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    Home » Scarves + Shawls

    Updated: Feb 8, 2023 by Jess Coppom ·

    How to Crochet a Chunky Scarf - Free Pattern for Beginners

    Would you like to learn how to crochet a scarf? Even as a beginner, you’ll find this to be a fast, satisfying project. All you need to make this chunky crochet scarf pattern is five skeins of bulky yarn and about five hours.

    Get the free pattern below or purchase the ad-free, printable PDF on Etsy.

    A woman smiles while wearing a chunky multi-colored crochet scarf.

    This chunky crochet scarf pattern is part of a collaboration with Lion Brand Yarns. This post contains affiliate links.

    Five-Hour Chunky Crochet Scarf

    The Cinque chunky crochet scarf is a fast pattern that packs a stylish punch. 

    If you're just starting out with crochet and want to progress beyond washcloths and rectangle slippers, this squishy, cozy scarf is a good place to start. You’ll practice combining two simple stitches, which are repeated throughout the pattern.

    Or if you’re a more experienced crocheter, you’ll have no trouble finishing this chunky scarf pattern in less than a day. You can expect each section of color blocking to take less than an hour to complete. 

    Related: Only have an hour or two? See all our fast crochet patterns

    Jump to:
    • Five-Hour Chunky Crochet Scarf
    • How to Crochet a Fast Scarf
    • Simple Scarf Variations
    • Project Materials
    • Best Yarn for Chunky Scarves
    • How Long Should a Crochet Scarf Be?
    • Tips for Planning Your Scarf
    • Print this Pattern
    • All-in-One kit
    • Cinque Chunky Scarf - Free Pattern
    • Beginner Scarf FAQs
    • More Crocheted Scarves + Shawls
    • Invitation to our Facebook group
    • How to Crochet a Scarf - A Summary

    Why you’ll love this scarf pattern!


    • Fast progress: Chunky yarn makes for quick gratification
    • Statement piece: Bulky scarves feel intentional and stylish
    • Easy skill level: Basic crochet stitches are all you need to know

    How to Crochet a Fast Scarf

    With easy stitches and endless color combos, this bulky crochet scarf is an excellent gift or an item to sell at craft fairs. 

    Pattern Overview - Basic Instructions

    You’ll begin with a foundation chain of 23 stitches. To modify the width of the scarf, you can chain any odd number of stitches. The pattern is worked in crocheted rows to create a long rectangle. 

    Four different-colored crochet squares and their yarn skeins.

    The hardest part of this pattern might be choosing only five colors of Hue + Me. The mix-and-match shades of this bulky yarn coordinate well. 

    A woman standing outside wearing a fedora hat and a crochet scarf with her hands on the front pockets of her jeans.

    The single crochet/double crochet stitch repeat is the same after row 2, making this easy scarf pattern good for crocheting on the go.

    Woman wearing a multi-colored easy crochet scarf and holding it.

    As the pattern is written, each section of color will use up about 85% of a skein of Hue + Me. 

    Standing outside, a woman wearing a leather jacket and an easy crochet scarf with her hands on the jacket's pocket.

    If you’d prefer a slightly longer scarf, continue repeating row 2 until you run out of each yarn color.

    Coordinating Hat Pattern

    Use your leftover yarn scraps to crochet an easy hat using the 1.5 Hour Ribbed Beanie Pattern. Because this pattern is made from a simple rectangle and also calls for chunky, category 5 yarn, you can use your scraps to make a one-of-a-kind hat.

    An in-progress scrap yarn crochet hat.
    A woman wearing a colorful crochet hat.

    Simple Scarf Variations

    The chunky crochet scarf pattern is easy to modify. Here are a few ideas:

    • Make it even chunkier: Follow the pattern using a bulky-weight yarn like Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick. The result will be an even more oversized super scarf.
    • Use a solid color: For a gender-neutral crochet scarf for men or women, try using a single color for the entire project. This will create a sophisticated accessory that can be dressed up or down. 
    • Modify the width: The free pattern below includes the stitch count, which makes it very easy to adjust the width of your project to suit your height and preferences. You could even create a wide blanket scarf by simply beginning with a longer chain. 
    • Add fringe: Use your leftover yarn to add tassels or fringe to the short sides of the scarf.
    • Make an infinity scarf: Sew the two short ends of your rectangle together to form a chunky infinity scarf.

    Related: See all our crochet scarf and shawl patterns

    Project Materials

    Here are the supplies you’ll need for this pattern.

