Crochet Scarf for Beginners: An Easy Half Double Crochet Scarf

Gauge

Gauge: 12 hdc and 9 rows = 4 in (10 cm). Scarves don't need exact gauge — just a fabric you like.

The pattern

Option A: short-way (rows across the width)

1. Row 1: Ch 23. Hdc in the 3rd ch from the hook and across. Ch 2 (doesn't count), turn. (21)
2. Rows 2–135: Hdc in each st across. Ch 2, turn. (21)
3. Check: At about 60 in, try it on. Stop wherever you like.

Option B: long-way (fewer, longer rows)

1. Row 1: Ch 182. Hdc in the 3rd ch from the hook and across. Ch 2, turn. (180)
2. Rows 2–16: Hdc across. Ch 2, turn. (180)

Long-way scarves are great for stripes: change colour every 2 rows for vertical stripes. Keep the foundation chain loose — use a hook one size larger for the chain.

Fringe

1. Step 1: Wrap yarn around a 6-in piece of cardboard 60 times and cut along one edge for 12-in strands.
2. Step 2: Fold 3 strands in half. Push the hook through a stitch at the end of the scarf, pull the fold through, then pull the ends through the loop and tighten.
3. Step 3: Add a fringe group every 2 stitches across both ends. Trim evenly.

Make it your own

• Texture: use the moss stitch or the third loop of hdc for a ribbed look.
• Team colours: stripe it like our team scarf.
• Chunky: bulky yarn and an 8 mm hook — ch 15 and work about 80 rows.
• Matching set: add a beanie or ear warmer.

Common questions

How long should a crochet scarf be?

About 60 in (152 cm) for an adult, plus fringe; 70–80 in for a scarf you wrap twice. A child's scarf is about 40–48 in.

How much yarn do I need for a scarf?

About 400–450 yards of worsted for a 7 × 60 in scarf, plus 30–50 yards for fringe.

Why are my scarf edges wavy?

Stitch counts are changing. Put a marker in the first and last stitch of every row, and count every 10 rows.

Your first scarf — what colour is it? 🧣