With spring just around the corner, I’ve been wanting a lightweight, lacy scarf that would be pretty, and be simple enough for beginners to crochet. This free scarf pattern delivers on both accounts with a simple, but pleasing stitch pattern that is repeated as many times as you want, to make this beautiful accessory as wide or narrow as you’d like. Find the free crochet pattern instructions below, or purchase a print-optimized, ad-free PDF by clicking here.
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This lace scarf pattern is very basic stitch-wise. It only uses chains, double crochet, and single crochet (for the ends). When I first designed this scarf I wanted a piece that would look pretty, but be very easy to crochet, especially since I was a beginner at lace myself at the time, and I think this fits the bill.
Counting is required, but you’ll be a pro at it (especially counting to 4, and 5) by the time you finish. Be sure to look back along each row after you have completed it to make sure your shells each have 4 double crochet in them. This was my most frequent challenge with this scarf! You’ll be working the next row’s shells into the center between stitches 2 and 3, so this extra check ensures you don’t end up with any lop-sided shell stitches.
Tips for working with crochet thread
If you’re just starting out with crocheting lace, this scarf makes an easy first project. The important thing to remember when working with crochet thread is that it is stiffer and does not have as much stretch as acrylic or wool yarns do. Going up a hook size or two might make getting your hook through the stitches easier, so don’t be afraid to use a bigger hook. I absolutely love my Furls hooks because they are easy on my hands (and so pretty to look at, wouldn’t you agree?). I also tend to have more relaxed tension when working with them–extra bonus!
So many of you have asked about the cute antique-looking scissors I showed off in the picture below that I had to include a link to them in the materials list. I got these on amazon and not only do they look beautiful, they also cut well!
Even with a good hook though, when I first started playing with thread, I found that I needed to do a lot more hand stretches because my arms and fingers would tighten up from getting used to the new tension.
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Difficulty:
Easy
Materials Needed:
3.25mm (D) hook, or hook needed to obtain measurements <–Pick up a Furls Rose Gold hook by clicking here
Approximately 300 yards of Patons Grace in Blush (pictured), OR Red Heart Fashion #3 Crochet Thread in Warm Teal
Yarn needle for weaving in ends
Scissors <–These are the cute ones in the picture that I used.
Stitches Used:
sc = single crochet
dc = double crochet
sl st = slip stitch
ch/chs = chain/chains
st/sts = stitch/stitches
sk = skip
Additional Terms:
Shell stitch = 4 dc in same st
Gauge:
Gauge is not especially important for this piece.
Measurements:
-Unblocked, the finished scarf should measure approximately 5” wide, by 60″ long before blocking. Blocked, the scarf should measure approximately 6″ wide by 80″ long. The fringe adds another 12″.
Additional Notes:
-Ch-3 counts as stitch.
-Ch-1 does not count as stitch
-This pattern is worked in multiples of 16 + 3, with an additional 8 stitches for half a pattern repeat at the end.
-Make this scarf as wide or narrow as you want my increasing or decreasing the number of row 2 repeats you do.
-It is possible to turn this into a wrap by doing row 2 repeats until your piece is 12″ wide–you will need more yarn though. 😉
Simply Lace Scarf Crochet Pattern (US Terms):
Click here to purchase an ad-free, print-optimized PDF of this pattern on LoveCrafts
Ch 299,
Row 1: dc in 4th ch from hook, ch 5, sk 5 chains, dc in next 2 chs, ch 1, sk 3 chains, shell stitch in next chain, ch 1, sk 3 chains, dc in next 2 chains. *ch 5, sk 5 chains, dc in next 2 chains, ch 1, sk 3 chains, shell stitch in next chain, ch 1, sk 3 chains, dc in next 2 chains; repeat from * across, ch 3 (counts as first dc of next row), turn.
Rows 2-12: dc in next st, ch 5, sk 5, dc in next 2 dc sts, ch 1, skip to center of shell from previous row, shell stitch between 2nd and 3rd sts of shell, ch 1, sk 3 sts, dc in next 2 sts *ch 5, sk 5, dc in next 2 dc sts, ch 1, skip to center of shell from previous row, shell stitch between 2nd and 3rd sts of shell, ch 1, sk 3 sts, dc in next 2 sts; repeat from * across, ch 3 (counts as first dc of next row), turn.
