Grown Up Gifts: Scarves

I like to crochet because it's fast and easy. I've made lots of scarves and hats, and a few baby blankets, but I only know a handful of stitches. Needless to say, many of you can probably crochet circles around me, but if not I hope that this post will encourage beginners (or lazy needleworkers like me). Remember the Red Scarf Project? The four scarves I made were all slightly different styles, but all made using only two or three basic stitches (chain stitch, single and double crochet). Below you can find a quick run down of how I made each one. I've also included a scarf you can make even without a crochet hook. Let's start with the crocheted scarves.

1. For a basic scarf I use a standard weight yarn (something like Vanna's Choice) and an H or I crochet hook. I chain stitch 12 and then turn and start a double stitch 2 chains from the end. I do 10 double crochet stitches to the end of the row,  then chain stitch 2, turn and double crochet 10 to complete the second row. Continue this way (double 10, then chain 2 at the end of each row) until the scarf is as long as you want it to be. Now to dress it up...

2. For this scarf I crocheted a scarf as described above, then after I was done I did a single stitch all the way around the edge to give it the chocolate brown border. It's a little tricky crocheting perpendicular to your rows, but if I can wing it anyone can : ) I love the clean edges and the pop of color.

3. Okay now you're ready to change it up a little bit. I love this scarf because it looks kind of fancy, but it's still the same two stitches. To start:
(1.) chain 12, turn and start your double crochet row two from the end. Double crochet 10 (just like you did for the first two scarves above). Here's where it's different though.

(2.) At the end of each row chain 5 instead of just 2.

(3.) Then turn, double crochet 10 for the second row, and chain 5 at the end of the row. Continue until your scarf is as long as you want it to be.

4. The last scarf I crocheted I wanted to try something new and stretch myself a little. I was partly successful. It did come out with a different look, but I feel like I was cheating, because even though it's called a fan stitch it's really just carefully placed double crochet stitches.
(1.) chain 17, turn and double crochet 2 chains from the end. Do another double crochet in the exact same spot, then skip 2 chains and double crochet in the third. Do three double crochet stitches in this same chain, then skip two. continue this pattern to the end of the row, chain 2 before turning to start row 2.

(2) Double crochet in the very first stitch, then skip 2 stitches and do three double crochets in the third. So basically you are just doing three stitches in one hole, then skipping a stitch on either side to make up for it, leaving two stitches in between each set of three.

(3) So all rows after the first row should look like this: chain 2 (from the precious row), double crochet in the first stitch, skip 2, double crochet 3 in the next stitch, skip 2, double crochet 3 in the next stitch, skip 2, double crochet 3 in the next stitch, skip 2, double crochet 3 in the next stitch, skip 2, double crochet 2 in the last stitch.

4. You should be able to see your pattern staying nice and even after just a few rows. Be careful to always start in the very first stitch of the row, and always chain 2 at the end of each row before starting the next one. I think these are the two most common mistakes crocheters make, causing their work to shrink or get wider. Isn't this a pretty pattern?

Finally, the no-sew, no-crochet scarf. This scarf is simply made by tying knots in a specific pattern. You need to use a very thick yarn for this, the thicker the better. I originally saw this in Martha Stewart Living.  You can find their instructions here. But there's not a lot of pictures, so if you are a visual learner like me here's a few more photos to hopefully help you out. It's really helpful to tape the ends of your yarn down really well (try painters tape, or masking tape). The tricky part to this scarf is trying to keep the knots evenly spaced. It is a great, super fast project. This one is good for younger crafters too. My cousin made a bunch of these for her friends one Christmas when she was in high school. Easy and cheap, but still cute. 

So there you have it; five scarves you can make while you watch Christmas movies. Kind of makes you re-think your Black Friday plans now that yarn is at the top of your list, huh?

Thanks for reading. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!