New to knitting, I want to knit a scarf for my boyfriend. What should I know?

Question

I've read about casting on, various stitches, etc and know the basic procedures. How much yarn will I need to knit a long scarf and what size needles would you recommend? Is there a certain stitch to use in scarf-knitting to keep the scarf from rolling? Also, in what ways can I make the scarf as masculine as possible? I want to do stripes of dark colors, I think. What else should I know as a beginning knitter?

Answer 1

Many free patterns for various kinds of scarves are available at source. Depending on what you select, it would use different amounts of yarn and size of needles. Patterns give this advice. Also, at places where yarn is sold, free patterns are provided by the yarn manufacturers. WalMart sells yarn and has free patterns, needles, etc.  

Answer 2

This is a good beginner scarf for men.

http://knitonthenet.com/issue4/patterns/...

It uses more than one colour.

Here’s another, just use your bf’s favourite colours.

It’s straight knitting (garter stitch) for 7 feet.  It’s up to you whether or not you add the fringe.

http://www.roxycraft.com/simple_garter_s...

This one uses a different colour just for the fringe

http://www.knitwitch.com/easy%20knit%20s...

I would just go with a pattern to start.  Then you won't be buying a lot of materials you might not want later.  I bought a lot of yarn I thought I wanted and now it's sitting in the closet.

Answer 3

Whenever I think of a masculine scarf that is "IN", I think of the Harry Potter scarf (just change the colors).  There are several patterns for it online.  Here's one... http://knit.atypically.net/scarves/hogwa...  I think they're nice particularly for younger men.  You can change the number of stripes, colors, to suit your boyfriend's style.

I've made my husband and son scarfs found here... http://www.bernat.com/pattern.php?PG=man  They are shorter, and thicker, I have added to the length though for women, because we like to tuck them in our coats all the way to the waist, it adds warmth on long walks.  I live in Quebec and the short thick scarf is good to stay warm while shoveling snow, it doesn't get in the way.  My family doesn't really wear scarfs for fashion, we wear for function :-)