Easy First Scarf Pattern: Cozy Ridged Rectangle (Free, Beginner)
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases: some supply links in this post are affiliate links, at no extra cost to you.
This is KnotToYarn’s own original pattern, free to use, and you’re welcome to sell what you make from it.
The first scarf teaches the two skills every other project needs, straight edges and even tension. This one uses half double crochet ridges so it looks knitted, works up fast, and hides beginner wobbles. Full pattern below.
Materials
- Worsted weight (category 4) yarn, about 200 g, wool blend for real warmth
- 5.5 mm (US I) crochet hook
- Yarn needle, scissors; cardboard square for fringe (optional)
Finished size: About 18 x 170 cm (7 x 67 in)
Skill level: Total beginner
Abbreviations (US terms): ch (chain), hdc (half double crochet), BLO (back loop only), st(s) (stitch/es)
Instructions
Row 1: Ch 32. Hdc in the 3rd ch from the hook and in each ch across: 30 hdc. Ch 2, turn.
Row 2: Hdc in the BLO of each st across: 30 hdc. Ch 2, turn.
Repeat Row 2 until the scarf measures 170 cm (67 in), or wraps the wearer’s neck twice with ends to spare.
THE BEGINNER’S CONTRACT: count your stitches every ten rows. Almost every wobbly scarf in history comes from accidentally skipping the last stitch of a row, catch it within ten rows and it is invisible to fix.
Fasten off and weave in both ends.
Finishing
Optional fringe: cut 25 cm lengths of yarn around a piece of cardboard, then attach groups of 3 strands through every 3rd stitch along each short end, fold the group in half, pull the fold through with your hook, pass the tails through the loop, and tug. Trim the fringe level with sharp scissors.
Made this? We’d love to show off your work, send a photo through our contact page and we’ll feature it here with credit to you.
Tip: If your edges pull inward as you go, your turning chains are too tight; if they bulge, you are working into the turning chain when you shouldn’t. Decide once whether your ch-2 counts as a stitch and never change your mind mid-scarf.
Frequently Asked Questions
What stitch is used for the First Scarf pattern?
Half double crochet worked into the back loop only (BLO), which creates raised horizontal ridges that mimic a knit look while staying easy for total beginners.
Can I make this scarf wider or shorter?
Yes. Chain a longer or shorter multiple to change the width, or stop before 170 cm for a shorter scarf. The ridged texture stays consistent at any length.
