Knitted scarves are beautiful and soft, but a crocheter wants to crochet! Crochet is faster than knitting, and is great for producing nice chunky stitches. But too often, crochet scarves turn out awkward and stiff, lacking the nice drape and softness of knit. Determined to make a warm, soft, beautiful crochet scarf, I set out on my quest to find the perfect way to crochet a scarf.
I experimented with a lot of stitches to find one that would look nice (on both sides of the piece, because who wants a one-sided scarf?), would feel nice (not too dense, and with soft and smooth stitches), and that would work up quickly.
What I finally settled on is this beautiful ribbed variation of a half double crochet stitch. I love the look and feel of scarves made using this stitch.
Here’s how it’s done:
Start with a row of half double crochet (hdc).
The following rows will all be worked in the ribbed hdc variation. The only difference between a normal hdc and the ribbed variation is with where you insert your hook. Hdc stitches create an extra horizontal loop below the ‘V’ where you would normally insert your hook. To create hdc ribbing, you will insert the hook through that extra loop instead of through the V.
Some pictures to help:
The image below shows the hook inserted through the V, like a normal hdc. This is not how you will complete this stitch.
The next image shows the hook inserted in the horizontal loop. Continue hdc through these horizontal loops, and you will create the ribbing, it’s that easy!
You won’t really start to see the ribbing effect until after a few rows, and it tends to look strange on a short piece (like the swatch below). So don’t give up on it too soon! It really is a simple and beautiful stitch, especially for a scarf.
Making the Scarf
Once you have the hang of the ribbed half double crochet stitch, making a scarf is a lot of fun. The scarf is worked up lengthwise, so the length of the starting chain determines the length of your scarf, and the number of rows determines the scarf’s width. I’ll walk you through how to figure out how long your starting chain should be.
**If you don’t want to calculate and don’t care about the exact length of your scarf, just make a chain wide enough that you can hold it in both hands and stretch your arms wide. Then, add 10-20 more stitches, and start crocheting your scarf!
Yarn
You can use any size yarn, but I recommend not using special fuzzy yarns because they will hide the ribbing – this stitch looks best with a standard yarn. I’ve used cotton, wool, acrylic, and more, and all have worked well, just not fuzzy yarns.
Hook
I recommend a hook that is a size smaller than you would typically use with your yarn – the ribbing turns out best when the stitches aren’t too loose.
First step: Crochet a swatch
The best way to calculate how many stitches you will need is to start by crocheting a swatch. To create a swatch, chain 15 stitches. Complete 5 rows of the half double crochet ribbed stitch.
Measure the 10 stitches in the middle of the swatch and write this measurement down. You will use it to calculate the number of stitches needed to complete the scarf.
The swatch I created measures about 2.75 in. for each 10 stitches.
Determine the length of the chain
Now we need to use our swatch measurement to determine how many chains to make to get the desired scarf length. Between 6-8 feet (183-244 cm) is usually a good length. I’ll shoot for 6 feet for this example. First, I’ll convert that to inches. There are 12 inches in a foot, so my 6 foot scarf will be 72 inches.
So how many 10-stitch segments does it take to reach 72 inches? Here’s a simple formula:
Scarf Length / Swatch Measurement = X
Plugging in my numbers I get:
72 in. / 2.75 in. = approx. 26
So I will need 26 10-stitch segments to complete the scarf. In other words, I will need 260 stitches.
The width
Just keep adding rows until you like the width of your scarf. Not sure what width a scarf should be? Between 5 – 7 inches (12-18 cm) is usually a good standard size.
And you’re done! No finishing off needed.
I love using this stitch for scarves, but it’s also beautiful for blankets. I’m sure there are other applications as well, play around with it and let me know what you come up with! Also, if anything is unclear, feel free to ask for some help or clarification. Thanks for reading 🙂
Love the stitch and I also have questions on the ending and turning chains/stitches. Normally I’d chain 2 and turn, and then at the end I’d hdc in that turning chain. I guess I’m asking if the first and last stitches are normal hdc? Thanks!
Only chain 1, and do not hdc in the turning chain. Also, do not skip the 1st hdc of each row. So basically, you just hdc in each hdc across.
You should add this comment in with your pattern. I did about 8 rows for an afghan and it was driving me crazy that it seemed to be getting narrower. Turns out I was missing the first stitch of each row. I’m not going back now! Haha.
