As a celebration of the release of the Checkmate Scarf, enjoy 50% off until the end of day September 17th using the code Checkmate! Happy knitting :)

The Checkmate Scarf is a quick and simple knit that’s perfect for beginners—or anyone who wants an easy project with a little extra texture. Made with just basic stitches, the pattern creates a classic, checkered look that feels polished without being complicated. The scarf is written in three sizes (small, medium, and large), but you can easily adjust it to make yours as long, short, wide, or narrow as you like. It’s a fast, cozy knit that you’ll want to make again and again—for yourself or as a handmade gift.

This pattern is written for DK weight yarn on 4.5 mm needles, but its real charm is how flexible it is. You can easily swap in fingering, worsted, or even chunky yarn—the clean, textured design adapts beautifully and really lets your yarn do the talking. Just avoid very dark or heavily variegated shades, since they tend to hide the pattern’s texture and depth. Don’t stress too much about gauge either; it isn’t fussy for this project.

The scarf starts off simply, with a cast-on and a short 6-row garter increase section that gradually builds width. From there, you’ll settle into an easy textured repeat—just a few basic stitches that create an elegant, checkered effect and are simple enough to memorize. Once your scarf is as long as you’d like, gentle garter decreases shape the opposite end into a neat point, giving the piece a tidy, symmetrical finish. A faux I-cord edge is built right in, so you get that crisp, polished look without any extra work.

This design is highly customizable—you can knit a slim, lightweight scarf or go big and wrap yourself in a generous shawl. The pattern includes three ready-to-go sizes (S, M, and L), plus notes on adjusting dimensions and yardage if you want to make it your own or dip into your stash. The stitch multiple is 4 + 11.

Beginner-friendly and quick to knit, the Checkmate Scarf is all about simple stitches, soothing rhythm, and satisfying results. And if you’re newer to knitting, no worries—step-by-step video tutorials are included for every special technique, so you’ll have guidance from cast-on to bind-off.

All sizes have been tested thanks to my amazing test team: JStockert, SharonLuvs2Knit2, signergirl1, Gwenoveva, yayalovestoknit, beachcat, zeepzonk, lenasmom, erikatdesigns, & Maylina! Go check out their projects, they are all such talented crafters ❤️

Thank you for choosing my pattern, I hope you enjoyed it. If you enjoyed this pattern, you may be interested in some of my other patterns–you can check them out here :) You may sell as many of the finished items as you wish, but if you share on social media please give me credit @Elly Donner on Ravelry and link the pattern to its source. If you have any questions or need pattern support, please contact me here @StopItHarry on Ravelry. I appreciate your support!