A scarf is one of the most rewarding things you can crochet. You practice one stitch until you can do it without thinking, and after a few evenings on the sofa you have something you'll actually wear. The hard part usually isn't the crochet itself but the choices you make beforehand: which stitch drapes well, how much yarn to buy, and what width feels comfortable around your neck.
This article uses US crochet terms. In UK patterns, single crochet is called double crochet, half double crochet is a half treble, and double crochet is a treble.
Checklist: decide this before you start
- Who is the scarf for, and how warm does it need to be?
- Do you want a scarf that lies completely flat, or can it have some texture?
- How many balls of yarn do you need for the length you have in mind?
- Which hook size matches the yarn you've chosen?
Which stitch is best for a crochet scarf?
Not every stitch suits a scarf equally well. Single crochet makes a dense, sturdy fabric that's warm but can feel heavy and stiff in a long scarf. Double crochet works up faster and drapes more, with a more open look. Moss stitch and the half double crochet V-stitch lie flat and look the same on both sides, which is why they're favorites for scarves: nobody sees a "wrong side" when the scarf is wrapped around your neck.
| Stitch | Texture | Lies flat? | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moss stitch (sc, ch 1) | Fine, woven-looking texture, same on both sides | Yes | Beginner |
| Half double crochet V-stitch | Airy with a little stretch | Yes | Beginner |
| Double crochet | Fast, more open fabric with good drape | Yes, with an even edge | Beginner |
| Single crochet | Dense and sturdy | Yes | Beginner |
Moss stitch (also called linen stitch or granite stitch) is worked as single crochet and chain 1 alternately, with each sc going into the chain space of the row below. We explain it row by row in moss stitch and waffle stitch crochet.
How to crochet a scarf, step by step
- Pick your stitch and crochet a small swatch to check how it feels and drapes.
- Decide on the width. About 18 to 20 cm (7 to 8 in) is a comfortable everyday width.
- Make a foundation chain that matches that width, plus the turning chain your stitch needs.
- Work rows until the scarf reaches the length you want. 150 to 180 cm (60 to 70 in) is a typical adult length.
- Fasten off, weave in the ends and block the scarf.
You can also work a scarf lengthwise: a long foundation chain and fewer rows. That's quicker to finish, but the chain needs to be loose, or the scarf will pull in along one edge.
Which yarn is best for a scarf?
A scarf sits against your neck and sometimes your face, so you notice scratchy yarn right away. A soft yarn such as Durable Cosy Fine (58% cotton, 42% acrylic) feels much nicer than a rough, stiff acrylic. Mohair is popular for scarves because of its fluffy, warm surface, though it takes more practice to crochet with: you can't easily see the stitches, and unraveling mistakes is a pain. For a really warm winter scarf, a soft wool or wool blend is hard to beat.
How much yarn do you need for a crochet scarf?
For a scarf of about 180 × 20 cm (70 × 8 in) in a medium-weight yarn (DK), count on roughly 250 to 400 g, or about 550 to 900 yards, depending on the stitch and how tightly you crochet. Moss stitch and single crochet use more yarn than an open double crochet pattern because the loops sit closer together. Buy an extra ball rather than too few: a later dye lot can differ slightly in color.
Edges and finishing
Even a stitch that lies flat can wave a little at the edges once you're done. Blocking fixes that. For wool or cotton, wet the scarf, squeeze out the water in a towel and let it dry flat, pinned to shape if needed. For acrylic, hold a steam iron just above the fabric and let the steam do the work. Never press down on acrylic: it flattens the fibers for good. For a classic look, add fringe to the short ends. It's very little extra work for a lot of effect.
Crochet scarf FAQ
Which stitch makes a crochet scarf that doesn't curl?
Moss stitch and the half double crochet V-stitch lie flat naturally. If your scarf does curl, check your tension at the row ends, and add a round of single crochet around the edge to keep it in place.
How much yarn do I need for a scarf?
For an average scarf in DK yarn, roughly 250 to 400 g (550 to 900 yards). Thicker yarn or a wider scarf needs more.
What size hook should I use for a scarf?
That depends on the yarn: check the label for the recommended size and always make a swatch. For a softer, drapier scarf, go up half a size or a full size from the recommendation, for example from 4 mm (US G-6) to 5 mm (US H-8).
Can a beginner crochet a scarf?
Yes, as long as you know the basic stitches. A scarf is one of the best first projects, because the long rows of one stitch help your tension settle. If you're just starting, read our guide to crochet for beginners first.
What else can I make with the same stitch?
Moss stitch and V-stitch also work well for a crochet blanket, if you're in the mood for a bigger project with the same technique after your scarf.
Get started
A scarf is exactly the kind of project that gets a new stitch into your fingers without taking weeks. Once it's done, a granny square is a good next step if you want to try working in rounds.