Thank you for the instructions, your scarfs are beautiful, exactly what I was looking for to crochet a scarf for my boyfriend… Unfortunately, mine doesn’t look like yours 🙁 I followed your instructions and am pretty sure I have not messed them up, however you can hardly see the ribs on my scarf (you can sorta guess them, but only because I know they should be there!), and I’m halfway through. I’ve followed your indication for the length (arms wide open), and I’ve done almost five rows so far, using one complete skein of wool ease thick and quick (170g) and a size N / 9 mm hook.
Any suggestion or explanation would be greatly appreciated… Thanks!
Sev (from France)
Hi Sev, if you show me a picture, I can try to help. I am going to email you, you can email me back with a photo if you want me to take a look.
Question about turning at the end of rows– I see above it says you just chain one, for normal half doubles you chain 2, correct? I am guessing it is only one because it doesnt need to be as high. Do you work into the first “extra loop” or second on each row? Hope that makes sense! Thanks!
Yeah normally I chain 2 slightly tighly for hdc, but as you said this ones is not as high, so ch 1 works perfectly.
Work in every hdc across. Do not skip any stitches, and do not work into the chain at the end of the row.
After several attempts, I finally figured it out and I love this stitch.I had wanted to make a scarf for my grown son and I’m half way there! Thanks so much!!
I am working on the sample starting with a chain of 20, and loving it so far. But I am wondering, when you got to the end of your rows did you ch1 after the last hdc or ch2 then turn your work? Thank you.
Ch1. If I forgot to add that in my post, I need to add that detail, oops!
Thank you! It’s looking great so far, and I just read your post about Blocking, and definitely will be doing that, it needs it! 🙂
Thank you so much for these clear instructions. I crocheted a striped scarf for my 3 year old son.
You can see it here: http://creatiefbezig.blogspot.nl/2013/10/mutsen-en-sjaals.html
The scarf turned out very nice!
Made this scarf for my 8yr old son and he loves it!! Hdc is perfect for a soft scarf that looks great. Thanks for the pattern.
Thanks so much for posting the way to work a crochet ribbed scarf using the HDC to make the rib. I have been searching for something like this. I want to combine the lengthwise look with a pattern at the ends of the scarf, but I’m not sure how that will work out. Mainly, I am a knitter and can really make the yarn talk. But I am not as familiar with crochet techniques. Maybe I’ll just use it crosswise across the neck section. That would still look good. And then I’ll have the technique for lengthwise working later.
Thanks so much.
You’re a genius. The results are amazing! Took me a while to figure it out because i missed the ”Normally the top of the stitch is covered up by the next row etc.” part. Might wanna underline it/mark it red, because it really gave me the big picture that gaped the holes in my head. It could helps others like me that aren’t good at following instructions X3 Thanks again!
This is fantastic!! I am using this gor a scarf for my son. Instead of crocheting lengthways i am doing widthways. Looks great so far. Thanks.(btw i only started crocheting 2 weeks ago and found this realy easy to follow)
potreste indicarmi dove posso vedere il video su you tube? dato che le spiegazioni sono in inglese, facendo la traduzione non ho capito. grazie
So, I’m semi-new to crocheting (used to do it years ago, and am getting back into it). I am completed terrible at following instructions. any way you can do a short video?
I’ve been sitting here trying this for over an hour, and still can’t seem to get it right. I am using a 20-30 sample chain to test and practice, but no luck so far.
Love your creativity and hope to learn this soon! <3
I think I got it. If I did, you’re freaking BRILLIANT. <3
I hope it works! I’ve thought about adding video, it’s just so hard for me to find time to add new things to my blog. Hopefully that’ll change soon, I don’t know how I keep running out of time, but I’d love to update this blog more often.
So when you use this stitch to create a scarf, is your starting chain going to be the length of the scarf or the width.. so in other words are you starting with a long starting chain and only doing a couple rows of it or a short starting chain and doing many rows?
Yes that’s right, the starting chain goes length wise.
Hi there, lovely pattern, do u mean to crochet in the front loop?
Not exactly. It’s an extra loop created by the hdc. I highlight the extra loop in one of the images to help explain.
aha, i think i’ve done it just the way you’ve explained… how wide did you make yours? mine’s 4″ by 65″.. is that ok or shld it make it wider?
I’d make it a bit wider, maybe 5″, but really it’s completely up to you and what’s comfortable for you.
