A riff on that age-old tradition of tying a sweater’s sleeves around your neck, our Cable Sweater Scarf pattern wraps its arms around you in a warm embrace! A combination of glorious cable patterns and our beautiful new Heathland Wool yarn from County Donegal, this scarf is a true celebration of Ireland’s rich knitting heritage.

Cable Sweater Scarf | Purl Soho

You knit the Cable Sweater Scarf in the round like one long sweater sleeve, from cuff to cuff, with a sea of glorious cables, bobbles, and simple textures to savor in between. If you’re new to knitting from a chart, we have a great tutorial that will have you following the twists and turns of your cables with ease, or you can follow along with complete written-out instructions.

Cable Sweater Scarf | Purl Soho

A delightfully dimensional yarn for cables and a joy for knitters who love wool in all its authentic, sheep-y glory, our Heathland Wool is made with 60% fine Irish wool and 40% New Zealand wool. The Irish wool comes from a variety of hardy sheep breeds adapted to the island’s damp, cool climate and is completely traceable, down to the individual family farms that raise the sheep and grade the wool for our partner mill. The addition of New Zealand wool softens the hand, while keeping the yarn’s distinctly rustic character and appealing, toothy texture.

Cable Sweater Scarf | Purl Soho

A 2-ply woolen-spun yarn hovering between light worsted and worsted weight, Heathland Wool is incredibly lively, lofty, and insulating, with lots of body and bloom to beautifully define your cables and fill every gap between the stitches. You’ll need 4 skeins to knit your own Cable Sweater Scarf. Choose Heirloom White for that classic Aran sweater look or pick a stunning, earthy heather inspired by Ireland’s rugged landscapes, from green meadows to purple heathlands.

Cable Sweater Scarf | Purl Soho

With traditional wool in your hands and gorgeous cables flowing from your needles, the Cable Sweater Scarf is one trip to “sleeve island” you’ll never want to leave!

Yarn lovers, if you adore the yarn used in this project, you’ll love exploring all of our other yarn collections! Discover over 55 thoughtfully designed yarns in nearly every natural fiber and in every spectacular color you can imagine. Only available here at Purl Soho’s online yarn store, where every skein is created with care and your creativity in mind!

Cable Sweater Scarf | Purl Soho

Pattern designed and written by Purl Soho designer, Hiromi Glover. See even more of Hiromi’s work on her Instagram!

Story written by Andrea Lotz for Purl Soho.

Want to print this pattern? On desktop, find the “print” icon in the right margin, and on mobile, scroll to the end of the pattern for it. Use the on-screen instructions to remove anything you don’t want to print!

Materials

Cable Sweater Scarf | Purl Soho
  • 4 skeins of Purl Soho’s Heathland Wool, 60% fine Irish wool and 40% New Zealand wool. Each skein of this light worsted/DK to worsted/Aran weight yarn is approximately 230 yards/ 100 grams; approximately 905 yards required. We used Heirloom White.
  • US 5 (3.75 mm) 32-inch circular knitting needles for Magic Loop (see Note below), or size you need to get the correct gauge
  • US 7 (4.5 mm), 32-inch circular needles for Magic Loop, or size you need to get the correct gauge
  • Stitch markers
  • Cable stitch holder

GAUGE

32 stitches and 28 rounds = 4 inches in 1×1 rib, unstretched, on smaller needles

30.5 stitches and 27.5 rounds = 4 inches in Right-Leaning Cable on larger needles (see Notes)

NOTE: All the patterns used in this scarf have slightly different gauges, but if you can achieve the gauges listed above, your scarf will turn out the correct size!

SIZE

Finished Dimensions: 12 inches in circumference x 70 inches long

NOTES

MAGIC LOOP

We found it easiest to use 32-inch circular knitting needles and the Magic Loop technique to avoid changing needles. However, feel free to use double pointed needles if you prefer!

To learn how to use a Magic Loop, visit our Magic Loop Tutorial… A simple way to knit small circumferences!

RIGHT-LEANING CABLE PATTERN (FOR GAUGE SWATCH)

Cast on a multiple of 9 stitches.

Set-Up Rounds 1 and 2: *P3, k6, repeat from * to end of round.

