Simple Textures Scarf

Pattern also available as a downloadable pdf for purchase on Ravelry.

Basic scarf patterns for beginner crocheters tend to be a bit boring. Single crochet in each stitch across for a hundred and fifty-eleven rows. Or double crochet in each stitch across. Maybe even alternate rows of the stitches you’ve learned if you’re feeling frisky. But how about for those of us who like just a tiny bit of a challenge? Well, this pattern’s for you!

Crocheting this scarf will give you practice reading and following pattern directions, identifying stitches, and *gasp* I’m even going to show you how to break a “rule” or two! You do have to pay just a little bit of attention to what you’re doing with this one, but once you get into the groove of it, the simple stitch pattern should be pretty easy and it’s only a two row repeat, so you might not even need your directions after a few rows!

I’ve written out the first two rows in detail with notes to help the beginner crocheter but rows 3 and 4, which is what we’ll be repeating, are written with abbreviations in the same manner you’ll find most crochet patterns. It may seem like a different language at first, but you’ll learn that it’s much faster to follow a pattern when it’s shortened like this! It’s significantly easier to follow at a glance as you crochet, rather than having to read a small paragraph just to determine where you are. It just takes some practice!

Gauge:

Gauge isn’t overly important in this scarf – select a yarn and hook that gives you a fabric you like the look and feel of! Following the suggested materials and the gauge I list below will result in a scarf that is approximately 4” wide. I chose this width simply to allow for a single skein scarf; you can always make yours wider! Remember that the general rule of thumb for scarf length is that it should be about as long as the wearer is tall.

My gauge for this scarf worked out to 4” equaling 13 stitches across in the sc, dc repeating pattern – so this is the approximate width of the scarf as worked according to the pattern. 8 rows in the pattern equaled approximately 3”. Keep in mind that your scarf will usually stretch a little lengthwise with wear – which can also affect the width, making it slightly narrower.

Suggested Materials:

Medium or Worsted Weight (4) Yarn like Red Heart Soft in Color of Choice (remember that lighter colors make it easier to see your stitches!) 1-2 skeins
J/6.0mm Crochet Hook (or one hook size larger that your yarn label suggests)
Stitch Marker(s)
Scissors
Darning Needle

Notes:

If you’d like to make a scarf with a different width (average scarf width is 6-8”), simply chain an even number of fewer or more stitches. For example, if I wanted to make a scarf that was about 6” across with Red Heart Soft yarn, I would start with a chain of 20 or 22 stitches based on my gauge noted above. Of course, I would also need to have a second skein of yarn (unless I wanted a super short scarf or a cowl), so remember to check your yardage if you’re making changes to the pattern!

Instructions:

Chain 14.

Row 1: Single crochet in second chain from hook. Remember that the skipped chain functions as the chain 1 turning chain. Mark the top of this first single crochet with a stitch marker, here and throughout, to help identify your last stitch of the next row. (Double crochet in next chain, single crochet in next chain) across. You should end with a single crochet. (6 dc and 7 sc)

Figure 1: Starting Row 1 (first 2 stitches; 1st sc is marked)

Figure 2: End of Row 1 (13 stitches total; notice fluffier dc)

Row 2: Here’s where we get to break a rule! Chain 2 (does NOT count as a stitch), turn. Double crochet in first stitch (don’t skip your first stitch like usual), which should be a single crochet. Mark the top of this first double crochet with a stitch marker, here and throughout. (Single crochet in next double crochet, double crochet in next single crochet) across. You should end with a double crochet. (6 dc and 7 sc)

Figure 3: Starting Row 2 (1st dc is marked)

Figure 4: End of Row 2 (be sure last dc is in marked sc from Row 1)

Row 3: Ch 1, turn. Sc in 1st st, (dc in next sc, sc in next dc) across. (6 dc and 7 sc)

Figure 5: Starting Row 3 (1st sc is marked)

Figure 6: End of Row 3 (end with sc in marked dc from Row 2)

Row 4: Ch 2, turn. Dc in 1st st, (sc in next dc, dc in next sc) across. (6 sc and 7 dc)

Rows 1 and 3 are essentially the same and rows 2 and 4 are the same! Your stitches stack alternately on top of each other (sc in dc, dc in sc) and this is what gives you the texture that you see in the scarf. Remember that turning chains do not count as stitches in this pattern and you should be in good shape.

Repeat rows 3 and 4 until scarf reaches desired length and end with one more repeat of row 3 to have your ends match. Finish off and weave in ends.

And that’s all there is to it! Play around with different combinations of these stitches (try 2 sc, 2 dc, 2 sc, 2 dc etc for a tiny wave pattern!) and see what you come up with – and don’t be afraid to break some rules now and then! That’s half of the fun of crocheting so get creative any time the notion strikes you!

I hope you enjoyed this project and I’d love to see your creations, too, so if you feel like sharing, pop on over to my Facebook page or tag me @crochetcetera on Instagram or Twitter and show me what you come up with!

Many thanks to my pattern testers, including Kathleen – I couldn’t do this without them!!

This pattern will always remain free here on my website and for your convenience, you may also download a pdf for this pattern, which includes a color coded chart as a bonus feature, for a small fee through Ravelry. AND, a new endeavor for me, this is also the main project for my very first Skillshare class, so if you prefer video learning, I'd encourage you to take a peek at not only my class, but all the other amazing classes they offer. Enjoy!