Super Easy Crochet Scarf for Beginners
Looking for an easy crochet scarf that works up fast? This one’s perfect for experienced crocheters and beginners alike! Whether you’re crocheting on a chilly day or whipping up a last-minute gift, this super cozy scarf checks all the boxes. It’s worked with two strands of worsted weight yarn, making it extra thick and squishy while still being beginner-friendly. Follow along with the steps below, or if you prefer, you can watch the full tutorial here for even more guidance:
Materials Needed
Before we dive into the process, here’s what you’ll need:
Yarn Specifications
- Yarn Weight: We’re using size 4, worsted weight acrylic yarn.
- Amount: You’ll need about 200 grams in total, with 100 grams in each color. Feel free to mix and match colors depending on the look you’re going for!
Tools Required
- 8 mm crochet hook: Perfect for the squishy effect we’re after.
- 14 stitch markers: These will help guide you along the chain.
- Needle: For sewing in your ends once you’re done.
- Pair of scissors: For trimming your yarn.
Yarn Preparation
We’re going to work with two strands of yarn held together throughout this project. Why two strands? Using two strands at a time not only bulks up the scarf, but it also makes it extra warm and cozy, which is especially nice during colder weather. Plus, it helps the scarf come together quickly, ideal if you’re short on time or simply want a speedy project.
Getting Started: Making a Slip Knot
First things first, grab your yarn and make a slip knot. This is the starting point for every crochet project, and you’ll want to leave a little tail at the end so you can sew it in later. Shrink the knot until it’s snug on your hook. If you’re unsure about how to create a slip knot, that’s okay—this simple motion will soon become second nature after some practice.
Setting Up the Stitch Markers
Now, we’ll start with chaining in sets of 10. If you’ve never used stitch markers, they’re going to be your best friend here. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Chain 10 stitches, then place one stitch marker in the last loop of that set.
- Repeat this process until you’ve used all your 14 stitch markers or have a total of 140 chains.
If you happen to chain tightly, don’t worry. Consider switching to a larger hook size to make things easier on your hands.
Pro Tip on Loose Chaining
Loose chaining is key! You don’t want the loops to become too tight, as this will make it harder to insert your hook for the next row. To maintain a nice even tension, try not to pull the yarn too tight as you chain.
Crocheting the Foundation Row
Once your chain is ready and you’ve marked every tenth stitch with a stitch marker, it’s time to start the foundation row. This will be the backbone of your scarf.
Identifying the Back Loops
Take a close look at your chain. You’ll notice that each stitch forms a little V. Turn the chain slightly and you’ll see a series of “bumps” or camel loops running along the back. These are the back loops where we’ll work our stitches.
- Begin by double crocheting into the third back loop from the hook.
- As you go, continue placing one double crochet in each back loop of your chain until you reach the last stitch marker.
End of Row Check
When you finally reach the end, make sure that you double crochet into the last back loop lying right above your slip knot. Once you’re done, you can remove all but the final stitch marker. This one will help you keep track of your first stitch in the upcoming row.
Working Row Two
Now that the foundation row is complete, we’ll move on. Row two is pretty simple, and it’s where we’ll start working into the front loops only.
Starting Row Two
- First, chain one. Let the chain rest naturally on the hook—there’s no need to pull it tight.
- Then, turn your work.
Front Loop Only Double Crochet
Starting from the first stitch, we’ll be building our pattern using front loop only double crochets.
- Insert your hook into the front loop (the part of the stitch facing you), right in the middle of that V.
- Complete a double crochet.
Continue front loop only double crochets across each stitch until you reach the end. At the last stitch marker, finish the row with a regular double crochet by working under both parts of the V.
The Repeat Section: Row Three
Great! Now that you’re comfortable with front loop only double crochets, you’re ready to enter the repeat section, starting with row three. Here’s what you’ll do from now on:
- Chain one and turn your work.
- Continue with front loop only double crochets across every stitch, just like you did in row two.
- End with a regular double crochet in the last stitch.
Keep Crocheting Until It Reaches Desired Width
Repeat row three until your scarf is as wide as you’d like or until you’ve completed a total of eight rows. That width will likely be around 6.5 inches if you follow the exact directions, but feel free to adjust depending on personal preference.
How to Count Your Rows
To make it easier to track your progress, look for the linear pattern forming in the middle of each row. If you find a line forming, that’s a good indicator. Need help with row counting? Just look at the leftover loops from your front-loop-only stitches—they’ll visually break up each row.
Finishing the Scarf
Now that your easy crochet scarf has reached the perfect width, it’s time to finish up. After your last row, chain one more time to secure the yarn.
- Cut your yarn, leaving a tail long enough for sewing in.
- Pull the yarn through to secure the final stitch.
- Finally, grab your needle and weave in all your loose ends to keep everything tidy.
Matching Hat Option
If you love how this scarf turned out, there’s also a matching crochet hat tutorial on the site! A coordinated set can make a wonderful handmade gift, or if you’re a hat lover, it’ll complete your new fall or winter wardrobe. Check out this pattern here.
Troubleshooting and Tips
If your chain feels tight or you’re struggling with the loops, don’t worry—this happens to everyone at first. Here are some common issues and handy tips:
Common Mistakes
- If your stitches are too tight, relax your grip. If that doesn’t work, try moving up to a 10 mm hook.
- Skipping a back loop or front loop. Be sure to count your stitches as you go.
Adjusting the Width and Length
Making the scarf wider or longer is super simple. Just add more chains at the start or continue repeating rows until you’re satisfied with the length. You can easily adjust the design to fit your needs.
Left Handed?
No worries! Your left handed tutorial is right here:
Conclusion
Congratulations on completing your easy crochet scarf! Whether you followed the written instructions or watched the video, I hope you’ve had fun making it and learned a lot along the way. Don’t hesitate to explore more patterns that suit your style—there are endless possibilities!
For more crochet inspiration, check out this amazing collection of easy crochet patterns. They’re a great starting point for more beginner-friendly projects.
Have questions or want to share what you made? I’d love to see your finished creations! Stay hooked and keep exploring the world of crochet—it’s always fun to learn something new.