By amanda
It’s time to turn up the texture with cablework! Using cables in your knitting is a fantastic way to make your finished projects look fancier and more polished. There’s just something about a well knit cable that soothes the soul and inspires compliments. Get ready to take a visit to texture town with 25 free cable knit scarf patterns!
Do you know how to knit cables? If you don’t, that’s ok. This curated list of cable knitted scarf patterns features a wide variety of skill levels. There are plenty of patterns that are perfect for beginners. So if you have been intimidated by cablework before, then why not go for it?
Of course, cablework can get crazy complicated too. And if you are a knitter that loves a good challenge, then rest easy knowing that we have fabulous cable knit scarf patterns for you too! There are plenty of juicy, intricate designs that you can really sink your teeth into. These challenging patterns are sure to stretch your skills and help you grow as a knitter.
What comes to mind when you think of cable knit scarf patterns? You might be surprised at the variety of patterns we’ve curated for you today. We’ve almost certainly got the pattern that you’re envisioning, and plenty of other patterns too that you’ve never even dreamed of. As it turns out, there are a lot of different types of cables in knitting, so each of these patterns is as unique as a snowflake.
So what are you waiting for? Scroll down and see all this free knitting pattern goodness for yourself!
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25 Amazing Free Cable Knit Scarf Patterns for 2023
1. Retta Scarf
DK weight yarn is held doubled for the ravishing Retta Scarf. This really helps emphasize all the wonderful texture in the cablework and it makes the project go by faster too. The beautiful scarf design features a stunning 9 stitch cable at center stage that is bordered on either side by garter and twisted stitches.
Designer: The Sweater Collective
Yarn: Bendigo Woollen Mills Rustic 8 Ply (DK Weight #3)
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2. Statement Scarf
The aptly named Statement Scarf from Lion Brand Yarn has 4 columns of cables that will give you plenty of practice with cablework. The cozy cablework has an 8 row repeat and is bookended on either end of the scarf with simple 2×2 ribbing. It’s an instant classic that looks great on both men and women.
Designer: Lion Brand Yarn
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Solids, Heathers & Twists (Worsted Weight #4)
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3. Braid Cable Reversible Hiking Scarf
Beautiful cable knit scarf patterns are perfect for activities like hiking. The extra thickness and squishiness from the cablework is sure to be appreciated during the unpredictable spring weather. This scarf boasts a trio of vertical ridges made up of 4 stitch cables. Each strand of cablework is separated by simple rib stitch sections.
Designer: GirlieQ Knits
Yarn: Red Heart Soft Solids & Heathers (Aran Weight #4)
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4. Weather or Knot Scarf
The Weather or Knot Scarf has large and lofty cablework that resembles ocean waves or whispering winds. Long sections of cabling at either ends of the scarf are accented with icord fringe. There’s also a cushy section of cabling at the neck. In between the cabling on the ends and neck there are wide swaths of simple ribbing.
Designer: Mindy Ross Designs
Yarn: Berroco Vintage® (Worsted Weight #4)
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5. Promenade Scarf
The Promenade Scarf is all business. Worked lengthwise, the scarf is just long enough to wrap once around your neck and button to secure. If you think about it, most of the length present in regular scarf patterns is really only ornamental. The design calls for 7 stitch cables and buttonholes made using the backwards loop cast off method.
Designer: Mimi Codd
Yarn: Mirasol Yarn Sulka (Bulky Weight #5)
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6. Learn to Cable Scarf
Cable knit scarf patterns that teach you how to do cablework are perfect for beginner knitters. Plus, the thick yarn that this pattern calls for makes it easier to see your stitches. I especially love the distinctive ½ and ½ coloring – perfect for using up what’s in your stash. The pattern calls for basic 6 stitch cables.
Designer: Shiri Mor for Lion Brand Yarn
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick (Super Bulky Yarn #6)
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7. Shifting Sands Scarf
The Shifting Sands Scarf is literally made of thousands of small cables, so it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. The designer recommends that you have knowledge of cabling without a cable needle before attempting the pattern. I think we can all agree that the end result is totally worth it, though.