[…] can also use wool if you prefer. Check out this link for a bunch of different patterns. However, this pattern is pretty basic, and it’s something a beginner can totally handle. She does a kind of tricky […]
http://www.crochetme.com/glossary/foundation-half-double-crochet-fhdc.aspx
After finding this method I will never foundation chain again. Works grea with the ribbed half double stitch.
Yes I agree!! I actually want to create a tutorial post on that foundation stitch. I learned about it from someone else who commented on here awhile ago, I was so excited to learn it, it’s perfect!
Hi, I was wondering if one were to crochet this scarf with two different color yarns, after how many rows would they be switched? In other words, where would one change colors to make stripes? Thanks. =D
I think I figured it out. =D
Looks like you found an answer, but I’ll answer anyway 🙂 You can change colors after each row to create stripes. And use the loose ends as part of your fringe. Or, if you want thicker stripes, you can switch colors maybe every 3 rows. You can definitely experiment, can’t really go wrong with it.
I am very new to crochet and would like to give this scarf a try – how much yarn did you use?
Never-mind! I see that you already answered this questions. Thx!
My grandma made afghans using this method. They are so warm & soft & they’ve held up great!
i want to make this scarf, it looks beautiful, do i start with a foundation chain, if so how many.
Yes, start with a foundation chain. The number depends on the size of yarn, and how long you want your scarf to be. If you’re not sure, I’d say make a chain long enough to hold between your arms opened wide. That’s usually what I do, instead of counting or measuring.
I love the way it goes together. A very nice stitch. I am dyslexic, so patterns can be a terror for me. Your instructions are very clear, had no problem. Thanks so much for sharing it. I like knitpicks also. Rachel Choi of Crochet Spot has some very nice patterns. She does not sell yarn but her patterns are nice, she also gives detailed instructions. Fun web site.
Going to start on a scarf right away. Will let you know how it comes out. Again thanks!
Hi, Is it possible to join 2 pieces of scarf together? For example, in between the 2 pieces I add in some crochet flowers.
Hi Tammy, There are probably multiple ways to add flowers that would work, but I think you’ll just have to experiment to see what works for you. I’ve never used this pattern in that way, so I don’t have much advice to give. Try it out on a small piece before you try making the entire scarf. I’d love to see the final result.
I have a question about finishing. How would I finish the edges of this scarf? I love the pattern but I’m not quite sure how to finish the sides and bottom edges. I’m still a beginner.
I think there’s no need to finish. I believe once you do the last row of HDC, the product is complete – as shown in the photos. That’s the beauty of this scarf.
I think I understand the pattern but when I do it I get a lot more space between the ‘ribs’ than appears on your pictures. The result I get is the same as the one on this video. Is this exactly the same stitch you do for your scarf? Thanks
http://knitting-crochet.wonderhowto.com/how-to/crochet-ribbing-with-half-double-crochet-217457/
Yepp, that’s the same stitch. If the rows you crochet are short, then the space between ribs ends up wider. The first time I tried this stitch, I didn’t think I liked it for that reason. But when you use it on something long, like a scarf, after a few rows, the ribs come together. The first couple rows will probably look wrong. But if you keep going, they come together. Kinda weird.. but that’s my experience with it. So if you try it on a sample swatch first (which I always recommend), it should be a longer than normal swatch. Like, maybe 20 stitches across, or more. Otherwise, it just doesn’t turn out the same.
You’re right. I had only done a few short rows as a trial run, and the space between the ribs was wide (as in the video). I will now try the scarf. Really great pattern for a scarf!! Thanks again.
I so appreciate you help and interest, bless your heart…this is the yarn I was thinking of getting, I have to send my hubby to buy it for me and would use “G’ hook my favorite size…what do you think? 🙂
Red Heart Super Saver Jumbo Yarn, 14 oz, Available in Multiple Solid Colors ( I would get 2 of these skeins )
G is what I use for worsted weight yarn when making this scarf. If it’s thicker than worsted, you might want to size up. Try it out first. For the yarn, I have become pretty obsessed with knitpicks.com. They have beautiful wools and cottons, and some new acrylic lines that are more affordable. The quality of their yarns is so much better than the stuff in craft stores, AND its a much better price than anything I find in craft stores. I’m sure Red Heart will work if that’s what you like, but if you’re interested, definitely check out knitpicks.com.