How To Crochet A Scarf, From any Yarn!

Learn how to crochet a scarf step by step with this easy double crochet scarf pattern and tutorial for beginners. A scarf is a perfect way for beginner crocheters to make something useful. Having something to show at the end of all your practice and learning is so rewarding!

How to Crochet a Scarf Tutorial (Free Crochet Pattern)

For this crochet scarf pattern, which is for absolute beginners, I have chosen the double crochet stitch, as it works up quickly and is one of the most basic crochet stitches. Double crochet is a foundational stitch that most people learn almost as soon as they begin crocheting.

This tutorial will show you how to crochet a scarf with any yarn. It is as easy as adjusting the number of chain stitches at the beginning to suit your yarn.

Why Beginners Should Start Crocheting a Scarf

With scarf crochet patterns, you do not need to worry about any shaping, increasing, or decreasing. It is the best way to practice any crochet stitch and is useful for learning about tension and crochet gauge. You do not need to be an expert at reading a crochet pattern, but it will give you a good introduction to doing so.

Crochet Scarf Pattern Materials

If you are a beginner, I would also suggest using a nice thick, chunky yarn for your scarf. This, together with a large crochet hook, is easy to work with, and once again, it works quickly so that you won’t get discouraged by how long the project is taking! It will also be extra warm!

• YARN: These patterns will work for any weight of yarn since they are based on measurements. Your yarn can be acrylic, wool, or a wool blend. The thicker the yarn, the quicker your scarf will make up.
• CROCHET HOOK: Check the label of your yarn for the recommended size. Also, see the table below.
• Yarn needle or tapestry needle for weaving in the ends.
• Scissors
• Tape Measure

Best Crochet Hook Size for Scarves

Here are some of the common yarn weights used for crocheting scarves and the hook sizes recommended for them.

Yarn Type	Ply	Other Names	Hook Size (mm)	Hook Size Equivalents
DK (Double Knitting)	8-ply	Light Worsted	4 – 4.5	G-6 to 7 (US)
Worsted weight yarn	10-ply	Aran	4.5 – 5.5	7 to I-9 (US)
Bulky	12-ply	Chunky	5.5 – 8	I-9 to L-11 (US)
Super Bulky Yarn	14-ply or more	Super Chunky, Roving	8 and above	L-11 and larger (US)

Best Yarn for Scarves

The best yarn for a crochet scarf depends on how thick and warm you want your scarf and your crochet experience level. Thicker yarns are easiest when you are just learning, as they are easier to see the stitches. Your project will be completed faster, so you won’t get frustrated.

• Wool yarn is popular for people wishing to make a warmer, cozy scarf. Choose merino wool for a softer and less scratchy option than other wools.
• Acrylic yarn is, of course, cheaper, making it a great option for beginners. It can also be machine washable, which is a definite advantage and hypoallergenic.
• Cotton yarn makes light summer scarves but can stretch out of shape more easily. It is also more likely to split, so I if your are a beginner, I’d wait until you have a little experience before using cotton.

Add some color stripes to your double crochet scarf pattern by using yarn cakes. These yummy looking cakes have several colors in the one skein so you can create stripes without having to worry about learning to change yarn colors.

Yarn Requirements for Crochet Scarf

How many yards of yarn you need for a scarf can vary enormously by the weight of your yarn, your stitch tension and the scarf size you would like to make. Here are some approximate values.

As a general rule, buy 2 to 3 skeins of yarn, making sure they are from the same dye lot so there is not a variation in color.

Yarn Weight	Yards Required
DK (Double Knitting)	400-600 yards
Worsted	350-550 yards
Bulky	300-450 yards
Super Bulky	250-400 yards

What Yarn Did I Use?

For the red sample, I used Lionbrand Mandala Ombre. This is a soft 100% acrylic in category 4 worsted that is easy to crochet. Best of all it was self striping so I got lovely stripes without having to join colors. This is a great option for beginners who want a more interested striped scarf.

I used 1 1/2 skeins of the Ombre yarn. The 1/2 skein I had left was enough to make a double crochet cowl.

How to Crochet a Scarf Abbreviations

Pattern Notes: This how to make a scarf tutorial uses US terms.

• dc = double crochet stitch
• ch =chain stitch                                       
• st(s) = stitch(es)

Crochet Scarf Sizing

This basic free pattern will make a scarf that is 8 inches (20 cm) wide by 65 inches (165 cm) long. You can easily change this to make it wider or narrower, longer or shorter, but this is an ideal size to start.

Crochet Scarf Gauge

It is common practice to give a crochet gauge for any pattern, but when making a scarf, your gauge is not that important. The scarf will fit you regardless of whether it is slightly shorter, longer, wider or narrower.

How Many Chains do you Need for a Crochet Scarf?

For my sample, I used 28 chains plus 3 for turning, but you can adjust it to your preference. Thinner yarn will need more chains, and you might need to do up to 40 chains.

How to Crochet a Scarf, Step By Step Instructions

This is a basic scarf pattern that is great for beginners or those looking for a quick-to-crochet scarf. It uses double crochet stitches and is simple for beginners.

