The ribbed-knit look on this free crochet infinity scarf pattern is extremely easy, thanks to a slight variation on basic crochet stitches. Get the free Hideaway Cowl pattern below or purchase the ad-free, printable PDF here.
This free crochet infinity scarf pattern is part of a collaboration with Lion Brand yarn. This post contains affiliate links.
Ready for the one and only circle scarf you’ll need all winter? This pattern was inspired by a store-bought infinity scarf that I wear often. Each time I have it on, someone asks me, “Did you make that?”
I don’t like having to fess up quietly, “No…Old Navy did…” so I decided to create my own.
(Isn’t it funny how once people know you’re a crocheter or knitter, they give you credit for making everything? I kinda love it.)
This crochet cowl is unisex, chunky and wearable with just about anything!
What Makes This Crochet Infinity Scarf Pattern Beginner Friendly?
This crochet infinity scarf pattern is made using only basic half double crochet stitches. Because of how these stitches are worked, they create the look of knit ribbing, which I love. (We’ve got lots more crochet patterns that look knit!) There are two options for creating your foundation chain, so you can choose the one that suites your skill level.
Once you’ve finished that foundation row, you’ll be creating a long skinny rectangle which you’ll seam into a circle scarf. This is a Netflix kinda project–hardly any counting, quick gratification and simple stitches. Yay!
Experienced crocheters will be able to whip up this cowl in about 3-3.5 hours. Newer crocheters might take a bit longer, but will find satisfaction in finishing this useful and on-trend accessory. (If you like fast crochet projects, check out the 3 Hour Mittens and 1 Hour Beanie too!)
Chunky Yarn With Just the Right Amount of Chunk
For this free crochet infinity scarf pattern, I used a newer yarn from Lion Brand called Color Made Easy. This is a category 5 weight yarn, which means it’s chunky, but not super bulky. I find it to be the perfect hybrid for projects like this cowl where flexibility and fabric drape are important, but I want to be able to finish in less than a day.
And the colors! This line of yarn really does live up to its name of Color Made Easy. I often gravitate to safe neutrals, but there are so many of these shades I’d love to make something with. You can see all the colors here.
If you don’t have access to a category 5 yarn, you could try holding two strands of worsted weight yarn together instead. Make a gauge swatch to see if your double-stranded yarn is similar in gauge to what’s listed in the pattern and then dive in!
UPDATE: Lion Brand has turned the Hideaway Crochet Cowl into a crochet kit! You’ll receive all the yarn you need to make your own, plus a printed copy of the pattern. Grab your kit here!
More Free Crochet Scarf Patterns
Make and Do Crew has quite the collection of free crochet scarf patterns at this point, many of which contain video tutorials. Whether you favor crochet cowls, triangle scarves or shawls, feel free to peruse all the scarf patterns and I bet you’ll find something that suites your fancy. Here are a few reader favorites:
1. Revival Scarf + video / 2. At First Blush Scarf + video / 3. Dawn Till Dusk Scarf + video / 4. Manchester Cowl
Okay, let’s move on to making the Hideaway Cowl. I hope you enjoy wearing your handmade chunky, comfy infinity scarf as much as I do!
Hideaway Cowl
Free Crochet Infinity Scarf Pattern
Purchase the ad-free, printable PDF here.
Save it to your Ravelry here.
Pin it for later here.
Explanation:
The ribbed-knit look on this classic infinity scarf is extremely easy to pull off, thanks to a slight variation on basic half double crochet stitches. Made from a simple rectangle and seamed into a cozy loop, this pattern is both beginner-friendly and endlessly wearable.
Supplies:
Purchase a kit with all the yarn + a printed copy of the pattern here.
• Lion Brand Color Made Easy (Weight: 5/ bulky – 247 yds, 7 oz) – 2 balls
– Basalt (#195-150)
• Tapestry needle
• Size L (8 mm) crochet hook
• Stitch markers or safety pins
Sizes:
One size to fit most adult women and men
61” circumference x 9.5”
Gauge:
9 hdc x 8 rows = 4”
Abbreviations and Glossary (US Terms):
ch – chain
hdc – half double crochet
hdcblo – half double crochet through the back loop only
RS – right side
st(s) – stitch(es)
WS – wrong side
Overall Pattern + Sizing Notes:
• To adjust the overall circumference, simply add or eliminate stitches from foundation row.
• To adjust overall height, add or eliminate rows.
MAIN INFINITY SCARF
Notes:
• Recommended Foundation Row is worked in foundation half double crochet stitches because it’s much easier than working into a long chain. If foundation half double crochet intimidates you, use Alternative Foundation Chain followed by Alternative Foundation Row 1.
