How To Crochet A Scarf – Fee Unisex Pattern

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This is a beginner guide on how to crochet a unisex scarf. Whether you are making one for yourself or as a gift, this guide will help you.


Crochet scarf is one of the easiest and most popular crochet makes amongst beginners. It is a great project to practice stitches and have something useful and beautiful after.

How do you crochet an absolute scarf for beginners?

There are three different ways to crochet an absolute beginner scarf.

  1. Widthways – this is by far the easiest way how to crochet a scarf. You simply crochet along the shorter edge and work up the length of the scarf. This is the best way to control how long and wide your scarf will be.
  2. Lengthways – this involves crocheting along the long edge of the scarf. You will have a very long starting chain but only a few rows as the width will work up super fast.
  3. Diagonal – using the corner to corner technique, you can work on diagonal. However this method does require increase and decrease techniques.

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how to crochet scarf

How many chains do you need to crochet a scarf?

The amount of starting stitches varies greatly depending on the yarn weight you are going to use for your crochet scarf.

I have included below a handy chart which will give you an estimated starting chain for 20 cm / 8 inches wide scarf.

Once you have crocheted the first row, you just need to work up the length of the scarf.

Yarn type number of stitches for width
2ply68 sts
4ply56 sts
Double Knitting40 sts
Aran36 sts
Chunky28 sts

Is it easy to crochet a scarf?

I consider crocheting a scarf one of the easiest crochet project. The great thing is, that there is no increase or decrease involved (unless you decide for diagonal c2c scarf).

You can make the scarf as easy as possible and simply use an easy beginner stitch worked in short rows. This way you will also have a very relaxing and mindful project you can easily do while watching TV.

Crochet scarf is also a super portable project to take with you on the go.

crochet grit stitch scarf

What stitch do you use to crochet a scarf?

This greatly depends on the finished result you are aiming for. In my opinion you can use any stitch you like as there are no increase or decrease required.

However, make sure that you enjoy working this stitch as you are crocheting a long piece of fabric in this stitch, so you are in for a while.

Perhaps, you can choose a stitch that is used in another project that you need to practise. You can do this before committing to a bigger project like blanket or a sweater.

Here is a list of crochet stitches you could use in a crochet scarf:

beginner guide to crochet scarf

How do you crochet a winter scarf?

When you say crochet scarf, many crocheters typically think of a cold weather scarf to keep you warm.

So, to crochet a scarf that is perfect for winter and cold weather, you need to firstly choose a suitable yarn.

Thicker yarns like aran or chunky weight will provide you with more warmth as they create denser and thicker finished fabric.

Secondly, the fibre used in these yarns is important. If you can, the best fibres to use are animal based fibres. Yarns fibres like wool, alpaca, merino, cashmere, mohair or silk. Wool is warm, but also breathable, which makes it perfect for winter accessories.

However, some kinds of wool can be found itchy and unpleasant to wear. In this case anti-pilling acrylic yarn can do just as good job.

You will also have to choose your stitch wisely. Opt for a closed stitch with minimal gaps or holes for extra warmth. I recommend Linked Double Crochet Stitch ā€“ Free Tutorial or Crochet Tweed Stitch ā€“ Free Video Tutorial which both create super dense and thick fabric.

How wide should a scarf be?

This is very much down to a personal choice and what the scarf is going to be used for.

I have included a handy chart with estimated sizes for scarves. However, the finished size can be completely customised.

Secondly, you need to take into consideration how the scarf will be worn. If you like to wrap the scarf around your neck a couple of times and still have long ends hanging down, you will need an extra long scarf (around 110-120 inches).

SizeWidthLength
woman’s standard5-7 inchesas tall as the person
woman’s shawlette type scarf10 inchesas long as wingspan (about 60-70 inches)
men’s6-8 inchesas tall as the person
skinny scarf3-5 inchesbetween 50-70 inches
kid’s scarf (up to 5 years)3-4 inches30 – 45 inches depending on age
kids over 5 years4-5 inches50-60 inches

Unisex Pattern

I have designed a super simple crochet scarf using a simple stitch.

This is a unisex pattern that is super easy to customised. It uses beginner friendly Grit Stitch which is a combination of single and double crochet stitches. Check out the tutorial below.

YouTube video

The pattern repeats over 2 stitches so it will be super easy to adjust the width. All you need to do is to add a multiple of 2 sts to the starting chain.

grit stitch chart

Length is easily adjustable too, just add more or work less rows.

Grab the ad free PDF version of this scarf pattern from my shops below.

download crochet scarf on Ravelry
download this crochet scarf on Etsy
pattern
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download on Lovecrafts

how to guide to crochet scarf

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MATERIALS

FINISHED SIZE

16 cm wide x 150 cm long

TENSION

12 sts x 9 rows = 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 inch)

STITCHES AND ABBREVIATIONS (US CROCHET TERMS)

ch = chain

sc = single crochet

dc = double crochet

grit stitch = watch video tutorial here

PATTERN NOTES

  • the scarf is a beginner friendly pattern using grit stitch
  • it is worked along the shorter side in short rows to work up the length
  • you can easily adjust the width by adjsuting the starting chain, add or take away multiples of 2 sts
  • to adjust the length simple work more or less row repeats.
unisex crochet scarf

UNISEX SCARF MAIN PATTERN

Chain 22.

Row 1: starting in 2nd chain from hook, work 1 sc, (1 dc in next, 1 sc in next) repeat across, turn. [21 sts]

Row 2: 3 ch (counts as first dc), (1 sc in next, 1 dc in next) repeat across, turn. [21 sts]

Row 3: 1 ch (doesn’t count as a st here and throughout), 1 sc in same st, (1 dc in next, 1 sc in next) repeat across, turn. [21 sts]

Repeat Rows 2 and 3 for pattern another 66 times or as many times as you wish for a desired length.

Fasten off.

Sew in all ends.

For an extra touch you can also finish your scarf off with a fringe. For a neat and durable fringe, check out How To Make Twisted Fringe For A Beautiful Finish.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed this herringbone double crochet stitch tutorial. I have more free crochet tutorials that you might enjoy right here on the blog. 

Why not check out 10 Free Crochet Scarf Patterns for Beginners and find your next crochet project.

You might also like:

  1. Crochet Scarf With Pockets ā€“ Free Pattern
  2. Menā€™s Crochet Bandana Ribbed Scarf ā€“ free pattern
  3. Simple Free Double Crochet V-Stitch Scarf Pattern
  4. Lightweight Crochet Spiral Scarf ā€“ free pattern

If you think you crochet crew would like it too, share the pattern link with them! You can also shout from the rooftops, however it would be more effective if you share this pattern on your social mediaā€¦ Apparently, thatā€™s what todayā€™s kids do, itā€™s the ā€œcoolā€ thing!

I also send out a fun and free newsletter that is packed with crochet goodies! It is full of free crochet patterns, hand picked round ups and stitch tutorials.

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About Veronika Cromwell

Hi, Iā€™m Veronika! I design modern and wearable crochet garments, accessories and homewares. Grab your hook and find your next project!

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