Crochet · beginner project
To crochet a scarf, chain a little more than the width you want, work rows of one easy stitch such as half double crochet until it's long enough, and weave in the ends. The free scarf calculator works out the chain, rows and yarn for your size.
| Stitch | Feels | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Single crochet | Dense, firm | Very warm scarves, chunky yarn |
| Half double crochet | Warm, a little stretch | A first scarf |
| Double crochet | Drapey, quick | Lighter scarves |
| Moss stitch | Flat, woven look | A neat scarf that doesn't curl |
An infinity scarf is a long strip joined into a loop: about 50 to 60 in around wraps twice. A cowl or neck warmer is a shorter loop of about 24 to 28 in that sits once around the neck. You can also work either one in joined rounds; see crocheting in the round.
Knitting instead? The same calculator does cast-on numbers, and how many stitches to cast on for a scarf shows the maths.
Width x stitches per inch, plus the turning chain. In worsted yarn and half double crochet (about 3.5 stitches per inch) a 7 in scarf is about 25 stitches. Crochet a small swatch to find your own number.
Often 60 to 70 in for an adult and 40 to 50 in for a child. Measure a scarf you like and match it.
Half double crochet: quick, warm and easy to count. Single crochet is denser; double crochet is faster and drapier.
Crochet a long strip, give it a half twist if you like, and sew the short ends together. A loop of about 50 to 60 in goes round the neck twice; a cowl of about 24 to 28 in goes round once.
Before you go
Make a free account and the Craftuary Designer turns your own idea into a checked crochet pattern with a preview picture. You keep it. The account also unlocks the printable PDF of every free pattern.