    1. Chunky yarn
    2. Size 12.00mm crochet hook
    3. Tapestry needle (aka a blunt-tipped crochet needle)
    4. Measuring tape (optional)
    5. Scissors

    Best Yarn for Chunky Scarves

    In my experience, you’re very likely to love any project you make with Lion Brand Hue + Me. This chunky weight (category 5) yarn is available in a wide variety of colors that all work well together–perfect for a crochet color block scarf, right?! 

    You can’t go wrong by grabbing any five colors of Hue + Me and getting started. If you’d like some color scheme inspiration, the yarn’s co-creator, Two of Wands, offers a lot of helpful ideas in her color guide.

    Substitutions

    If you can’t get your hands on Hue + Me yarn, check YarnSub.com for alternative ideas. Hue + Me is an acrylic blend that does contain some wool. If you’re allergic to animal fibers, substituting another category 5 weight yarn will work well. 

    Similarly, you can likely hold two strands of worsted weight (category 4) yarn together and achieve a similar thickness to Hue + Me.

    A woman sitting on the grass wearing a fedora hat and an easy, chunky crochet scarf.

    How Long Should a Crochet Scarf Be?

    The length of a crochet scarf is flexible and can be as long or short as you’d like. Typically, crochet scarves are between 60" to 75". You may choose to adjust the measurements based on the bulkiness of the scarf and your own height. 

    A basic rule is to make a scarf at least as long as the wearer's height so that they can wrap it around their neck once or twice. 

    Tips for Planning Your Scarf

    There are a lot of ways to wear this simple crochet scarf. As you can see in the photos, the length allows it to be wrapped around your neck, knotted in front, or draped loosely. 

    If you are very tall or short, you might want to lengthen or shorten the scarf a little to make sure it fits your body well.

    Print this Pattern

    Prefer to crochet on the couch? Need a portable, printable pattern? You'll love the Cinque Chunky Scarf premium PDF! The ad-free instant download is formatted for easy printing and includes the complete pattern and all the photo tutorials.

    Upgrade to the Printable PDF


    formatted for effortless printing and relaxing couch crocheting

    Preview of the Cinque chunk scarf printable pdf.
    Get the printable PDF

    All-in-One kit

    If you don't live near amazing yarn stores or if you just like to get fun packages in the mail, the all-in-one crochet kit is a perfect way to make your chunky colorblock scarf. This bundle from Lion Brand includes all the Hue + Me yarn you'll need, plus a bonus printable PDF of the pattern (delivered digitally).

    • Deliver it! Purchase an all-in-one beginner crochet scarf kit

    Cinque Chunky Scarf - Free Pattern

    • Purchase the ad-free, printable PDF on Etsy.
    • Save this pattern to your Ravelry here. (coming soon)
    • Pin this pattern for later.

    Explanation:
    If you have five colors of chunky yarn and about five hours, you can whip up this easy scarf. This is a perfect take-along project when you want to keep your hands busy without much focus or counting. Make a few for gifts, craft fairs, or yourself!

    Supplies + Materials

    Order an all-in-one kit from Lion Brand.

    • Lion Brand Hue and Me (Weight: 5/Bulky -  137 yds, 4.4 oz/125 g)

    • Color A: Peacoat (617-110AU) – 1 skein [(approx. 92g)]
    • Color B: Ozone (617-105AQ) - 1 skein (approx 92g)
    • Color C: Arrowwood (617-132AA) - 1 skein (approx 92g) 
    • Color D: Bellini (617-102) - 1 skein (approx 92g)
    • Color E: Spicy (617-134) - 1 skein (approx 92g)

    • Size 12 mm crochet hook* or size needed to obtain gauge

    • Tapestry needle

    • T-pins

    • Steamer or iron with steam function (alternative: use a spray bottle)

    • Blocking board (optional)

    * This hook size tends to be less common. Substitute the nearest hook size you have available. 


    Permissions + Copyright:
    Please do not publish or share this pattern as your own. You may make items to sell with this pattern. In exchange, please link back to this post. Do NOT use our photos as your own sales photos.


    Scarf Measurements

    Approximately 11 x 74”

    Gauge

    7.5 sts x 7 rows = 4” as worked in main scarf stitch pattern

    Abbreviations + Glossary
    (US Terms)

    ch – chain
    dc – double crochet
    rep – repeat
    sc – single crochet
    sk – skip
    st(s) – stitch(es)
    tch - turning ch

    Overall Pattern Notes

    • Stitch Multiple: To modify the width of your scarf, chain any odd number of stitches for your foundation chain.
    • To switch colors seamlessly at the end of a row, complete yarn over of final single crochet using new color.
    • Chain 2 at beginning of row counts as one single crochet throughout.

