Stay extra warm and cozy on any adventures you have this fall and winter, with the Wanderlust scarf! This free crochet pattern is full of texture and easy stitches which makes it a quick project to work on, and the best thing is that this style works for men or women! Find the free pattern instructions below, or purchase a print-optimized, ad-free PDF by clicking here.
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So many of you mentioned that you loved the Wanderlust beanie, and how simple it was to make, that I had to design a scarf to go with it! Just like the hat, this unisex scarf is made with the Lion Brand “Heartland” line, which I can’t talk about enough. It’s my current favorite yarn for a few reasons: 1. The slight variations in color really make a finished piece look special, and I’m all about looking “expensive” while not breaking my budget! 2. This yarn is soft, has gorgeous drape, and feels so nice to work with which isn’t always the case for acrylic yarns. 3. Did I mention how soft this yarn is?
Moving on…
Wanderlust Scarf Basics
There are some differences in the way this scarf is worked (rows), compared to the hat which is worked in the round, but I have also included an infinity scarf/cowl version that is worked very similarly to the hat, and won’t have any “wrong side” rows facing the front, as the regular scarf does (should that kind of thing bug you). This yarn hides most of that though, as you can see in my preview pictures, but some of you might be perfectionists (like me), and so I wanted to disclose that up front. 🙂
Wanderlust Scarf Finishing Ideas
In addition to the two different scarf options in today’s post, I’ve also included finishing ideas for both tassels and fringe if you think it needs some extra pizzazz. Unfortunately, it’s been very smokey up in my neck of the woods, and good lighting has been in an issue, so the details aren’t popping out as much in these pictures as they should in real life. If you want to get a better idea of the texture, then take a peek over at the matching beanie. That picture gives you a much better idea of how the texture for this scarf will turn out.
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Difficulty:
Easy
Materials Needed:
5.5mm (I) hook, or hook needed to obtain gauge
350-550 yards Lion Brand Yarn Heartland in “Joshua Tree”
Yarn needle
Scissors
Stitches Used:
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
hdc = half double crochet
dc = double crochet
FPdc = front post double crochet
BPdc = back post double crochet
Additional Terms:
hdc in the 3rd loop: work all stitches for the round in the 3rd loop of the hdc from previous row. Instructions (when looking at your completed row, before you turn): Look at the top of the stitch, and locate the sideways “V”, bend the stitch to look at the back, and you should see another “V”. You’ll be working into the back loop of that “V”, this is called the 3rd loop.
Gauge:
13 dc stitches in 4″
Measurements:
About 6 ft (7 ft, 8 ft) long, by 6″ wide
Additional Notes:
-ch-1 at beginning of row does not count as a stitch.
-If you would like to make a cowl, or infinity scarf instead, I’ve included those instructions below the regular scarf instructions. You will be working in the round, so things will be slightly different, and constructed more like the matching Wanderlust beanie.
-You could even make this into an afghan! Try a starting chain of 268 for a 7 ft wide blanket, and 306 for an 8 ft wide blanket. Keep repeating rows 2-6 until your blanket is as long as you’d like it. This pattern is written in multiples of 2 + 1.
Wanderlust Scarf Crochet Pattern (US Terms):
Click here to purchase an ad-free, print-optimized PDF of this pattern on LoveCrafts
Ch 230, (268, 306),
Row 1: sc in second ch from hook, sc in each st across, ch 1, turn. (229, [267, 305])
Row 2: hdc in each st across, ch 1, turn. (229, [267, 305])
Row 3: working in 3rd loop of hdc, sc in each st across, ch 1, turn. (229, [267, 305])
Row 4: dc in first st, FPdc around next st, *BPdc around next st, FPdc around next st; repeat from * across, dc in final st of row, ch 1 turn. (229, [267, 305])
You will now work what looks like the opposite post stitch around post stitches from row 4, ie. front post sts around back post sts and vice-versa, but because of the row turn you are actually working the same stitch sequence as you did last row. This creates the bumpy texture that is famous to this scarf.
