The Ember Dune Reversible Scarf: A Free Two-Tone Brioche Knitting Pattern

Wrap yourself in the warmth of a desert sunset with this stunning reversible brioche scarf. The Ember Dune Scarf features a mesmerizing two-tone gradient that shifts from deep terracotta to soft sand, creating a plush, double-sided fabric that's as beautiful as it is cozy. This free knitting pattern is perfect for intermediate beginners ready to try something new—the simple slip-stitch technique creates a luxurious, honeycomb-like texture that looks far more complicated than it actually is. Whether you're knitting for yourself or gifting to a loved one, this scarf is a stylish accessory for any season.

Materials Needed

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

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in two colors—Color A (Terracotta) and Color B (Sand)—approximately 350 yards each. Choose a soft, non-splitting yarn for best results.
• Needles: US 8 (5.0 mm) straight or circular needles (circular needles are recommended for long projects as they're easier on your wrists).
• Tapestry needle: For weaving in ends and finishing.
• Scissors: For cutting yarn and fringe.
• Crochet hook (optional): A size H/8 (5.0 mm) hook makes adding fringe easier.

Gauge & Finished Dimensions

• Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in brioche stitch (after blocking).
• Finished Dimensions: Approximately 8 inches wide and 70 inches long (excluding fringe).

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• Sl1yo: Slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn over (bring yarn to front, slip stitch, then bring yarn over needle to back)
• Brk: Brioche knit (knit the stitch together with its yarn over)
• Brp: Brioche purl (purl the stitch together with its yarn over)
• BO: Bind off

Pattern Notes

• This scarf is worked in a two-color brioche stitch, creating a reversible fabric with a beautiful textured pattern on both sides.
• The scarf is knitted flat, with each row using one color. The colors alternate every two rows.
• The fringe is added after the scarf is complete, so don't worry about it during the main knitting.
• Always carry the unused color up the side of the work—this creates a neat selvedge edge.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cast On

With Color A (Terracotta), CO 36 stitches loosely. A long-tail cast on works beautifully here, but any stretchy cast-on method will do. The key is to keep your tension relaxed—you want the edge to have plenty of give.

Step 2: Setup Rows

These two rows establish the brioche rhythm and prepare your stitches for the pattern.

• Row 1 (RS, Color A): *K1, Sl1yo*; repeat from * to end. (You will have 36 stitches, with 18 knit stitches and 18 slipped stitches with yarn overs.)
• Row 2 (WS, Color A): *Brp, Sl1yo*; repeat from * to end. (Purl the first stitch together with its yarn over, then slip the next stitch with a yarn over.)

Step 3: Begin Brioche Pattern

Now you'll work the main two-color brioche pattern. Remember to always carry the unused color up the side of the work—just gently pull it up so it doesn't pucker.

• Row 3 (RS, Color B): *Sl1yo, Brk*; repeat from * to end. (Slip the first stitch with a yarn over, then knit the next stitch together with its yarn over.)
• Row 4 (WS, Color B): *Sl1yo, Brp*; repeat from * to end. (Slip the first stitch with a yarn over, then purl the next stitch together with its yarn over.)
• Row 5 (RS, Color A): *Brk, Sl1yo*; repeat from * to end. (Knit the first stitch together with its yarn over, then slip the next stitch with a yarn over.)
• Row 6 (WS, Color A): *Brp, Sl1yo*; repeat from * to end.

Repeat Rows 3-6 until the scarf measures approximately 70 inches from the cast-on edge. End with a Row 4 or Row 6 (a WS row) to keep the pattern balanced.

Step 4: Bind Off

With the color of the last row worked (Color B if you ended on Row 4, Color A if you ended on Row 6), bind off as follows:

1. K1, *Sl1yo, Brk*; repeat from * to last stitch, then K1. (You will have 36 stitches on the needle, with yarn overs.)
2. Now, bind off all stitches loosely: K2tog (knit two together) the first two stitches, then *knit the next stitch, pass the previous stitch over*; repeat from * to end.
3. Cut yarn and pull through the last loop to secure.

Step 5: Weave in Ends

Using your tapestry needle, weave in all loose ends carefully. Take your time here—a clean finish makes all the difference. Weave each end through the back of the work for about 2-3 inches, then trim any excess.

Step 6: Add Fringe

The fringe adds that final touch of desert elegance. Here's how to create it:

1. Cut strands of Color A and Color B, each about 12 inches long. You'll need approximately 16-18 fringe bundles total (8-9 on each end).
2. For each fringe, take one strand of each color together, fold them in half to create a loop.
3. Using your crochet hook (or fingers), pull the folded loop through the edge of the scarf at the cast-on or bind-off edge.
4. Pull the ends through the loop and tighten gently to secure.
5. Add fringe evenly along both short ends of the scarf, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
6. Trim the fringe to an even length—about 5-6 inches is perfect.

Step 7: Blocking

Blocking is the final step that transforms your scarf from good to gorgeous. Gently wet block the scarf to even out the stitches and enhance the drape:

1. Soak the scarf in lukewarm water with a drop of mild wool wash for 15-20 minutes.
2. Gently squeeze out excess water (never wring or twist).
3. Lay the scarf flat on a clean towel, rolling it up to remove more water.
4. Shape the scarf to its final dimensions (8 inches wide × 70 inches long) on a blocking mat or dry towel.
5. Let it dry completely, which may take 24-48 hours.

Your Ember Dune Scarf Is Complete!

Congratulations! You've created a beautiful, reversible scarf with a stunning two-tone gradient. The plush brioche texture is incredibly soft and squishy, and the terracotta-to-sand color shift evokes the warm hues of a desert sunset. This scarf makes a wonderful gift or a luxurious treat for yourself. Enjoy the cozy, reversible texture and the beautiful gradient effect—you've earned it!

Happy knitting! If you enjoyed this pattern, be sure to check out our other free scarf knitting patterns for more cozy inspiration.