If you want a wider scarf keep working row 2 until it’s as wide as you want, then continue with the scarf ends.
Scarf ends:
Note: These stitch counts are only valid if you have worked 12 rows. Add 3 sts for each row worked beyond 12 if you want a wider scarf with fringe. You do not have to cut your yarn and reattach it when working the first end. If the gap at the 2 ending dc stitches of the scarf bother you, you can leave a longer yarn tail (10″) when you cut your yarn after crocheting the end, and use that end to sew the stitches closer together.
Row 1: ch 1, Working down the end of the piece, put 3 sc in each dc or ch-3 sp, ch 1, turn. (36)
Row 2: sc in each st across, ch 1, turn. (36)
Row 3: sc into same stitch, ch 1, skip next stitch, sc. *sc into next stitch, ch 1, sk st, sc; repeat from * across, ch 1, turn. (12, ch-1 sps, 24 sc)
Row 4: 3 sc in first ch-1 sp, sl st between the 2 single crochets from row 3, *3 sc in ch-1 sp, sl st between the 2 single crochets from row 3; repeat from * across. (12 eyelets)
Cut thread and and reattach on the other end of the scarf. Repeat rows 1-4.
Fasten off, and weave in ends.
Fringe:
Cut 4-6, 12″ lengths for fringe per eyelet. Fold in half and loop fringe through each eyelet, tucking the ends into the fringe’s loop and pulling snug to attach.
Blocking:
This step is optional, but I can’t recommend it highly enough:
Dampen scarf, stretch out and pin on a blocking board. Let sit until dry.
I would love to see a picture when you’re done, so please feel free to come by my Facebook group and show off your project! Be sure to tag @kirstenhollowaydesigns when you share pictures of your finished scarf on Instagram, and use #simplylacescarf!
You can also follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Ravelry for more beautiful crochet patterns.
Pattern Terms and Conditions:
You are welcome to share the link to this pattern, using one image of your choice, on your site, but please do not share the written patterns themselves, or use additional images. You do not have permission to use my images by themselves to create pinnable graphics for Pinterest, however they may be included in a roundup pin if there are 4 or more other patterns. If you sell finished items online, please do not use my pictures for your listings. I’m positive that your work is of high enough quality for you to sell the finished piece. Have confidence in your abilities! <3 Thank you!
This pattern was made to be used by individuals, and small business crocheters alike. Selling your finished pieces in boutiques, at farmer’s markets, craft shows, and other local events is encouraged! Please credit/link Kirsten Holloway Designs when selling finished products online. The only thing I require is that this pattern not be used commercially to produce hundreds of thousands of copies.
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Hi,
I’m on row 1 and I’m unsure about how to finish the end of the row. There is 8 chain at the end of the row, but if I do 5 chain then 2 dc, then I’ll have 1 stitch left – so what should I do?
Thanks
Hi Abigail,
Somewhere your stitches must have gotten off (you may not have skipped enough chains somewhere). If you are on the first row you can just skip that last chain and continue on to row 2 if you don’t want to tear everything out and redo row 1 again.
Can fingering yarn be used instead of cotton thread
It might be. You are welcome to try and see how it turns out. 😊 If the stitch is not light and airy enough try going up a hook size or two.
Hi there, I’m about to start row 2-12 and the first instruction says ‘dc in next stitch’, is this one of the chain stitches or first on the row? Thanks
The ch-3 at the end of the last row counts as the first dc of the next row, so skip the dc directly under that one and dc into the next stitch which will be a dc. 🙂
Hi Kirsten! Do you have any other scarf patterns that can be used with crochet thread opposed to yarn. I would like to make a couple more for spring and summer and prefer the thread. Is there any other crochet thread that works for scarves besides #3? I live in a rural area and the nearest craft store is 30 miles from me. We have a Walmart and that’s it. Thanks!!!
