Crochet scarves are popular with both beginner and experienced crocheters. They're a great opportunity to get into that relaxing crochet zone, and can often be hooked up with just a single skein or a couple of balls of yarn.
We've included a range of paid and free crochet scarf patterns below to inspire you. We’ve made sure there are patterns to suit all crochet abilities, so whether you're learning how to crochet a scarf for the first time or are a seasoned pro, we know you'll find the perfect crochet scarf pattern for you!
How to crochet a scarf
Crochet scarves are many people's first project, as just a row of simple stitches can be worked over and over again to make a basic crochet scarf. It’s best for beginners to start off with a chunky yarn and a simple but flexible stitch such as UK treble crochet stitches.
There’s no real rule to how long or wide a scarf should be, but there are a few tips that can help you. It’s often recommended that a scarf should be around 60-70 inches long, or should be as long as the height of the wearer.
Remember your yarn will make a difference to the length of your scarf too. For example, a scarf made in a super-chunky yarn will require more length if it’s going to be tied or knotted. If it’s too short then it is more likely to fall off or be awkward to wear.
Similarly, if your scarf has a relatively thin width, the wearer will probably want to wrap it around their neck more than once, so will require a longer length to accommodate this. If you’re ever in doubt, just try your scarf on before fastening off – you can always add more rows!
Crochet scarf patterns come in a huge variety of shapes and styles, but in this post we're focusing on straight rectangular scarves and cowls that make warm winter accessories.
However, if you're after a triangular shawl or a crochet wrap pattern that you can wear all year round, then you can also check out our pick of the Top crochet shawl patterns.
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Top free scarf crochet patterns
Free scarf crochet pattern
If you’re in need of a quick scarf that you can hook up super-fast, then this free scarf pattern is a great project for crocheters of all abilities.
Hooked up in chunky yarn and with a fun chevron zigzag stitch pattern, it's a relatively wide scarf meaning you can wrap yourself up in it and keep that cold wind at bay. Plus, it's finished off with some pompoms, and in our opinion everything is better with pompoms!
- Find the Free scarf crochet pattern here.
Free crochet infinity scarf pattern
Crochet cowls and infinity scarves are a popular choice for people who don't like long scarfs. The simple loop style means it's easy to throw on if you're rushing out the house.
This free crochet infinity scarf pattern by Anniken Allis features a gorgeous geometric stitch pattern that isn't half as complicated as it looks. If you're familiar with the crochet basics we definitely think you should give it a try!
- Take a look at the Free crochet infinity scarf pattern from Gathered.
Free mens crochet scarf pattern
This free cowl pattern is perfect for both men and women who like stylish monochrome stripes, although you could always change them to your favourite colours instead!
It's worked in rows and then the fabric is joined into a loop at the end. You can easily customise it to how you like it to wear it – make it longer if you want to wrap it multiple times.
- Find the Free mens crochet scarf pattern here
Free winter wind scarf crochet pattern
This free scarf crochet pattern from Hobbii is a fabulous scarf pattern that uses half treble crochet stitches to create an interesting shape. We also love their suggestions of yarn choice!
Rather than just hooking this up with a single sock/4ply yarn, Hobbii actually recommends combining it with a mohair yarn in complementary colours. This will give you an extra level of softness – what a brilliant idea!
- You can get the Free winter wind scarf crochet pattern on Hobbii.com
Free rainbow road crochet scarf pattern
Stripes are at the heart of many crochet scarf patterns, but this free pattern from Yarnspirations is switching things up! This scarf has stripes running across the length of the scarf rather than the width.
This creates a fabulous effect that can either be made by changing colours at each end, or alternatively using a self-striping yarn to make life even easier. It also features a clever keyhole design, which keeps your scarf securely in place without the need to tie it!
- Get this Free rainbow road crochet scarf pattern from Yarnspirations
Free bow scarf crochet pattern
For a real show-stopper of a scarf, you’d be hard-pushed to find anything more spectacular than our free bow scarf crochet pattern!
It features a super-luxurious faux fur trim, a stunning textured design made up of cluster and post stitches, plus some bonus fur fringes too. Best of all has got to be that beautiful bow design, making it an elegant accessory for any occasion.
- Take a look at the How to make a crochet bow scarf tutorial here on Gathered.
Free granny square scarf crochet pattern
We’re big fans of the classic crochet granny square. They’re quick and easy to make, as well as great for using up and left-over bits of yarn in your stash. It’s really easy to learn how to make granny squares and once you’ve made a few you can simply join them to each other to make a scarf.
If you’re someone who always prefers to follow a pattern, you can always use this free granny square scarf crochet pattern from Debbie Bliss.
- This Free granny square scarf crochet pattern is available on Lovecrafts
Free easy ombre crochet scarf pattern
You don’t have to be an expert or know loads of different stitches to create a stunning crochet scarf. In fact you can often let the yarn do the hard work for you!
This easy ombre scarf crochet pattern creates a lovely colour gradient with the help of some variegated yarn. It’s made with just one simple stitch – half treble crochet stitches (just be aware that it’s a pattern that uses US terminology so they’re calling it a half double crochet stitch).
- Find the Free easy ombre crochet scarf pattern on Yarnspirations
Free casual rib scarf crochet pattern
If you're looking for crochet scarf patterns to hook up as a gift (but don't want to try anything too risky), here's a free pattern that is perfect for everyone, from trendy teens to grumpy grandpa's!
This unisex scarf pattern uses 2 strands of yarn at the same time as well as a ribbed stitch pattern to produce a chunky scarf that’s perfect for the cold weather.
- Find the Free casual rib scarf crochet pattern on Hobbii.com
Free cheerful cable scarf crochet pattern
Perhaps you’re looking for a crochet scarf pattern to challenge your crochet skills? Well, there’s one way to add extra interest to any project – crochet cables!
