ZickZack Scarf Free Knitting Pattern

Pattern design © Christy Kamm

The ZickZack Scarf by Christy Kamm is a popular free knitting pattern that creates bold chevron stripes using a simple sequence of increases and decreases.

Also commonly searched for as the Zick Zack Scarf, this design is especially effective with self-striping or contrasting fingering-weight yarns. The changing colors emphasize the zigzag shape and make every finished scarf look a little different.

ZickZack Scarf Pattern at a Glance

Designer: Christy Kamm

Pattern: ZickZack Scarf

Craft: Knitting

Category: Scarf / Neckwear

Yarn Weight: Fingering / Light Fingering

Construction: Worked flat

Stitch Style: Garter-stitch chevrons

Techniques: Increases and decreases

Color Style: Alternating or self-striping yarns

Language: English

Pattern Availability: Free

About the ZickZack Scarf

The ZickZack Scarf has become a favorite project for knitters who enjoy colorful yarn combinations and repetitive knitting. Its distinctive chevron shape is created through strategically placed increases and decreases rather than complicated cable or lace techniques.

The scarf is worked back and forth, and the garter-stitch fabric gives it a soft, flexible texture. Once the stitch sequence becomes familiar, the pattern develops into a rhythmic project that works particularly well for relaxed knitting.

Choosing Yarn for the ZickZack Scarf

Fingering and light-fingering yarns are especially popular for this design. Many knitters combine two different self-striping yarns so that the color changes interact across the chevron pattern.

Solid, tonal and gradient yarns can also work well. Using two strongly contrasting colors will make the zigzag structure more obvious, while closely related colors create a softer and more blended effect.

Why the Zigzag Pattern Works So Well

The scarf gets its characteristic peaks and valleys from simple increases and decreases repeated across each row. This creates the familiar zigzag or chevron appearance without requiring complicated shaping.

Because the construction is straightforward, much of the visual impact comes from yarn choice. This makes the pattern particularly useful for showcasing colorful sock yarn, hand-dyed yarn or leftovers from other fingering-weight projects.

Needle and Gauge Notes

ZickZack Scarf projects are commonly worked with fingering-weight yarn on relatively relaxed needle sizes so that the finished fabric has a comfortable drape.

Always refer to the current designer instructions when choosing your needle size and yarn combination. Because this is a scarf rather than a fitted garment, exact gauge is generally less critical than achieving a fabric you like.

Get the Free ZickZack Scarf Pattern

The ZickZack Scarf was designed by Christy Kamm. Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the designer's complete knitting instructions.

Visit the original Ravelry pattern page below for the current pattern information and free pattern access.

Get the Free ZickZack Scarf Pattern

Pattern design © Christy Kamm. Pattern availability is controlled by the designer and may change over time.

Leaves Bandana Cowl

The photo above © KnittedWishes

This beautiful Leaves Bandana Cowl project is based on the popular Bandana Cowl by Purl Soho, a clever free knitting pattern that combines the warmth of a cowl with the pointed shape and extra front coverage of a bandana.

Instead of simply knitting a straight tube, the design uses short rows to create its distinctive shape. The result sits comfortably around the neck while extending farther down at the front — especially useful under a coat or jacket in colder weather.

Bandana Cowl at a Glance

Pattern: Bandana Cowl

Designer: Purl Soho

First Published: October 2011

Craft: Knitting

Category: Cowl / Neck Warmer

Yarn Weight: Aran / 10 ply

Needle Size: US 10 / 6.0 mm

Gauge: 16 stitches × 24 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm

Yardage: About 139 yards / 127 m for the one-color version

Size: One Size

Construction: In the round with short-row shaping

Pattern Availability: Free

About the Purl Soho Bandana Cowl

Purl Soho's Bandana Cowl has become a modern knitting classic because it solves a simple problem: traditional tubular cowls do not always provide much coverage at the front of the neck.

This design adds a pointed section that extends downward like a bandana, while keeping the convenience and secure fit of a cowl.

The shaping is created with short rows rather than by sewing a separate triangular piece onto the cowl.

Finished Size

The current pattern is written in one size. The finished measurements are approximately:

• Neck opening: 17¼ inches in circumference
• Height from the front point: 13½ inches

The neck opening is designed to stretch comfortably when the cowl is pulled over the head.

Yarn and Yardage

The current Purl Soho version uses Plenty, an Aran-weight extra-fine merino yarn.

For the standard one-color version, approximately 139 yards / 127 metres are required.

You do not have to use the original yarn, but when substituting yarn, concentrate on matching the published gauge and choosing a yarn that will feel comfortable against the neck.

Needles and Gauge

The current pattern recommends a US 10 / 6.0 mm, 16-inch circular needle.

The published gauge is:

16 stitches × 24 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm in stockinette stitch

Needle size is only a starting point. Use the needle size that allows you to obtain the correct gauge with your chosen yarn.

How the Bandana Shape Is Created

The clever part of this project is its construction. The cowl is worked in the round, but short-row shaping creates extra fabric at the front.

This gradually develops the distinctive pointed bandana shape without requiring a separate scarf or shawl to be tied around the neck.

If short rows are new to you, read through the designer's complete instructions before beginning so you understand where the shaping occurs.

Skills Used

Helpful skills for this project include:

• Casting on
• Knitting in the round
• Using circular needles
• Stockinette stitch
• Short-row shaping
• Binding off
• Weaving in yarn ends

More Than One Version

Purl Soho has expanded the pattern over time, so the current version offers several styling possibilities rather than only the original solid-color cowl.

Options include a classic one-color version as well as colorblock, Breton stripe, transitional stripe, and monogram variations.

Yarn requirements vary between versions, so check the current pattern before purchasing yarn for a striped or two-color cowl.

Good News: The Pattern Is Still Free

Purl Soho's Bandana Cowl is currently available as a free knitting pattern. Ravelry also provides a free pattern download and links to Purl Soho's current version.

Why This Pattern Has Stayed Popular

The Bandana Cowl has been knitted thousands of times, and its enduring appeal is easy to understand: it uses relatively little yarn, has an unusual but practical shape, and introduces short-row shaping in a manageable accessory-sized project.

It can also be a useful way to turn a special skein of warm yarn into something that is both decorative and practical.

Get the Free Bandana Cowl Pattern

Visit the Ravelry pattern page for the current free pattern information and access to Purl Soho's pattern.

Get the Free Bandana Cowl Pattern →

Pattern credit: Bandana Cowl was designed and published by Purl Soho. The project photo featured on this Amazing Knitting page is credited to KnittedWishes. Pattern specifications and availability may change over time.

More Free Cowl Knitting Patterns

Explore more free cowl knitting patterns, bandana-style cowls, and free scarf knitting patterns from the Amazing Knitting archive.

Before You Start

Check the current Purl Soho pattern before casting on, choose which version you want to make, confirm its yarn requirements, and swatch your chosen yarn if finished size and fit are important to you.

My Amigurumi Bunny Journey: How Many Have I Made? (Plus Free Patterns!)

Francis the Easter Bunny

Calling all bunny lovers! Can you guess how many cuddly amigurumi bunnies I've crocheted and knitted in the past four years?   Take a guess: 5, 10, 15, or 20?

Join me as I share my collection of adorable bunnies and the valuable lessons I've learned along the way. Each bunny holds a special place in my heart and represents a new skill I mastered in crocheting, knitting, or even about myself!

Plus, I'm giving away some free amigurumi bunny patterns for you to create your own fluffy friends!

Full Post: Guess How Many I've Crocheted & Knit