Designer: Grumperina
Yarn: Sundara Yarn Sport Merino (Sport Weight #3)
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8. Avita Cabled Scarf
The Avita Cabled Scarf has one of the shortest pattern repeats of any of the cable knit scarf patterns on this list – only 6 rows. This makes it a prime candidate for TV knitting and a welcome companion on long road trips. The pattern uses basic 4 stitch cables and it really isn’t too tricky. A confident beginner should be able to manage it!
Designer: Plymouth Yarn Design Studio
Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Avita (Worsted Weight #4)
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9. Elbac Scarf
Thick and squishy 8 stitch cables softly twist around each other in the stunning Elbac Scarf. This is one of those designs that makes you really want to be able to reach through the screen and touch it. Don’t blame me if all your friends want one too after you make yours and show it off! It really is that gorgeous.
Designer: Shannon Dunbabin for Cascade Yarns
Yarn: Cascade Yarns ® 128 Superwash® (Bulky Weight #5)
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10. Alice’s Garden
Taking inspiration from her grandmother, the designer for the Alice’s Garden scarf incorporated both 3 and 6 stitch cables. I love the variety of textures that it lends to the scarf. The free knitting pattern has both written and charted instructions, so you can follow along with whichever one is your preference.
Designer: Al Co Knits
Yarn: Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok Worsted (DK Weight #3)
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11.Kaya’s Scarf
You can have your cake and eat it too with the beautiful Kaya’s Scarf which combines cables and lace. The pattern calls for eyelet mock cables and the zigzag stitch. The delicate texture and the subtle eyelet lace work wonderfully together. Though the scarf is quite wide, it doesn’t suffer from being overly bulky.
Designer: Ravin Sekai Designs
Yarn: Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca (Worsted Weight #4)
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12. Cabled Scarf
A trio of 6 stitch cables form vertical columns on the surface of the scarf. The bulky weight yarn really makes the cablework stand out and it makes this scarf extra cozy too. This style of cablework is softer than the hard ridges other types of cablework form – perfect for a squishy scarf!
Designer: Quail Studio
Yarn: Rowan Selects Cosy Merino (Bulky Weight #5)
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13. Toffee
The next one of our cable knit scarf patterns has the yummiest name on the list. The beautiful color certainly lives up to the name “Toffee” and I absolutely love the unique design. Garter stitch makes up most of the surface of the scarf. It is complemented by one wide swath of eye-catching cablework near the edge.
Designer: NCL Knits
Yarn: De Rerum Natura Cyrano (Aran Weight #4)
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14. Classic Cables Scarf
Most cable knit scarf patterns work equally well for both men and women, and the Classic Cables Scarf is a prime example. The design involves 6 stitch cables and knitting through the back loop. It really is a classic looking scarf and I’m sure you’ll find yourself reaching for it even when the weather isn’t that chilly.
Designer: Lion Brand Yarn
Yarn: Lion Brand LB Collection Organic Wool (Aran Weight #4)
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15. Delicate Cable Scarf
Are you ready for a relaxing knit because you found it! As you knit, you’ll be following a single line of cablework as it meanders back and forth from edge to edge. There are long stretches of easy garter stitch stretches in between. So you see that despite its sophisticated appearance, the Delicate Cable Scarf is actually a pretty easy project.
Designer: Purl Soho
Yarn: Purl Soho Flax Down (Worsted Weight #4)
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16. Rippenschal – My Favorite Ribbed Scarf
Now here’s a scarf that doesn’t look like anything I’ve seen before! I love the way that the cables group together and criss-cross up the length of the scarf. The pattern provides you with 2 options for the width of the scarf depending on whether you are making the scarf for a child or for an adult.
Designer: Margarete Dolff
Yarn: Zitron Nimbus (Aran Weight #4)
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17.Cable It Up
A large 16 stitch cable runs up the middle of the Cable It Up Scarf. It’s framed by a smaller 8 stitch cable on either side. The best part is that the design is completely reversible so the scarf looks identical from either side. That means less time spent fiddling with how the scarf lays and more time showing it off!