Row 5: dc in first st, *FPdc around FPdc, BPdc around BPdc; repeat from * across, when you get to final 2 sts of row, FPdc around FPdc, dc in final stitch, ch 1, turn. (229, [267, 305])
Row 6: hdc in each st across, ch 1, turn. (229, [267, 305])
Row 7: working in 3rd loop of hdc, dc in each st across, ch 1, turn. (229, [267, 305])
Row 8: sc in each st across, ch 1, turn. (229, [267, 305])
Row 9: dc in each st across, ch 1, turn. (229, [267, 305])
Repeat rows 2-6 one more time
Row 15: working in 3rd loop of hdc, sc in each st across, ch 1, turn. (229, [267, 305])
Row 16: sc in each st across. (229, [267, 305])
Turn scarf sideways and sc along the end
Fasten off, and weave in ends
Join yarn to other end of scarf, and sc along that end
Fasten off, and weave in ends
Optional fringe or tassels for the Wanderlust Scarf:
Fringe:
Cut 3 pieces of fringe 12″ in length, fold in half, then loop it through the first stitch at the end of the scarf. Repeat across the ends in each stitch until your fringe is as thick as you’d like.
Tassel (make 2 for each end):
Cut 18 12″ pieces of yarn. Tie piece of yarn around the center of the strands Fold in half and tie another piece of yarn around the tassel, about an inch or so the top. Attach each tassel securely to a corner of the scarf.
(Keep scrolling down for the Infinity Scarf)
If you’re a beginner, then these images may help you make sense of the stitches and how they should look after each row is completed:
Wanderlust Crochet Infinity Scarf Pattern (US Terms):
Click here to purchase an ad-free, print-optimized PDF of this pattern on LoveCrafts
The sizes are:
60 = 18″ cowl,
78 = 24″ cowl,
118 = 36″ cowl,
228 = 6′ cowl
Ch 60, (78, 118, 228), join with sl st to first ch, taking extra care to not twist chain.
Round 1: ch 1, hdc in each st around, join with sl st to first hdc. (60, [78, 118, 228])
Round 2: ch 1, working in the 3rd loop of hdc, sc in each st around, join with sl st to first sc. (60, [78, 118, 228])
Round 3: ch 1, FPdc around first st, BPdc around next st, *FPdc around next st, BPdc around next st; repeat from * around, join with sl st to first FPdc. (60, [78, 118, 228])
(You will be alternating here and working FP stitches around the BP stitches, and vice-versa. This is intentional)
Round 4: ch 1, BPdc around first FPdc, FPdc around next BPdc *BPdc around next FPdc, FPdc around next BPdc; repeat from * around, join with sl st to first BPdc. (60, [78, 118, 228])
Round 5: ch 1, hdc in each st around, join with sl st to first hdc. (60, [78, 118, 228])
Round 6: ch 1, working in the 3rd loop of hdc, dc in each st around, join with sl st to first dc. (60, [78, 118, 228])
Round 7: ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st to first sc. (60, [78, 118, 228])
Round 8: ch 1, dc in each st around, join with sl st to first dc. (60, [78, 118, 228])
Repeat rounds 1-8 one more time, or until your cowl is as long as you want it, then finish with the ending:
Round 17: ch 1, hdc in each st around, join with sl st to first sc. (60, [78, 118, 228])
Round 18: ch 1, working in the 3rd loop of hdc, hdc in each st around, join with sl st to first sc. (60, [78, 118, 228])
Fasten off, and weave in ends.
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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, this includes my Ravelry downloads or translations of these patterns, 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! The only thing I require is that this pattern not be used commercially to produce hundreds of thousands of copies.
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I love this pattern! I made it in a gorgeous coral for my friends birthday, and added scallops to the end. Thankyou so much for your beautiful patterns, it is wonderful to be able to give something special even in our budget.
You’re welcome! I’m so glad you are finding the patterns useful! 😊
Hi Kirsten
I’ve just found this pattern and love it but I can’t work out where you are located? I’m in Australia and I’ve already worked out US and UK terminology is different with crochet. Can you please let me know if this is a US or UK pattern?
Much appreciated
This pattern is written in US Terms (this should be mentioned just before the pattern instructions begin). 😊
I am thinking of making this with a foundationless chain. Will that work?
It should. You’ll just want to keep your hdc in the 3rd loop texture on one side of the project, so you may need to make some adjustments when it comes to working certain sections of the scarf.
Hi Kirsten,
It’s a beautiful pattern! I would like to use up my yarn stash-what do you think about stripes for this pattern? Where would you recommend the color breaks?
