The Simply Perfect Crochet Scarf for the Whole Family! (A Beginner Friendly Pattern + Pictures)

Looking for a new crochet pattern? Then this Instructable for the Simply Perfect Scarf is for you! This crochet scarf features a lovely textured 'knit-look' ribbing, with a beautiful braided effect. It's a fun pattern that's easy to make and stylish too!

I was motivated to design this scarf because I wanted to crochet a Christmas gift for my soon-to-be father-in-law. I discovered that patterns suitable for men are pretty hard to find, so I created my own! Then, as I was stitching up this scarf, I fell in love with the fabric it created and knew it would look good on everyone!

If you can single crochet and half double crochet, you'll be able to successfully complete this pattern.

Things to love about this pattern:

1. Beginner friendly - a one-row repeat pattern, using a half double crochet variation,
2. Reversible - looks great no matter which side is facing out; it's identical on both sides,
3. Functional - creates a lovely thick fabric, without gaps or holes between stitches: perfect for a scarf,
4. Customizable - easily adjust the length, width &/or yarn to suit your needs/style,
5. Giftable - Makes the perfect homemade gift for men, women and children.

Included in the pattern:

1. Free PDF of the written pattern,
2. Photo stitch tutorial with 17 pictures,
3. Step-by-step detailed pattern instructions,
4. Size guide to help you choose the right length and width for men, women and children,
5. Yarn substitutions - you may wish to choose a different yarn than is listed in the pattern or use yarn from your stash.

Pattern at-a-glance:

Skill Level: Beginner

Finished Size: 71" x 7"

Hook: 6.5 mm

Yarn: Bulky weight, #5

Whether you're just learning to crochet or have been crocheting for years, the "Simply Perfect Scarf" is a pattern you'll love to make, wear and gift to family and friends! Give it a try today!

1. Yarn - 230 grams (480 yards) - Lion Brand Scarfie - Cream/Taupe, 5/Bulky, 78% Acrylic, 22% wool
2. Crochet Hook - 6.5 mm [US K/10.5]
3. Yarn Needle
4. Scissors
5. Tape Measure
6. Stitch Markers

Scarf is made lengthwise, in long vertical rows. This creates the lovely ribbing featured in this pattern.

Manage the long starting chain - because the scarf is made lengthwise the starting chain is long. Placing a stitch marker in every 20th chain will help you keep track & count your stitches to ensure you've chained the desired number.

Place a stitch marker in the last stitch of the row to ensure you don't forget it! Move it up after every row.

Personalize the scarf for anyone!

1. Start with more or less starting chains to make the scarf longer or shorter.
2. Add or subtract rows to make the scarf wider or narrower.
3. Use a larger or smaller hook to increase or decrease the size of your stitches. This will also affect the length and width of the scarf.
4. Scarf looks fantastic in ombre and self-striping yarns.
5. Try making a sample swatch to ensure you like the look of your chosen hook and yarn combination.
6. Pattern as written makes a scarf that's 71" long by 7" wide.

Check out substitute yarns on YARNSUB.

Turning chain does not count as a stitch.

U.S. crochet terminology used throughout this pattern.

Use the handy chart above to help you choose a scarf size.

A couple of other quick ways to calculate scarf size:

1. Length: a scarf should be as long as the person is tall.
2. Width: a scarf should be as wide as the person's hand, with their fingers spread wide, measured from thumb to pinky.

These are just guidelines. The size of your scarf is totally up to you! There's no 'right' or 'wrong' size.

If you follow the pattern below as written, your scarf will measure approximately: 71" x 7".

Gauge is a measurement of the number stitches and number of rows per inch, using the yarn and hook size specified in a pattern. If your work matches the gauge stated in the pattern, your finished piece will match the listed finished size.

Gauge for the Simply Perfect Scarf:

1. 11 stitches x 11 rows= 4" x 4", using Half Double Crochet in the third loop.

However, gauge is not important in this pattern. This is your scarf! If you're happy with the look and size of your scarf, that's all that matters!

Chain (CH):

Start with a slip knot on your hook. Loop working yarn over hook, from back to front. Use crochet hook to pull the yarn through the starting loop.

Single Crochet (SC):

Insert hook into a chain/stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (you'll have 2 loops on your hook), yarn over & pull through both loops on hook.

Half Double Crochet (HDC):

Yarn over, insert hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (you'll have 3 loops on your hook), yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on your hook.

Stitch (st)

In most of the basic, well-known crochet stitches you insert your hook under both strands of the 'V' on top of the stitch. The loop closest to you is called the 'front' loop, and the loop furthest away from you is the 'back' loop.

The 'third loop' of a HDC is found on the front of your work. With your work laying flat, it's the horizontal bar just below the front loop.

To make a HDC in the third loop:

1. Yarn over
2. Insert hook under the third loop
3. Yarn over
4. Pull up a loop (3 loops on your hook):
5. Yarn over
6. Pull hook through all three loops on your hook.

To begin, make a slip knot on your hook.

Chain (CH): 220. Or make the number of chains necessary to reach your desired scarf length.

Row 1: In the second chain from hook, SC in every st to the end. CH 1 and turn your work.

Row 2: HDC in each st to the end of the row. CH 1 and turn your work.

Row 3: Make 1 'HDC in the third loop' in every stitch until you have 1 st remaining, HDC in the last st. CH 1 and turn your work.

Rows 4 -17: Repeat Row 3. Or repeat row 3 until your scarf reaches your desired width.

Finishing: Fasten off and weave in your ends.

**Congratulations! You can now enjoy your new handmade scarf or gift it to someone special!**

Thanks so much for checking out my very first Instructable! I'd love to see your version of this scarf! Post a link in the comments below and let me know who you made this for!

For a free PDF copy of the pattern, please click on the link below.

Happy stitching!