The Frosted Ridge Scarf: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Asymmetrical Wrap

Wrap Yourself in Winter’s Quiet Beauty: The Frosted Ridge Scarf

There is a special kind of magic in a handknit scarf that feels like a landscape. The Frosted Ridge Scarf captures the serene, undulating beauty of snow-covered hills with a simple, slipped-stitch pattern. This asymmetrical wrap is not just a cozy accessory; it’s a textured journey from one short end to the other. Designed to be worked flat, this pattern creates a dense, warm fabric with a unique, wavy edge that makes it stand out from any ordinary scarf. Whether you are a confident beginner or an experienced knitter looking for a mindful, rhythmic project, this free pattern will guide you to create a stunning, heirloom-quality piece.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. The beauty of this pattern lies in its simplicity—just a few high-quality materials will yield a spectacular result.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (approx 400–450 yards). The sample shown uses Cascade 220 Heathers in ‘Silver Sage’ (a soft, heathered grey-blue), but any worsted weight yarn will work beautifully.
• Knitting Needles: US 8 (5.0 mm) knitting needles, or the size needed to obtain gauge.
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and a tape measure.
• Gauge: 18 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in Frosted Ridge Pattern (slipped stitch pattern), after blocking. Note: Gauge is important for achieving the correct drape and dimensions. Please make a swatch!

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked flat, from one short end to the other. The slipped stitch pattern creates a dense, warm fabric with a beautiful, undulating texture. The asymmetrical shape is achieved by increasing stitches on one side only, then optionally decreasing on the opposite side for a more dramatic effect.

Abbreviations

• k = knit
• p = purl
• sl1 wyif = slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in front
• sl1 wyib = slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in back
• yo = yarn over
• k2tog = knit 2 stitches together
• ssk = slip, slip, knit (a left-leaning decrease)

Pattern Instructions

Cast on: 30 stitches.

Set-up Row (WS): Purl all stitches.

Row 1 (RS): K1, *sl1 wyib, k1; repeat from * to last stitch, k1.

Row 2 (WS): P1, *sl1 wyif, p1; repeat from * to last stitch, p1.

Row 3 (RS): K2, *k1, sl1 wyib; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, k2.

Row 4 (WS): P2, *p1, sl1 wyif; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, p2.

Row 5 (RS): K1, *k1, sl1 wyib; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, k2.

Row 6 (WS): P1, *p1, sl1 wyif; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, p2.

Row 7 (RS): K2, *sl1 wyib, k1; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, k2.

Row 8 (WS): P2, *sl1 wyif, p1; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, p2.

Shape the Asymmetrical Ridge (Increase Side)

Row 9 (RS - Increase Row): K1, yo, k1, *sl1 wyib, k1; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, k2. (31 stitches)

Row 10 (WS): P2, *sl1 wyif, p1; repeat from * to last 3 stitches, p3 (purl the yo through the back loop to close the hole).

Row 11 (RS): K3, *k1, sl1 wyib; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, k2.

Row 12 (WS): P2, *p1, sl1 wyif; repeat from * to last 3 stitches, p3.

Row 13 (RS): K2, *k1, sl1 wyib; repeat from * to last 3 stitches, k3.

Row 14 (WS): P3, *p1, sl1 wyif; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, p2.

Row 15 (RS): K2, *sl1 wyib, k1; repeat from * to last 3 stitches, k3.

Row 16 (WS): P3, *sl1 wyif, p1; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, p2.

Repeat Rows 9–16 until the scarf measures approximately 60 inches from the cast-on edge, or until you have used most of your yarn, ending after a Row 16. You will have approximately 50–55 stitches, depending on how many repeats you did.

Shape the Decrease Side (Optional for a more dramatic asymmetrical look)

Row 17 (RS - Decrease Row): K1, ssk, *sl1 wyib, k1; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, k2. (1 stitch decreased)

Row 18 (WS): P2, *sl1 wyif, p1; repeat from * to last 3 stitches, p3.

Row 19 (RS): K3, *k1, sl1 wyib; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, k2.

Row 20 (WS): P2, *p1, sl1 wyif; repeat from * to last 3 stitches, p3.

Row 21 (RS): K2, *k1, sl1 wyib; repeat from * to last 3 stitches, k3.

Row 22 (WS): P3, *p1, sl1 wyif; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, p2.

Row 23 (RS): K2, *sl1 wyib, k1; repeat from * to last 3 stitches, k3.

Row 24 (WS): P3, *sl1 wyif, p1; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, p2.

Repeat Rows 17–24 until you have decreased back to 30 stitches, ending after a Row 24.

Final Row (WS): Purl all stitches.

Bind off (RS): Knit all stitches loosely. Cut yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Weave in all ends. Block gently to open up the stitch pattern and even out the edges.

Your Frosted Ridge Scarf is now complete! Enjoy the soft, textured warmth and the beautiful asymmetrical shape that makes this piece truly one-of-a-kind.