When Crocheting A Scarf How Wide Should It Be?

Making a crochet scarf is fun because it gives you the freedom to choose the pattern and style you want. It is not too strict about the gauge of your hook nor your yarn. You can use whatever gauge you are comfortable with.

You have to ensure that you are going to use a yarn that is soft and gentle on the skin. Also, make sure not to make tight stitches so that your scarf is stretchy and comfortable to wear.

Crocheting a scarf is simple and easy to design. The only major concern you need to address is its dimension. Not all scarves have the same widths and lengths.

So, how wide do you want your scarf to be? Crocheting a scarf is a personal choice. The same goes for its width and length. There is no strict rule for the size but the common width is around 6 to 8 inches (15.24 to 20.32 cm.).

Again, this range is the common practice, but you may opt to have slimmer or wider scarves. The dimension of your scarf will determine the number of stitches in your chains.

To give you an idea of how the width affects the number of your stitches, here is a simple formula.

Your stitches per inch X your desired width = the number of stitches on your chain or casting.

For instance you want 5 stitches per inch, a width of 8 inches (20.32 cm.), you need to cast on 40 stitches. In simple terms, it is 5 X 8 = 40 chains.

Below are the common scarf measurements that you may use for reference. Although, you can always change the dimension according to your liking.

• Adults

Small: 6 to 8 inches (15.24 to 20.32 cm.) wide X 40 inches (101.6 cm.) long

Regular: 6 to 8 inches (15.24 to 20.32 cm.) wide X 60 inches (152.4cm.) long

Long: 6 to 8 inches (15.24 to 20.32 cm.) wide X 70 inches (177.8 cm.) long

Extra Long: 6 to 8 inches (15.24 to 20.32 cm.) wide X 120 inches (304.8 cm.) long or longer if you desire.

• Children age 4 to 10

Small: 3 to 3.5 inches (7.62 to 8.89 cm.) wide X 36 inches (91.44 cm.) long

Regular: 4 to 4.5 inches (10.16 to 11.43 cm.) wide X 40 inches (101.6 cm.) long

Long: 5 to 5.5 inches 40 inches (101.6 cm.) wide X 60 inches (152.4cm.) long

There is also a traditional way to determine the width of your scarf. You call it the hand-span. This is the distance between the tip of your smallest finger to the tip of your thumb.

How Long And Wide Should A Scarf Be?

The length of your scarf is again based on your personal preference. Some want their scarves long even if they had wrapped them twice around their necks. There is no right or wrong when it comes to how long your scarf should be.

You may want to crochet your scarf at around 3 feet (91.4 cm.) long and still look perfect. A common practice is that the length of your scarf must be the same as your height.

Another way to determine the length of your scarf is to extend your arms. Get the distance between the tips of your middle finger on your right and left hands.

How Wide Should A Men’s Crocheted Scarf Be?

Men use scarves as part of their wardrobes for several reasons. First, they use it to protect their necks against cold weather. Second is they use scarves for styling purposes.

Some men use scarves to add some stylish touch to their plain outfit. These scarves are a versatile piece of garment that men can use anytime and in any kind of style.

The most common width for men’s scarves is between 6 to 10 inches (15.24 to 25.4 cm.). You may extend the length until 14 inches (25.4 cm.) if you desire. Meanwhile, the most common length for men’s scarves is between 60 to 70 inches (152.4 to 177.8 cm.).

What Is The Easiest Crochet Stitch?

The two easiest crochet stitches are the Single Crochet and Slip Stitch. The Single Crochet is the first crochet stitch that you must learn. It is the basic stitch that you do after you make a chain.

It may be the basic and easiest, but it applies to any kind of project. You can make blankets, scarves, and more with this simple stitch. Once you master this, crocheting will be a lot easier.

The second one is the Slip Stitch. This is also one of the basics of crochet stitches. It is the most common and useful for working on round projects. It is also convenient to form a ring or circle chains on your project.

The Slip Stitch is useful for connecting crocheted fabric to another element. Say you want to add an embellishment to your project. It is also great for finishing off or ending your crochet project.

Once you learn these two stitches, you can already make several crochet projects.

What Is The Best Crochet Stitch For A Scarf?

Single crochet is the best and easiest stitch for making a scarf. This is best for beginners who have not mastered the other crochet stitches.

Even if the single crochet is the simplest, it does not mean you cannot use other stitches. Some scarves may need other stitches if you want more dense scarves. Here are the steps in making a single crochet stitch.

• Make a foundation chain of stitches, then insert your hook into the first chain. For the second and the rest of the rows, you need to insert the hook through the single crochet under it.
• Slide your hook underneath both loops over the top of your chain. While the hook is in position, pull up a loop. Coil the yarn over the hook then grab it using the hook.
• Pull your hook and working yarn into the loops. At this point, you must now have two loops or stitches on the hook.
• Again, wrap or coil the yarn around the hook and draw the yarn.
• Draw or pull your hook and yarn into both loops on your hook. At this point, you have completed your single crochet stitch.

