Simple Summer Scarf Knitting Pattern

Looking for a lightweight knit scarf pattern for summer? Something airy and breezy to wear over tank tops or a dress? I have the perfect summer knit scarf pattern for you! This gorgeous cotton knit scarf works up easily with a straightforward knitting pattern. You only need to know how to knit and yarn over (yo) to work up this summer cotton scarf. The seafoam stitch pattern creates the most beautiful, airy texture and makes the scarf quicker to knit up.

Keep reading to get the FREE knit scarf pattern for the warm seasons. The size as written should be long enough, but you can certainly alter the length of your scarf and add fringe if you’d like. I’ve got all the details and step-by-step instructions for the scarf in the easy knit pattern below. It may just become one of your favorite summer knit scarf patterns!

This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I may make a commission at no cost to you. Please see my full disclosure policy for more details.

Easy Knit Summer Scarf Pattern

The idea behind this knit scarf pattern is to create one long rectangle with BASIC KNIT STITCHES working in rows. You will be knitting the one piece using a Seafoam stitch pattern. Lastly, you can add optional fringe to each short end.

The following is a list of supplies you would need to create one knit scarf. Use similar yarn (size 3, light weight yarn) and the same knitting needle size to make your own.

Supplies

Lion Brand Coboo Size 3 cotton (232 yds per skein)
- Color: Silver
- 241 yds total (225 yds for scarf and 16 yds for fringe)
Size 7 (4.5 mm) straight needles
Scissors
tapestry (yarn) needle
crochet hook to add optional fringe

Knitting Abbreviations

BO – bind off

CO – cast on

K – knit stitch

yo – yarn over

sts – stitches

Rep – repeat

RS – Right Side

WS – Wrong Side

PATTERN INFORMATION

The FREE simple lace scarf knitting pattern is provided below, for intermediate knitters.

but you can also get the ad-free, printable pdf pattern for the KNIT LACE SCARF in the ETSY SHOP! The pdf has some helpful photos included, as well as a video tutorial.

Seafoam Scarf Knit Pattern - wearing wrapped

How to Knit a Summer Scarf

What is the best material for scarves in the summer?

Cotton yarn, bamboo yarn, and linen yarn are the best materials to knit a summer scarf, as they are more breathable.

Can a beginner knit a summer scarf?

Yes! Especially with a repetitive easy stitch pattern using basic knit stitches and simple techniques! This pattern has an Intermediate skill level due to the need to work yarn overs on certain rows and drop them on subsequent rows. But I think an advanced beginner can handle this by paying careful attention.

Here I will walk you through each step of making this modern mesh knit scarf, using your favorite yarn color. You will be using the Seafoam stitch pattern throughout the scarf.

Finished Measurements:

9″ width by 60″ length
Measurements are for finished scarf without fringe, fringe adds about 6″ total to length

Gauge: 4″ (10cm) square = 16 STS BY 14.5 ROWS, blocked

Gauge is not too critical.

Lace Knit Scarf Pattern

NOTE –

First, you will begin working the pattern repeat at the bottom of the scarf. Next, you will continue working the pattern repeat until the scarf measures approximately 60” length. Next, you will bind off and block the scarf. Lastly, you can optionally add fringe to the two short edges.

Lace Knit Scarf FREE Pattern

With size 7 (4.5 mm) needles,

CO 36 sts with size 3 cotton yarn.

Pattern Repeat

Rows 1-2: Knit. (36 sts)

Row 3 (RS): K6, *yo twice, k1, yo 3 times, k1, yo 4 times, k1, yo 3 times, k1, yo twice, k6; rep from * across.

Row 4: Knit, dropping all yo’s off needle. (36 sts)

Rows 5-6: Knit.

Row 7: K1, *yo twice, k1, yo 3 times, k1, yo 4 times, k1, yo 3 times, k1, yo twice, k6; rep from * across (and end last rep with k1).

Row 8: Knit, dropping all yo’s off needle. (36 sts)

Work Pattern Repeat until scarf measures approximately 60″ length, ending with a Row 4 or Row 8.

(For reference, I worked the Pattern Repeat 27 times total)

Last 2 Rows: Knit.

Bind off.

Blocking

Block seafoam scarf to 9” wide by 60″ length (or your desired length).

For cotton yarn, you can block by lightly wetting the yarn (you can spray with water) and pinning to blocking mat or towel.

Finishing

Weave in loose ends or include in fringe.

Add optional fringe to short ends of scarf as follows:

Cut 36 strands of 8” yarn (it’s quicker to do this by wrapping yarn around 4” width thin piece of cardboard 36 times, then cut the bottom yarn).
Fold one strand in half, forming a loop.
Using a crochet hook, pull the loop through a stitch at the bottom corner of your scarf (from front to back), then pull the loose ends through the loop. Tug to tighten the fringe.

Repeat these steps to add fringe to each stitch at the short end of the scarf, 36 stitches total.

Lastly, trim ends to even out the fringe.

Repeat ALL steps above to add 36 strands of fringe to the 2nd short edge of scarf.

Important Tips for Knitting your Scarf

Some things to keep in mind as you work the lace knit scarf pattern are:

Work Rows 3 and 7 of the pattern repeat very carefully, ensuring the correct number of yo stitches.
Always count stitches after working Rows 4 and 8 to ensure that you returned to having 36 stitches on the needle.
Customize:
- Feel free to add or subtract rows from your scarf to adjust the length
- just be sure to end your pattern repeat with a Row 4 or 8

Seafoam Scarf Knit Pattern - finished scarf

Knit Summer Scarf

The loose and airy knit scarf makes a great layering piece in the summer. The stylish design of this textured scarf is so interesting – you’re bound to get compliments from making this beautiful pattern. Personally, I think the best part is the seafoam pattern that reminds one of the ocean. Isn’t it amazing the texture you can make with simple knit & yo stitches?

Wear it draped across your shoulders or wrapped around your neck for two different looks. The summer knit scarf is just what you need for breezy summer evenings. It would be lovely as a summer wedding wrap, too.

Don’t forget that this knit mesh scarf pattern is also available in an ad-free digital pdf pattern. The pdf has a few helpful photos and video tutorial. Grab the KNIT SCARF PATTERN in my Etsy shop.

Love summer knit patterns? Check out these other knit projects…