Round 1: *P3, C6B (see Notes below), repeat from * to end of round.

Round 2 – 4: *P3, k6, repeat from * to end of round.

Repeat Rounds 1 – 4  for pattern.

C6F + C6B (CABLE 6 FRONT + BACK)

NOTE: Our Cable Tutorial shows you the basic steps of working a cable.

C6F (CABLE 6 FRONT): Slip 3 stitches onto cable stitch holder and hold in front of work, k3, then k3 from cable stitch holder.

C6B (CABLE 6 BACK): Slip 3 stitches onto cable stitch holder and hold in back of work, k3, then k3 from cable stitch holder.

2/1/2 LPC (2/1/2 LEFT PURL CROSS)

2/1/2 LPC (2/1/2 LEFT PURL CROSS): Slip 3 stitches onto cable stitch holder and hold in front of work, k2, slip leftmost stitch from cable stitch holder back onto left needle, p1, then k2 from cable stitch holder.

2/1 RPC + 2/1 LPC (2/1 RIGHT PURL + LEFT PURL CROSS)

2/1 RPC (2/1 RIGHT PURL CROSS): Slip 1 stitch onto cable stitch holder and hold in back of work, k2, then p1 from cable stitch holder.

2/1 LPC (2/1 LEFT PURL CROSS): Slip 2 stitches onto cable stitch holder and hold in front of work, p1, then k2 from cable stitch holder.

3/2 RPC + 3/2 LPC (3/2 RIGHT PURL CROSS + LEFT PURL CROSS)

3/2 RPC (3/2 RIGHT PURL CROSS): Slip 2 stitches onto cable stitch holder and hold in back of work, k3, then p2 from cable stitch holder.

3/2 LPC (3/2 LEFT PURL CROSS): Slip 3 stitches onto cable stitch holder and hold in front of work, p2, then k3 from cable stitch holder.

BOB (NO-TURN BOBBLE)

[Knit front and back] 2 times into next stitch, [slip stitches back to left needle, k4] 2 times, pass second, third, and fourth stitches on right needle over first.

For help with this technique, visit our No-Turn Bobble Tutorial!

PATTERN

Cast 48 stitches onto smaller circular needles. We used an Italian Cast On, but a basic Long Tail Cast On would also be beautiful (and easier!). If you use the Italian Cast On, don’t forget to work the two Foundation Rows before joining in the round (they are described both in our tutorial and below).

IF YOU USED AN ITALIAN CAST ON

Foundation Row 1 (wrong side): *K1 through the back loop, slip one purlwise with yarn in front (wyif), repeat from * to end of row.

Foundation Row 2 (right side): *K1, slip 1 purlwise wyif, repeat from * to end of row. Do not turn.

Go on to First Cuff section, below.

IF YOU USED A LONG TAIL CAST ON

Go on to First Cuff section, below.

FIRST CUFF

Arranging stitches for Magic Loop (see Notes), place a unique marker and join for working in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches.

Round 1 (right side): *K1, p1, repeat from * to end of round.

Continue in 1×1 rib, repeating Round 1 until piece measures 4 inches from cast-on edge.

BODY

Changing to larger circular needles…

Increase Round: K1, *knit front and back, repeat from * to last stitch, k1. [94 stitches]

Work Cable Patterns either from Written Instructions or Chart, both below.

CABLE PATTERNS: WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS

Set-Up Round 1: P2, k6, place marker (pm), p8, k5, p8, pm, k6, pm, p3, k3, [p4, k6] 3 times, p5, pm, k6, p2, pm, *p1, k1, repeat from * to end of round.

Set-Up Round 2: Repeat Set-Up Round 1, slipping markers as you come to them.

Round 1: P2, C6B (see Notes), slip marker (sm), p8, 2/1/2 LPC (see Notes), p8, sm, C6B, sm, p3, [3/2 LPC (see Notes), 3/2 RPC (see Notes)] 3 times, 3/2 LPC, p3, sm, C6B, p2, sm, *k1, p1, repeat from * to end of round.