Follow along with the Youtube video

Foundation Chain

1. Create a slip knot and chain your desired width plus 3 extra chains to turn on the first row.
2. Leave a long tail of yarn for weaving in later.

If you are using another yarn weight or want a custom width, use the scarf chain calculator above to determine the number of chains you need.

Make your chains loosely, and then measure the length to see if that is what you require. Reassess after the first row, and don't be afraid to pull it all apart and start again.

Row 1

1. Into the 4^th chain, work a double crochet. (dc). You now have 2 stitches as the 3 chains also count as a stitch.
2. Work 1 double crochet (dc) into each chain (ch), across to the end. (Be careful that your row of chain stitches does not twist as you work into it!)

Row 2

1. Chain 1 and turn. (This chain 1 does not count as a stitch)

When the pattern says turn, they mean you must flip your work horizontally so that you can work back across the row you have just created.

2. Dc into the base of the chain 1.
3. Now, work a dc stitch into each dc you made in the previous row. Be sure to insert your hook through both of the loops at the top of each stitch you are working into.
4. Work all the way across the row. Count your stitches to be sure you haven't accidentally increased or decreased a stitch along the way. When counting, don't count the chain 1 at the beginning.
5. Your last dc must be worked into the top of 3rd chain from the row below.

Note on the turning chains: Some patterns have you chain 3 at the beginng of a row and then put the dc into the next stitch and not at the base of the chain. This is a very common technique, however it can leave you with a gap in the sides of each row. If you do the chain 1 and double crochet into the base, you will end up with straighter edges with no gaps.

Row 3

1. Chain 1 and turn. (This chain 1 does not count as a stitch)
2. Dc into the base of the chain 1.
3. Dc across the row.
4. Your last dc must be worked into the top of last dc from the row below (not the chain 1 on the side).

Row 4 and Beyond

1. Repeat row 3 until your scarf reaches 65 inches (165cm) or the length you would like it to be.
2. Periodically do a stitch count to ensure your scarf is not getting narrower or wider. If you have accidentally increased or decreased stitches, see the troubleshooting section for some solutions.

Step 5 - Finish and Weave Ends

To finish off the simple scarf pattern, cut the yarn, leaving about 6” (15 cm) for weaving in. Pull this length of yarn all the way through your last stitch loop. Pull it gently to make sure it is secure and will not come undone.

Use the 6” (15cm) of yarn to weave into the scarf so that you don’t have untidy bits of yarn hanging loose. Thread it into the yarn or tapestry needle, and on the wrong side of your work, weave it horizontally through a few stitches.

Then thread it through one stitch vertically, and back again horizontally in the opposite direction. Do this with any loose ends of yarn. The ‘tail’ bit from the beginning, which you left before starting your original chain stitches must be woven in, and any joins of yarn you made along the way.

Troubleshooting Crocheting a Scarf

The main problem beginners encounter is the number of stitches accidentally increasing or decreasing.

If there is a large discrepancy of stitches, you should just undo several rows until you reach the row with the correct number of stitches.

For small stitch variations, try one of these solutions:

• Too many stitches - you can decrease the stitches by skipping a stitch. Do this near the beginning or end of a row so it doesn't show.
• Too few stitches - you can increase the stitches by crocheting 2 stitches into the one stitch below. Try this near the end of a row.

Crochet Scarf Variations

Now you have mastered a beginner scarf, here are some more free and easy crochet scarf patterns

Making a Crochet Scarf Fringe

So fringe or no fringe? This is entirely a matter of personal choice. Some people think a scarf is incomplete without adding a scarf fringe.!

How to Crochet a Scarf FAQs

What Crochet Stitch is Best for a Scarf

You can use the exact method above for your crochet project with many other simple stitches. Which crochet stitch is best for a scarf depends on the look you want. Do you want it dense or with long holes?

• Single crochet stitch (sc) - Gives dense stitch with minimal holes. Sc is great for making a scarf as it is a simple stitch that doesn't take much concentration to do. Great for crocheting in front of the TV.
• Half double crochet stitch (hdc) - This is a great dense stitch that works up faster than a single crochet.
• Double crochet is commonly used for granny stripe and granny square scarves.
• Treble crochet (tr) - Treble crochet will have you completing the scarf the fastest, resulting in larger holes giving a lacy look.

You can also change yarn colors to create a look as individual as you are! Really, you can use any basic crochet stitch, as all you are doing is making a simple rectangle of varying lengths and widths.

How Long Should a Scarf Be for Crochet

This free scarf pattern recommends 65" (165cm), but really there is no right or wrong. As you are crocheting, throw the scarf around your neck every now and again and see if you like how it looks.

In Conclusion

Well, there you have it, an easy crochet scarf pattern for a simple scarf that should only take you a few hours to make. You can make one in every shade of the rainbow to match every outfit you own, or you can make a couple to give as gifts. I know many people who use up their yarn scraps and make scarves of many colors to donate to those less fortunate. Have fun introducing variety to this pattern and creating a truly individual scarf to suit your own personality!

If you would like to try a different crochet scarf pattern, here are some roundups of free crochet patterns of some fancier variations. Expand your crochet skills!

• Crochet Infinity Scarf Patterns
• Crochet Scarf Patterns