I ran across a crochet pattern that I really liked, used a different yarn than what the pattern called for, tweaked it a little, and I’m quite happy with the results.  I love the texture that is created with a combination of front and back crossed double crochet stitches.  Sound hard?  Not really, once you understand the stitch and get going with it.  The pattern is worked lengthwise so this scarf can be made whatever length and width you’d like.   For a longer scarf start with more foundation chain stitches.  For a wider scarf add more rows in the pattern repeat.

The original pattern is called Go With the Flow Super Scarf  by by Kinga Erdem on the My Hobby Is Crochet website.

I made the scarf narrower and shorter than the original, and chose a bulky alpaca blend yarn called Snuggle from the Alpaca Yarn Company, available in our store and on our website here.  The scarf pictured was made using the yarn color called Snow White and I have also crocheted one using the color Majestic, a deep purple.  Any of the Snuggle colors would be pretty!  This bulky yarn and a large hook makes this scarf go quite quickly!

The Crossed Double Crochet Stitch is what adds texture to this scarf.  If you know how to double crochet, you can also make the Crossed Double Crochet!  By working the variations of the crossed double crochet stitch, you will get stitches, which although crossed, are not entangled with each other.

HOW TO MAKE CROSSED DOUBLE CROCHET STITCHES

1) Back Cross Double Crochet (bcrdc): Skip next st, dc in next st; working behind last st made, dc in skipped st.

See Video Tutorial on How to Crochet Back Cross-Stitch

2) Front Cross Double Crochet (fcrdc):  Skip next st, dc in next st; working around the front of the last st made, dc in skipped st.

See Video Tutorial on How to Crochet Front Cross Stitch

NOTE

To avoid gaps on the edge, you can use the chainless starting double crochet (csdc) instead of ch3 at the beginning of rows. If you are not familiar with the csdc, you can watch this VIDEO TUTORIAL by Moogly to learn how to do it.   Or you can use the traditional ch3 if you prefer that way.

HOOK
Size N-13, 9mm

MATERIALS
Two skeins of Snuggle Yarn

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Approximately 76” long x 5.5” wide

DIRECTIONS
Chain 150.

Row 1: Work entire row into the back bump of starting chains: 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook and 1 sc in each ch across. (149 sc)

Row 2: Ch1 (does not count as a st), turn; 1 sc in first sc and 1 sc in each sc across. (149 sc)

Row 3: (back cross double crochet row): ch 3 or csdc (will count as the first dc), turn, 1 dc in next sc, work bcrdc sts across the row to the last 2 sts, ending the row with 1 dc into each of the last 2 sts.

Row 4: (front cross double crochet row): ch 3 or csdc (count as first dc), turn, 1 dc in next sc, work fcrdc sts across the row to the last 2 sts, ending the row with 1 dc into each of the last 2 sts.

Rows 5: (back cross double crochet row): ch 3 or csdc (will count as the first dc), turn, 1 dc in next sc, work bcrdc sts across the row to the last 2 sts, ending the row with 1 dc into each of the last 2 sts.

Row 6: (front cross double crochet row): ch 3 or csdc (count as first dc), turn, 1 dc in next sc, work fcrdc sts across the row to the last 2 sts, ending the row with 1 dc into each of the last 2 sts.

Rows 7: ch1 (does not count as a st), turn; 1 sc in first sc and 1 sc in each sc across. (149 sc)

Row 8: ch1 (does not count as a st), turn; 1 sc in first sc and 1 sc in each sc across. (149 sc)

Fasten off.

Weave in the ends.

Stitches, Terms (US) and Abbreviations used:

ch: chain

sc: single crochet

dc: double crochet

st: stitch

back bump of chains

csdc: chainless starting double crochet

bcrdc: back cross double crochet

fcrdc: front cross double crochet

Should you like to purchase this scarf, or order one in another color, click here.  See other FREE patterns for Snuggle Yarn here or visit my Pinterest board, Crochet Patterns – Snuggle Yarn.

You may want to check out the Bluprint class that teaches more textured crochet stitches, and keep your crocheting interesting!