Designer: Aimee Pelletier for Darn Knit Anyway
Yarn: Berroco Vintage® Chunky (Bulky Weight #5)
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18. Three Ponds Scarf
Cables radiate out from a central rib in a diagonal fashion in the Three Ponds Scarf. I love that the cablework resembles the veins on a leaf or a trailing vine – a comparison that’s further emphasized by the lovely emerald color they chose for the scarf. The cables themselves are actually quite basic and the pattern also involves some knitting through the back loop.
Designer: Jocelyn Tunney for O-Wool
Yarn: O-Wool Balance (Worsted Weight #4)
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19.Laurel Frost
The Laurel Frost scarf boasts a generous width – enough to wrap around your shoulders as well as your neck. Most of the real estate on the scarf is taken over by the lovely and textured moss stitch. The scarf is framed along one side by a basic 4 row cable stitch pattern. It’s knit on size 19 needles (15 mm) to really emphasize that trendy, oversized look.
Designer: Whiletheyplay
Yarn: we are knitters The Wool (Super Bulky Yarn #6)
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20. Reversible Rivulet Scarf
The Reversible Rivulet Scarf is one of those unicorns in free knitting patterns that’s satisfying and interesting without being too tricky or too easy. The pattern calls for subtle twisted rib cables throughout which form a uniform surface of rivulets like the lazy water current of a stream. It’s simply stunning!
Designer: Purl Soho
Yarn: Purl Soho Alpaca Pure (Aran Weight #4)
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21. Ula Scarf
The Ula Scarf boasts 4 vertical columns – 2 of cablework and 2 of moss stitch. It isn’t technically reversible, because the two sides look very different from each other. But both sides are beautiful in their own right so you really don’t have to fuss with it too much when you throw it on. The pattern calls for 2 stitch cables and twisted knit stitches.
Designer: Vera Marcu
Yarn: ULA+LIA DK Mongolian Baby Yak Wool (DK Weight #3)
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22. Moon Streams
A network of small cable stitches form a beautiful diamond lattice on the surface of the Moon Streams scarf. Apart from the cable stitches, everything else is garter stitch. This makes it a good choice for knitters who are new to cable knit scarf patterns. The thickness of the yarn also makes it easier to see your stitches.
Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Wish (Super Bulky Weight #6)
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23. Rosewood Scarf
The stitch pattern for the Rosewood Scarf combines fisherman’s rib and alternating cables. The reversible design is a little more challenging than some of the patterns on this list, but it’s totally doable – especially since the free knitting pattern is available in video, written, and charted formats.
Designer: Knifty Knittings
Yarn: Handmade Home Fibers Classic Worsted (Worsted Weight #4)
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24. Magic HRC Scarf
Tweed yarn and cable knit scarf patterns are a match made in heaven. This dapper looking design features a reversible high relief cable stitch pattern. The pattern repeat is easy to remember which makes it perfect for TV knitting. What a great scarf for gifting! What do you think?
Designer: Assia Brill
Yarn: Rowan Tweed (DK Weight #3)
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25. Jasmine Scarf
A fuzzy flax yarn slightly hides the herringbone design of the caliper cables in the Jasmine Scarf. Caliper cables are a variation on double cables that resemble the veins of leaves or a trailing vine. This scarf is seriously soft and squishy and oh so easy to wear. I just love it so much!
Designer: Purl Soho
Yarn: Purl Soho Flax Down (Worsted Weight #4)
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Are you going to make one of these beautiful cable knit scarf patterns? Which of the free knitting patterns was your favorite? I would love to hear all about it in the comments below!
Don’t forget, sharing is caring! Send this free knitting pattern round-up to all your knitting friends so they can join in on the fun too! Bookmark this page or save the link to your Pinterest board for amazing knitting patterns.
I’ll see you next week for another free knitting pattern round-up. Make sure to follow the blog so you never miss a post. <3
Happy Knitting!
Amanda
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Patricia J LaVineThese scarves are absolutely gorgeous! I don’t know where to begin choosing the first! I’m really excited to get started! Thank you!
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