Tubular Wavy Scarf Knitting Pattern

Tubular Wavy Scarf in Lion Brand Basic Stitch Anti-Pilling Yarn

What Is Being Made

This is a tubular wavy scarf designed as a beginner-friendly knitting project. The finished scarf measures approximately 6 1/2 inches wide by 36 1/2 inches long (16.5 x 92.5 cm), making it a versatile accessory suitable for everyday wear. The tubular construction creates a seamless, three-dimensional fabric that drapes elegantly around the neck.

Knitting Techniques Used

The scarf is worked in the round using the tubular knitting method, which means stitches are divided across a set of double-pointed needles and worked continuously in circular rounds from the lower edge upward. This technique eliminates the need for seaming and creates a naturally seamless tube. The pattern incorporates a cable cross stitch (5/5 LC or 5 over 5 left cross) to create the wavy texture, where five stitches are slipped to a cable needle, held in front, then worked in a specific sequence to produce the characteristic wave pattern. Two strands of yarn are held together throughout the project to achieve the desired fabric weight and drape.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (k) – the fundamental stitch that forms the base fabric
• Purl stitch (p) – used to create textural contrast and definition in the pattern
• 5/5 LC (5 over 5 left cross) – a cable cross technique where five stitches are slipped to a cable needle and held to the front, five stitches are knitted from the left needle, then the five stitches from the cable needle are knitted to create the wavy, dimensional effect

Pattern Structure and Gauge

The scarf follows a repeating 10-round pattern sequence. Rounds 1 and 2 establish the base texture with a combination of purl and knit stitches. Round 3 introduces the cable cross stitch that creates the wave detail. Rounds 4 through 10 return to the basic knit and purl combination. This 10-round sequence is repeated until the scarf reaches the desired length of approximately 36 1/2 inches. The pattern is worked at a gauge of 18 stitches over 4 inches (10 cm) when measured over the pattern repeat with two strands of yarn held together.

Materials and Tools

The scarf is made using Lion Brand Basic Stitch Anti-Pilling yarn in the colorway #184 Peachy, requiring 4 balls of yarn. The anti-pilling property of this yarn makes it particularly durable and suitable for a frequently-worn accessory. Knitters will need a set of 5 double-pointed knitting needles in size 11 (8 mm) to accommodate the tubular construction method. Additional tools include a cable needle for managing the cable cross stitches, a stitch marker to indicate the beginning of each round, a large-eyed blunt needle for weaving in yarn ends, and a pom-pom maker for optional finishing details. The pattern recommends casting on 56 stitches, divided evenly as 14 stitches per needle across the four working needles.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as Easy and Beginner-friendly, making it an excellent choice for knitters new to circular needles and cable techniques. The straightforward stitch combination and repetitive pattern sequence allow crafters to develop confidence while learning fundamental skills including tubular knitting, basic cable work, and gauge management.