Fun & Fantastic Textured Crochet Stitches – $19.99Discover new ways to create incredible texture and intrigue in your crochet. Learn 15+ easy-to-work stitch patterns and practice with a fun scarf project.

This pattern is fairly simple, and I love the post stitches that create the ribs and the ridges in this infinity scarf! The pattern I started with is The Ribs and Ridges Scarf on the The Friendly Red Fox website.

I altered it just a bit. Rather than crocheting a rectangle and sewing the edges together when finished like the pattern instructs, I crocheted the scarf in the round. I just like to be finished, when I’m finished. Do you know what I mean?

I used our Classic Alpaca Tweed Yarn for this project and really like how it turned out. This yarn is available in eight different colors, all with little flecks of fiber in them to create the tweed. Of course, it’s 100% alpaca, so very soft and just a pleasure to work with … and wear! The color I used is called Cork.

SKILL LEVEL
Easy

HOOK
5.5 mm (H)

MATERIALS
Approximately 465 Yards of Classic Alpaca Tweed

Stitches used in this pattern (click the links for help with stitches):
CH -chain
Sl st – slip stitch
Sc – single crochet
DC – double crochet
FPDC– front post double crochet
BPDC – back post double crochet

PATTERN

Row 1: FDC 250, join into a circle.

Row 2: Chain 2, alternate FPDC and BPDC until the end, join with a ss in top of chain.

Row 3: CH 2, match your FPDC and BPDC. The posts should line up. Continue around, join with a ss in top of chain.

Row 4: CH 2, FPSC acround. There will be a row visible in the front. Slip stitch to the back stitches, join with a ss in top of chain.
HINT: The slip stitch is only to take you back to the FPDC that you did in row 3. If you crochet on the FPSC then it will not show up as a neat line.

Row 5: CH 2, DC in each stitch around. Make sure that you do not crochet in the FPSC, join with a ss in top of chain. It will be easy to see the ridge if you are doing it correctly!

Row 6: CH 2, FPSC across. Slip stitch to the back stitches (not the line in front), join with a ss in top of chain.

Row 7:  CH 2, DC in each row across. Make sure that you are not crochet in the FPSC. Chain 1 and turn, join with a ss in top of chain.

Row 8: CH 2, FPSC around. Slip stitch to the back stitches (not the line in front), join with a ss in top of chain.

Repeat  Rows 1-8 (With a DC not a FDC for row 1) twice more!
Do not FPSC for the last row.

For a more visual representation the entire scarf should look like this:
3 Rows of Post Stitches (This includes the starting DC row)
FPSC
DC
FPSC
DC
FPSC
3 Rows of Post Stitches (This includes the starting DC row)
FPSC
DC
FPSC
DC
FPSC
3 Rows of Post Stitches (This includes the starting DC row)
FPSC
DC
FPSC
DC

To purchase this Infinity Scarf, click here.

I use this pattern by Prague Loop over and over.  This scarf was made with our 100% Alpaca Swizzle Yarn, and took just one skein of yarn for a scarf that measured 60″ long  by  5.5″ wide.  The scarf is worked lengthwise, back and forth in rows, and gauge is not important.  Any yarn could be used and any size hook. Super easy one row scarf, very suitable for beginners.

The color of the Swizzle Yarn pictured above is called Goldenrod.

HOOK

US Size I – 5.5 mm

MATERIALS

197 Yards of Swizzle Alpaca Yarn

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

DIRECTIONS

Decide how long a scarf is good for you.  Chain an amount of stitches that is the length you want.  The scarf above was made with 145 stitches.

Setup row: HDC (half double crochet) in each st.

Row 1: HDC into back loop of every HDC of previous row.

(Note for the beginner: Unlike single or double crochet, the HDC stitches appear to have an extra loop at the top.  You will be using the loop that is at the back of the stitch.  In a few rows, you will see that the two loops you have not been using form a “chain” along the length of the scarf.)

Repeat row 1 until the scarf is as wide as you want or you run out of yarn.

