Introduction: Not a Knitter? Not a Problem! Knit a Cable-Knit Scarf

Impress your friends and family by spinning out this classic, sexless scarf. This instructable will teach you how to do so. I've put it in video format so that you can watch each step of the process, and follow along with your own set of needles at home.

These instructions are designed to be useful to a range of knitting ability levels.
Somebody who has never picked up a set of needles should be able to follow these steps sequentially to learn every element necessary to complete the scarf.
A more moderately experienced knitter may already know the knit and purl stitches, but wants to learn the cable stitch, for example. They can follow the pattern (as given below) and skip ahead to step five to reference instructions for cables.

The time it takes you to finish the scarf will vary depending on your ability level as well as how long you'd like to make the scarf. Keep in mind that for most, knitting is a hobby to unwind--see it as a marathon, not a sprint!

The first tool you'll need for making this scarf is the following pattern. You may want to copy it down for reference as you watch the following videos.

Cable-Knit Scarf Pattern
Key:
     CO: Cast on
     K: Knit
     P: Purl
     CBL: Cable
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CO 20
Row 1: [K3, P1, K4, P1, K2, P1, K4, P1, K3]
Row 2: [P3, K1, P4, K1, P2, K1, P4, K1, P3]
Row 3: Repeat Row 1
Row 4: Repeat Row 2
Row 5: [K3, P1, CBL 2, K2, P1, K2, P1, CBL 2, K2, P1, K3]
Rest of Scarf: Repeat Rows 2-5 until end
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 The following video briefs the remaining supplies you'll need for this pattern.


Step 1: Cast On

Step 2: Complete Row 1

Step 3: Complete Row 2

Step 4: Complete Rows 3 and 4

As the pattern states, rows 3 and 4 are the same as rows 1 and 2, respectively.
You may reference the previous videos for help completing these two rows. 

Step 5: Row Five: Cable Stitch


Step 6: Repeat

You now have all the skills necessary to complete the scarf! 
As the pattern states, simply repeat the steps for rows 2-5 until the scarf is to your desired length.

Word of Caution: Be patient. Especially for beginners, knitting can be frustrating when things don't quite look how you want right away. Just take a deep breath and review the instructional videos as necessary for refreshers. Keep the final image in your head and just have fun with it.

Step 7: Cast Off

 You're almost finished!


Step 8: Troubleshooting

Unfortunately, there are many problems you may encounter when knitting. Luckily, with a bit of practice, they're all relatively simple to fix.

Here are some common problems:
-Holes: often due to either a dropped stitch, or accidentally stitching two stitches at once
-Wrong stitch: simply knitting when the pattern called to purl or vice versa
-Twisted cable: most often occurs when the stitches are replaced on the needle in the wrong order when cabling 

Whatever your dilemma, don't panic! The following video shows you how to rework the blemish.
Remember that mistakes are common when you begin knitting. They can be frustrating, but they'll make you a better knitter in the long run (and maybe give your scarf a bit of unexpected character!)