How to Knit the Zick Zack Scarf – A Stunning Yet Simple Beginner Project
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases. This site also utilizes AI to assist with content creation.
Looking for a beginner-friendly yet visually stunning knitting project? The Zick Zack Scarf is the perfect choice! This simple yet elegant scarf uses two self-striping yarns to create a mesmerizing zigzag effect—all without complicated colorwork.
Whether you’re new to knitting or just want a relaxing project, this easy scarf pattern is a great way to practice knit two together (K2tog) and knit front and back (KFB) increases. Plus, the pattern is free on Ravelry! Designer: by Christy Kamm
In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through how to knit the Zick Zack Scarf, share some helpful tips, and recommend the best yarn and tools to use.
🎥 Prefer a video tutorial? Watch my step-by-step breakdown here:
What Makes the Zick Zack Scarf Special?
- Beginner-Friendly: Uses only knit stitches, simple increases, and decreases.
- Color Magic: Self-striping yarns create the pattern without extra effort.
- Relaxing Yet Engaging: The easy rhythm makes it a great mindful knitting project.
- Endless Customization: Experiment with different color combinations for a unique look.
What You’ll Need
🧶 Yarn Suggestions
The Zick Zack Scarf looks best with self-striping yarns in contrasting colors. I recommend Zauberball yarns because they create beautiful gradient effects.
Suggested Yarn:
- Schoppel Zauberball – Maker’s Mercantile
- Schoppel Zauberball Crazy – Adds even more color variation – Maker’s Mercantile
✅ Tip: Choose two contrasting yarns (one light, one dark) to make the zigzag pattern stand out!
Maker’s Mercantile is the North American Distributor for Schoppel, the maker of Zaurberballs. I’ve worked with this company for years. I highly recommend their yarn.
📏 Needles & Tools
- Knitting Needles: US Size 4 (3.5mm)
I've stumbled upon something that I think you might just love—it's the ChiaoGoo Red Lace Circular 24-inch Stainless Steel Knitting Needle, and it's pretty fantastic for all your knitting adventures.
These knitting needles are made from surgical stainless steel, giving them a smooth, satin-like finish that's just delightful to work with. The red cable is specially designed to be memory-free, and it doesn't kink. That means you get to enjoy a seamless knitting experience with less fuss over tangled cords. The needle tips are precisely engineered, making them great for projects that need a little more detail.
Knitting enthusiasts rave about how smooth and flexible these needles are. They appreciate how easily the yarn glides over them, without any hassle. A common praise is for the stainless steel's construction, which is smooth yet grippy enough to prevent yarn from slipping off. The cables
- Stitch Markers: To separate each pattern repeat
Hey! I just stumbled upon this set of 220 knitting stitch markers, and I think you'd love them. They come in random colorful O-rings, perfect for knitting or crocheting, and include a neat storage box that keeps everything organized. These markers are made of sturdy plastic, so they're strong and durable, which is great for long-term use. Plus, they come in three different sizes which gives you a lot of flexibility depending on your project. With so many pieces, you won’t be running out anytime soon. It sounds like a pretty sweet deal, especially if you're into crafting as much as I think you are. Check them out!
- Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends
How to Knit the Zick Zack Scarf
Step 1: Casting On
- Cast on 96 stitches using a long-tail cast-on for a stretchy edge.
- Place a stitch marker every 12 stitches to keep track of the pattern repeats.
Step 2: Understanding the Pattern
The Zick Zack Scarf follows a simple 12-stitch repeat using just two basic techniques:
✅ K2tog (knit two together) – Creates a right-leaning decrease
✅ KFB (knit front and back) – Adds a new stitch to balance the decreases
Pattern Repeat (12 stitches):
- Knit 5, K2tog, Knit 4, KFB
- Repeat across the row
✅ Tip: Always switch to the second color every two rows to create the beautiful striping effect.
Step 3: Changing Colors Without Gaps
Every two rows, switch to the next color. To avoid a loose edge:
- Hold the previous color snugly against the needle.
- Twist the yarns together once before starting the new row.
- Knit the first two stitches slightly looser to keep edges neat.
🎥 Watch this technique in action in my video tutorial
Step 4: Finishing Your Scarf
- Continue knitting until the scarf reaches your desired length (about 70 inches).
- Bind off loosely using a standard bind-off method.
- Weave in the ends using a tapestry needle.
- Lightly block the scarf to even out the zigzag edges.
✅ Tip: Steam blocking works best for this project to relax the stitches without stretching them out too much.
Common Questions About the Zick Zack Scarf
Q: Is this a good beginner knitting project?
Absolutely! The Zick Zack Scarf is a great beginner-friendly pattern because it only uses basic knit stitches and simple increases/decreases.
Q: What if I lose track of my stitch count?
Using stitch markers every 12 stitches helps you stay on track without counting the entire row.
Q: Can I use solid-colored yarn instead of self-striping yarn?
Yes! However, the zigzag effect is more subtle. If using solids, pick high-contrast colors to maintain the visual impact.
Final Thoughts – Why You’ll Love This Scarf
The Zick Zack Scarf is the perfect knitting-for-beginners project that produces a gorgeous result with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing knitting project or want to experiment with colors, this scarf is a must-try!
💡 Ready to cast on? Get the free pattern here: Zick Zack Scarf – Ravelry
🛍️ Need knitting tools? Check out my favorite picks in my Knitting Resources & Tools.
📌 Want more easy knitting patterns? Follow me on Pinterest and Instagram for daily inspiration
