Midnight Skyline Cable Scarf Free Pattern – Knit a City Lights Wrap

Wrap yourself in the glow of a winter metropolis with this deeply textured cable scarf, where deep navy and warm gold mimic the city's night lights. This cozy knit is a statement piece that brings urban elegance to any cold-weather outfit. The combination of classic cables and a striking colorwork skyline creates a sophisticated accessory that's perfect for commuters, city dwellers, or anyone who loves the romance of a glittering skyline. Whether you're a confident beginner or an intermediate knitter looking for a rewarding project, this pattern offers a beautiful balance of technique and style.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in deep navy (Color A) and warm gold (Color B), approximately 350 yards each. Choose a soft, durable yarn like a wool-acrylic blend for warmth and stitch definition.
• Needles: US 8 (5 mm) knitting needles – straight or circular (for flat knitting).
• Cable Needle: A small cable needle or double-pointed needle for holding stitches.
• Extras: Stitch markers (optional), tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and a measuring tape.

Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Always knit a swatch to check your gauge – this ensures your scarf matches the intended dimensions of approximately 60 inches long and 8 inches wide.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This scarf is knit flat in one piece, using a combination of cables and simple colorwork to create a city skyline motif. Follow the instructions carefully, and refer to the abbreviations below as needed.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• C4F: Slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in front, knit next 2 stitches, then knit 2 from cable needle
• C4B: Slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in back, knit next 2 stitches, then knit 2 from cable needle
• K2tog: Knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease)
• SSK: Slip slip knit (left-leaning decrease)
• Rep: Repeat

Section 1: Foundation (Color A)

CO 40 stitches using Color A (deep navy).

Rows 1-6: Work in garter stitch (knit every row) for a neat, non-curling edge. This creates a sturdy base for your scarf.

Section 2: Main Body – Cable Panel (Color A)

Now you'll establish the cable pattern that frames the skyline. Work these rows carefully, maintaining the stitch counts.

Row 1 (RS): K4, P2, K8, P2, K8, P2, K8, P2, K4

Row 2 (WS): P4, K2, P8, K2, P8, K2, P8, K2, P4

Row 3: K4, P2, C4F, C4B, P2, C4F, C4B, P2, C4F, C4B, P2, K4

Row 4: Repeat Row 2

Row 5: K4, P2, K8, P2, K8, P2, K8, P2, K4

Row 6: Repeat Row 2

Rows 7-12: Repeat Rows 3-6 twice more. This completes the cable panel. You should have three distinct cable columns separated by purl ridges.

Section 3: Skyline Colorwork (Color B)

This is the heart of the design – the city skyline. You'll work with both colors, carrying the unused yarn loosely along the back. Keep your tension even to avoid puckering.

Row 1 (RS): K4 (Color A), switch to Color B, K32, switch back to Color A, K4

Row 2 (WS): P4 (Color A), switch to Color B, P32, switch back to Color A, P4

Row 3: K4 (A), with B: K6, K2tog, K4, SSK, K6, K2tog, K4, SSK, K6, switch to A, K4

Row 4: P4 (A), with B: P30, switch to A, P4

Row 5: K4 (A), with B: K5, K2tog, K4, SSK, K5, K2tog, K4, SSK, K5, switch to A, K4

Row 6: P4 (A), with B: P28, switch to A, P4

Row 7: K4 (A), with B: K4, K2tog, K4, SSK, K4, K2tog, K4, SSK, K4, switch to A, K4

Row 8: P4 (A), with B: P26, switch to A, P4

Row 9: K4 (A), with B: K3, K2tog, K4, SSK, K3, K2tog, K4, SSK, K3, switch to A, K4

Row 10: P4 (A), with B: P24, switch to A, P4

Row 11: K4 (A), with B: K2, K2tog, K4, SSK, K2, K2tog, K4, SSK, K2, switch to A, K4

Row 12: P4 (A), with B: P22, switch to A, P4

Row 13: K4 (A), with B: K1, K2tog, K4, SSK, K1, K2tog, K4, SSK, K1, switch to A, K4

Row 14: P4 (A), with B: P20, switch to A, P4

Row 15: K4 (A), with B: K2tog, K4, SSK, K2tog, K4, SSK, switch to A, K4

Row 16: P4 (A), with B: P18, switch to A, P4

Row 17: K4 (A), with B: K2tog, K2, SSK, K2tog, K2, SSK, switch to A, K4

Row 18: P4 (A), with B: P14, switch to A, P4

Row 19: K4 (A), with B: K2tog, SSK, K2tog, SSK, switch to A, K4

Row 20: P4 (A), with B: P10, switch to A, P4

Row 21: K4 (A), with B: K2tog, K2tog, K2tog, switch to A, K4

Row 22: P4 (A), with B: P6, switch to A, P4

Row 23: K4 (A), with B: K2tog, K2tog, switch to A, K4

Row 24: P4 (A), with B: P4, switch to A, P4

Row 25: K4 (A), with B: K2tog, K2tog, switch to A, K4

Row 26: P4 (A), with B: P2, switch to A, P4

Row 27: K4 (A), with B: K2tog, switch to A, K4

Row 28: P4 (A), with B: P1, switch to A, P4

Note: The decreases in this section create the stepped building shapes. The gold section narrows progressively, forming a skyline silhouette. Carry the unused yarn loosely along the wrong side, twisting it every few stitches to prevent long floats.

Section 4: Return to Cable Panel (Color A)

After the skyline, you'll mirror the initial cable panel to create a balanced design.

Row 1 (RS): K4, P2, K8, P2, K8, P2, K8, P2, K4

Row 2 (WS): P4, K2, P8, K2, P8, K2, P8, K2, P4

Row 3: K4, P2, C4F, C4B, P2, C4F, C4B, P2, C4F, C4B, P2, K4

Row 4: Repeat Row 2

Row 5: K4, P2, K8, P2, K8, P2, K8, P2, K4

Row 6: Repeat Row 2

Rows 7-12: Repeat Rows 3-6 twice more.

Section 5: Final Edge (Color A)

Finish with a matching garter stitch border to frame the scarf neatly.

Rows 1-6: Work in garter stitch (knit every row).

Bind off all stitches loosely – use a larger needle or a stretchy bind-off method to prevent a tight edge.

Finishing

Weave in all ends carefully using a tapestry needle, securing them on the wrong side. Block gently to shape, being careful not to stretch the cables. Lay flat to dry. The scarf measures approximately 60 inches long and 8 inches wide.

Your Midnight Skyline Cable Scarf is now ready to wear! The deep navy and warm gold combination evokes the glittering lights of a city at night, while the plush cables add texture and warmth. This scarf makes a thoughtful handmade gift or a luxurious treat for yourself. Enjoy the compliments that are sure to come your way!