Round 2: P2, k6, sm, p8, k2, p1, k2, p8, sm, k6, sm, p5, [k6, p4] 3 times, k3, p3, sm, k6, p2, sm, *k1, p1, repeat from * to end of round.

Round 3: P2, k6, sm, p7, 2/1 RPC (see Notes), p1, 2/1 LPC (see Notes), p7, sm, k6, sm, p5, [C6F, p4] 3 times, k3, p3, sm, k6, p2, sm, *p1, k1, repeat from * to end of round.

Round 4: P2, k6, sm, p7, k2, p3, k2, p7, sm, k6, sm, p5, [k6, p4] 3 times, k3, p3, sm, k6, p2, sm, *p1, k1, repeat from * to end of round.

Round 5: P2, C6B, sm, p6, 2/1 RPC, p3, 2/1 LPC, p6, sm, C6B, sm, p3, [3/2 RPC, 3/2 LPC] 3 times, 3/2 RPC, p3, sm, C6B, p2, sm, *k1, p1, repeat from * to end of round.

Round 6: P2, k6, sm, p6, k2, p5, k2, p6, sm, k6, sm, p3, k3, [p4, k6] 3 times, p5, sm, k6, p2, sm, *k1, p1, repeat from * to end of round.

Round 7: P2, k6, sm, p5, 2/1 RPC, p5, 2/1 LPC, p5, sm, k6, sm, p3, k3, [p4, C6B] 3 times, p5, sm, k6, p2, sm, *p1, k1, repeat from * to end of round.

Round 8: P2, k6, sm, p5, k2, p7, k2, p5, sm, k6, sm, p3, k3, [p4, k6] 3 times, p5, sm, k6, p2, sm, *p1, k1, repeat from * to end of round.

Round 9: P2, C6B, sm, p4, 2/1 RPC, p3, BOB (see Notes), p3, 2/1 LPC, p4, sm, C6B, sm, p3, [3/2 LPC, 3/2 RPC] 3 times, 3/2 LPC, p3, sm, C6B, p2, sm, *k1, p1, repeat from * to end of round.

Round 10: P2, k6, sm, p4, k2, p9, k2, p4, sm, k6, sm, p5, [k6, p4] 3 times, k3, p3, sm, k6, p2, sm, *k1, p1, repeat from * to end of round.

Round 11: P2, k6, sm, p3, 2/1 RPC, p9, 2/1 LPC, p3, sm, k6, sm, p5, [C6F, p4] 3 times, k3, p3, sm, k6, p2, sm, *p1, k1, repeat from * to end of round.

Round 12: P2, k6, sm, p3, k2, p11, k2, p3, sm, k6, sm, p5, [k6, p4] 3 times, k3, p3, sm, k6, p2, sm, *p1, k1, repeat from * to end of round.

Round 13: P2, C6B, sm, p3, k2, p2, BOB, p5, BOB, p2, k2, p3, sm, C6B, sm, p3, [3/2 RPC, 3/2 LPC] 3 times, 3/2 RPC, p3, sm, C6B, p2, sm, *k1, p1, repeat from * to end of round.

Round 14: P2, k6, sm, p3, k2, p11, k2, p3, sm, k6, sm, p3, k3, [p4, k6] 3 times, p5, sm, k6, p2, sm, *k1, p1, repeat from * to end of round.

Round 15: P2, k6, sm, p3, 2/1 LPC, p9, 2/1 RPC, p3, sm, k6, sm, p3, k3, [p4, C6B] 3 times, p5, sm, k6, p2, sm, *p1, k1, repeat from * to end of round.

Round 16: P2, k6, sm, p4, k2, p9, k2, p4, sm, k6, sm, p3, k3, [p4, k6] 3 times, p5, sm, k6, p2, sm, *p1, k1, repeat from * to end of round.

Round 17: P2, C6B, sm, p4, 2/1 LPC, p3, BOB, p3, 2/1 RPC, p4, sm, C6B, sm, p3, [3/2 LPC, 3/2 RPC] 3 times, 3/2 LPC, p3, sm, C6B, p2, sm, *k1, p1, repeat from * to end of round.

