’s a good idea to follow a written knitting pattern for an infinity scarf, which tells you how many of each stitch to knit and when. 

But if you’re following a visual tutorial (such as Madeline from KnittingHouseSquare’s Basics of Brioche: How to Knit an Infinity Scarf on Skillshare), you might be able to bypass the written knitting pattern for an infinity scarf. It just depends on how you learn best. (Though, note that for more complex knitting projects, such as sweaters, it’s always necessary to follow a pattern, so it’s good practice to start consulting them earlier in your knitting “career”.)

Knitting Needles

Circular knitting needles are best for knitting an infinity scarf. These types of needles allow you to knit wider pieces of fabric than straight needles. Instead of two separate needles that have a point at one end and a knob at the other, circular needles are connected with a plastic or wire cable, where your knitted stitches sit when you aren’t working on the needles.

Yarn

Choosing your yarn is one of the best parts of knitting anything. There are so many varieties! When choosing a yarn for knitting an infinity scarf, keep in mind that you’ll be wearing it close to the skin. You probably won’t want to choose anything scratchy or tickly. 

Infinity scarves can be as long or short as you like, but if you’d like a shorter one, it’ll be more like a cowl than a true infinity scarf. A longer scarf will, of course, require more yarn. Bulkier yarns tend to be better for scarves as they create a cozy finished product, but finer yarns also work (as long as you don’t mind spending a bit more time on the project).

What Stitches to Use to Knit an Infinity Scarf

If you’re feeling adventurous and would like to experiment with some more intermediate or advanced techniques, there’s no limit to the types of stitches you can use to knit an infinity scarf. However, nothing too fancy is required to knit a simple, beautiful scarf.

Garter Stitch

Garter stitch is what’s formed when you repeat the simple knit stitch again and again, row after row. It’s simple and looks elegant, and you could complete an infinity scarf in garter stitch if you wanted to keep things really easy.

Stockinette Stitch

Stockinette stitch is what’s formed when you alternate one row of knit stitch with one row of purl stitch. These two stitches are the foundations of pretty much all knitting projects, so stockinette stitch is another great option that’s both easy and attractive.

Brioche Stitch

Brioche stitch is a good option for an infinity scarf if you’d like to try something new. It looks a bit like rib stitch but creates a pillowy, super cozy garment. 

How to Knit an Infinity Scarf

The following step-by-step instructions for knitting an infinity scarf are based on Madeline’s Skillshare class, Basics of Brioche: How to Knit an Infinity Scarf. It’s a perfect project for advanced beginners looking to up their knitting skills.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

For this project, you’ll need: 

• Bulky weight yarn: about 300 yards for a double-loop scarf
• Size 10 circular knitting needles
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch marker

Step 2: Cast On Using the Italian Cast-On Stitch

There are many ways to cast on (or begin) a knitting project. One that’s ideal for this brioche stitch knitting project is the Italian-style cast-on method. The brioche stitch is a very stretchy stitch, so you need a similarly stretchy cast-on stitch to get things started.

When cast on with just one yarn color, the Italian cast-on stitch is a variation of the long-tail cast-on method. Madeline provides both audiovisual and written instructions on this method in her tutorial.

Cast on 150 stitches.

Step 3: Knit a Set-Up Row

When knitting in brioche, it’s important to knit a set-up row after the cast-on row. Slip the first stitch on the left needle onto the right needle, then knit one stitch. Repeat this process of slipping one stitch and knitting one the whole way across the row.

Step 4: Knit a Repeat Row

Slip the first stitch of this row. Then, knit the yarnover stitch that you formed in the previous step together with the knit stitch. That is, knit two stitches together like one. Repeat this process: slip one stitch, then knit the next yarnover and stitch together.

Step 5: Join in the Round

After knitting a few flat rows, it’s time to join in the round and really utilize those circular knitting needles. There are two important things to remember when knitting in the round. First, make sure that your stitches are all facing the same way and aren’t twisted before you start knitting in the round. If they’re twisted now, you won’t be able to untwist them later! 

Second, use a stitch marker on your needle to indicate where a row begins. When everything is joined together in a circle, it will be hard to tell!

Continue knitting in this way (repeat brioche rows in the round) until you have about 58 inches of knitted fabric. 

Step 6: Cast Off

Just like when casting on, you need a stretchy cast-off stitch when working with brioche. A modified cast-off method that achieves this is to knit the first stitch, then work the next two stitches (one yarnover and one stitch) together in a brioche knit style. Pass the two stitches on the right needle back onto the left needle. Knit both of those first two stitches together from the back. Knit the next stitch. 

Repeat this process. When you’re down to the last stitch, cut the yarn and make a knot. Leave a long tail that you can weave in later for a neat finish.

Knit to an Infinity Scarf — and Beyond!

Learning how to knit an infinity scarf is another tool in your knitting tool box. After you’ve become more comfortable working on circular needles and knitting different cast-on and stitch techniques, you should be ready for more advanced projects. Socks, hats, gloves, headbands, and even sweaters will be within your reach. Be bold and experimental and see where your knitting journey takes you!

Knit a Hat to Match Your Infinity Scarf

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