Easy Crochet Scarf Free Pattern Using Moss Stitch

a crochet scarf

 Marylooo / Getty Images

Project Overview
  • Skill Level: Beginner

This easy crochet scarf pattern uses the moss stitch, which is a straightforward stitch pattern worked using a combination of single crochet and chain stitches. The moss stitch, also known as granite stitch or linen stitch, is created by making single crochet stitches into spaces created by chain stitches. It takes just a few rows to get this technique down so that it becomes a beautifully meditative pattern, a relaxing project for intermediate and advanced crocheters. It is also easy enough for beginners, requiring no increasing or decreasing. This crochet scarf pattern offers an excellent opportunity to learn and practice this beautiful stitch while also creating a comfortable, functional item.

Sizing / Finished Measurements

Width: 4 inches

Length: approximately 50 inches

Crochet scarves come in many different widths, so it's fine if it is narrower or wider than the 4" average. If you like the width you have made, there's no need to start over, assuming that you bought plenty of yarn. As long as you are satisfied with the width, running out of yarn is the most pressing problem you'd have to worry about if your scarf is substantially fuller than 4".

The length of a crochet scarf is easy to alter. Want a shorter scarf? Crochet fewer rows. A longer scarf? Crochet more rows, as long as you have yarn to do so.

Gauge

14 sts and 15 rows = 4 inches (10 centimeters) in Moss Stitch

Check your stitch gauge by crocheting seven to 10 rows of the pattern and measuring the width of the piece. Compare that measurement against the finished measurement. If your scarf is turning out wider than the measurement given, then you might want to consider starting over with a smaller crochet hook. If it is turning out narrower, you consider starting over with a larger crochet hook.

Abbreviations

  • ch = chain
  • ch-1 sp = chain-1 space; the space formed where you crocheted one chain stitch in the previous row
  • rep = repeat
  • sc = single crochet
  • st = stitch
  • tch = turning chain
  • [ ] = repeat instructions within brackets as directed

Notes

In this pattern you'll be crocheting into chain spaces; these are abbreviated as ch-1 sp in the pattern. You'll want to use a safety pin, stitch marker, or similar device for temporarily marking a stitch in this pattern.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

Equipment / Tools

  • US K/10.5 (6.5 mm) crochet hook
  • Stitch markers or coilless safety pins
  • Yarn or tapestry needle
  • Scissors

Materials

Materials

  • 250 to 300  yard worsted weight yarn

Instructions

  1. Make Chain

    Leaving a six inch tail of yarn, make a slip knot and place on hook; ch 15.

  2. Work Into the Chain

    Place a stitch marker in the first ch from your hook. Sc in 3rd ch from hook, [ch 1, skip next ch, sc in next ch] six times; turn. There will be 7 sc sts and 7 chain spaces (counting the space by the marked stitch), 14 stitches total.

    Tip

    The turning chain is a stitch worked between rows of crochet stitches. It raises the height of the piece from that of the current row to that needed for the next row. In patterns it is sometimes found at the end of a row and sometimes at the beginning. In this pattern can be found at the beginning of a row.

  3. Make Foundation Row

    Next row: ch1 (turning chain), [sc in the next ch-1 sp, ch 1] six times, work sc into the ch st where you placed the marker, removing the marker before working the stitch. Turn.

    Tip

    If you have a hard time finding your ch-1 spaces, try carefully poking your finger at the row of stitches from back to front, feeling your way into the work as you get the hang of seeing where those spaces are.

  4. Begin Moss Stitch

    The rest of the rows are all exactly the same as the last, with one minor difference: at the end of the row you will work your last sc into the turning chain (tch) of the previous row.

    All rows: ch1 (turning chain), [sc in the next ch-1 sp, ch 1] six times, work sc into tch.

    Rep this row until scarf is approximately 50 inches long or desired length.

  5. Finish

    Fasten off, leaving enough yarn for you to weave in your ends. Thread your tapestry needle using this end of yarn and weave it into the work so that it cannot be seen. Repeat with any other loose ends you may have hanging. That's it; wrap your crochet scarf around your neck and enjoy using it.