Penn State Scarf & Hat Knitting Pattern

Penn State Scarf & Hat Knitting Pattern by Plymouth Yarn

This downloadable knitting pattern from Plymouth Yarn features two coordinating projects celebrating Penn State: a striped scarf and a matching hat. Both designs showcase classic color work using navy and white, making them perfect for fans and alumni. The pattern is provided free with yarn purchase and includes detailed instructions for both garments.

Penn State Scarf

The scarf measures 8 inches wide by 50 inches long, creating a generous accessory suitable for layering or wrapping. This project uses a simple yet striking striped construction that alternates between two colors on every single row.

Materials and Needles: The scarf requires 1 ball each of Plymouth Yarn Encore Worsted in color 848 (navy) and color 208 (white). A 24-inch circular needle in US size 11 is used for the project, though the circular needle functions primarily as a straight needle for this flat piece.

Techniques and Stitches: The scarf is worked in garter stitch, the most fundamental knitting stitch, created by knitting every row. This produces a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges. The pattern employs a color-changing technique where knitters alternate between the two yarn colors on consecutive rows, cutting and attaching yarn with each color change. This method creates distinct horizontal stripes in navy and white. Each row begins and ends with an 8-inch tail, which are later knotted together to form decorative fringe groups at both ends of the scarf.

Gauge: The pattern specifies 12 stitches equals 4 inches in garter stitch on a US 11 needle, or the size needed to achieve proper gauge.

Penn State Hat

The hat is sized at 23 inches in circumference with an 8-inch height, designed as a classic knit cap suitable for most adult head sizes.

Materials and Needles: Like the scarf, the hat uses 1 ball each of Encore Worsted in navy (color 848) and white (color 208). The hat construction requires multiple needle sizes: a 16-inch circular needle in US size 10½ for the initial cast-on and body, and US size 10 or 10½ double-pointed needles for the crown decreases when the circumference becomes too small for the circular needle.

Techniques and Stitches: The hat is worked in the round using circular knitting, which creates a seamless tube. The body features a two-color striped pattern achieved through alternating rounds of knit stitches in white with purl rounds in navy. This combination of knit and purl stitches creates a subtle textured effect while maintaining the color stripe design. The pattern continues this alternating rhythm for 8 inches to establish the hat's main body. The crown is shaped through strategic decreases using the k2tog (knit two together) technique, which reduces stitches gradually with each decrease round. The decreases are spaced progressively closer together, beginning with knit 8 stitches between decreases and continuing through knit 7, 6, 5, 4, and 3 stitches between decreases. Purl rounds in the contrasting color separate each decrease round, maintaining the striped aesthetic throughout the shaping process.

Gauge: The hat uses the same gauge as the scarf: 12 stitches equals 4 inches in garter stitch on a US 11 needle.

Pattern Overview

• Two complementary projects in one pattern download
• Classic navy and white color scheme
• Beginner-friendly techniques using basic knitting stitches
• Garter stitch and stockinette variations create visual interest
• Decorative fringe detail on scarf
• Seamless in-the-round construction for the hat
• Graduated crown decreases for proper hat shaping