Scrunch Scarf in Spud & Chloe Outer - Downloadable PDF

Scrunch Scarf in Spud & Chloe Outer – Free Knitting Pattern by Susan B. Anderson

The Scrunch Scarf is a free, beginner-friendly knitting pattern designed by Susan B. Anderson and published through Spud & Chloë. Available as a downloadable PDF, this pattern produces a beautifully textured, chunky scarf that measures 5 inches wide by 64 inches in length after blocking. The distinctive "scrunch" effect comes from alternating sections of stockinette stitch and garter stitch worked on two different needle sizes, creating a naturally gathered, dimensional fabric that gives the scarf its playful, cozy character.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a single super chunky knitted scarf with a unique scrunched texture. The finished piece is generously long at 64 inches, making it easy to wrap, loop, or drape in multiple ways. The alternating stitch sections cause the fabric to naturally pull in and expand at intervals, producing a rippled, gathered silhouette that is both visually interesting and wonderfully squishy to wear.

Techniques Used

• Casting on – The scarf begins with a cast-on of 24 stitches using the larger needle size.
• Needle switching – A key technique in this pattern is deliberately switching between US size 15 needles for the stockinette sections and US size 11 needles for the garter stitch sections. This size difference is what creates the scrunching effect.
• k2tog (knit two together) – A basic decrease stitch used when transitioning from the stockinette section to the garter section, reducing the stitch count from 24 stitches down to 12 stitches to create the gathered look.
• kfb (knit front and back) – A simple increase stitch used when transitioning back to the stockinette section, expanding the stitch count from 12 back to 24 stitches.
• Working flat on circular or double-pointed needles – Susan B. Anderson recommends using two double-pointed needles to work back and forth, which makes it easier to remember to switch to the correct needle size when changing sections. The larger stockinette sections can also be worked on 24-inch circular needles used flat.
• Blocking – The finished scarf is blocked to achieve the stated measurements of 5 by 64 inches.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch – Worked over the larger needle sections. Row 1 (right side): knit all stitches. Row 2 (wrong side): purl all stitches. Repeat these two rows. Stockinette creates a smooth, flat fabric on the right side and is worked at a gauge of 2 stitches per inch using the larger needles.
• Garter Stitch – Worked over the smaller needle sections by knitting every row on both the right side and wrong side. Garter stitch creates a ridged, elastic fabric and is the foundation of the scrunched, gathered sections of this scarf.

Materials

• Yarn: Spud & Chloë Outer – a super chunky weight yarn made from 65% superwash wool and 35% organic cotton, sold in 100-gram, 60-yard hanks. The pattern requires 4 hanks in your chosen color. The sample scarf shown was knitted in Soapstone #7200.
• Needles: US size 15 needles for the stockinette stitch sections (Susan B. Anderson used 24-inch circular needles worked flat) and US size 11 needles for the garter stitch sections (recommended as two double-pointed needles worked back and forth).
• Additional tools: Scissors, a yarn needle for finishing, and a tape measure.

Skill Level and Appeal

Rated as a beginner pattern, the Scrunch Scarf is an ideal project for newer knitters who are comfortable with basic kn