You might want to work one round of single crochet around the whole thing, so the edge looks neat, but it is not necessary.  Weave in ends.

Blocking is optional.

The color of this Swizzle yarn is called Plum Perfection, and the yarn below is Academy Blue.

This scarf pattern is easy, mindless and quick, especially with a bulky yarn.  See the Bulky Ribbed Scarf made with this same pattern, and our Snuggle Yarn.

This Easy Mistake Stitch Scarf is a pattern I like to use when teaching people how to knit.  This pattern is from the Purl Soho website.  I have adapted the pattern to use with our bulky Snuggle Yarn from the Alpaca Yarn Company, and big needles, so fewer stitches are needed when casting on than what is written in the original pattern.

SKILL LEVEL

Easy

NEEDLES

US 11 – 8.0 mm

MATERIALS

Two skeins of Snuggle Yarn

NOTE

Ribbing is the result of alternating knit and purl stitches within the same row.   Mistake rib is a multiple of 4+3

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Approximately 60” long x 6” wide

DIRECTIONS

Cast on 19 stitches.

K2, p2, repeat to last 3 stitches, k2, p1.

  This scarf will take two skeins of yarn, which will require joining a new skein of yarn.  If possible do this at the end of the row.

Repeat the pattern for 60 inches or to desired length. That’s it!

If you plan to knit until you run out of yarn, you will need to be sure you will have enough yarn left to bind off.   Figure out how much yarn it takes you to knit one row, plus some extra.  You can measure off a few yards and then determine whether your row takes you more or less.  This will give you an approximate amount of yarn necessary to bind off.

Bind off stitches in stitch pattern.  Be sure to bind off loosely or the pattern will be “gathered” at the bound edge.  If you find the edge is too tight when binding off, use a larger needle to bind off.  Also, be sure to form the stitch on the straight part of the needle, not the tip.

Next, you will want to weave in the ends and block your scarf.  Blocking is an integral part of finishing a knitted item.  It will even out your stitches and allow your fiber to bloom!

Be sure to check out the FREE Knitting Tutorials from Craftsy!

You might also want to check out 10 Easy Scarf Knitting Patterns for Beginners and more Free Knitting Patterns on this website.

Happy knitting!

I liked this cowl pattern so much that I made three of them!  I did use three different color combinations, not sure which one I like the best.  The pattern is called Stormy Weather Cowl by Tamara Kelly.  It works up very fast with our bulky Snuggle yarn and a big hook.  The colors I used for the one below are Winter Sky and Pine Tree.

Love the zig zag design that is accomplished by going two rows down to create the stitch, a little tricky, but no big deal once you figure out where to put your hook!

HOOK

US 9.0mm/10.mm (M/N)

MATERIALS

One Skein each of two different colors Snuggle Yarn (I only used about half a skein of each, so there will be yarn left for another project, maybe another two tone project)

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

32 inches (81.28cm) and the width is 7 inches (17.78cm).

NOTES

This pattern is not worked in successive stitches, but rather in successive chain spaces – two rows down. It makes for a very closed fabric with lots of interest, but it’s not as hard as it might sound!  To make the cowl longer, add any multiple of 2 to the starting chain/first round. If you want a closer fitting neck warmer, just decrease by any multiple of 2.

DIRECTIONS

Round 1: With Color A, ch 61, sc in 2nd ch from hook, and each remaining ch to end; join with sl st to work in the round. (60 sts)
Alternate Round 1: FSC 60; join with sl st to work in the round. (60 sts)

Round 2: Ch 2, skip the 1st 2 sts, dc in the next st, *ch 1, dc2tog with the 1st half worked into the same st as previous st, skip 1 st in the middle, and the 2nd half worked into the next st; repeat from * to end, finishing last dc2tog with 2nd half in 1st st of previous round, ch 1, join with sl st to 1st dc of round.

Round 3: Ch 1, sc in 1st st, ch 1, skip ch-1 sp, *sc in the next st, ch 1, skip ch-1 sp; repeat from * to end, break yarn and seamless join to 1st sc of round.

