Running Cables Scarf

Free Scarf Knitting Pattern

The Running Cables Scarf is a classic design that teaches you how to knit cables. This pattern uses simple cable twists that move across the scarf in a steady rhythm. It works well for advanced beginners who know the basic knit and purl stitches and want to learn cables. The scarf features a background of reverse stockinette stitch with raised cable panels that add texture and interest. You can knit it in a solid color or a yarn with subtle flecks for extra depth. Follow the clear instructions to create a warm, timeless scarf you will enjoy wearing or giving as a gift.

Finished Measurements: 8” wide x 76” long

Skills Required/Techniques Used:
- Knit & purl
- Working cables

Materials: Elann (affiliate link) Peruvian Highland Donnegal, 90% wool, 10% donegal worsted weight yarn 109 yards (100 meters) / 50 g, color gray – 3-4 skeins

Needles: 4mm/US #6 straight needles OR SIZE NEEDED TO OBTAIN GAUGE

Gauge: 20 st x 24 rows = 4" x 4" (10 cm x 10 cm) in stockinette stitch.

Notes: gauge is not crucial for the pattern, but it should not differ much because it will influence the final size of the item

Notions: cable needle, yarn needle

Abbreviations:
K – knit
P – purl
St – stitch
Sts – stitches
4/4 LC – 4/4 left slant cable
as est. - as established, work as the pattern demands

Pattern Notes:

Stockinette Stitch:
Row 1 (RS) : knit
Row 2 (WS): purl
Repeat 2 rows.

Reverse Stockinette Stitch:
Row 1 (RS): purl
Row 2 (WS): knit
Repeat 2 rows.

Garter Stitch: All rows knit.

Cable over 8 knitted stitches, left-leaning:
Slip 4 stitches onto a cable needle and hold in front, k4 then k4 from cable needle.

Selvedge/edge stitches: knit the first stitch and purl the last stitch in each row.


Short Overview of the Pattern:

The scarf is worked from one short edge to the other in reverse stockinette st, stockinette st and 4 x 4 cables with the borders in garter stitch.


Scarf

Cast on 41 sts.

Rows 1 - 6: Knit. (41 sts)

Row 7 (RS): K5, (p5, k8) × 2, p5, k4, p1.

Row 8 (WS): K 10, p8, k5, p8, k9, p1.

Rows 9 - 16: Repeat rows 7 - 8.

Row 17: K5, p5, 4/4 LC, p5, k8, p5, k4, p1.

Row 18: Repeat row 8.

Rows 19 - 24: Repeat rows 7 -8.

Row 25: Repeat row 17.

Row 26: Repeat row 8.

Rows 27 -36: Repeat rows 7-8.

Row 37: K5, p5, k8, p5, 4/4 LC, p5, k4, p1.

Rows 38: Repeat row 8

Rows 41-44: Repeat rows 7 - 8.

Row 45: Repeat row 37

Row 46: Repeat row 8.

Repeat rows 7 - 46 to desired length.

Finish with 6 rows in garter stitch – all rows knit. Bind off.


Finishing:

Weave in the yarn ends. Block.

Have fun!

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