This cheerful cable scarf from Lovecrafts is a great introduction to making cables. They can be a little tricky to start with but will soon start to make sense. Oh and to top it off, there’s even a matching free jumper pattern too so you can really become a cable-master!
- Try the Free cheerful cable scarf crochet pattern from Lovecrafts
Complete your crochet outfit
If you're enjoying this pick of the best crochet scarf patterns, then we've got plenty more crochet pattern inspiration for you! Why not take a look at the Top 20 Autumn and Winter crochet top patterns.
Crochet scarf patterns to buy
As much as we love a free crochet pattern, there’s also some really amazing crochet scarf patterns to buy online. Here’s just a few of our favourites for you to treat yourself to!
Sirdar oversized cowl crochet kit
If you’re a beginner who wants to get stuck straight into their first crochet scarf, this fabulous oversized cowl crochet kit from Sirdar is a brilliant place to start.
It comes with everything you need to make a super-cosy cowl that you can wrap up warm with, all made in our favourite class granny stitch! And if you’re a crochet expert, we think this would also make a great gift for a friend that has always been envious of your crochet skills.
- Get your Oversized cowl crochet kit from Sirdar
Stained glass snowflake scarf crochet pattern
We love a colourful crochet project, so of course this beautiful stained glass snowflake design instantly caught our attention.
It uses tapestry crochet to create the fabulous rainbow coloured design. This crochet scarf pattern comes with step-by-step photos, charts and instructions on how to adjust the length of the scarf.
One of our favourite things is that there's no ends to weave in as they're used to make the fringing – genius!
Kruška cowl crochet pattern
Lena Fedotova has quite a few impressive crochet cowl patterns available, but we've fallen head over heels for her gorgeous Kruška cowl!
It's such a clever design, from the herringbone stitch which gives it a soft and squishy texture, to the pear-shape construction. The cowl is narrower at the top and gets wider towards the bottom (Kruška is the Croatian word for pear) which gives it a fantastic drape and effortless style.
- Buy the Kruška cowl crochet pattern on Etsy
Ice cream cone scarf crochet pattern
We thought we should probably include something fun in our pick of crochet scarf patterns, so of course we headed straight to the fun-filled designs of Twinkie Chan!
Her Ice Cream Cone scarf crochet pattern is a must-make for those of you with a sweet tooth. It’s a design that will always put a smile on your face – it's so perfect, it's literally got the cherry on top!
- Buy the Ice cream cone scarf crochet pattern on Etsy
Boston Harbour giant scarf crochet kit
If you want to hook up a crochet scarf that is as cosy as you could possibly get, then why not try making one with super-size yarn with this Boston Harbour giant scarf crochet kit from Wool Couture.
It uses their Cheeky Chunky yarn which is a super chunky weight yarn. It’s hooked up with a 16mm hook, and the design uses some fab coconut buttons to keep it wrapped securely around your neck. It’s perfect for braving even the coldest winter walks!
- Buy the Boston Harbour giant scarf crochet kit on Etsy
Slanted scarf crochet pattern
We love a stylish two-tone design and this Slanted scarf crochet pattern from Yarn and Colors combines two fab colours with two fab stitch patterns.
The slanted design helps to give it a relaxed appearance, and we think you could get some really interesting and different results depending on the colours you choose!
- Buy the Slanted scarf crochet pattern on Etsy
Fall into winter scarf crochet pattern
Colourful yarn comes together with cool chevron stripes in this pretty Fall into Winter scarf crochet pattern by TheHatandI.
The crochet scarf pattern comes with instructions for three sizes – toddler, child and adult, so the whole family can look fabulous in chilly weather!
- Buy the Fall into winter scarf crochet pattern on Etsy
Hearts and stripes crochet scarf pattern
If you fancy a fun crochet project that includes a few different techniques and produces a super-colourful and interesting scarf, then you've got to try this Hearts and Stripes crochet scarf pattern by Marianne Rawlins.
It's made in 4 sections featuring colourwork, cables, stripes and post stitches, which are all joined together at the end to create a stunner of a scarf... it’s completed with a few pompoms!
- Buy the Hearts and stripes crochet scarf pattern on Ravelry
Cosy mint cable crochet scarf pattern
When it comes to crochet scarf patterns that provide a bit of a challenge, then our go-to technique is always something with crochet cables. This cosy mint cable crochet scarf pattern by Hannah Cross is a fantasic crochet cable project. This design also uses one of our favourite finishing touches – fabulous fluffy pompoms!
- Buy the Cosy mint cable crochet scarf pattern on Ravelry
Wolf scarf crochet pattern
Our final scarf crochet pattern is a bit of a wild card...if you'll excuse the pun! There's just something about this wolf scarf crochet pattern that just makes us smile, from his funny amigurumi style face to his little paws dangling over your shoulder. A brilliant design that will go down well with both kids and adults… and best of all, no animals have been harmed!
- Buy the Wolf scarf crochet pattern on Etsy
Make some mitts
Once you’ve decided on your favourite crochet scarf patterns, whip up this free fingerless gloves crochet pattern and keep your hands cosy while you crochet!
Our crochet patterns for scarves will keep you warm all winter
Crochet scarf patterns will help you to stay cosy throughout the colder months – and you'll feel even better knowing that you made it yourself!
Now that you've found your favourite crochet scarf pattern you're ready to get stuck into your next project. You could hook up a matching hat if you've got enough left-over yarn from your scarf.
Hook a crochet hat
From bobble hats to bucket hats, beanies to berets, you can find loads of inspiring hat projects in Gathered's pick of the best crochet hat patterns.
