How to Crochet a Scarf for Beginners

How to Crochet a Simple Scarf
Mollie Johanson
Project Overview
  • Working Time: 3 hrs
  • Total Time: 3 hrs
  • Skill Level: Beginner

Crochet patterns don't get any easier than this one! There may be other beginner patterns out there, but if you want to make a scarf, this is the one for you. It is just about the most basic of all the crochet scarf patterns you can choose from, making it perfect for beginners. It is an easy way to make a scarf, and you don't need extensive experience reading crochet patterns to follow its instructions. There are no abbreviations to trip over, and there are lots of tips to help you along the way.

Watch Now: How to Crochet an Easy Scarf

Finished Size

This scarf measures 84 inches (seven feet) long by four inches wide. Scarves can vary in size without altering function so don't worry if yours isn't quite the same. You will learn as you go.

Gauge

8 sts = 3 inches in single crochet

It's tempting to jump right in and start making the scarf, but it's good to get into the habit of checking your gauge. Gauge is an expression of the relationship between stitches worked and inches created. To check your gauge, crochet a gauge swatch measuring at least four inches square (bigger is better). Make the swatch in single crochet stitch using the yarn and crochet hook you'll use to crochet your scarf. Measure the center three inches of the fabric to see how many stitches per inch you are making with that particular combination of hook, yarn, and stitch pattern.

If you have more than eight stitches per three inches, it means that your stitches are smaller than planned, and your scarf will be shorter than the sample. Try making a new swatch with a larger crochet hook. If you find that you have fewer than eight stitches per three inches, your stitches are larger than planned, and your scarf will be longer than intended. Try making a new swatch with a smaller crochet hook.

When you make larger stitches, you also run the risk of running out of yarn since larger stitches will use up more yarn.

Notes

Although this is a fairly simple and quick project, keep in mind that it may take longer depending on the gauge you use and your skill level. There are only two crochet stitches you'll need to know for this pattern, the chain stitch and the single crochet stitch. If you haven't learned how to do these stitches yet, make sure that you practice those first and then come back to this pattern.

Materials for a Simple Crochet Scarf
Mollie Johanson

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • US K/10.5 (6.5 mm) crochet hook
  • Yarn or tapestry needle
  • Scissors

Materials

  • 250 to 300  yard worsted weight yarn

Instructions

  1. Make Foundation Row of Chain Stitches

    Pull out a length of yarn measuring at least six inches or longer. Leave this length unworked; you will take care of it at the end of the project. Make a slip knot; then, working with the end of yarn attached to the ball of yarn, crochet a long starting chain of 224 chain stitches. 

    When crocheting a chain, you will always have an active loop on your hook. Don't count your active loop. Start counting with the first chain after the active loop.

    Tip

    Use stitch markers every 10 or 20 stitches as you work, to keep better track and make it easier to count stitches as you chain. 

  2. Work Into the Chain

    Work a single crochet stitch ("sc") in the second chain from your hook.

    Continue working single crochet stitches all the way across your starting chain, one single crochet stitch into each chain stitch until you reach the end. When you get to the end, count the single crochet stitches to make sure you have a total of 223. Again, stitch markers are useful here. 

    Next, crochet one chain stitch at the end of the row to use as a turning chain. Then flip your work horizontally so that you can work back across the piece.

    Tip

    If your count is off, you may have added or subtracted a stitch, which often happens at the beginning and end of rows. Get the count right from the start or your scarf won't have even edges. Check stitch count every few rows to make sure you are still on track!

  3. Make Foundation Row

    When you look at the top of the row of single crochet stitches you made, you'll see that each stitch has two loops at the top. When you work your single crochet stitches from this point on, be careful to insert your hook through both of these loops.

    Next row: Work a single crochet stitch into the first single crochet stitch, the one you worked last at the end of the last row. Continue, making one single crochet stitch into each single crochet stitch all the way across the row—223 single crochet stitches.

    Crochet one chain stitch as the turning chain and turn the piece.

  4. Begin Scarf Body

    The rest of the rows are all exactly the same as the last until your scarf is as wide as you'd like or you are almost out of yarn.

    All rows: single crochet in each stitch to end of row; make one chain stitch as turning chain, turn the work.

    When you crochet the last row, do not work a turning chain afterward because now it's time to finish your work.

    Work Rows of Single Crochet
    Mollie Johanson
  5. Finish

    Leave a length of yarn at the end measuring at least six inches. Cut the yarn, taking care not to drop your active loop. Wrap the cut length of yarn around your hook, grab it with the hook, and pull it all the way through the active loop. Give it a gentle tug to ensure that it is tight and will not come undone.

    Thread the cut end of this yarn onto a tapestry needle and use it to weave in your ends. Thread the tail end of yarn from the start of your project onto a tapestry needle and weave it in too. After you weave in both ends, you can wear your scarf or give it as a gift!

    Finish the Easy Crochet Scarf
    Mollie Johanson
FAQ
  • What crochet stitch is best for a scarf?

    The best stitch depends on the type of scarf you want to crochet. For a cozy, warm crochet scarf, start with a simple tight single crochet or half double crochet stitch. However, stay aware that one of the common issues with beginner crochet projects is making your stitches too tight. Overly-tight stitches are complicated to work with, so be mindful of leaving room in your rows. 

  • How many chains do you need for a scarf?

    When making a scarf, you want to crochet a long starting chain of 224 chain stitches.

  • How many stitches wide should a crochet scarf be?

    It depends on the kind of scarf you would like to make, but for this specific project, the crochet scarf should be four inches wide.