Round 18: P2, k6, sm, p5, k2, p7, k2, p5, sm, k6, sm, p5, [k6, p4] 3 times, k3, p3, sm, k6, p2, sm, *k1, p1, repeat from * to end of round.

Round 19: P2, k6, sm, p5, 2/1 LPC, p5, 2/1 RPC, p5, sm, k6, sm, p5, [C6F, p4] 3 times, k3, p3, sm, k6, p2, sm, *p1, k1, repeat from * to end of round.

Round 20: P2, k6, sm, p6, k2, p5, k2, p6, sm, k6, sm, p5, [k6, p4] 3 times, k3, p3, sm, k6, p2, sm, *p1, k1, repeat from * to end of round.

Round 21: P2, C6B, sm, p6, 2/1 LPC, p3, 2/1 RPC, p6, sm, C6B, sm, p3, [3/2 RPC, 3/2 LPC] 3 times, 3/2 RPC, p3, sm, C6B, p2, sm, *k1, p1, repeat from * to end of round.

Round 22: P2, k6, sm, p7, k2, p3, k2, p7, sm, k6, sm, p3, k3, [p4, k6] 3 times, p5, sm, k6, p2, sm, *k1, p1, repeat from * to end of round.

Round 23: P2, k6, sm, p7, 2/1 LPC, p1, 2/1 RPC, p7, sm, k6, sm, p3, k3, [p4, C6B] 3 times, p5, sm, k6, p2, sm, *p1, k1, repeat from * to end of round.

Round 24: P2, k6, sm, p8, k2, p1, k2, p8, sm, k6, sm, p3, k3, [p4, k6] 3 times, p5, sm, k6, p2, sm, *p1, k1, repeat from * to end of round.

Repeat Rounds 1–24 seventeen more times.

Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 one more time.

Go on to Second Cuff section below.

CABLE PATTERN: CHART

NOTE: New to reading charts? Learn everything you need to know with our Reading A Chart Tutorial!

Begin this chart in the bottom right corner. Read all rows right to left for working in the round.

Work Set-Up Rounds 1 and 2 once; work Rounds 1–24 eighteen times; work Rounds 1 and 2 one more time; then go on to Second Cuff section below.

KEY

Cable Sweater Scarf | Purl Soho

CHART

Cable Sweater Scarf | Purl Soho

NOTE: Want to see it bigger? Download this chart (and key) as a PDF!

SECOND CUFF

Decrease Round: K1, *knit 2 together, repeat from * to last stitch, k1. [48 stitches remain]

Changing to smaller needles…

Round 1 (right side): *K1, p1, repeat from * to end of round.

Continue in 1×1 rib, repeating Round 1 until ribbing measures 3¾ inches, if you used an Italian Cast On, or 4 inches, if you used a Long Tail Cast On.

FINISHING

IF YOU USED AN ITALIAN CAST ON

Bind off using an Italian Bind Off.

Weave in the ends and gently wet block.

IF YOU USED A LONG TAIL CAST ON

Bind off in pattern, knitting the knits and purling the purls.

Weave in the ends and gently wet block.

Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho. We can’t wait to see what you make!

Cable Sweater Scarf | Purl Soho
Cable Sweater Scarf | Purl Soho

Learn About Heathland Wool + All Our Beautiful Yarns

This project gets its wonderfully sheep-y character, rustic hand, and toasty warmth from our Heathland Wool yarn, a very special light worsted to worsted-weight yarn dyed and spun by a traditional woolen mill in Ireland’s County Donegal. A lofty 2-ply spin and a mix of 60% fine Irish wool from small family farms and 40% New Zealand wool results in a timeless yarn that feels authentic and alive on your needles. Every heathered hue is made by mixing different colors of dyed fibers together to create incredibly rich worlds of color inspired by Ireland’s wildly beautiful landscapes. Experience this spectacular wool yarn rooted in the knitting traditions of Ireland!

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Looking for more inspiration? Explore all of our knitting patterns (including tons of free knitting patterns) and knitting tutorials, buy one of our many knitting kits and yarn bundles, and shop for beautiful yarn. We have over 55 gorgeous natural fiber yarns in 1,000s of magnificent colors, designed to bring integrity, beauty, and joy to your next knitting project and only available at Purl Soho!