Easy Beginner's Crochet Neck Warmer Pattern

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Project Description:

Have you ever wondered what you would get if you were to cross a scarf and a necklace? This pretty neck warmer is one possibility; it's an interesting hybrid accessory that's part jewelry, part outerwear.

The focal point of the design is an eye-catching jeweled clasp, which fastens in front. The rest of the neck warmer is a simple rectangle comprised of easy double crochet stitches. To work this pattern, you'll also need to know how to crochet the chain stitch.

Skill Level: Beginner

This neck warmer is easy enough for someone who has never crocheted anything before. It's an ideal first project.

Even if you aren't a beginner, this is a fantastic no-brainer project. For experienced crocheters who enjoy multi-tasking, this is a project you can do while talking on the phone, hanging out with friends, waiting in line, etc.

Yarn:

I used Patons classic wool yarn to crochet the sample neck warmer. This is a worsted weight merino wool yarn. The color I used is called "Bright Red;" feel free to use another color if you prefer. If you do use a different color, keep in mind that, for total beginners, I do not recommend using black or dark colors; it is more challenging to see your stitches when crocheting with dark colored yarn.

I used significantly less than one ball of yarn. The total weight of yarn I used is about 33 grams; if you buy the 100 g. package of Patons classic wool yarn, you'd be able to crochet several of these in the medium size or smaller.

I purchased this yarn at my local JoAnn craft store. This yarn is also available on the Internet; you can click the button below to compare prices for this yarn at Pricegrabber.

You may substitute other yarns if you like; if you do, be especially sure to check your gauge to ensure a proper fit.

I used an I / 9 - 5.50 mm crochet hook to crochet my sample neck warmer.

This hook size is just a suggestion. Your way of crocheting is unique, and a hook size adjustment might be necessary for you to achieve the required gauge for this pattern.

Other Materials Needed:

• Tapestry needle for finishing



• Jeweled clasp, or any similar two-part closure. Alternately, you could use a frog. The clasp I used in my sample is from the Collection by La Mode, style #4521; it is manufactured by Blumenthal Lansing Co. I found it shelved with the buttons at my local JoAnn craft store.
  
  Make sure to choose a clasp that can get wet, so that you will be able to hand wash your neck warmer. Hand washing is the suggested way to care for the recommended yarn.

3 double crochet stitches per inch; row gauge is not critical for this project.

Note that these sizes are not necessarily the same as the clothing size you'd ordinarily wear; please be sure to measure your neck (or the neck of the intended wearer) and choose a size accordingly.

• Extra Small: 11 inches wide by 5.5 inches high; fits neck circumference of 11 inches.Begin by crocheting a starting chain of 35 stitches.



• Small: 12 inches wide by 5.5 inches high; fits neck circumference of 12 inches. Begin by crocheting a starting chain of 38 stitches.



• Medium: (pictured) 13 inches wide by 5.5 inches high; fits neck circumference of 13 inches. Begin by crocheting a starting chain of 41 stitches.



• Large: 14 inches wide by 5.5 inches high; fits neck circumference of 14 inches. Begin by crocheting a starting chain of 44 stitches.



• Extra Large: 15 inches wide by 5.5 inches high; fits neck circumference of 15 inches. Begin by crocheting a starting chain of 47 stitches.



• 2XL: 16 inches wide by 5.5 inches high; fits neck circumference of 16 inches. Begin by crocheting a starting chain of 50 stitches.



• 3XL: 17 inches wide by 5.5 inches high; fits neck circumference of 17 inches. Begin by crocheting a starting chain of 53 stitches.

If your neck is in between sizes, you can either choose the next largest measurement, or else use the smaller size but add a stitch or two onto your starting chain.

Measure your neck and choose the appropriate size.

Before you start crocheting your foundation chain, pull out and leave a long tail of yarn unworked at the beginning. You want this length to be at least 10 inches or so. You'll do the same at the end; when you are finished crocheting, leave a tail of at least 10 inches before you cut the yarn. These long tails will be used as part of the finishing process.

After you crochet your starting chain, work a double crochet into the fourth chain from your hook. Working in rows of double crochet stitch, crochet a rectangle of as many rows necessary to make your piece about 5.5 inches tall, or your desired size. If the intended wearer has a long neck, you could make the piece a bit taller -- maybe 6 inches or so.

For this pattern, it's easiest to work an even number of rows, so that you have long tails of yarn at either side, rather than two long tails of yarn on the same side. My sample project is 10 rows tall.

Between rows, crochet a turning chain of 3 stitches.

When you're finished crocheting, thread a tapestry needle using one of the long tails of yarn you left at either the beginning or end of the piece. You're going to use this length of yarn to create the gathered effect you see in the picture; then the clasp will be attached close to the center of the gather.

To accomplish this, sew a running stitch down the side of the neck warmer, as close as you can get it to the edge. You want this stitch to be sewn in the vertical direction. There's no set-in-stone place for each stitch, but overall you'll basically place a couple of stitches in each turning chain or double crochet stitch along each side.

After you've completed your stitching, hold the end of yarn securely and scrunch the entire piece down the length of yarn, gathering the edge of the piece into as small a space as it will go. Using your tapestry needle, still threaded with the same length of yarn, stitch the gathers together so they stay in place. Then attach one half of your closure to that side. Place the closure in the direct center of the gathered edge.

Repeat this sequence of instructions on the other side.

Neck Warmer Pattern Variations:

There are approximately one zillion different variations of this pattern you could try -- that is to say, the possibilities are almost limitless. While my double crochet version is attractive, there are many options for crocheting fancier versions.

To crochet your rectangle, you could use just about any weight of yarn (thinner yarn would be better than bulkier, in my opinion) or any crochet stitch you like. One of the best things about crochet: you can customize your projects in infinite numbers of ways, making them unique and one-of-a-kind.

Do keep in mind that the gauge and starting chain lengths given above are only applicable for a neck warmer crocheted using double crochet stitch and medium / worsted weight yarn. The gauge and starting chain length would differ significantly if using a different stitch or different weight of yarn.

More Crochet Resources:

Want more ideas, more free crochet patterns, or more information on the topic of crochet? You're invited to check out more of our free resources, linked below:

Beginner Crochet

• How to Crochet a Granny Square -- Free step-by-step photo tutorial with pattern included
• Beginner Crochet Yarn -- Learn which yarns work best for beginners to the art and craft of crochet
• How to Crochet -- If you haven't yet learned how to crochet, don't worry; we'll teach you! For free!
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