Hi Lindsay,
Try looking at the Ravelry projects page to get some ideas of where to place stripes. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/wanderlust-scarf-2/people There are lots of pictures of finished Wanderlust scarves at that link. 🙂
I love love love this pattern! I’ve made two of the Wanderlust hats in variegated yarn and they are super fun. I started a scarf last night to match one of them and am thinking the variegated yarn may not look so great being worked up length-wise. What thinks you?
Has anyone worked this one up in variegated yarn? Thanks!
Ellen, I’m so glad you are loving this pattern!
You can take a look at the Ravelry projects and see what variegated yarn on the scarf looks like: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/wanderlust-scarf-2/people I think variegated yarn tends to hide the texture, but the decision is completely up to you. 😊
Thanks so much, Kirsten. I’ll take a look. If I were to try doing it width-wise rather than length-wise, how many of a starting chain would you suggest?
The pattern is written in multiples of 2+1 so it’s up to you how wide you would like it. Many scarves are about 6″ wide, but I often like mine a little wider. I hope that helps!
Also, 🙂 are you supposed to chain one at the end of a row to turn or just turn? Thanks.
The pattern lists a ch-1 to turn at the end of each row.
I am new to crocheting and this is my first patterned project I’ve tried. I love it’s d it’s so beautiful. Do you happen to have a hat pattern to match ? Thank you.
I sure do! The hat is linked in the description above the pattern, but here it is again: https://kirstenhollowaydesigns.com/2017/06/wanderlust-beanie-crochet-pattern.html 😀
Have fun crocheting!
Hey ! Do you have a knit pattern for this? I really like it but don’t know how to knit with crochet instructions
Hi Maggie,
I only design crochet patterns. 😅
Just saw this!
That’s a lovely design.
Thank you for the Crochet Pattern!
You’re welcome! 😊
I need a little help. The first time you do fpdc and BPdc . Is it in the previous sc or the hdc below
The front post and back post stitches will be worked around your sc row.
Lovely pattern! I made the beanie and had enough yarn left to make a modified version of the scarf. I’m in the process of reducing my stash and had only about 2 1/2 skeins of this pretty discontinued wool yarn from Premier. Looking forward to making this again with the proper amount of yarn and to trying more of your patterns.
I’m wanting to make this as a wrap. Could I just double the width?
You could certainly try that!
Great idea and add pockets too!!
You could if you wanted to. 🙂
Sounds amazing!! How did you go?
Hi, I’m very new to crochet and I’ve been trying out some of your lovely patterns. I’m currently working on the non-infinity version of this scarf and the length is coming out well, but I’m only on track for a 4” wide scarf. Do you have any advice on how to keep my stitches taller? I know I can add extra rows, but I’d like to keep as close to the pattern as possible in the future. Thanks!!
Hi Nikki,
The only thing I can think of to recommend is to use relaxed tension, and don’t tug your loops down tight. If you need to add another repeat to get it the proper width that’s fine. It should still look nice. 🙂
Would be possible to add repeats of row 9 (in sets of 2) to add width the the scarf without changing the pattern ? I’m making this for my niece, but I need it a little wider
I’d recommend doing another repeat of rows 2-6 to add more width. That way your scarf gets wider, and you keep repeating the pretty texture for a more visually appealing scarf. 🙂
I just finished making this for my future dil to go with the 3 beanies in this pattern that I had already made for her. It turned out beautifully. Thank you for the pattern.
You’re very welcome, Kathleen!
Thanks so much for the pattern!
You’re welcome, Ashley!
Hi,
I was wondering how I could adapt this pattern to be made with bulky (weight 5) yarn to make a chubbier scarf?
Thanks!
You could make it with chunky yarn and follow the instructions as written to make a super scarf. Because of the pattern repeats it’s not possible to make it narrower, but you could use the multiples (listed in the additional notes section) coupled with a gauge swatch using the hook and yarn of your choice to calculate the length. Good luck!
This is such a beautiful pattern for the yarn color. I have this on my crochet to do list. Thank you for taking the time to create this, write the instructions, and share.
You’re welcome, Vicky!
Hi! I just started this tonight, did row 1 properly, but when I finished the row of hdc, I ended up with 228, not 229. I went back and looked but didn’t skip anything, am I doing something wrong?
Hmmm, I’m not sure how you ended up with 228 either. Your original starting chain should have been 230, and if you worked into the second ch from your hook (not skipping 2 chains) that should have given you a count of 229. You can either tear out and start again, or, you can put an extra hdc in the last stitch and call it good. This pattern is pretty forgiving. ???? Good luck!
