Easy Garter Stitch Scarf for Beginners

Instructions

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1. 1Cast onLeaving a tail of about 70 cm, cast on 36 sts onto a 5 mm needle using the long-tail method. Don't pull the stitches tight; they should slide freely on the needle. Keep the tail for weaving in later. (36 sts)
2. 2Neat edge rowEvery row is worked the same way. Every row: sl1 purlwise with yarn in front, bring yarn to the back between the needles, k35. (36 sts) Slipping the first stitch creates a neat chain-like edge on both sides of the scarf. Turn and start the next row the same way.
3. 3BodyKeep repeating the same row. In garter stitch every two rows form one ridge; you should see about 18 ridges per 10 cm. Count your stitches every 10 rows to make sure you still have 36; a dropped stitch can be laddered back up with a crochet hook. Work until the scarf measures about 158 cm (about 570 rows).
4. 4Joining a new ballWhen a ball runs out, always join the new yarn at the beginning of a row, never in the middle. Leave at least 15 cm of both the old and the new yarn and start the row with the new yarn. You will weave both tails into the side edge later; no knot is needed.
5. 5Bind offBind off loosely: k2, pass the first stitch on the right needle over the second. *K1, pass the first stitch over* until one stitch remains. Cut the yarn leaving 20 cm, pull it through the last stitch and tighten. If your bind-off is tight, use a needle one size larger.
6. 6Fringe (optional)Cut 56 pieces of yarn, each 30 cm long. Fold 4 pieces in half together, use the hook to pull the fold through a stitch on the short edge, then pull the ends through the loop and tighten. Attach 7 tassels evenly along each short edge and trim the ends straight.
7. 7FinishingThread each tail onto the yarn needle and weave it 5-6 cm along the side edge, then trim. Lay the scarf flat and steam it lightly, holding the iron 2-3 cm above the fabric without touching it, and let it dry. Garter stitch lies flat by itself, so no further blocking is needed.