This free ladies shell stitch scarf pattern is simple and easy to crochet, the texture is subtle, but gorgeous, and the special crab stitched edging, and fringe really bring this design to the next level! Find the free crochet pattern instructions below, or purchase a print-optimized, ad-free PDF by clicking here.
Click here to add this to your Ravelry queue!
Anyone from beginner to experienced crocheter will be able to make this beautiful ladies scarf, and if pink is not your thing, it will look just as fetching in neutrals as it will in bright, eye-catching colors. I’ve also included the multiple count so you can adjust this pattern to be shorter or longer based on your needs.
There’s even a spot that tells you how to make this into a wrap (because if you’ve figured out anything about me in the last year, hopefully its that I love beauty, options, and inspiring you to greater creative expression)!
Today is also a special day, and not only because I’m celebrating Thanksgiving with family (though they are at the top of my list!). Why is that you ask?
It’s because a year ago today, I released the ski hat pattern that launched me into being a designer! *throws confetti* You can find the matching La Vie en Rose earflap hat and the story behind it, over here. It was a happy coincidence, and I feel so blessed to have been able to provide you with beautiful crochet patterns throughout the last year. Your sweet comments and stories have touched and inspired me, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Alright, enough of the mushy stuff, let’s get started!
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Difficulty:
Easy
Materials Needed:
5.5mm (I) hook, or hook needed to obtain gauge
3.75mm hook for crab stitch edging
415, 470, 540 yards of #4 worsted weight Red Heart Comfort in “Petal Pink”
scissors
yarn needle
measuring tape
Stitches Used:
sl st = slip stitch
ch= chain
sc = single crochet
hdc = half double crochet
dc = double crochet
Additional Terms
-Crab Stitch (also known as the reverse single crochet). This stitch is formed as you would make a normal single crochet, but at the end, you will move backward, working your next crab stitch into the previous stitch, and not the “next stitch” (ahead).
-hdc in the 3rd loop: 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. When you are working in rows, this 3rd loop will be facing you after you turn!
shell = 5 dc in same st
st/sts = stitch/stitches
sp/sps = space/spaces
prev = previous
Gauge:
13 hdc stitches in 4”
Measurements:
Approximately 6 ½ ft, [7 ½ ft, 8 ½ ft] long, including fringe, by 6 in. tall.
Additional Notes:
-Ch 1 at the beginning of a row is not counted as a stitch, ch 2 is counted as a stitch
-The crab stitch edging is optional, but will give the scarf a more finished, professional look.
-If you want to adjust the length even more, this pattern is worked in multiples of 6+1, (plus 1 for the first row’s turning chain)
La Vie en Rose Ladies Scarf Pattern With Fringe (US Terms):
Click here to purchase an ad-free, print-optimized PDF of this pattern on LoveCrafts
Chain 218, [254, 296],
Row 1: sc in second ch from hook, sc in each st across, ch 1, turn. (217, [253, 295])
Row 2: sc in each st across, ch 2 (counts as first hdc of next row), turn. (217, [253, 295])
Row 3: hdc in each st across, ch 1, turn. (217, [253, 295])
Row 4: working in the 3rd loop of hdc, sc in each st across, placing final sc of row in top of ch-2 from prev row, ch 1, turn. (217, [253, 295])
Row 5: sc in first st, sk 2 sts, *shell in next st, sk 2 sts, sl st in next st, sk 2 sts; repeat from * across, sc in final st of row, ch 1, turn. (36 [42, 49] shells, 2 sc)
Row 6: 3 dc in first sc, sk 2 sts, sl st in next st, sk 2 sts, *shell in next st, sk 2 sts, sl st in next st, sk 2 sts; repeat from * across, 3 dc in final sc, ch 1, turn. (35 [41, 48] shells, 2 half-shells)
Row 7: sc in first st, sk 2 sts, *shell in next st, sk 2 sts, sl st in next st sk 2 sts; repeat from * across, sc in final st of row, ch 1, turn. (36 [42, 49] shells, 2 sc)
Repeat rows 6 and 7 two more times.
Note: If you want to turn this into a wrap, repeat rows 6 and 7 until your piece is as wide as you’d like, then continue with the rest.
Row 12: ch 1, hdc in first 2 sts, sc in each of the next 3 sts, *hdc in each of the next 3 sts, sc in next 3 sts; repeat from * across, hdc in each of the last 2 sts of row, ch 2 (counts as first hdc of next row), turn. (217, [253, 295])
Row 13: hdc in each st across, ch 1, turn. (217, [253, 295])
Row 14: working in the 3rd loop of hdc, sc in each st across, ch 1, turn. (217, [253, 295])
Rows 15-16: sc in each st across, ch 1, turn. (217, [253, 295])
Fasten off, and weave in ends.
How to add fringe to the ends of your scarf:
Attach yarn to one end of scarf,
Row 1: work 21 sc across end, ch 1, turn. (21)
Row 2: sc in first st, ch 2, sk st, *sc in next 2 sts, ch 2, sk st; repeat from * across, sc in final st, ch 1, turn. (7 ch-2 sps, 14 sc)
Row 3: sc in first st, 3 sc in ch-2 sp, sl st in next st, sk st *3 sc in ch-2 sp, sl st in next st, sk st; Repeat from * across, sc in final st of row.
