A hooded scarf is one rectangle with a folded hood sewn to one end
A hooded scarf combines a long rectangular scarf with a hood that folds down from one end. You knit the scarf first as a straightforward rectangle, then knit or fold a separate hood piece and attach it. The hood sits at the back of your neck when worn, and the scarf drapes down your front. This is simpler than it sounds because the hood is just another rectangle, folded in half and sewn to the top edge of your scarf.
The basic approach works with any yarn weight and any stitch pattern you already know. Garter stitch (knit every row) is the easiest choice for a first hooded scarf because it lies flat and doesn't curl. Stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl one row) also works but will curl slightly at the edges unless you add a border. Most hooded scarves use yarn in the worsted or bulky weight range, which knits up quickly.
Key Takeaways
- A hooded scarf is a rectangle of knitting with a folded hood sewn to one short end, and you can make it with any yarn and stitch pattern you know.
- The scarf body is typically 6 to 8 inches wide and 40 to 60 inches long, depending on how much fabric you want around your neck.
- The hood is a separate rectangle, usually 8 to 10 inches wide and 12 to 16 inches long, folded in half and sewn to the top of the scarf.
- You can knit the hood as a separate piece or fold and seam a rectangle of stockinette stitch to create the hood shape.
- Mattress stitch or whip stitch holds the hood securely to the scarf and creates an invisible seam.
Choosing yarn and needles for your scarf
Worsted weight yarn (medium #4) is the standard choice for a hooded scarf because it knits at a reasonable speed and creates a fabric that drapes well without being too heavy. Bulky weight (#5) works if you want the scarf to knit faster and feel thicker. Avoid fingering or sport weight unless you have patience for a long project — a 50-inch scarf in fingering weight can take weeks.
Match your needle size to the yarn label recommendation. If the yarn says "size 8 needles," use size 8. The needle length matters too: use 24-inch or 29-inch circular needles or long straight needles so you have room for all your stitches. If you use needles that are too short, your stitches will bunch and become hard to work.
Plan for roughly 400 to 600 yards of yarn total, depending on how long you want the scarf and how wide. A 6-inch-wide, 50-inch-long scarf in worsted weight uses about 500 yards. Check the yardage on your yarn label and buy accordingly.
Casting on and knitting the scarf rectangle
Cast on 24 to 32 stitches, depending on your yarn weight and how wide you want the scarf. Worsted weight at 24 stitches gives you roughly 6 inches wide; 32 stitches gives you about 8 inches. If you are unsure, knit a small swatch first: cast on 20 stitches, knit 20 rows, bind off, and measure the width. This tells you how many stitches you need for your target width.
Knit every row (garter stitch) until your scarf measures 50 to 60 inches long. This is the most forgiving stitch and creates a fabric that does not curl. Count your rows or measure as you go — it is straightforward to lose track of length. If you prefer stockinette stitch, knit one row and purl one row, but plan to add a garter stitch border (2 to 3 rows of knit stitches) at each short end to prevent curling.
Bind off all stitches loosely when you reach your target length. A loose bind-off keeps the edge from puckering. Weave in the yarn ends with a tapestry needle.
Knitting the hood as a separate piece
The hood is a rectangle that you fold in half and attach to the top of your scarf. Cast on the same number of stitches as your scarf (24 to 32 stitches) and knit until the hood measures 12 to 16 inches long. This folded length gives you a hood that sits comfortably at the back of your neck without being too deep or too shallow.
Use the same stitch pattern as your scarf so the textures match. Garter stitch is easiest and looks intentional. Bind off loosely and weave in the ends. You now have two rectangles: the scarf and the hood.
Fold the hood rectangle in half lengthwise, so the two short ends meet. This creates a tube. The fold becomes the top of the hood (the part that sits on your head), and the open edge becomes the bottom (the part that attaches to the scarf). Pin this open edge to one short end of your scarf, matching the center of the hood opening to the center of the scarf end.
Seaming the hood to the scarf
Use mattress stitch to attach the hood to the scarf. Thread a tapestry needle with yarn that matches your scarf. Starting at one corner, insert the needle under the first stitch on the scarf edge, then under the first stitch on the hood edge. Move up one stitch and repeat, working back and forth between the two pieces. Mattress stitch creates an invisible seam and is stronger than whip stitch for this job.
Work slowly and keep your tension even so the seam does not pucker. After every 2 to 3 inches, gently pull the yarn to tighten the seam. When you reach the other end, tie off the yarn inside the hood where it will not show.
Try on the scarf and check that the hood sits at the right depth. If it feels too shallow, you can add extra rows to the hood before seaming. If it feels too deep, you can unravel a few rows and reattach. Most people prefer a hood that covers the back of the head and neck without covering the ears.
Adding a lining or reinforcing the seam
A lining inside the hood keeps the seam from rubbing against your neck and adds durability. Cut a rectangle of cotton or fleece fabric the same size as your hood rectangle, fold it in half, and hand-stitch it to the inside of the hood using whip stitch. The fabric should cover the mattress stitch seam completely.
If you do not want a lining, reinforce the seam by running a second line of mattress stitch next to the first, using the same yarn. This doubles the strength of the attachment and prevents the hood from pulling away with wear.
Alternatively, you can skip both steps if your yarn is sturdy and your mattress stitch is tight. Many hooded scarves hold up fine without reinforcement, especially if you do not wear them constantly.
Finishing touches and wearing your hooded scarf
Weave in any remaining yarn ends and trim them close to the fabric. Block your scarf if needed: lay it flat on a towel, pin the edges to shape, and let it dry. Blocking is optional for garter stitch but helpful if you used stockinette or a lacy pattern.
To wear the hooded scarf, slip the hood over your head so it sits at the back of your neck and covers your ears if you want. The scarf body drapes down your front and can wrap around your neck once or twice depending on length. The hood stays in place because it is sewn to the scarf, not because of any fasteners.
Wash your hooded scarf by hand in cool water with mild soap, squeeze out excess water gently, and lay it flat to dry. Do not wring or twist it. If the yarn is delicate, use a wool wash product designed for hand-knit items.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I knit the hood as part of the scarf instead of sewing it on?
Yes. After knitting your scarf rectangle, pick up stitches along one short end and knit the hood directly from the scarf. This eliminates the seam and is faster, but requires more attention to stitch counts. Most beginners find it easier to knit the hood separately and attach it, because mistakes are easier to fix.
What if my hood is too big or too small after I attach it?
If the hood is too shallow, unravel the mattress stitch seam, add more rows to the hood, and reattach. If it is too deep, unravel a few rows from the hood before reattaching. You can also adjust the fit by changing how far back on your head you wear it.
Do I need to block my hooded scarf?
Blocking is optional for garter stitch but recommended if you used stockinette or a textured stitch. Blocking evens out the stitches and helps the scarf drape better. Lay it flat on a towel, pin the edges, and let it dry completely.
How much yarn do I actually need?
A typical hooded scarf uses 400 to 600 yards depending on width and length. Weigh your yarn as you knit to track usage, or measure the remaining yarn against a ruler to estimate how much you have left.
Can I use a pattern I found online?
Yes. Search for "hooded scarf knitting pattern" and choose one that matches your skill level and yarn weight. Follow the pattern's stitch counts and row counts instead of the general guidelines here. Patterns often include specific shaping or stitch details that improve the fit.