It is possible to make scarves with #10 or #5 thread, but I don’t have any patterns out that call for those thread weights yet. Hopefully I’ll be able to get one or two done this summer! I’ve got some ideas. ????
hi,
maybe I did something wrong but I did follow directions and ended up on Row 1 with a shell stitch at the end of row…I did multiples of 16 plus 3 . Very frustrating, any suggestions of how to start row two now, being that previous row ended in a shell
thanks
Joyce
Hi Joyce, it’s multiples of 16+3, with an additional 8 stitches beyond that (as mentioned in the notes just above the pattern). The extra 8 stitches creates the end that you are missing. If you don’t want to redo the row, just turn, and slip stitch over to the center of the shell, then ch 3 for the first stitch of the shell and work 3 more dc beside it before continuing the pattern. Your stitches should all match up, so it’s dc in dc stitches, shells in shells, and chains over chains. I’m sorry the part about the 8 additional stitches didn’t jump out at you initially. Hopefully this helps!
I crochet so tight for some reason. I’ve tried to loosen up but still can’t seem to get it right. I started this scarf but it isn’t near long enough. It’s only measuring 58″. I’ve completed 3 rows so far. I did make 299 chains to begin. Can you give me an idea on how many more chains I would need to make it as long as the one in the picture? This is probably an impossible question to answer without seeing it. Your best guess would really help. Thanks!
Hi Vicki,
You could try starting with a chain of 331, to see if that would give you an extra foot in length. The pattern is worked in multiples of 16 + 3, with an additional 8 stitches for half a pattern repeat at the end of the scarf. So when figuring out increases just add 16 to the beginning chain number (If you need it longer, try 331+16=347). I hope that helps clarify!
Thank you Kirsten. I’ll give it a try.
You’re welcome! I hope it works out! 🙂
Update! It’s coming along and looking good. Thanks!
You’re welcome! Thank you for the update. 🙂
Thankyou for your quick replies back to me and for clarifying the details I needed. I am looking forward to trying this pattern. The scarf looks lovely.
You’re very welcome! I’m glad you like it!
Thanks for your reply. I have a D-3 US 3.25 mm aluminum crochet hook. I am assuming that is what I need, as it is larger than a steel hook which would be a 0(3.25 mm) hook. What would the Gauge be for this scarf? I checked my ball of Aunt Lydia’s fashion 3 crochet thread and wondering if 2 balls were enough for the scarf you made? Each is 150 yards or 137 m per ball.
The awesome thing about this is that gauge isn’t super important. I have measurements listed, but if the scarf isn’t exact it’ll still look nice.
I think I used just a smidge over 2 balls of thread, but it’s been a while since I made this.
Good luck with yours! 🙂
Would you please clarify if it is a 3.25 steel crochet hook that is required or an aluminum hook to make this scarf with the Red Heart #3 Fashion crochet thread? Thankyou.
It is a 3.25mm (D) hook. Mine is aluminum. Hope that helps! 🙂
Hi can you provide instructions for the shell stitch? Thank you!
Hi Debora,
In this pattern a shell is 4 dc worked in one stitch, or between the 2nd and 3rd dc stitches of the previous row’s shell. I hope that helps!
Where can I get this pattern on PDF form to print?
I don’t have a PDF yet, but plan to offer several patterns this way soon. They will be available for $2 on my Ravelry page: http://www.ravelry.com/designers/kirsten-holloway
Hi!
I love the look of this scarf and I have a beautiful yarn I want to use, however I have a DK yarn just wondering if you think it will work the same if I adjust the number of beginning chains??
Thank you for your time!!
Hi Christa, It should work, however, the scarf may look a little different than my preview picture. If you head over to Ravelry you can see some projects that use different yarn for this scarf than what I list here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/simply-lace-scarf/people
Hope that helps! 🙂
You're welcome! I'm glad it's working well for you! 🙂
Love this pattern! Easy enough for a beginner (that's me!) and the finished product is adorable. Perfect length. I did just eleven rows, making it a cute, summer semi-skinny scarf. Off to make another… Thank you!