Rock River Scarf

Rock River Scarf
A flowing slip-stitch scarf inspired by moving water

The Rock River Scarf is designed for knitters who love rhythm, texture, and slow, satisfying progress. With its gentle increases, slip-stitch texture, and flowing shape, this scarf feels organic and meditative—like watching water move around stones.

Worked flat from one narrow end to the other, the pattern gradually widens through repeated stitch sections, creating a long, elegant scarf with beautiful drape and subtle movement.

If you’re looking for a project that feels calming to knit and striking to wear, the Rock River Scarf belongs on your needles.

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A Perfect Statement Scarf

The Rock River Scarf is especially well suited for:

  • Knitters who enjoy texture without complicated techniques
  • Long, relaxing projects you can sink into
  • Wearing layered wraps and oversized scarves
  • Showcasing solid or lightly tonal yarns

This scarf is engaging without being overwhelming—ideal for knitters who want something interesting but still approachable.

Why You’ll Love the Rock River Scarf

  • Slip-stitch texture adds depth and movement
  • Simple increases shape the scarf naturally
  • Easily adjustable for width or length
  • Meditative, repeatable sections
  • Beautiful drape with DK weight yarn

The stitch patterns feel rhythmic and intuitive once established, making this a great project for quiet evenings or long stretches of knitting time.

Construction Overview

The Rock River Scarf is worked flat, back and forth, beginning at one narrow end and gradually increasing in width. The fabric alternates between slip-stitch texture, stockinette sections, and garter rows, creating visual interest and a gentle sense of flow.

  • Increases are worked evenly throughout the pattern
  • The stitch pattern grows wider with each repeat
  • Length and width can be customized easily

Tip: The pattern is written as a repeat, making it simple to stop early or continue longer depending on your yarn supply.

Yarn + Needles

This pattern is written for DK weight yarn, chosen for its balance of drape and stitch definition.

  • Smooth yarns highlight the slip-stitch texture
  • Tonal or heathered yarns add subtle variation
  • Wool blends provide warmth and structure

Recommended Yarn:
Brown Sheep Company Prairie DK
Sample shown in Owl

Yardage:
2 skeins or approximately 500 yards / 457 m
Note: Working more than 7 full repeats will require additional yarn.

Suggested Needles:
US 7 / 4.5 mm circular needles, 32” or longer

Other Notions:

  • Darning needle

  • Scissors

Size & Fit

  • Size: One Size (OS)

  • Finished Measurements:

    • 72” / 183 cm long at the widest point

    • 13.5” / 34 cm wide

Easily adjustable for more width or length.
The pattern is written as a multiple of 2 + 3, allowing for easy customization.

Gauge

8.5 sts x 17 rows = 2” / 5 cm in pattern

Abbreviations

  • CO – Cast On (German Twisted Cast On)
  • Inc’d – Increased
  • K – Knit
  • M1L – Make 1 left; 1 st increased
  • M1R – Make 1 right; 1 st increased
  • P – Purl
  • RS – Right Side
  • Sl1wyib – Slip 1 stitch with yarn in back
  • Sl1wyif – Slip 1 stitch with yarn in front
  • St(s) – Stitch(es)
  • WS – Wrong Side

Pattern Instructions

Notes:

  • Pattern is worked flat, turning after each row
  • Yardage is based on the pattern as written
  • Additional repeats will require more yarn

CO:
Using the German Twisted Cast On method, CO 199 sts. Turn.

Set-Up Rows

  • Row 1 (WS): Knit
  • Row 2 (RS): k1, M1R, k until 1 st remains, M1L, k1
  • Row 3: Knit all
  • Row 4: Repeat Row 2
  • Row 5: k2, p until 2 sts remain, k2
  • Row 6: Repeat Row 2

Pattern Repeat

Work Rows 1–14 a total of 6 times, then work Rows 1–12 once more.

Slip Stitch Pattern (2 sts increased):

  • Row 1 (WS): k3, [sl1wyib, k1] until 2 remain; k2
  • Row 2 (RS): k1, M1R, p1, [sl1wyif, p1] until 1 remains; M1L, k1

Stockinette Pattern (6 sts increased):

  • Row 4 (RS): k1, M1R, k until 1 remains, M1L, k1
  • Row 5: k2, p until 2 remain, k2
  • Row 6: Repeat Row 4
  • Row 7: Repeat Row 5
  • Row 8: Repeat Row 4

Garter Row:

  • Row 9 (WS): Knit all

Stockinette Pattern 2:

  • Rows 10–14: Repeat Rows 4–8

Finish

  • Next Row (WS): Knit all
  • Next Row: k1, M1R, k until 1 remains, M1L, k1
  • Next Row: Knit all
  • Bind off using a stretchy bind off of choice
    (I used the Icelandic Bind Off)
  • Weave in ends and block as desired

Prefer a Printed Pattern?

If you’d like a professionally formatted, print-friendly PDF, the Rock River Scarf is available on Ravelry.

The PDF includes:

  • Clean, easy-to-read layout
  • Stitch counts per repeat
  • Optimized formatting for printing
👉 Purchase the Rock River Scarf PDF on Ravelry

Share Your Make

I’d love to see your Rock River Scarf!
Tag your projects on social media or add them to Ravelry so others can see how this pattern looks in different yarns and colors.

Happy knitting 🧶

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