Mar
The Absolute Easiest Starting Point
Okay so if you’re just starting out with crochet scarves the single crochet rectangle is literally where you need to begin. I made my first one in spring 2022 when I was binge-watching Ozark and honestly just needed something to do with my hands because I was so stressed about everything going on in my life at that point.
You literally just chain like 20-25 stitches depending on how wide you want your scarf. I used Lion Brand Wool-Ease back then in like a burgundy color because it was on sale at Michael’s. Then you just single crochet back and forth. That’s it. Keep going until it’s long enough to wrap around your neck. The pattern is: chain your starting width, single crochet in second chain from hook, single crochet across, chain 1, turn, repeat until you die or finish the scarf whichever comes first.
The thing that annoyed me SO much about this was how the edges kept getting wavy and weird? Like I’d count my stitches and somehow I’d end up with 23 stitches in one row and 19 in another and I still don’t totally understand how that happens but it does.
Half Double Crochet Version
Once you can do single crochet without wanting to throw your hook across the room you can try half double crochet which works up faster. The scarf grows quicker which is nice because single crochet takes FOREVER. I made one of these in summer 2024 using Caron Simply Soft in like a gray heather situation and it took maybe a week of casual evening crocheting instead of three weeks.
Same concept as before but you’re doing half double crochet stitches instead. Chain your width (maybe do 18-20 chains since hdc is a bit taller), yarn over, insert hook in third chain from hook, yarn over and pull through, yarn over and pull through all three loops. Then just keep going down the row. At the end you chain 2 instead of chain 1 before turning.
My cat kept trying to attack the working yarn while I was making this one which was super annoying but also kind of hilarious.
The Granny Stripe Scarf Thing
This one looks more complicated than it is I promise. You’re basically making a long skinny granny square. I learned this pattern from watching someone at a coffee shop do it and just asked her what she was doing because it looked cool.
You start with a chain that’s a multiple of 3 plus 2. So like chain 20 or 23 or 26 whatever. Then you do: double crochet in 4th chain from hook, dc in next stitch, chain 2, skip 2 chains, then do 3 dc in next chain. Keep repeating that pattern of chain 2 skip 2 and 3 dc until you get to the end. The chain spaces create these little gaps that make it look fancier than it actually is.
For the next row you chain 3 and turn, then you do 2 dc in the same space, then chain 2, then 3 dc in each chain-2 space from the previous row. The last stitch you do 3 dc in the turning chain space. It creates this stripey effect that people always think took way more skill than it did.
I used Red Heart Super Saver for this one because I’m not gonna spend $30 on yarn for a practice project. It was that variegated blue color that kinda looks like ocean waves or whatever.
Actual Measurements That Helped Me
So nobody really tells you this but here’s what actually works for scarf dimensions:
- Width: somewhere between 5-8 inches is good for most people
- Length: like 60-70 inches if you want it to wrap around once and have the ends hang down
- If you want to do that loop-through thing where you pull one end through a gap you need it closer to 50 inches
- Bulky yarn makes everything work up faster but also makes the scarf thicker which can be annoying under a coat
The Moss Stitch Scarf
This one has a nice texture without being difficult. You alternate single crochet and chain stitches which creates these little bumps. Chain an even number to start. Then single crochet in 2nd chain from hook, chain 1, skip the next chain, single crochet in the next chain. Keep alternating like that across the whole row.
When you turn for the next row you chain 1, then you single crochet in each chain-1 space from the previous row and chain 1 over each single crochet. It sounds confusing written out but once you do like two rows you can see the pattern and then you just keep doing the same thing.
The texture is really nice and it lays flat better than plain single crochet in my experience. I made this one during a really bad breakup in like November 2023 and honestly the repetitive pattern was kinda therapeutic even though I’m not gonna get all emotional about it.
Chunky Scarf With Bulky Yarn
If you want something that works up in literally one evening use bulky or super bulky yarn with like a 10mm or 12mm hook. Bernat Blanket yarn works great for this even though technically it’s blanket yarn not scarf yarn but who cares it’s soft.
Just do single crochet or half double crochet with a starting chain of like 12-15 stitches. The thick yarn makes it grow so fast and you can finish a whole scarf in a few hours while watching TV. The downside is bulky scarves are sometimes too thick to be practical but they photograph really well if you’re into that.
Yarn Weights That Actually Make Sense For Scarves
The yarn label numbers confused me for so long but here’s what I figured out:
- Worsted weight (number 4) is like the standard everybody-uses-this size – Lion Brand Wool-Ease, Red Heart Super Saver, Caron Simply Soft are all this weight
- DK weight (number 3) is a little thinner and makes a lighter scarf that’s good for spring or fall
- Bulky (number 5) or super bulky (number 6) works up fast but makes thick scarves
- Fingering weight exists but I’ve never used it for scarves because life is too short
The V-Stitch Pattern
This creates a lacy effect without being complicated. You’re basically making little V shapes with double crochets. Chain a multiple of 3 plus 1 to start. Double crochet in 4th chain from hook, chain 1, double crochet in same chain (that’s your first V). Then skip 2 chains and do another V (dc, chain 1, dc) in the next chain. Keep going until the end.
