Hearthside Scarf: A Free Crochet Scarf Pattern

What you'll make

The Hearthside Scarf is a chunky crochet scarf worked back and forth in half double crochet, the one stitch you repeat from end to end. Bulky yarn and a big hook make it grow fast, and the fringe is optional.

It measures about 7¼ in (18.5 cm) wide and 60 in (152 cm) long, before the fringe. That is long enough to wrap around your neck and still hang down the front.

This free crochet scarf pattern is written for one page. It has a chain to start, one set-up row and one row you repeat, so there is very little to keep in your head.

Is this an easy crochet scarf for beginners?

Yes. This is an easy crochet scarf for beginners because there is only one stitch and one row. Row 1 sets up the 20 stitches. Rows 2 to 120 are the same row again and again.

If you can chain, turn and make a half double crochet, you can make this scarf. The one thing to watch is the start of each row, which is covered below.

What you need

Everything on the list is simple to find. The yarn amount is for the scarf as written, so a different gauge changes how much you use.

• Yarn: bulky-weight (#5) wool or acrylic, about 330 yds (300 m), plus about 15 yds (14 m) for the fringe.
• Hook: US K-10½ (6.5 mm).
• Notions: tapestry needle, scissors; a piece of card about 6 in (15 cm) wide for the fringe.

Size and gauge

Gauge is 11 hdc and 8 rows = 4 in (10 cm) in half double crochet. Gauge is not critical for a scarf. A different gauge changes the size of the scarf and the yarn used.

The pattern as written has 20 stitches in every row. Keep that number and the width follows your gauge. A looser hand gives a wider, longer scarf from the same count, and a tighter hand gives a narrower one.

Abbreviations (US terms)

This pattern uses US crochet terms. There are only three abbreviations:

• ch: chain
• hdc: half double crochet
• st(s): stitch(es)

The free crochet scarf pattern

Here is the whole pattern. It is free for personal use. You can read it here, or open the PDF in Row & Round and follow it row by row.

• Start: Ch 22.
• Row 1: Hdc in the 3rd ch from the hook and in each ch across. (20 hdc)
• Rows 2–120: Ch 2 (does not count as a st), turn, hdc in each st across. (20 hdc)
• Finish: Fasten off and weave in the ends.
• Fringe (optional): wrap yarn around the card 40 times and cut along one edge to make 40 strands of 12 in (30 cm). Fold 2 strands in half and knot them through the end of the scarf; make 10 knots along each short end. Trim the fringe even.

How half double crochet works and how to keep the edges straight

A half double crochet scarf is soft and a little bumpy, and it works up faster than a scarf in taller stitches. You work one hdc into each stitch of the row below, all the way across.

Straight edges come down to one rule: the ch-2 at the start of each row does not count as a stitch. Do not work into it at the end of the row, and work your first hdc into the very first stitch, not the chain. If you skip that first stitch, the scarf slowly gets narrower. If you add an extra stitch, it gets wider.

Every row should end with 20 hdc. Count your stitches every few rows and the edges stay straight.

Tips for counting 120 rows and the turning chain

120 rows is a lot of the same row, so it helps to have a way to keep count. Pick one of these and stick with it.

• Turn at the end of each row, then ch 2. The ch-2 does not count as a stitch.
• Put your first hdc into the first stitch of the row, right at the edge.
• Check for 20 hdc every few rows. If it is 19 or 21, undo back to where it changed.
• Look at the last stitch of the row. It is the easiest one to miss when you are tired.
• Note the row you are on when you put the scarf down.

Follow it in Row & Round

Row & Round is an iPhone and iPad app for following knitting and crochet patterns. Open the PDF in Row & Round and a highlighter bar sits on the row you are working. Tap +1 and the count and the bar move together.

For a pattern with 120 rows that is useful. You can look up from your hook, then find your place again at a glance. Undo is always one tap away, and your place is saved on every tap.

You can also set an alert for every 6th row, a handy nudge to count your stitches. Rows 2 to 120 are all the same, so the bar and the count do the remembering.

A gift idea

One stitch, one chunky yarn, a warm gift. Pick a colour the person already wears, and make the fringe from the same yarn.

Make the fringe last. Wrap the yarn around the card 40 times, cut along one edge and tie 10 knots along each short end. It gives a crochet scarf with fringe a neat finish, and the card keeps every strand the same length.

Share this free crochet scarf pattern with a friend who wants a first project. It is free for personal use.