    Print This Pattern: purchase the ad-free, printable PDF

    !! Gauge Check!!

    Achieving the pattern gauge is not critical when crocheting this beginner scarf. However, meeting the gauge will help ensure the finished project is the size you expect and uses the amount of yarn listed in the pattern.

    To check your gauge:

    Complete first 13 rows of pattern. Then measure center four inches of swatch vertically and horizontally. Compare to pattern gauge listed above.

    • If there are too many stitches in 4” horizontally, increase your hook size and re-swatch. 
    • If there aren’t enough stitches in 4” horizontally, decrease your hook size and re-swatch.
    • If swatch is measuring too small vertically, make a deliberate effort to pull loops up a bit higher before completing each single crochet. 
    • If swatch is measuring too large vertically, make an effort to work the loops of each single crochet a little tighter.

    This video is incredibly helpful if you’re having trouble achieving the correct vertical gauge:


    Want some company while you crochet?
    Get support (and camaraderie!) in the Make & Do Crochet Crew Facebook Group.


    Main Scarf Pattern

    Foundation Row: Ch 23.

    Row 1: Dc in third ch from hook (ch 2 counts as 1 sc), *sk next ch, sc and dc in next ch; rep from * until 2 ch remain, sk next ch, sc in last ch; turn. (21 sts)

    Row 2: Ch 2 (counts as 1 sc), dc in first st, *sk next dc, sc and dc in next sc; rep from * until 2 sts remain, sk next dc, sc in ch 2 tch; turn.

    Repeat Row 2 twenty four more times for a total of 26 rows. Fasten off Color A and attach Color B.

    Repeat Row 2 twenty six times each with Color B,  C, D and E. (26 rows of each color)

    Our Latest Crochet Inspiration:
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    Finishing

    Weave in remaining yarn tails using a tapestry needle.

    Lightly steam block scarf using a steamer, iron with a steam setting or spray bottle. Take care not to touch the hot surface to the yarn. Allow to dry and set overnight. 

    Wrap up in your new chunky scarf and set to work making a hat with your leftover yarn!

    Did you try this?


    Leave a ★ review and tag @MakeAndDoCrew on Instagram and Facebook!

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    Beginner Scarf FAQs

    How many yards of yarn do I need for a big chunky crochet scarf?

    The number of yards needed to make a big, chunky scarf will vary by pattern. In the case of this simple design, you'll need about 550 yarns of a thicker category 5-weight yarn.

    How wide should a chunky scarf be?

    A chunky scarf should be about 10-16" wide, depending on the drape of the yarn and stitches used. 

    Caption for a photo: For reference, I’m 5’9,” and the sample scarf is approximately 74” long.

    More Crocheted Scarves + Shawls

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      Entry Level Lace Crochet Scarf Pattern
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      Brushland Tunisian Crochet Scarf Pattern - Free!
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      Nordic Crochet Super Scarf Free Pattern
    • Toss on this modern crochet triangle scarf to head out to the desert, the mountains...or just the grocery store. This free Caron Cakes crochet pattern takes all the stress out of choosing colors because the skein does it for you! Excellent DIY gift idea. Color = Buttercream.
      Desert Winds Scarf - Caron Cakes Crochet Pattern

    more crochet scarves and shawls →

    Patterns With Video Tutorials

    If you’d like to learn how to crochet different types of scarves step-by-step, check out these free patterns with video tutorials. 

    1. Brushland Scarf: The “woven” look of this Tunisian crochet triangle scarf pattern is surprisingly easy, even if you’re just learning how to Tunisian crochet. A go-to scarf for women and men.
    2. Dawn-Till-Dusk Triangle Scarf: Learn how to make a triangle scarf with a single skein of Lion Brand Mandala yarn.
    3. Bixy Cowl: This buttoned-up crochet cowl pattern is quick and easy thanks to super-bulky yarn and herringbone double crochet stitches.

    Learn a New Skill

    When you're ready to master a new skill, check out our detailed guides that include everything you need to know to level up your crochet game.

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    • How to Tunisian Crochet - learn with this video and a standard hook

    That was so fun! Now what?

    • Pin this post: Save this to your Pinterest crochet board so you can easily find it again.
    • Share your work on Instagram or Facebook: Tag @MakeAndDoCrew and use #MakeAndDoCrew to show us your stitchin'!
    • Leave a comment: Say hello and share your feedback below.