There will be one loop that remains on the crochet hook. This stitch or loop is where you begin your next stitch.

How Many Chains Should A Scarf Be?

A regular scarf starts with 16 stitches. This is 13 chains plus three more. The three stitches are going to be your turning chain. Here how it goes.

To start the chain, stitch your working yarn on the hook in front of a slipknot stitch. Pull or draw this yarn into the slipknot to create the first chain. Now, you do the 13 chains and the extra three chains.

You need the extra stitches because they provide a bit of looseness for your nest row. It is best to always add these extra three stitches before you begin your next row.

Be conscious of your stitches. Make sure that you do not make them too loose or too tight. Always make even stitches. This will give balance tension on all your stitches throughout the scarf.

How Many Balls Of Wool Do You Need To Make A Scarf?

The number of wool you use to crochet a scarf depends on the length and width of your scarf. The common amount if you use bulky wool is between 1 to 3 balls.

You may need 1 ball if you plan to crochet a short cowl shawl. While a High Line Loop scarf may need 2 balls of bulky wool. You may need 3 balls if you crochet wider and longer scarves.

When you intend to use thinner or petite wool, you might need 4 to 5 skeins for a regular scarf. The finished scarf will be around 8 inches (20.32 cm) wide and 64 inches (162.56 cm.) long.

Below are hook sizes you need to use. Opposite each is the number of yards you will need to crochet a scarf.

• For 4mm hook, you will need 600–700 yards (548.6 – 640.1) of thin wool
• For 5mm hook, you will need 550–650 yards (502.9 – 594.4) of thin wool
• For 5.5mm hook, you will need 525 to 625 yards (480.1 – 571.5) of thin wool
• For 6mm hook, you will need 500–600 yards (457.2 – 548.6) of thin wool

Again, the amount of yarn or wool you need depends on the thickness, length, and width of your scarf. The longer and wider the scarf, the more ball of yarns you need.

How Do You Crochet A Quick Scarf?

For starters, it is always advisable, to begin with, a simple project. This will not overwhelm you with the process and allow you to finish it soon.

The following steps are a good start for your crochet scarf. You will use basic stitches such as the single crochet and slip stitch. Once you have completed this, you will be more excited to crochet more complex patterns.

Let us start your quick scarf. Prepare your materials.

These are the things you need to complete this crochet scarf.

Yarn

• 200g of light worsted weight wool yarn

Crochet hook

• Size K/6.5 mm.

You can adjust your hook size if you want to get the correct gauge.

Gauge

• 16 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches (10.16 cm.) in pattern

The row gauge is not necessary, but it will help you determine how much yarn you will use. If you want to have an exact size of your scarf, then be sure to crochet according to this suggested gauge.

This men’s scarf is about 75 inches (190.5 cm.) long and 5 inches (12.7 cm.) wide. You may change the size by adjusting the length of your starting chain. You can also adjust the width of the scarf by making either more or fewer rows.

Let’s begin the process.

1. Make or cast on chain 301.
   If you are a starter, you may want to mark off your chains every 25 stitches. This will help you keep track of the chain, especially that it is a long chain.
2. Make the first row by making a slip stitch in the second chain from the hook and in each chain stitch across the row. Now you have 300 slip stitches.
3. Make the second row by making 1 chain. Then, turn it and work the entire row using the slip stitch. Now you have 300 slip stitches.
4. Make the third row by making 1 chain. Then, turn it and work the entire row using the slip stitch. Now you have 300 slip stitches.
5. Make the fourth row by making 1 chain. Then, turn it and work the entire row using the single crochet. Now you have 300 single crochet stitches.
6. Make the fifth row by making 1 chain. Then, turn it and work the entire row using the slip stitch. This is in the FRONT LOOP ONLY of the single crochet from the row below. Now you have 300 slip stitches.
7. Make the sixth row by making 1 chain. Then, turn it and work the entire row using the slip stitch. Now you have 300 slip stitches.
8. Make the seventh row by making 1 chain. Then, turn it and work the entire row using the slip stitch. Now you have 300 slip stitches.
9. Make the eighth row by making 1 chain. Then, turn it and work the entire row using the single crochet. Now you have 300 single crochet stitches.
10. Repeat the process in rows 5-8 until you reach the desired size of your scarf. End the process with three extra slip stitch rows to make sure your scarf is even.

You may add some finishing touches to your scarf. You may put a little fringe of yarn with coordinating color.

Making a crochet scarf should always be part of your projects. It is a good starting point to hone your crochet skills and gain more confidence. Scarves are easy to do and have a very straightforward process.

Learning to crochet a scarf is like crocheting a blanket. You should not get intimidated. Unlike any other crochet projects, scarves are less strict on what stitches you use.

You may use the basic stitches, and you are on your way to make tons of scarves. These crochet scarves are perfect gifts for your family and friends. So, start making now before the cold season begins.