![infinity scarf infinity scarf](https://www.fashionunic.com/shop/images/detailed/155/wholesale-scarf-LOF020.jpg)
For instance, if you're looking to knit a short infinity scarf (40"-45"), we'd recommend at least a 36" cable. Roughly, we recommend having a circular needle length at least slightly shorter than the circumference of your scarf, so you're not struggling to stretch the stitches over a long cable. Since you're working in the round, you'll additionally have to keep in mind the cable length of your circular needle. Once again, your yarn label should tell you what needle size to use, but if it doesn't or you've lost your yarn label, our guide to knitting needle sizes should help. Your needle size will affect your gauge in the same way that the yarn weight and your tightness of knitting will affect it larger needles will result in fewer stitches per inch, and smaller needles will result in more. Check out our yarn weights guide for more information. It's possible for two different yarn lines in the same weight category (and even the same brand!) to have slightly different gauges, so check out the yarn label if you still happen to have that sitting around. If nothing else, you should at least know the weight of your yarn, because it determines not only the approximate needle size that you should be using, but also the gauge (explained below). Since the size categories below have a range of circumferences in inches (and centimeters), and yarn weights have a range of stitches per inch depending on the brand and line, you'll find yourself with a range of possible cast on numbers rather than one single answer. There are a few different factors that come into play when figuring out the exact number to cast on for your infinity scarf. For this method, we recommend our chart on How Many Stitches to Cast On for a Scarf. All you need to do is determine the width that you'd like your scarf to be, and knit up as many inches as you'd like for the circumference of your infinity scarf before seaming it together. Note that this chart is best if you're using long circular needles and working in the round either top-down or bottom-up if you plan to knit up a long rectangle (like a regular scarf) and seam it together at the end, your job just got way easier.
![infinity scarf infinity scarf](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0934/7646/products/2017_Cable_knit_infin_scarf10.jpg)
The width is completely up to you once you've cast on you can knit many rows for a stout infinity scarf, or only knit a handful for a skinny scarf. How are you supposed to know how many stitches to cast on for an infinity scarf? The long answer is that you need to take the stitches per inch (or gauge) of your chosen yarn and multiply it by the circumference in inches that you want your infinity scarf to be, but the short answer is that there's a general range you'll be looking at, and we've put together a handy chart for you below.
![infinity scarf infinity scarf](https://i.pinimg.com/736x/80/cc/e0/80cce065b74da6d36950a74eae6da706.jpg)
Things get even more complicated when you factor different yarn weight categories into the mix. Knitting involves math, unless you're experienced enough to be able to just pull approximately the correct numbers off of the top of your head. We all want to be that kind of knitter who can just pick up her needles and create something amazing without really having to think about it, but that's just not how knitting works.