How To Crochet A Scarf For Beginners

If you’ve been wanting to try crochet but aren’t sure where to start, let me show you how to crochet a scarf for beginners. It is a simple pattern, easily understandable and there is only one stitch you keep repeating. It is not difficult at all, and when you break it down into steps it is totally doable.

What You’ll Need To Crochet A Scarf

If this is your first project, here is exactly what you need to start crocheting.

• 2 skeins of Wool Ease Thick and Quick Yarn (I’ve used the color Moonlight) or any other bulky weight yarn you might have- Bulky yarn create larger stitches that is easier for beginners to count and will also make the project go much faster!
• A crochet hook that matches your yarn label, I’ve used a metal N15 crochet hook
• Scissors
• A yarn needle

Before we start, let me answer a few FAQs that beginning crocheters often have:

How to crochet a scarf for beginners?

Step 1: Make Your Slip Knot

Every crochet project starts the same way: with a simple slip knot on your hook. If you’ve never made one before, don’t worry — I have a beginner-friendly guide that shows you exactly how to make a slip knot in a way that feels easy and intuitive.

Once your slip knot is on your hook, you’re ready to begin chaining.

Step 2: how many chains for a scarf?

We are using a bulky yarn here and are looking to make an approximately 5 inch wide scarf. I’ve done the math, and we’ll need a starting chain of 11 for our bulky yarn. If you are using a thinner yarn, the math will change.

Your starting chain determines the width of your scarf. Not sure how to chain? I have a beginner tutorial that shows you how to chain in crochet, with clear step-by-step photos.

NOTE: A normal scarf is about 5 inches in width, a Simple Crochet Skinny Scarf would measure about 3.5 to 4 inches in width, while a wide scarf would be about 7 inches in width.

Step 3: Start your first row

With our starting chain ready, let’s now begin Row 1. We are going to be repeating the single crochet stitch throughout this entire scarf and you will find my how to single crochet for beginnner tutorial video helpful. It’s an easy stitch that you can master in minutes.

In row 1, you want to insert your hook into the 2nd chain from hook and create your first sc. Then create an sc into each of the remaining chains. You will end up with 10 scs at the end of the row.

Step 4: Crochet Row by Row

Now we lather, rinse, repeat. Turn your work, chain 1 to start the row. This chain 1 adds the needed height for your first stitch. Without this turning chain, your first sc will get squished and your rows will not be parallel. After the first chain, insert hook into the sc on the row below, and make a new sc on top of it. Make a new sc on top of each sc, to complete the new row. Count your stitches and make sure you still have 10 scs.

Now repeat, row after row after row. Keep crocheting till you have about 6 inches of yarn left. Switch to a new skein, using any of these yarn joining techniques to help keep your scarf looking seamless. Continue crocheting in pattern.

Step 5: Keep Going Until It Feels Right

Make your scarf a length that you can wrap around your neck nicely. I made mine about 85 inches long. This is a bulky scarf, so making it longer will make it extremely heavy.

Step 6: Fasten Off + Weave In Ends

Once your scarf reaches your perfect length, finish your row and at the last stitch of the row, cut your yarn leaving a small tail. Now pull the tail through your final loop and pull to secure it. Use a yarn needle to weave in the ends neatly to give a clean look.

Want that classic cozy scarf look? It’s easy to achieve with just an extra step. Learn how to add an easy scarf fringe or how to make a tassel and elevate your scarf to the next level! This instantly gives your handmade scarf that “store-bought but even better” feel 🙂

Single Crochet Scarf Printable Pattern:

This pattern is part of the 24 days of Quickies with Marly Bird blog hop. This year we are all sharing patterns that are our jam and I love making scarves! Click the image below to grab this free pattern pdf today.

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Tips to Make Your First Scarf a Success

• Choose a soft yarn in a color you love, it makes all the difference.
• Try to keep your starting chain and stitches loose and even. It can get extremely difficult to insert the hook into a tight stitch. Avoid making tight stitches, this will lessen any frustrations.
• If you make one stitch tight and next one loose, the fabric you make will be uneven and wonky. Try practicing and pulling the same amount of yarn for each loop. Consistency is key.
• But don’t worry about perfection. Scarves are incredibly forgiving and a wonky scarf will still keep you warm! This is your first scarf, the aim is to finish to scarf, not to have perfect edges.
• If you find yourself getting bored with the same colored yarn, try using a variegated or ombre yarn. The yarn color changes keeps it interesting!

Looking for more project ideas, browse my free crochet scarf patterns collection!

how to crochet a scarf for beginners VIDEO:

Crochet along with me! https://youtu.be/-lH9hS5zO6g

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You Did It!

Once you finish your scarf, I hope you feel proud about it. Crocheting something you can actually wear (or gift) is such a magical feeling. And the best part? Now that you’ve made one scarf, you can make many more each with its own color, stitch, or style.

Once you have learnt how to crochet a scarf for beginners, here are two more projects that are easy but different for you try. This simple single crochet dishcloth pattern uses the same stitch as the scarf we just made, but in a thinner softer cotton yarn that works differently. If you are looking for something larger and challenging, learn how to crochet a blanket for beginners that is so soft and cuddly! I’d love to see what you create, tag me on social media @smithakatti #smilingcolors.

Happy Crocheting friends!