Baktus scarf knitted: the little shawl for every season

by Alicja KwartnikApr 21, 2025Knitting

Baktus scarf knitted: the little shawl for every season

If you love knitting and are looking for a simple yet rewarding project, a knitted baktus scarf might be the perfect choice for you! Easy to make even for beginners, this versatile accessory is ideal for any season and a great gift idea.

What is a baktus scarf and how does it differ from a shawl?

The baktus is a triangle scarf of Scandinavian origin, characterized by an elongated and tapered shape. Unlike a classic shawl, which often has a wider triangular or semicircular shape, the baktus is narrower and longer, allowing it to be easily wrapped around the neck without being cumbersome. Its processing is generally very simple: you start with a few stitches and progressively increase until half of the work, then decrease symmetrically.

Why make a knitted baktus?

Perfect for all levels – If you’re a beginner, baktus is a great way to practice increasing and decreasing without having to worry about complex patterns. If you’re more experienced, you can customize it with decorative stitches, lace, or contrasting borders.
Versatile and comfortable – You can make it with light yarns for spring and autumn or with warmer wools for winter. In addition, thanks to its shape, it adapts well to different styles and can be worn in many ways.
Great Gift Idea – A handmade baktus is a special and unique gift, perfect for friends and family.
Perfect for using up leftover or gradient yarns – If you have single skeins or gradient yarns, this project lets you make the most of them without wasting them.

How to make it?

To create a knitted baktus you will need:

Needles suitable for the yarn chosen (usually between 3.5 and 5 mm)
About 100-150 grams of yarn (wool, cotton or mixed)
A wool needle to hide the ends

The simplest method involves casting on a few stitches (e.g. 4), increasing by 1 stitch every 4 rows until you reach the desired length, then start decreasing in the same way until you get back to the starting number of stitches.

This method is very useful for using up leftover wool: just weigh the already worked part and the ball to understand if you have reached half. I love accessories that allow me to use all the wool I have.

Those who are more experienced could start immediately with all the stitches needed for the length and, after 4 rows, begin to decrease, not the traditional technique or with the short rows technique, leaving the stitches on the needle hanging… Finally, the pick up of all the stitches to work a nice round edge!