I’ve mastered the art of adding a stitch at the end and calling it good! It works 99% of the time, I’d say!
I’ve done that plenty of times too! Haha!
Hi Kristen,
I have a question about row 2. Is that row done in the 3rd loop?
Hi Susan,
Row 2 is worked normally into the sc stitches from row 1. Row 3 is where you start working into the 3rd loop of the hdc stitches that you made in row 2. ???? I hope that clears things up!
Hi Kirsten! Just to tell you that it got made! I am putting a post on bellacoco and will link to you of course! I do hope you can see the pictures there! Thank you!
Wonderful! I’m so glad you got it to work! I’ll look forward to seeing your finished project pictures!
Hi Kirsten! Lovely scarf!
I have two questions please.
1. I’ve done the first 7 rows and I know now that it’s not going to be 6” wide. The tension is much too tight! I’m guessing the 9th row is the middle row. Can I do an additional 9A and 9B same as row 9 and then pick up your repeat or rows 2-6 without spoiling the symmetry of the scarf? I’m not able to visualise the design symmetry from your instructions! Please help!
2. Once finished I’d like to post pictures and a link to your pattern on my blog. I will of course credit you. Is this okay by you? My blog is on PenNShutter.com – I’ve not yet started posting my crochet projects but you will see that I always link back to those who have helped me in any way.
Thank you. Regards.
I’d suggest repeating rows 2-6 again that then finishing with the rest of the rows. 🙂 You are welcome to share pictures of your finished scarf on your blog, and a link back here to the pattern would be much appreciated! Thank you!
Thanks Kirsten. Do you mean I make the scarf like this …
2-6, 2-6, 7 onwards follow the original pattern?
The first 7 rows I’ve used exactly one ball of yarn. I have just two balls left. Do you think it’s enough? There is no way I can get more yarn!
Yes, that should work. 🙂 I don’t know for sure how many yards are in each ball of yarn that you have, but I’ve listed approximate yardage in the “Materials Needed” section. I used a little over 1 1/2 skeins of Lion Brand “Heartland” for this project, but 350-375 yards of almost any worsted weight yarn should work.
Thank you! I’m going to pick it up again now and pray for the best! I will post again as soon as it’s done!
You’re welcome! I hope it goes smoothly, and I can’t wait to see your post!
I like the scarf pattern but would like to make it shorter and can’t figure out how many to chain. Is there a way to figure that out?
Hi Cindy, this pattern is written in multiples of 2+1 plus one more for the turning chain on the first row. Look at my gauge (which is how many stitches are in 4″) and multiply that number by 3 to see how many stitches should be in a foot (roughly 39), then subtract that number from the total (the original row count was 229), and make sure the number is divisible by 2, then add one more stitch (plus one more for your turning chain). This method should allow you to go up or down in length to create the perfect scarf. 🙂 I hope that helps!
This is brilliant!
Thank you! Glad you like the scarf!
Hi again I wanted to say when working in the 3loop I find it easier to use a smaller hook for this stitch
As long as it doesn’t throw off your gauge, I’d say go for it! 😀
Is it okay to FSC to start this scarf?
Yes, that should work just fine. 🙂
I was looking for the video on row 3, working in 3rd loop, on your FB page but can’t seem to find it.
Here is the link. It is for a different pattern, but the technique is still the same. 🙂 Good luck!
https://facebook.com/kirstenhollowaydesigns/videos/1884031391814874/
I’ve tried the scarf a few times, which calls for a multiple of 2+1. Your starting chain is 230. If you applied 2+1 for the 130, the math doesn’t add up. 230-1=229, is not divisible by 2. It’s a lovely scarf, but the math doesn’t add up.
The 229 is the multiple of 2 + 1. (228 +1) the 230th chain is the turning chain. 🙂 I hope that clarifies!
Thank you so much for the explanation.
You’re welcome!
For the infinity scarf rnd 1 says hdc around then join to sc. am I missing something?
It was a typo, and has been fixed. Join it to the first hdc. 🙂
Your patterns are beautiful. I have made the La Vie en Rose Earflap Hat and Ladies Scarf. I’ve also made the Wanderlust Beanie. I have a question on the Wanderlust Scarf. Are you supposed to end with a FPdc or BPdc before the last dc on row 3? If stitch count is 2+1 wouldn’t you start with an odd number?
