No-Knit Scarf (Super Fast! Super Easy!)

I don't know about you guys, but it gets pretty cold in my studio and in my husband's workshop during the winter. Worse, due to poor ductwork in the house and the fact that a majority of our windows haven't been replaced since the 1920s, the cold is not confined to the work spaces of our house... unless, of course, we turn the heat up to 80 degrees and accrue massive heating bills every month.

The solution, until we can fix our window and duct situation, is to dress in layers and warm clothes so we won't have to turn the heat up so high. My favorite way to stay warm is with scarves, but most department stores sell them for ridiculous prices that I'm simply not willing to pay, and I currently don't have the time or gusto to teach myself how to knit or crochet.

A little searching yielded this interesting finger-weaving technique that requires very few materials and takes very little time, so your neck can be warm and toasty and you can still have the satisfaction of saying "I made it myself!" when someone asks you where you got that awesome scarf :D

Step 1 Materials and Safety

List of materials needed for the No-Knit Scarf:

- One (1) skein of yarn. Nice and fluffy.

- Two (2) hands

Safety tips:

- Watch those digits: they can poke your eyes out, if you're not careful.

- If you own cats, be prepared for battle while you're making this scarf. The yarn moves in fun and interesting ways that attract crazed felines.

- Please do not wear the completed scarf while you're operating power tools, cooking, welding or fire-eating.

- Do not bounce the finished product. Treat it like a case of Wonderflonium.

Comments

[Kalic0]

Actually, you are knitting on a loom - your hand! I have seen this kind of thing before and think it is pretty cool. You can also make a small loom out of an old wide tooth comb as well!

[makalove]

For a wider scarf, and many other possibilities, using this same method of needle-less knitting, check into "knitting looms." They are available in chunky plastic versions that even young children can manage to 3+ foot long fine-toothed versions that produce beautiful sweaters and such.

[susanrm]

This is fun - but it would be more accurate to call it a "no-knitting-needle knit scarf," since this is finger knitting. Awesome project.

[debi.brown]

I am so excited to try this with my kids during Christmas break. They always complain of being bored while they are stuck inside due to the cold. Thanks for sharing your scarf.

[wraith109]

This is a great idea, loom knitting on your fingers, if you did this on a loom you could make it a bit wider, however I have found this useful for making a cool belt.

[inkstainedpapers]

This is so cool! I'm gonna grab some leftover yarn and try it out! ♥

[inkstainedpapers]

I have very bad circulation in my fingers so after a while of trying this out, I took some colour pencils and taped them to a ruler. It works too, and you can make the scarf longer by adding more 'fingers' to the ruler. I have about 10 pencils stuck on my ruler now and its looking good.

[roboboogie]

What a great idea! Thanks for sharing :D

[McElmire]

great idea! if you make multiple strings of these you could always make a thicker scarf using this http://www.instructables.com/id/Braiding_eight_cords_into_a_flat_braid/?ALLSTEPS method...would also work for any other kind of braiding or friendship bracelet design i'm sure. I'm working on one now, I'll try to post up a finished pic. Loved the idea!!

[roboboogie]

Sweet! I had been looking for methods to make this scarf a little more broad, but had been unsuccessful until you showed me that link. Thanks for sharing-- I'll try it out next time I get a skein of yarn! :D

[annapetro1881]

this is like a variation on french knitting, which is done with a tool so that your fingers are free.

[cd41]

wow a 28ft long scarf... i dont think tht would look right wrapped completely around your neck... kindof like you failed at a nooce

[roboboogie]

You can actually see the entire scarf wrapped around my neck in the introduction of the instructable-- it fits very nicely and keeps you warm. Normally I'd agree with you-- most scarves are pretty thick, so 28ft would be a bit much. This scarf, however, is only about an 1 and a half inches thick when you weave it, so it doesn't pile up too much when you wrap it around your neck.

[cd41]

lol i finally made one, i actually made two one is about 2ft long and the other,which i am wearing, is probably reaching 10ft making it reminded me of a girl i know who loves long scarves (Hint Hint) don't know if i'll give her this one but i'll make a better one. one question:when i finish should it end up looking like a rope? i used a thin string,not like you used, thanks ,and btw i am a guy

[roboboogie]

Oh yay! I'm glad you could get around to making a no-knit scarf! Hope you enjoyed making it. Yes, the scarf should look a bit like a rope when you're done-- a warm, cuddly rope :D

[Browncoat]

10 points for Dr Horrible soundtrack! :)

[roboboogie]

Next instructable= How to Make Your Own Freeze Ray

:D

[vyki]

That is fabulous, I will be teaching my daughters this trick and next years christmas presents will be sorted in no time!

[roboboogie]

Excellent! My husband and I were thinking of doing the same with his children. It'll be like a sweatshop, except with less sweat and more snack breaks. :D