How to Crochet a Scarf for Beginners

Working Time: 3 hrs
Total Time: 3 hrs
Skill Level: Beginner

Learning how to crochet a scarf is a great first project for aspiring crocheters. It's just about the most basic pattern, making it perfect for learning the necessary skills for crocheting. You don't need extensive experience reading crochet patterns to follow the instructions. There are also no abbreviations to trip over, and there are lots of tips to help you along the way.

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Watch Now: How to Crochet an Easy Scarf

Finished Size

This pattern produces a scarf that measures 84x4 inches wide. Scarves can vary in size without altering function, so don't worry if yours isn't quite the same. You'll 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 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're making with that particular combination of hook, yarn, and stitch pattern.

If you have more than eight stitches per three inches, your stitches are smaller than they should be and your scarf will be shorter than the sample; try making a new swatch with a larger crochet hook. If you have fewer than eight stitches per three inches, your stitches are too large 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 risk running out of yarn, as larger stitches use up more yarn.

Notes

Although this is a relatively simple and quick project, remember that it may take longer than you expect, depending on the gauge you use and your skill level. You'll need to know only two crochet stitches 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

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.

You'll always have an active loop on your hook when crocheting a chain. 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.
Work Into the Chain

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

Continue working single crochet stitches across your starting chain, one single crochet stitch into each chain stitch, until you reach the end. When you reach the end, count the single crochet stitches to ensure 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!
Make Foundation Row

Looking at the top of the row of single crochet stitches you made, you'll see that each stitch has two loops. When you work your single crochet stitches from now on, be careful to insert your hook through both 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 across the row—223 single crochet stitches.

Crochet one chain stitch as the turning chain and turn the piece.
Begin Scarf Body

The rest of the rows are 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 the end of the row; make one chain stitch as the turning chain, and 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.

Mollie Johanson
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 through the active loop. Give it a gentle tug to ensure 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!

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.