Father-in-Law Scarf
A simple twist on the classic garter stitch scarf. The textured design of the father-in-law scarf suits both men and women, making it the perfect holiday gift.
Ever since I was young, maybe 12 years old, knitting projects have been my go-to gifts.
For close friends and family, I enjoy hand-selecting yarn and customizing patterns to match their personality. This makes the holiday season especially fun (and busy) because I always have a long list of exciting projects to work on. By this point I know everyone’s hat, glove, sock, and sweater sizes by heart.
And when I want to knit a gift for someone I don’t know very well? Scarves are my go-to. I aim for simple, classy stitch patterns paired with colors that I’ve already seem them wear, which is exactly how I designed the Father-in-law scarf.
What you’ll need:
- 4-5 balls of Cotton 100% yarn from Katia Yarns. I used Color 12 (Tan)
- Black sewing thread
- 3.5mm straight knitting needles
- Darning needle for weaving in ends
Abbreviations:
- CO: Cast on (we used the classic long-tail cast on)
- k: knit
- Sl1wyib: slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn held in back
- Sl1wyif: slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn held in front
Gauge:
- 23 stitches = 10cm in garter stitch on 3.5mm needles.
Sizes:
- This pattern is one-size. The scarf measure approximately 18cm wide, and can be knit to any length.
Notes:
- I find cotton yarn to be a bit heavy, leading to overly-stretched garments. So I added a single strand of black sewing thread. The sewing thread stops excessive stretching while also adding a nice visual effect.
What you’ll need:
- 4-5 balls of Cotton 100% yarn from Katia Yarns. I used Color 12 (Tan)
- Black sewing thread
- US size 4 straight knitting needles
- Darning needle for weaving in ends
Abbreviations:
- CO: Cast on (we used the classic long-tail cast on)
- k: knit
- Sl1wyib: slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn held in back
- Sl1wyif: slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn held in front
Gauge:
- 23 stitches = 4in in garter stitch on US size 4 needles.
Sizes:
- This pattern is one-size. The scarf measure approximately 7 inches wide, and can be knit to any length.
Notes:
- I find cotton yarn to be a bit heavy, leading to overly-stretched garments. So I added a single strand of black sewing thread. The sewing thread stops excessive stretching while also adding a nice visual effect.
Chart:
Instructions
Holding the yarn and sewing thread together, CO 42 stitches.
Knit 2 rows, then continue to Row 1.
Row 1 (rs): Sl1wyib, k to end
Row 2 (ws): Sl1wyib, k2, (sl1wyif, k6)x5, sl1wyif, k3
Repeat rows 1 and 2 until scarf reaches desired length.
Knit 2 rows to finish the border, then cast off.
Finishing
Weave in any loose ends and block to finish.
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I really like this pattern! Can you please tell me the yarn weight? I can’t find it. Thanks!
Hi Judy,
It’s DK yarn (light worsted, N°3).
Though I’m sure this pattern would work with worsted weight too. It’s very versatile.
Let me know how it turns out!