How to Crochet a Scarf in 5 Easy Steps – Free Easy Beginner Pattern
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Check out my beginner guide on how to crochet a scarf. I will guide you through each step to complete this great beginner crochet project.
Crochet scarves are such easy and fun crochet projects for beginners. They are quick to make and make a great gift for your friends or family.
After you master the first few beginner stitches, a crochet scarf is most likely the next step. You can put your newly acquired crochet skills to good use. It can get quite boring just practicing crochet stitches without an ends result.
But just imagine if you can make something beautiful and super useful even as a total beginner? Handmade gifts add such a special touch to someone’s birthday or Christmas.
How to Crochet a Scarf in 5 Easy Steps
This is a step-by-step beginner guide on how to crochet a scarf in 5 easy steps. An easy crochet scarf is a great project for someone who can crochet a few basic stitches. A crochet scarf is essentially a long rectangle that does not require any increase for decreases.
This makes it such a quick and fun project that even a total crochet beginner can complete. I will guide you through the process in 5 easy steps on how to crochet a scarf.
Easy Crochet Scarf with Tips – Video Breakdown
The video is longer than normal tutorials as it includes LOTS of tips, that are especially helpful for beginners. So be sure to watch it all to learn how to crochet a scarf from the beginning to the end.
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1. Most Important Easy Crochet Scarf Making Tips
There are a few things you need to consider before even picking up your crochet hook. There are a few different ways on how you can make an easy scarf. If you make a clear plan ahead, it will be easier to finish your scarf.
Firstly, you need to decide whether you want to crochet your scarf lengthways or widthways.
If you crochet your scarf lengthways you will only need to crochet a few rows. However, they will be very long rows with many stitches.
Crocheting a scarf widthways is slightly easier as you will work on shorter rows. However, you will need a few of them to reach the desired length.
Your next step is choosing the right stitch. You can choose textured, flat or lacy stitch. However, you need to choose a stitch that you are comfortable working with and is suitable for the finished project you are after. I have an amazing eBook of ULTIMATE LIST OF ADVANCED CROCHET STITCHES if you would like to get inspired.
Lastly, you should consider the finished item you want to make. You can stick to making a traditional scarf which is a great project. However, you can also turn it into an infinity scarf where you sew the two ends together. Crochet cowl is fun to make too. It is a short version of an infinity scarf where you can adjust the width to suit.
Different types of Scarves and Example Patterns:
- Traditional Long Scarf (see pattern below)
- Infinity Scarf – like the Lemon Peel Infinity Scarf
- Cowl – like the Waffle Cowl
2. Gather Your Materials to Crochet a Scarf
A crochet scarf does not require many materials. You will need a yarn suitable for beginners. Ideally bulky or super bulky yarn which is easy to see and work with. It also works up quickly for that instant satisfaction from a finished project. I like using WeCrochet Mighty Stitch Super Bulky yarn (1 skein/ 100g/ 44yd).
Secondly, you will need a good crochet hook in the right size. At the start, you should follow the recommended hook size on the yarn label. Later on, you will learn to adjust hook sizes to your tension. I used a 9.00 mm hook.
You will also need a tapestry needle that is big enough for the bulky or super bulky yarn to weave your ends in.
A good pair of sharp scissors to cut your yarn cleanly so it is easier to thread the needle.
We will need to measure the width and length of the crochet scarf so a good tape measure is a must.
Lastly, you can follow a crochet pattern, like mine below. However, you do not necessarily need a pattern as such as it is so easy to make a crochet scarf.
3. Find the Best Stitch to Crochet a Scarf
It is important to pick a stitch you like using and working with. This should be a stitch that also works well with the yarn.
As a beginner start with basic stitches like single crochet, half double, or double crochet that are easy to make. Check out LEARN HOW TO CROCHET WITH BASIC STITCHES – CROCHET BEGINNER VIDEO EBOOK PDF.
If you are confident enough you can make these basic stitches more advanced by working in different loops or grouping the stitches into simple stitch combinations like V stitch.
4. Length and Width of Beginner Crochet Scarf
Before you start making your crochet scarf, you need to determine the finished size. The most used width of a scarf is 6 inches. However, this is completely a personal choice as some people prefer them wider or more narrow.
Here are a few standard length sizes:
- Short Scarf: 55 inches
- Medium Scarf: 70 inches
- Long Scarf: 80 inches
The average size of a crochet scarf that would be suitable for adults is 60 inches that works well.
5. How to Crochet a Scarf – Easy Beginner Pattern
I have decided to show you how to crochet simple scarf widthways using short rows. The video above shows the next steps in a lot of detail.
Firstly, you need to make a slip knot to start making the foundation chain. I have a beginner crochet guide on my website that might be useful.
Secondly, chain as many stitches as it takes to get to 6 inches. Then add an extra chain as we will be starting to crochet into the second chain from the hook.
Work first row back across the foundation chain. I prefer working into the back bump of the foundation chain which makes the edge tidy and matches the top edge. Work 1 sc into each chain stitch all the way across your starting chain.
Do not worry about gauge or tension at this point, go by the measurements to achieve the finished size you are after. A crochet scarf is a very forgiving make when it comes to fit.
Now, all you have to do is make as many single crochet stitch rows as you need to reach the desired length.
You can also use stitch markers at the edge of the rows. This will help you to know where your first and last st is. So you do not lose them and end up with a wonky scarf.
Weave in ends of the Easy Crochet Scarf
This is the last step, however a super important one! The video above breaks this down step-by-step.
Once you reach the finished length of your crochet scarf, fasten off and cut off the yarn leaving a longer yarn tail. I usually leave around ten inches to be able to weave in the end. You need to securely weave in the ends so your scarf doesn’t fall apart.
Thread the yarn tail through the tapestry needle and go through the last loop like a slip stitch to securely finish off the last stitch.
With your tapestry needle thread the yarn through the tunnel of the stitches. You also need to split up the yarn through the different legs of the stitches to create more friction. This means your ends should not come undone.
You need to go back in the opposite direction, go in zigzag directions a few times back and forth, about 3-4 rows. You can see a detailed Weave in Your Ends Tutorial here.
Do not pull the yarn too tight so you do not misshape the scarf.
If you wish you can now even add some fringe to the ends of the scarf to give it some extra special touch.
More Easy Crochet Scarf Pattern Inspiration
I hope you enjoyed this beginner guide to crochet a scarf. You can use it and teach all your friends how to crochet a super simple scarf.
Check out the easy step-by-step hat tutorial on my website to make a lovely hat and scarf set to gift to someone special.
If you want to explore more scarf patterns, then this crochet scarf collection might be for you:
Get this Scarf Collection Here
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