A crochet scarf is the classic first real project. It is just rows, back and forth, so you get lots of practice on one stitch without worrying about shaping. And when you are done, you have something warm to wear or give away.
We opened and checked each of these 13 free crochet scarf patterns. You will find super simple one-stitch scarves, a few with fun texture, a ripple, a granny square scarf and even a hooded scarf for when you feel brave.
Easy Crochet Scarf Free Patterns
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What You’ll Need
- Soft worsted or bulky weight yarn
- Ergonomic crochet hook set
- Large-eye yarn needles
- Stitch markers
- Measuring tape
- Yarn scissors
- Cardboard or a fringe maker for tassels
1. Chunky Ribbed Scarf for Beginners
Photo: Sarah Stearns / Sarah Maker
One stitch, one row repeated: half double crochet in the back loops. That simple trick makes a stretchy rib that looks knitted. Super bulky yarn and a big hook mean you can finish in a few evenings. Add fringe, or sew the ends together for an infinity scarf.
- Designer: Sarah Stearns / Sarah Maker
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Super bulky (#6)
- Hook: 9 mm (M/N)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
2. Easy Beginner Fringe Scarf
Photo: Jennifer / Fiber Flux
Only chains and double crochet, worked flat, with fringe on both ends. The sample uses a fuzzy, fluffy yarn, which hides small mistakes and feels lovely around the neck. This is about as easy as a scarf gets.
- Designer: Jennifer / Fiber Flux
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: see pattern (sample uses Red Heart Dreamy)
- Hook: 6.5 mm (K)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
3. Ridge Walk Scarf
Photo: Sarah Ruane / Ned & Mimi
A squishy, unisex scarf with clean ridges. You alternate single crochet with a long single crochet that dips into the row below. It is one color and simple to memorize, so it is a great TV project or gift for a dad or brother.
- Designer: Sarah Ruane / Ned & Mimi
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: 6 mm (J-10)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
4. Glenayr Scarf
Photo: Ashley Edmonds / Through The Loop Yarn Craft
A modern textured scarf made with half double crochet and slip stitch, repeating one row the whole way. Bulky yarn keeps it quick. The designer shows it in mustard, and testers made it in lots of colors.
- Designer: Ashley Edmonds / Through The Loop Yarn Craft
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Bulky (#5)
- Hook: 7 mm
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
5. Double Crochet V Stitch Scarf
Photo: Sigoni Macaroni
The V stitch is two double crochets with a chain between, worked into the space below. It makes a light, open fabric that drapes well. The designer uses one ball of yarn and folds it into an infinity scarf.
- Designer: Sigoni Macaroni
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Medium (#4)
- Hook: 6 mm
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
6. Arctic Scarf and Cowl
Photo: Toni Lipsey / TL Yarn Crafts
One wide rectangle in linen stitch (single crochet and chain-1 spaces) that you can wear as a fringed scarf or seam into a cowl. Only 26 rows, so it is fast. Linen stitch makes a woven-looking fabric that lies flat.
- Designer: Toni Lipsey / TL Yarn Crafts
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Bulky (#5)
- Hook: 8 mm
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
7. Beaded Scarf
Photo: Esther / CAAB Crochet
A solid green scarf with little bead stitches scattered across it for a soft, bumpy texture. It starts with foundation double crochet instead of a long chain. If you know double crochet, the bead stitch is a small next step.
- Designer: Esther / CAAB Crochet
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: 6 mm (J)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
8. Crochet Granny Square Scarf
Photo: Carmen / Annie Design Crochet
A bright retro scarf made from 14 granny squares joined in a long strip, with a border and fringe. It is a great way to use up scraps, and each square is a small, quick win. You also learn joining with whip stitch.
- Designer: Carmen / Annie Design Crochet
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Worsted / Aran (#4)
- Hook: 5 mm
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
9. Autumn Ripple Crochet Scarf
Photo: Petals to Picots
Three gentle waves across the width, made with double crochet increases and decreases. Self-striping yarn does all the color changes for you, so there are no extra ends to weave in. A good first ripple project.
- Designer: Petals to Picots
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: DK (#3)
- Hook: 4 mm (G-6)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
10. One Skein Granny Rows Scarf
Photo: Rebecca / Sweet Bee Crochet
A long, colorful scarf made from one cake of gradient yarn, with no color changes. It uses granny-style clusters of three double crochets in rows. Once you have the repeat, it flies.
- Designer: Rebecca / Sweet Bee Crochet
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: DK (#3)
- Hook: 5 mm (H-8)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
11. One Ball Scarf
Photo: Arabia Temple / Lion Brand Yarn
A reversible scarf made from groups of one single crochet and two double crochets. Reviewers say the stitch is interesting but not complicated. True to the name, it takes one ball of DK yarn.
- Designer: Arabia Temple / Lion Brand Yarn
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: DK (#3)
- Hook: see pattern
- Price: Free (download through a sign-up form)
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
12. Wanderer’s Crochet Hooded Scarf
Photo: Lindsey / Winding Road Crochet
A hood with a long scarf tail on one side that buttons closed. You can wear it hooded, long, or like an infinity scarf. It is made in one piece with single and double crochet, and there is a video on the page.
- Designer: Lindsey / Winding Road Crochet
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: 5.5 mm (I)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
13. Naturally Southern Scarf
Photo: Kathy Lashley / ELK Studio
A long, drapey scarf or wrap in sport weight yarn with an open, airy texture from chain-1 spaces. It is lighter than the others, so it is nice for spring or for mild winters. Expect more rows, but the stitches stay simple.
- Designer: Kathy Lashley / ELK Studio
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Sport (#2)
- Hook: 4 mm (G)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
Which One Should You Make?
- First scarf ever? Start with #1 or #2. One stitch, big yarn, fast results.
- Want texture without stress? #3 or #4 repeat a single easy row.
- Have a bag of scraps? #8 turns leftovers into a cheerful granny square scarf.
- Hate weaving in ends? #9 and #10 use self-striping yarn, so no color changes.
- Ready to stretch a little? #12 adds a hood and button for a fun shape.
FAQ
How long should a crochet scarf be?
For an adult, most scarves are 60 to 75 inches long and 6 to 9 inches wide. A good rule is to make it about as long as the wearer is tall. Kids’ scarves are often 40 to 50 inches. Hold it up to your body as you go and stop when you like the length.
How much yarn does a scarf take?
A simple adult scarf usually needs 300 to 600 yards, depending on yarn weight and width. Bulky and super bulky scarves use fewer yards but more weight. Check the pattern, and buy all your yarn from the same dye lot so the color matches.
Why is my scarf getting wider or narrower?
You are probably adding or skipping a stitch at the ends of rows. Count your stitches every few rows, and put a stitch marker in the first and last stitch so you can see exactly where to work. Turning chains are the usual trouble spot.
Choose one, cast on a chain tonight, and you will have a cozy handmade scarf before the next cold snap.
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