Have you ever looked at intricate lace knitting and thought, “Not yet, I’m not ready for that”?
Well, I’m here to tell you that you are ready. This scarf is designed specifically for new knitters who want to move beyond the basic scarf but aren’t quite ready for a 20-row repeat. It uses a classic wave motif that looks fancy and organic, but it’s actually a brilliant exercise in the two “magic” moves of lace: Decreases and Yarn Overs (YO).
While this wave pattern is a classic, I’ve simplified it down to its core so you can focus on your rhythm.
- I have included a silent video tutorial with all the steps to make this scarf. I have also added a little troubleshooting in the end (I have shown how to correct slipped stitches or common mistakes that can happen to any knitter, so you shouldn’t get stuck if you happen to make a mistake)
- ROW 1: Row 1 is the most difficult part of this project because it includes some decreases (knit2tog) exactly after casting on. The video shows how it is done but if Row 1 turns out to be too hard to do, I have a simplified Row 1 that doesn’t include decreases for your peace of mind! I would still suggest you TRY IT first, and then just know you can start from scratch again very easily with the simplified version (the fact that it is ROW 1 does make things easier, so there is almost nothing to lose in trying it at least once 😉 ).
- Troubleshooting: at the end of the video I have added a few clips of how to correct if you make different kinds of mistakes.
Skill Level: Adventurous Beginner.
Techniques used: Knit (K), Purl (P), Yarn Over (YO), and Knit 2 Together (K2tog)
Yarn: I have used two strands of yarn (a merino yarn intended for knitting needles n.2.5 and a mohair strand) but if you are a beginner I would suggest to use just one. I used knitting needles n.4. You can use thicker yarn and bigger needles, you will just get a bigger scarf, so I am not recommending any specific yarn or gauge as it is just an accessory, but I thought it would be a good idea to write what I have used, for your reference.
Easy Wave Scarf – Free Pattern
Beginning
Cast on 48 stitches
Row 1: K3, place marker, K2tog2, K13, K2tog2, place marker, K2tog2, K13, K2tog2, place marker, K3 (you are left with 40 stitches)
SIMPLIFIED BEGINNING – (Skip this part if you have managed to knit the Row1 above)
Cast on 40 stitches
Row1: K3, place marker, K17, place marker, K17, place marker, K3
Row 2: (this is the Wrong Side of the work) K40
The scarf is structured like this: the first and last 3 stitches are the Garther Edge so you always KNIT them, on either Right or Wrong side of the project. Then the central part consist of the repetition of this diagram (do not worry if you cannot read this diagram, I have also written the rows and also shown this part in the video so you can knit along if that’s what you prefere to do).
Repeating Pattern:
Row 3: K3, SM, K17, SM, K17, SM, K3 (SM = slip marker, essentially you knit all the row)
Row 4: K3, SM, P17, SM, P17, SM, K3 (essentially you knit the garter edge and purl the rest)
Row 5: Repeat Row 3
Row 6: Repeat Row 4
Row 7: K3, SM, K2tog 3, (YO, K1) 5, YO, K2tog 3, SM, K2tog 3, (YO, K1) 5, YO, K2tog 3, SM, K3
Row 8: K3, SM, K17, SM, K17, SM, K3 (this is a Wrong Side Row, and knitting all this side is what makes the ruffed edge of the wave on the Right Side 😉 )
Repeat from Row 3 to Row 8 until your scarf as long as you desire.
Ending
Repeat Row 3 to Row 6 once more
Last Right Side Row: K3, SM, K2tog 2, K9, K2tog 2, SM, K2tog 2, K9, K2tog 2, SM, K3
Cast off: Cast off all the stitches while working the Wrong Side.
IMPORTANT: Make sure your casting off is not too tight. You can use a bigger needle to help you with this. In the end of the video, I have shown how to go back if you realize you are casting off too tightly.
Happy Knitting! I hope you enjoy this pattern. If you have questions or found a step in the video confusing, let me know in the comments.
Found a unique “oops”? Send me a photo of your progress/issue! I may use your feedback to create more troubleshooting tips in the future.
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