Winter is creeping in and little ones want something warm, cosy and comfortable to wear while they zoom around the playground. That’s why I designed this Scarf with Hoodie for kids on a Sentro made on a circular knitting machine (flat panel mode) for kids aged roughly 2 to 10 years. It’s a fun project, and the finished piece works as both a scarf and a hood, giving warmth from neck to head. In this post you’ll find a full description, how-to steps (machine knitting style), FAQs, and a conclusion with tips.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Scarf with Hoodie for kids on a Sentro
This is a two-panel design: one long panel for the scarf and one shorter panel for the hood. For example for a size 4-year-old I used 21 sts × 250 rows for the scarf and 27 sts × 100 rows for the hood, based on a gauge of 10 cm = 20 rows and 14 sts. The design’s age range is about 2 to 10 years, so you’ll find ways to adjust.
The idea is simple: knit flat panels on your machine (you know, your Sentro 48 needled machine or Addi King 46, whichever you have), seam up the hood panel, attach it to the centre of the scarf panel, and finish with a clean edge. The result? A piece that covers the neck and gives a nice built-in hood—perfect for those crisp mornings or chilly walks.
You’ll be using your circular knitting machine in flat panel mode (so you’re effectively knitting flat pieces, not in the round), and then shaping and seaming. The pattern blends machine knitting efficiency with a handmade feel (because you’ll do the panels and finish by hand-seaming). It’s also a great way to experiment with machine knitting and finishing.
Materials needed for the Scarf with Hoodie for kids on a Sentro
- Medium-weight yarn (soft, kid-friendly, a bit of elasticity helps)
- Your circular knitting machine (Sentro 40/48 or Addi King 46) set up for flat panel mode
- Crochet hook for border finishing
- Tapestry/yarn needle for seaming
- Stitch markers (optional, but helpful)
- Scissors, yarn tail for seaming
Gauge for the Scarf with Hoodie for kids on a Sentro
10 cm = 20 rows
10 cm = 14 stitches
Using this gauge, for the size approx 4 years I used 21 sts × 250 rows (scarf) and 27 sts × 100 rows (hood). If you use different yarn or machine tension, check your gauge and adjust accordingly.
Step-by-Step Instructions to make the Scarf with Hoodie for kids on a Sentro
Knitting the Scarf Panel
Cast on your working number of stitches (for example 21 sts for size ~4 years) on your machine in flat panel mode.
Knit until you reach 250 rows (following the gauge 20 rows = 10 cm, so adjust if you want a different length).
Bind off (BO) using waste yarn and a tapestry needle.
Knitting the Hood Panel
Cast on 27 sts (again for size ~4 years example). Knit 100 rows (based on the gauge). Bind off.
Seaming the Hood Panel
Fold the hood panel in half, lining up the short edges. Use mattress stitch to seam the back side closed, this becomes the back of the hood. Leave the front open for the face opening.
Attaching the Hood to the Scarf
Fold the scarf in half to find its centre. Also find the centre of the hood (the seam line is the back, so the opposite edge is the face opening). Place markers at the beginning and end of the hood panel and align with the middle section of the scarf. Seam the hood panel to the scarf panel using grafting or mattress stitch (go through one row at a time on the scarf side to keep things neat).
Pocket (Optional)
If your design includes a pocket, fold both ends of the pocket panel inward according to finished measurements and seam both sides with the mattress stitch. Then attach them at the ends of the scarf before or after attaching the hood.
Finishing Edge for the Scarf with Hoodie for kids on a Sentro
Using a crochet hook and chenille (or similar) yarn, cast off one of the pocket top stitches using Sl st (slip stitch) if working crochet finish. Then with the right side of the piece facing you, work a SC (single crochet) border all around the piece.
Make 1 SC for every 2 knitted rows. When you reach the hood section, skip the last 2 knitted rows and switch to DC (double crochet) stitches for a wider finishing edge along the hood opening. This helps the edge hold its shape and frame the face nicely.
Final Touches for Scarf with Hoodie for kids on a Sentro
Weave in all ends, block if needed (for machine knitting flat panels a light steam or gentle hand-block helps flatten edges). Try it on the child to check fit; if needed adjust length or width by adding rows or stitches next time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a heavier or lighter yarn than your sample?
A: Yes. If you change yarn weight you must check your gauge. For example, if your gauge becomes 12 sts = 10 cm instead of 14, you’ll need fewer stitches; adjust row counts similarly.
Q: My circular machine has fewer or more needles than you used, can I still use this pattern?
A: Absolutely. The numbers given (e.g., 21 sts, 27 sts) work for your machine setup if you obtain the same gauge. If your machine has a different number of needles, or you chain on differently, adjust cast-on stitches and row count to achieve the same dimensions.
Q: How do I know if the hood fits well?
A: Measure the child’s head from shoulder to shoulder, add about 2 cm for ease, and check against your scarf panel centre width and the hood panel’s width. The hood should cover from above the forehead down to the lower neck when attached.
Q: Will the scarf part stay in place when worn or will it slip off?
A: While this hooded scarf is designed to wrap the neck and head, because it is essentially a loose scarf with hood it may shift during active play. Encourage children to pull the hood up or tuck the scarf under coat collars for better fit.
Q: Can I make this for older kids or even adults?
A: Yes. Increase stitches and rows proportionally based on desired width/length, and check gauge first. For an adult size you might go with more stitches (e.g., 30+ sts) and more rows (300+ rows) for the scarf and larger hood panel.
Q: How much yarn do I need for a Scarf with Hoodie for kids on a Sentro?
A: Yarn quantity depends on your yarn weight, gauge, and size. For the size example (21 sts × 250 rows + 27 sts × 100 rows) you might need approximately 150-200 g of medium-weight yarn. Always buy a little extra for finishing.
Q: Why is the border using single crochet then double crochet on the hood?
A: The SC border around the scarf adds a neat clean edge that lies flat; when you reach the hood opening you switch to DC for a wider edge that frames the face opening and provides a bit more structure and flexibility.
Conclusion Scarf with Hoodie for kids on a Sentro knitting machine
There you have it: a complete guide to knitting a cosy hooded scarf for kids, made on your circular knitting machine. With two flat panels and some simple seaming, you’ll turn medium-weight yarn into a practical winter accessory that covers both the neck and head. Whether you’re making a piece for a 2-year-old or a 10-year-old, the structure stays the same—just adjust stitches or rows based on gauge and size. The finishing border gives a polished look, and the hood addition makes it fun and functional.
This project is a great way to combine your machine setup (like the Sentro or Addi) with “traditional” finishing techniques to give a handmade look and feel. Show it off in your next YouTube tutorial, mention how easy it is for your audience to create, and watch your community of makers grow. Happy knitting!
Video tutorial Available here:
Also available in my Book: Knits in a Circle
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Hi! I’m Fabiana, a crochet and knitwear designer with a passion for creating beautiful, functional pieces. I love experimenting with textures, colors, and patterns to craft everything from cozy sweaters to crochet tops and swimwear. On my YouTube channel, I share tutorials, tips, and behind-the-scenes looks at my design process. Crochet and knitting are more than hobbies, they’re my way of life.
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