Fasten off, and weave in ends.
Loop nine 12” pieces of fringe through each hole on the ends. Wrap a piece of yarn around the fringe several times to create a tassel. Tie off securely.
Repeat this section at the other end of the scarf.
Crab Stitch Edging (Optional):
Note: If you do not wish to put the crab stitch edging on, you may do a single crochet edge instead.
Instructions:
with 3.75mm hook,
Working along long edge of scarf with front side facing you, attach yarn to top edge of scarf, crab stitch along the edge.
Fasten off when you get to the end.
Attach yarn to bottom edge of scarf, crab stitch along that edge.
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 think I’m messing something up. On row 6 is the slip stitch at the top of the shell from the previous row? I keep getting the stitch to the right of the too. I’m just not sure if I counted right.
The stitch at the top of each shell will be slightly to one side. It should be the 3rd dc out of 5 for a 5-dc shell. Just find the very center dc and work into the top of that and you should be fine. 😊
Just finished this scarf. It is beautiful. The pattern was easy to follow. I love the rows that lead up to the shells. Nice frame for a beautiful stitch. I learned something new with the single crochet into the 3rd bar. I love to learn new techniques. I highly recommend this pattern. I used Hobby Lobby, “I Love This Yarn”, color Seastone, kind of a tweed yarn, and it looks so good stitched in this pattern. Thank you!
You’re welcome! I’m thrilled that you love your new scarf!
HI Kirsten,
This scarf is so beautiful. I’d love to make it in 4ply yarn. How could I work out the amount of yarn needed? Do you think it would look as good. I don’t like too much warmth around my neck as the climate here isn’t usually cold enough for that. Thank you.
A 4-ply yarn is going to be much, much thinner than the worsted weight yarn this pattern calls for and I don’t know as it would work well.
If you like feminine designs you could try making a scarf with this lacy pattern using 4-ply yarn and a 3.25mm hook (there’s also a detailed picture tutorial below the written pattern) : https://kirstenhollowaydesigns.com/2020/07/how-to-crochet-a-lace-scarf-with-flowers-free-pattern-and-tutorial.html
I hope that helps!
How can I downsize for a child scarf. In what multiples should it be in?
Hi Cheryl,
The starting chain for this scarf is worked in multiples of 6+2 (this is also mentioned in the notes section). The gauge will give you about 39 sts per foot of length. Hopefully those 2 things will help you figure out how to shorten it to the length you want. 😊
I love this pattern and have been working on it. I cannot for the life of me get 42 shells on Row 5. I have “frogged” that row alone 3 times and redone it. I also also “frogged”all the way to Row 2 and redone Rows 3 & 4 (more than once) paying extra attention to the stitch count to be sure I have the 253 stitches needed. I always come up 41 shells. Any ideas as to what I might be missing? I have been very careful about making sure I am skipping 2 st (no less /no more). Thanks!
Hi Stephany,
I don’t know why you are coming up with only 41 shells either if your stitch count is 253. 😅 The shells are worked in a multiple of 6, so 6×42 shells=252, + 1 stitch for tacking down your final shell in the last stitch of the row = 253. I hope that helps!
Has anyone finished this with fringe instead of tassels? Wondering how it would look.
Just finished this pattern. Love the look so much. It’s going to make a wonderful gift! Thank you for sharing!
You’re very welcome, Sara!:)
Just found this pattern today, I am so excited as I just started to crochet and was looking for my first project. BINGO, I have found it.
Awesome! Good luck on it!
This pattern is beautiful. I can’t wait to make it.
I had a little trouble printing the pattern however. Pg. 5 ended with row 5 of the pattern. Pg. 6 started with rows 15-16. No rows 6-14!? Then Pg.6 ended with Scarf ends: Attach yarn to one end of scarf. Pg. 7 started with Fasten off & weave in ends. No rows 1-3.!?
Has anyone else had a problem like this? or maybe it’s just my printer-it must have dyslexia or some other odd-ball problem!
Sounds like it could be an issue with your printer. Better luck on the next try!
Youre one of my few fave designers! Thx so much for what you! Your creativity is off the charts! Every pattern you design is so classy and elegant looking! Thx and God Bless!????
Thank you, Donna! I’m thrilled you’re enjoying the patterns so much!
This is beautiful and I can’t wait to try it. I do have a question about the stitch count if I want to make it shorter. I don’t see how the chain and first row fit the 6+1 count. Should I start with your chain and just subtract multiples of 6 to estimate the length I want?
Thank you so much for sharing this. I am making scarves for a local school program and I’m sure this will be a hit.
Hi Florence,
The way I came up with a multiple of 6 +1 is 252 (divisible by 6 is 42) plus 1 is 253, plus add one more for the turning chain makes a beginning chain of 254. Does that make more sense?
I think it’s wonderful that you plan to make these to benefit your local community!
So beautiful!! Love the color!!
Can’t wait to make it!! 🙂
Thank you! Have fun! 🙂
I absolutely,utely love that scarf! Although I’m a new crocheter, I would love to try to make this scarf!
Thank you, Marion! It’s not terribly hard to make. If you get stuck, there are lots of helpful stitch tutorials on YouTube. 🙂
So very beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome, Chandrayee! I’m glad you like it! 😀
Love the look of this scarf. Want to try it soon.
Thank you, Pat! Have fun making it!