For the second row you chain 3 and turn, then do your V stitches in each chain-1 space from the previous row. It works up faster than single crochet and has more visual interest. I used Vanna’s Choice yarn in mustard yellow for one of these and it turned out pretty nice except I hate yellow so I gave it away.
The annoying thing about V-stitch is you gotta pay attention to where you’re putting your hook or you’ll accidentally split the yarn and mess up the pattern. But if you’re watching something that doesn’t require your full attention it’s fine.
Striped Scarves For When You Get Bored
Honestly once you can do basic stitches just changing colors every few rows makes it look like you tried harder. You don’t need a special pattern just pick your base stitch (single crochet, half double crochet, whatever) and switch yarn colors every 4-6 rows.
When you change colors just drop the old color and start the new color when you’re doing your turning chain. You can carry the unused color up the side if you’re alternating between two colors or you can cut it and weave in ends later which is tedious but whatever.
I made a striped scarf with three different colors of Red Heart Super Saver (gray, white, and dark red) and people acted like it was this impressive thing but it was literally just single crochet in straight rows with color changes.
Hook Sizes That Worked For Me
The yarn label tells you what hook size to use but honestly I found these work better:
- For worsted weight yarn I use a 6mm hook even though the label usually says 5mm because I like a looser fabric
- For bulky yarn I go with 10mm or 12mm
- Metal hooks are easier on your hands than plastic ones if you’re crocheting for more than like 20 minutes
- The ergonomic handles actually do make a difference I thought it was marketing nonsense but my hand cramps way less now
Infinity Scarf Version
You can make any of these patterns into an infinity scarf by just making it longer and then seaming the ends together. I usually make them like 50-60 inches long before joining. You can either sew the ends together with a yarn needle or slip stitch crochet them together.
The slip stitch method is faster: hold both ends together with right sides facing each other and slip stitch through both layers across the width. Then turn it right side out and nobody can see the seam.
I made an infinity scarf using the moss stitch pattern with some random acrylic yarn I got at Walmart and it actually stays on better than regular scarves because you don’t have ends flying around. But also you can’t adjust it as easily so… there’s trade-offs or whatever.
Fringe If You’re Feeling Extra
Adding fringe to the ends makes basic scarves look more finished I guess. Cut a bunch of yarn pieces that are twice as long as you want your fringe plus a little extra. Fold each piece in half, insert your hook through the edge of your scarf, grab the folded loop and pull it through, then pull the loose ends through the loop and tighten.
Do this every stitch or every other stitch along both short ends. Then trim them all to the same length. It takes like 15 minutes and makes people think you knew what you were doing.
I rarely do fringe because I think it looks kinda dated but my mom loves it so I add it when I’m making scarves as gifts for her.
Troubleshooting The Annoying Parts
Your edges are probably gonna be weird at first. That wavy edge thing I mentioned earlier happens because you’re either accidentally increasing or decreasing stitches. Count your stitches at the end of every row for like the first ten rows until you get consistent.
If your scarf is getting wider as you go you’re probably accidentally working into the turning chain when you shouldn’t be. If it’s getting narrower you’re probably missing the last stitch of each row.
Tension is gonna be inconsistent when you start and that’s fine nobody’s gonna measure your stitches with calipers. It evens out with practice and honestly most people can’t tell anyway once you’re wearing it.
If your hands hurt stop and take a break. I gave myself like a repetitive strain thing in my wrist from crocheting for three hours straight while watching The Last of Us and had to take a week off which was stupid.
Yarn Choices That Don’t Suck
For beginners just use acrylic yarn. Red Heart Super Saver gets a bad reputation from yarn snobs but it’s cheap and washable and comes in every color. Lion Brand Wool-Ease is a little softer and has some wool content if you want something nicer but not expensive.
Caron Simply Soft is really soft (obviously) but it splits more easily when you’re working with it which is annoying. Big Twist from Joann is decent and goes on sale constantly.
Don’t use fuzzy or furry yarn for your first projects because you can’t see your stitches. Don’t use dark colors at first either because same problem. I tried to make a black scarf early on and literally couldn’t see what I was doing under normal lighting.
Stay away from cotton yarn for scarves it doesn’t have stretch and makes a heavy dense fabric that’s not great for scarves. Cotton is better for like dishcloths or whatever.
How Long This Actually Takes
A basic single crochet scarf in worsted weight yarn takes me like 8-10 hours of actual crocheting time spread over whenever. If you’re brand new it might take longer because you’re gonna mess up and redo sections.
Half double crochet is faster maybe 6-8 hours. Double crochet is even faster but makes a more open fabric. Bulky yarn with a big hook can be done in 3-4 hours if you’re just powering through.
Don’t try to finish it in one sitting your hands will hate you. I usually work on scarves while watching TV in the evening for like an hour or so and finish them over a week or two.