Hi Sharon,
Thank you! It’s been a while since I’ve worked this pattern and don’t have the scarf to check, but if you end with a FPdc in row 4, it doesn’t really matter as long as the last stitch in the row is a dc. You will be working the next row on the back side of the stitch, and since they are supposed to alternate, you can start the row with a FPdc (it will appear to be a BPdc if you look at it from the opposite side), and start alternating from there. 229 is the odd number, the extra stitch when you first start out is your turning chain. 🙂 I hope this has helped instead of cause more confusion!
Thanks for the reply. I’m still confused, but will just continue on with what I started with.
You’re welcome, Sharon. I may be able to match up a swatch to show that’s going on if you don’t end up figuring it out.:)
I want to crochet the cowl but I don’t see how many to chain to get started
Hi Kris,
The infinity scarf is near the bottom of the post and starts with a chain of 228. I hope that helps!
Wow this turned out gorgeous! I made it in a black/brown/dk green variegated wool for my BIL, and made it bigger than you suggested, but it looks so fantastic! Really classy for a guy too! I’m also doing the En Vie La Rose one for my sister, and it’s turning out gorgeous too! I’m really loving your patterns…they are beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing!
I’m glad they are turning out well! You’re very welcome! 😀
Hey, i’m trying to make this wonderful scarf (not in round) and I’m having some trouble with the third row. I watched the video and all but seems like my third loop is at the front of my work instead of the back and now I’m wondering what I’m doing wrong. I followed the first two rows perfectly so I’m not sure what’s wrong…
Hi Lina,
When you are working in rows the back of the stitch will be facing you after you turn. This may be what is going on. 🙂
Is row 2 supposed to be a sc in the third loop or a hdc in the third loop? It says sc but everything else talks about a hdc.
Hi Starr,
Row 2 should be hdc, and row 3 should be sc in the 3rd loop. This helps the bumpy texture that follows look the way I meant it to (if that makes sense). I hope that helps! 🙂
Hello Kirsten! Wow, what a beautiful scarf! I’m taking it to my sewing/crocheting group tonight to start it! Will let you know how it goes! Thank you for sharing such a lovely pattern! This scarf is too classy for words!
Patricia, you’re welcome! Have fun working on it this evening!
I’m struggling with row 3 and row 7 – they’re not lining up on the same side of the scarf. What did I do wrong?
I’m not entirely sure what happened, but it may be where you hdc in the 3rd loop. You will be working in the back of the stitch, however when you turn the piece at the end of the row, the 3rd loop will end up being in front.
I hope that helps!
Ok I think that is what I missed the first time around! Is row 7 in the back as well?
Yes. Row 7 will be worked into the 3rd loop from row 6. So after you turn, at the end of row 6, the stitch backs will be facing you, and you’ll work into what seems like the front, since they’ll be facing you, but is really the back of the stitch. 😉
Can you help explain row 3? I am not sure if the 3rd loop of the hdc is at the top of my work or bottom.
Hi Dana, you can watch a video on how to work in the 3rd loop of a hdc over on my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/kirstenhollowaydesigns It’s under the Videos section. 🙂
I hope that helps!
Thanks! It helped!
You’re welcome! 😀
I try to crochet tour pattern for the scarf but i have a question….when you wrote 229 sts…..do you count the ch1 or not?
I blocked on row 4….i think i don’t have the correct nunber if stitch…(because i didn’t count the ch1)
Thanks for your help ?
The ch 1 is not counted as a stitch. 🙂
Ok thanks….i don’t understand why my row4 never Work….i can’t do the last BPdc before the last dc in final stitch
If you can’t, then just end with a FPdc, and put a dc in the final stitch. It won’t be noticible if you are missing a stitch off the end. 🙂
..i will re-begin….and i will see?? thank you very much for your help……your pattern is beautiful?
Thank you,and good luck on it! 🙂
Hi Kirsten,
I work in a small yarn shop and have a group of ladies who would like to improve their crochet skills. I am planning a class for them and was wondering if I may have your permission to use the Wanderlust scarf pattern in the class.
Regards,
Donna
That’s fine, Donna. Each person may purchase a printable, ad-free version in my Ravelry shop, or print directly from this site if they don’t mind ads breaking up the pattern. 🙂
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/wanderlust-scarf-2