    Invitation to our Facebook group

    Come discuss crocheting {variation of keyword} and lots of other crochet projects and techniques in our Make & Do Crew Facebook group. Here thousands of helpful crocheters answer each others questions and share their stitches. Join us!

    Woman wearing a chunky crocheted scarf.
    5 from 1 vote
    Pin For Later

    How to Crochet a Scarf - A Summary

    If you have five colors of chunky yarn and about five hours, you can crochet this easy scarf for beginners. This is a perfect take-along project when you want to keep your hands busy without much focus or counting. Make a few for gifts, craft fairs or yourself!
    Gauge: 7.5 sts x 7 rows = 4” as worked in main scarf stitch pattern
    Measurements/Sizes: Approximately 11 x 74”
    Approx Time (varies by skill level): 5 hrs
    Yarn Cost: $29-$35
    Author: Jess Coppom

    Materials

    Yarn

    • Color: Lion Brand Hue and Me Weight: 5/Bulky - 137 yds, 4.4 oz/125 g
    • Peacoat 617-110AU – 1 skein [(approx. 92g)]
    • Ozone 617-105AQ - 1 skein (approx 92g)
    • Arrowwood 617-132AA - 1 skein (approx 92g)
    • Bellini 617-102 - 1 skein (approx 92g)
    • Color E: Spicy 617-134 - 1 skein (approx 92g)

    Additional Supplies

    • Size 12 mm crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge
    • Tapestry needle
    • T-pins
    • Steamer or iron with steam function alternative: use a spray bottle
    • Blocking board optional

    Abbreviations + Glossary (US Terms)

    • ch – chain
    • dc – double crochet
    • rep – repeat
    • sc – single crochet
    • sk – skip
    • st(s) – stitch(es)
    • tch - turning ch
    Want some company while you crochet?

    Get support (and camaraderie!) in the Make & Do Crochet Crew Facebook Group. Search “Make and Do Crochet Crew” on Facebook.com.

    Permissions + Copyright

    Please do not publish or share this pattern as your own. You may make items to sell with this pattern. In exchange, please link back to this page. Do NOT use my photos as your own sales photos.

    Instructions

    Simple Crochet Scarf - Pattern Overview

    • 1. Begin with the foundation Row of 23 chains.
    • 2. For Row 1, double crochet in third chain from hook then follow instructions for Row 2.
    • 3. Repeat Row 2 twenty four times for a total of 26 Rows. Check your gauge after first thirteen rows are complete. Measure center four inches of swatch vertically and horizontally.
    • 4. After first section of color contains 26 rows, fasten Color A and attach Color B.
    • 5. Repeat Row 2 twenty six times each with Color B, C, D and E.

    Finishing

    • 6. Weave in remaining yarn tails using a tapestry needle.
    • 7. Steam block scarf using a steamer and allow to dry and set overnight.
    • 8. Wrap up in your new chunky scarf and get to work making a hat with your leftover yarn!

    Overall Pattern Notes

    • This is a pattern summary. See detailed step-by-step scarf instructions in free pattern above. 
    • Stitch Multiple: To modify the width of your scarf, chain any odd number of
      stitches for your foundation chain.
    • To switch colors seamlessly at the end of a row, complete yarn over of final
      single crochet using new color.
    • Chain 2 at beginning of row counts as one single crochet throughout.

    More Free Crochet Scarf + Shawl Patterns

    • Woman wearing a faded summer cotton Tunisian crochet shawl on her way to the beach. The scarf was made with Lion Brand's Hand Dyed Heaven Yarn.
      Easy Tunisian Crochet Fade Shawl Pattern
    • Woman holding an asymmetrical Tunisian crochet shawl made with Lion Brand Hand-Dyed Heaven yarn. (Lady Marmalad)
      Video: Easy Asymmetrical Tunisian Crochet Shawl
    • Woman wearing Tunisian crochet cowl scarf with a subtle rainbow design. Good crochet pattern for pride week.
      Brick Stitch Tunisian Crochet Cowl - Free Pattern
    • Purple and gray Tunisian crochet neck warmer. Free crochet pattern and video tutorials.
      Tunisian Crochet Neck Warmer - Free Pattern by Knitter Knotter

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    Jess Coppom of the crochet blog, Make & Do Crew, wearing the Cleo Fedora crochet sun hat.

    Hi, I'm Jess! My mom taught me to crochet when I was 8-years-old. Now I work alongside my mom and sisters to bring you free patterns + tutorials that make crochet modern, approachable and fun!

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