• Ch 2 at beginning of row does not count as a stitch.
• Rows 2-18 are worked through the back loop of each half double crochet stitch only. See photo below for explanation of hook placement.
Recommended Foundation Row 1 (RS): 150 foundation hdc; turn. (150)
Or
Alternative Foundation Chain (WS): Ch 152. (152)
Alternative Foundation Row 1 (RS): Sk 2 ch, hdc in each ch to end; turn. (150)
Rows 2-18: Ch 2, hdcblo in each hdc; turn. (150)
For a taller, bulkier cowl, work extra repeats of Row 2, ending with an even number of total rows.
Fasten off leaving a 30” tail.
FINISHING
With WS of cowl facing out, fold rectangle so short edges meet, taking care piece is not twisted. Visually line up ribbing on each side of edge and pin with stitch markers or safety pins if desired.
Using tapestry needle and tail from fastening off, seam rectangle edges together as described in photo above.
Wrap your cozy crocheted infinity scarf around your neck and don’t take it off until the snow melts!
I love to see your finished projects! Use #MakeAndDoCrew and tag me Instagram (@MakeAndDoCrew) to show off your stitches and have a chance to be featured.
More Free Crochet Patterns For Beginners
Why stop now? These free crochet patterns are some of the most popular patterns here on Make & Do Crew and they’re all appropriate for advanced beginners. Many include video tutorials as well. You can find all our free crochet patterns here.
1. Up North Cardigan + video / 2. Stonewash Shrug / 3. 1 Hour Beanie + video / 4. Habitat Cardigan + video
Looking forward to trying this pattern, thanks & Merry Christmas.
Thank so much June! I hope you enjoy it!
Jess
I am trying to learn crochet but I can’t keep my sides straight how do you do that? Thanks Kelly Cofield
You have to keep count. If there’s 40 stitches to a row, you have to count as you go to make sure you aren’t accidentally increasing or decreasing. This will get easier for you to do as you practice, so don’t give up. 🙂
Hi Kelly,
When you’re starting out it’s best to chain loosely and to make sure the chain is not twisting in different directions as you chain. If you’re going to do single crochet, leave one chain for a turning chain and make a single crochet in every chain except the first one– so start your single crochets in the second chain from the hook. For double crochet, leave 2 chains for a turning chain, so you’d start in the third chain from the hook. For half double, leave one chain. Then in your second row, chain the amount of chains needed for a turning chain, and then work the stitch you want into the top of every stitch across the row. Note that you do not crochet into the turning chains. Be sure to work only ONE stitch into EVERY stitch across the row.
I hope this helps and that you enjoy your crochet journey!!
Pearl
Go to Youtube and search for Crochet even edges. I know there are a couple of videos specific for that. Also counting your stitches will help you not miss a stitch. That is what makes the edges not straight.
Instead of doing the whole scarf first try doing a smaller square with less stitches maybe 6×6 inches until you are comfortable finding the last stitch in a row. Not having even ends means there are more stitches than needed which will make your edges slowly get uneven you could also count each stitch in a row so you know where to end.
Jess, I feel like Christmas came early! I never knew there was a foundation half double crochet stitch!! How long has this technique been around!! I was never a fan of trying to count a long chain and then crochet into it! This is amazing!! Thanks for all your wonderful patterns!! I’m going to try making the infinity scarf with my leftover mandala yarn. It won’t be as chunky but it should still be soft and snuggly!! Thanks again for introducing me to something new!
Sandi
Hey Sandi,
It’s a life changer isn’t it?! I’m so glad it’s part of our tool kit now as I find it super helpful too.
Happy crocheting!
Jess
Your pattern does not result in the look as in the picture. I think instead of half double crochet in back loop only (hdcblo) the pattern is really hdc in the back “hump.” I think that’s the only way to get the “v” of each stitch to show.
I love the look of the stitches on your scarf, but mine doesn’t look that way (with the “v” stitch showing, and I followed your instructions. Please clarify.
Thank you.
Hey Carol,
Hmmm…I’m not exactly sure what you mean by the hump. For this, I’m crocheting in the third horizontal strand of the hdc stitch, the one that’s furthest away from me. Does that make sense?
Jess
I’ve only ever began any project using a simple chain as my foundation row, but I’m really interested to learn how to do the hdc foundation row. Do you have a video of this process or one in particular on YouTube that you would recommend?
Hey Marjorie,
If you watch the beginning of this sweater video tutorial, you’ll see how to do it step by step. 🙂
Jess