Easy Ribbed Crochet Scarf Pattern for Beginners: Free Tutorial

This ribbed crochet scarf is the ideal first scarf project. It uses only chains and half double crochet, and working into the back loop gives the fabric a stretchy, knit-look rib that is warm and reversible. There is no shaping to follow, so you can relax and watch it grow row by row.

At a glance: Beginner level · US crochet terms · worsted weight yarn · 5 mm (US H/8) hook · about 15 cm (6 in) wide and 150 cm (60 in) long.

Materials

• About 275 m (300 yd) of worsted weight (4) yarn. Soft wool blends, acrylic, or cotton blends all work well.
• 5 mm (US H/8) crochet hook, tapestry needle, scissors, and measuring tape.
• Optional: a piece of cardboard about 12 cm (5 in) wide for making fringe.

US crochet abbreviations

ch = chain; hdc = half double crochet; sc = single crochet; BLO = back loop only; st(s) = stitch(es). The turning ch 2 does not count as a stitch.

Step 1: Make the foundation row

Ch 22. Row 1: Work hdc in the 3rd ch from the hook and in each ch across. You should have 20 hdc, because the two skipped chains do not count.

Step 2: Work the ribbed rows

Row 2 and all following rows: Ch 2 and turn. Work hdc in the back loop only of each stitch across. (20 sts)

The back loop is the loop farthest from you as you look at the top of the stitch. Leaving the front loop unworked creates a horizontal ridge that gives the scarf its ribbed texture. Keep your edges straight by working the last hdc of every row into the final stitch, not the turning chain.

Repeat this row until the scarf measures about 150 cm (60 in), or until you have only enough yarn left to finish. Lay the scarf flat without stretching it to measure. Reserve extra yarn if you want fringe; the yarn estimate varies with tension and fiber.

Step 3: Finish the ends

Fasten off and weave in the tails along the ridges, where they are easy to hide. For a clean edge, you can work one row of sc across each short end.

Optional: Add fringe

Wrap yarn around the 12 cm cardboard 40 times to make 40 strands (two strands for each of 20 tassels) and cut one end to make equal strands. Fold two strands in half, pull the loop through an end stitch with your hook, then pull the tails through the loop and tighten. Add a tassel at every other stitch along both short ends and trim them even.

Adjusting the size

• Wider scarf: Add 1 chain for every extra stitch you want. A foundation of ch 32 gives 30 hdc and a scarf about 23 cm (9 in) wide.
• Thicker scarf: Use bulky yarn and a 6.5 mm (US K/10.5) hook with the same stitch counts for a wider scarf, or adjust the foundation after making a swatch.
• Shorter version: Stop at 110 cm (43 in) for a neck warmer that tucks under a coat.

For more winter inspiration, explore these 16 cozy crochet scarf patterns. Follow Crochet Pattern Nest on Pinterest for more free crochet ideas.