An infinity scarf is a loop you knit flat, then seam closed

An infinity scarf is a rectangle of knitted fabric sewn into a circle so it pulls over your head without a clasp or tie. You knit it the same way you knit any rectangular scarf — cast on stitches, knit row after row in a straightforward stitch pattern, bind off — then sew the two short ends together. The finished loop sits around your neck in a single or double wrap depending on how long you made it.

The easiest pattern for a first infinity scarf is garter stitch, which is knit stitch on every row. It lies flat, looks the same on both sides, and has no wrong side to worry about. A typical infinity scarf uses worsted weight yarn and size 8 to 10 needles, takes about 200 to 300 yards of yarn, and takes most knitters a week or two of casual work.

Key Takeaways

  • Cast on 30 to 40 stitches and knit in garter stitch (knit every row) until the piece measures 50 to 60 inches long, then bind off.
  • Garter stitch is the simplest pattern for an infinity scarf because every row is the same and both sides look identical.
  • Sew the two short ends together with a yarn needle using mattress stitch, which creates an invisible seam.
  • Worsted weight yarn and US size 8 to 10 needles are standard choices that work for most body sizes and hand strengths.

Cast on and choose your stitch count

Cast on between 30 and 40 stitches using the long-tail cast-on or cable cast-on, whichever you know. The exact number depends on your yarn weight and needle size — thicker yarn and larger needles mean fewer stitches for the same width. A scarf that is 5 to 6 inches wide is comfortable for most people, so test your gauge by knitting a small swatch first if you are unsure.

If you have never knitted before, start with 36 stitches in worsted weight yarn on size 9 needles. This combination is forgiving and produces a scarf that drapes well without being too heavy. Once you cast on, knit the first row loosely — the cast-on edge should stretch slightly when you pull it, not feel tight.

Knit in garter stitch until you reach the target length

Knit every row until your piece measures 50 to 60 inches from the cast-on edge. Garter stitch means you knit (not purl) every stitch on every row. Do not switch to purl rows — that creates stockinette stitch, which curls at the edges and is harder to seam invisibly.

Measure your work every 10 rows or so by laying it flat on a table and using a ruler or measuring tape. Garter stitch grows slowly, so the scarf will take longer than you might expect. A 60-inch scarf in worsted weight usually takes 300 to 400 rows, which is roughly 8 to 12 hours of knitting time depending on your speed.

Keep the edges as even as possible by knitting the first and last stitch of every row firmly. Loose edge stitches make the seam harder to hide later. If you notice a dropped stitch, pick it up right away with a crochet hook before it unravels further down the rows.

Bind off and prepare to seam

Once you reach your target length, bind off all stitches using the standard bind-off: knit two stitches, pass the first stitch over the second, knit one more stitch, pass the first over the second, and repeat until one stitch remains. Cut the yarn, pull the tail through the last stitch, and pull tight.

Before you seam, lay the rectangle flat and check that both short ends are straight and even. If one end is wavy, you can gently block it by pinning it to shape on a towel and letting it dry, but this step is optional for garter stitch. Thread a yarn needle with a length of yarn about 24 inches long — use the same yarn you knitted with, or a matching color if you have leftover yarn.

Seam the ends together with mattress stitch

Mattress stitch creates an invisible seam by weaving through the loops on the edges of your knitted fabric. Lay the rectangle flat with the two short ends facing you. Thread the needle under the first loop on the left edge of the right end, then under the first loop on the right edge of the left end. Pull the yarn snug but not tight — it should disappear into the fabric.

Continue weaving under one loop on each side, working your way down the edge. Every few stitches, pull the yarn gently to close the gap. The seam should feel smooth and the edges should meet without bunching. Once you reach the bottom, weave back up through the same loops to reinforce the seam, then weave the yarn tail into the fabric and trim it.

Turn the scarf right-side out (though garter stitch looks the same either way) and try it on. The loop should slip over your head and sit comfortably around your neck in a single or double wrap. If the seam feels bumpy or the loop is too tight, you may have pulled the mattress stitch too firmly — you can carefully undo it and re-seam with a looser tension.

Adjust the width and length for your body

The numbers above — 36 stitches, 60 inches long — work for most adults, but your body may need something different. If you are petite or have a narrow neck, try 30 stitches and 50 inches. If you are tall or prefer a thicker wrap, try 40 stitches and 70 inches. The loop should wrap around your neck once comfortably, or twice if you like a fuller look.

You can also change the width by casting on more or fewer stitches. Each additional 4 stitches adds roughly half an inch to the width. A scarf that is 4 inches wide feels delicate; 6 inches is standard; 8 inches is chunky and warm. Thicker yarn knits faster, so if you want to finish sooner, use bulky weight yarn instead of worsted, and go up two needle sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I knit an infinity scarf in the round instead of seaming?

Yes, but it is more complicated for a beginner. You would cast on using circular needles or double-pointed needles, knit in a continuous spiral, and bind off without seaming. This method works well once you are comfortable with circular needles, but flat knitting and seaming is simpler the first time.

What if my seam is lumpy or visible?

Mattress stitch takes practice. If your seam is bumpy, you likely pulled the yarn too tight. Undo it carefully, re-thread the needle, and weave through the loops again with a looser hand. The seam should feel soft and the edges should meet without puckering.

How much yarn do I actually need?

A 60-inch infinity scarf in worsted weight uses roughly 250 to 300 yards. Bulky weight uses less — about 150 to 200 yards. Buy a ball or skein and weigh it or check the yardage on the label. If you run short, you can always make the scarf shorter or use a thinner yarn and smaller needles.

Can I use a different stitch pattern instead of garter stitch?

Yes, but garter stitch is easiest because every row is identical. Stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl the next) curls at the edges and is harder to seam. Ribbed patterns work but take longer. Once you finish one garter stitch scarf, you can experiment with other stitches.

Do I need to block the finished scarf?

Garter stitch does not need blocking, but you can wet-block it if the edges are wavy. Soak it in cool water, squeeze out excess water gently, pin it to shape on a towel, and let it dry flat. This step is optional and makes little difference for garter stitch.