How to Crochet a Scarf

Last Updated: August 2, 2022 References

Scarves are one of the easiest projects to make, and there are all sorts of variations you can try. Start by choosing a yarn (or multiple colors of yarn) to use for your scarf. Then, you can make a basic scarf using single and double crochet stitches. You can also customize your scarf using a special stitch, or by adding embellishments at the end.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Making a Basic Scarf

1
Gather your materials. Making a basic scarf is easy to do, but you will need to have some special materials handy. You will need:^{[1]
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- Medium worsted weight yarn in the color(s) of your choice. You will need at least one ball of yarn, and possible three or four depending on how big the yarn balls are and long you want to make your scarf.
  - Worsted cotton is softer, and also can slip along your needle easier. It may also be more flexible, as well, allowing your scarf to be folded up and stored in a drawer for your next use.
- Size H crochet hook. This is a good size for working with medium worsted weight yarn. If you end up choosing a different type of yarn, then be sure to check the label for recommendations about what hook size works best with that kind of yarn.
  - The yarn label should tell you which size of hook to use. If it doesn’t, choose one between 5 mm. and 6 mm. These should provide you with the type of material you want.
- Scissors
- Crochet needle (optional, for weaving in tail and embellishing)
2
Make a slip knot, and begin to chain. To make a slip knot, cross a section of the yarn tail over the working yarn, which comes directly from the yarn ball, creating a loop. Push the tail of the yarn through the loop, but not all the way. Use your thumb, and push it through just so that your hook can slip through the loop made. Pull the tail and the working yarn together. Pull the working yarn over your hook, and dip the hook to the left and down. (If you are a right-hander, dip it right.) Pull the yarn through the hook. You have made a chain stitch! Keep going, until you have the width of the scarf you would like.

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3
Chain 34 stitches. To make a medium width scarf with medium worsted weight yarn and a size H crochet hook, begin by chaining 34 stitches.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Lindsey Campbell
Weaving Instructor
Expert Interview. 9 October 2019.}^{[3]
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Research source} Make a slipknot first by looping the yarn around your fingers twice and then pulling the second loop through the first. Then, slide the slipknot onto the hook and tighten it. Make the first chain by looping the yarn over the hook and pulling it through the slipknot.^{[4]
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- Continue to loop the yarn over and pull through until you have a chain of 34.
- Keep in mind that you can chain more or less stitches if you want the chain to be wider or narrower. The number of chains also depends on the thickness of your yarn.^{[5]
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  Lindsey Campbell
  Weaving Instructor
  Expert Interview. 9 October 2019.}
4
Use single crochet for the first row. Chain two stitches to begin the first row of single crochet stitches. This will be your turning chain. Always start your rows with a chain of two and then turn your work around before you begin working the single crochet stitch.
- To single crochet, insert the hook into the third stitch from the hook and yarn over. Pull this yarn through the first stitch on the hook to create a new loop. Then, yarn over again and pull through both loops to complete your first single crochet stitch.^{[6]
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- Continue to single crochet all stitches to the end of the row.
- Insert the hook into the second loop underneath the hook. The chain stitches made little “v’s”. Choose the “v” closest to you, and insert your hook through one of the loops making the main “v”. Yarn over, and pull the yarn through the “v”. Now you have 2 loops on your hook. Yarn over, temporarily putting three loops, and pull through both the loops. Now you have one. Continue. Now, when you reach the end of the chain you made, create a chain. Flip the row you just made, and insert your hook into BOTH loops that make the “v” and continue. If you want an extra stretchy material, insert your hook into only one, known as “sc in blo only”.
5
Do double crochet stitches for the second row. To add a bit of simple variation to your scarf, you can work the next row in the double crochet stitch. Remember to chain two before each new row, and then turn your work around.
- To make your first double crochet stitch, loop the yarn over the hook, and then insert the hook into the third stitch from the hook and yarn over again. Pull this yarn through the first stitch on the hook, and then yarn over again. Pull through the next two stitches, and then yarn over again. Pull through the last two stitches to complete your first double crochet stitch.^{[7]
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- Continue to double crochet all stitches to the end of the row.
6
Alternate until the scarf is the desired length. Switch back and for the between single and double crochet stitches to complete your scarf. Keep crocheting until the scarf is as long as you want it to be. In general, scarves should be fairly long, around five feet so that you can wrap them around your neck several times and still have some scarf hanging on either side.
7
Cut tail and tie off. Once your scarf is the desired length, cut the tail a few inches away from the end and then tie it off to secure it. You may want to tie it a few times to be sure that it is secure. You can cut the excess or weave the tail into the edge of the scarf using a crochet needle.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Customizing Your Scarf

1
Make a specific type of scarf using a special pattern. There are many different types of scarves that you can make by following a pattern. Consider what type of scarf you would like to make and then use a pattern to create it.
- Swirl scarf
- V-stitch scarf
- Chevron scarf
- Hooded scarf
- Granny Rectangle Scarf
2
Use a decorative stitch. There are many different decorative stitches that you can choose from to create a unique scarf. Some stitches you might consider include:
- Popcorn stitch
- Box stitch
- Textured shell stitch
- Cluster stitch
3
Connect the ends to make an infinity scarf. An infinity scarf is one that connects to form a circle. You can turn a standard scarf into an infinity scarf by connecting the ends. If you would like to turn your scarf into an infinity scarf, then thread a crochet needle with the same color yarn you used to make your scarf and then weave the ends together.
- Then, tie the end of the yarn through a stitch to secure it and snip the excess to complete your infinity scarf!
4
Add fringe. Fringe is a common decorative feature of scarves. To add fringe, you will need to cut many pieces of yarn to the same length and tie them in knots at the ends of the scarf. Try using a color that complements the scarf or that matches it.^{[8]
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- For example, if your scarf is red and gold, then you can use red and gold yarn to match. Or, if your scarf is black, then try adding white fringe for some contrast.
5
Do some topstitching. Topstitching is just what it sounds like. It is the process of stitching on the surface layer of a crocheted project rather than stitching through it. You can thread a crochet needle with some contrasting yarn and stitch polka dots, stripes, or even initials into your scarf to embellish it.
- You can also try single or double crocheting around the edges of your scarf to add an interesting accent, or if you want to get advanced, then you could try a triple picot border.

Expert Q&A

Question

How many chains do I need to make a scarf?

Lindsey Campbell
Weaving Instructor
Lindsey Campbell is an artist and instructor behind Hello Hydrangea, a modern fiber company specializing in custom home decor and weaving supplies. She has taught over 2500 students how to weave craft through her online video classes. Lindsey's work has been featured in Design*Sponge, Huffington Post, and Vintage Revivals, and she has designed products for JoAnns Crafts, Anthropologie, and Nordstrom.

Lindsey Campbell

Weaving Instructor

Expert Answer

It all depends on the thickness of your yarn and how wide or narrow you want the scarf to be. For a thicker scarf, you'd probably want at least 20 chains.
Question

Is it possible to make a granny square scarf?

Community Answer

Yes. You can either make standard granny square shapes and sew them together to get the right length, or you can use the "mile-a-minute" technique to make a scarf as long as you want.
Question

How do I know how many stitches I need for the size needle I have? I have a j. And I have an i.

DiamondWarrior649

Top Answerer

You don't need any certain amount of stitches based on the size of the needle. Because this isn't knitting, you can create a thousand stitches from a 5.0mm. hook.