Round 4: (Note: When you dc in the ch sps, be sure to enclose the ch sts of Round 2 and Round 3 in the st.) With Color B, join with sl st to any ch-1 sp in Round 2, enclosing the ch-1 sp in Round 3, ch 2, dc in next ch-1 sp of Round 2, * ch 1, dc2tog with the 1st half in the same ch sp as the previous stitch, and the 2nd half in the next ch sp; repeat from * finishing last dc2tog with 2nd half in same ch sp as join, ch 1, join with sl st to 1st dc of round.

Round 5: Repeat Round 3.

Round 6: With Color A, repeat Round 4, enclosing the ch sts of previous 2 rounds.

Round 7: Repeat Round 3.

Round 8: With Color B, repeat Round 4, enclosing the ch sts of previous 2 rounds.

Round 9: Repeat Round 3.

Round 10: With Color A, repeat Round 4, enclosing the ch sts of previous 2 rounds.

Round 11: Ch 1, sc in each st and ch sp around; break yarn and seamless join. (60 sts)

This cowl is made with Snuggle yarns Pine Tree and Tan Heather.

This color combination is Tan Heather and Winter Sky.

This color combination is Snow White and Gray Heather.

Be sure to see the Stormy Weather Cowl Tutorial and Video on the Moogly blog for further help!

This Jessica Scarflette crochet pattern is by Jessica Dassing of Chick-a-Pea Studio.  Any weight yarn will work using the appropriate hook, as there is no fit to this scarflette.

I used one of our Swizzle Yarns, a DK weight, and 100% alpaca.  The color is called Punk Rock Princess, now isn’t that a fun name?

HOOK

MATERIALS

276 Yards or 1.3 skeins of Swizzle Yarn, enough left for another small project

NOTE

Button holes are not necessary since there are openings created by this crochet stitch. When picking out buttons, test out how they fit with your project; button size will vary with gauge and yarn choice.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

This alpaca scarflette measures roughly 9 inches/ 23 cm wide and 39 inches/ 101 cm long.

DIRECTIONS

Chain 28 stitches.  These include the extra 3 chains at the start of Row 1.  These chains will allow your double crochet stitches to stand up straight.

Row 1: 5dc in 4th chain from hook, *skip 2 chains, single crochet into next chain, skip 2 chains, 5 double-crochet into next chain*.  Repeat between**s until 3 chains remain. End row 1 with 3 double crochets in last chain.  Turn work.

Row 2: Chain one,*5 double-crochets into single crochet from previous row, single crochet into middle stitch of shell from previous row*. Repeat between**s until last shell, 3 double-crochet into top of chain 3.  Turn work.

Rows 3-66:  Repeat rows 1 & 2 until desired length.  Weave in ends.  Sew on buttons along one side.

Optional Edging:  Continue around the outside border of the scarflette adding shell pattern over and over again, making twice as many double crochets to round the corner stitch.
.

To print pattern, click Jessica Scarflette Crochet Pattern.  Click here to see a number of ways this scarflette can be worn, and other yarns used for this project.

Seed stitch, also known as moss stitch, is a basic texture stitch. It is made up of alternating knit and purl stitches.

The fabric is firm, does not curl, and looks the same on both sides. It is ideal for small knits, scarves, cowls, mittens, gloves, and knits up into super cute baby items!   This is a stitch you will want to learn!

For this scarf, I used big needles and our bulky Snuggle Yarn.  It is a very simple pattern and the texture is so pretty!

SKILL LEVEL

Easy

NEEDLES

Size 15 (10.00 mm)

MATERIALS

157 Yards of Snuggle Yarn

NOTE

An odd number of stitches is required for seed stitch.  The trick to the seed stitch is knowing when to knit and when to purl.  You will be knitting the purl stitches and purling the knit stitches.  Starting with an odd number of stitches you will always be starting and ending the row with a knit stitch.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Approximately 6” wide x 60” long

DIRECTIONS

Cast on 19 sts loosely.  Work in seed stitch, as described below, for 60 inches or to desired length. Bind off stitches.  Weave in ends.

Seed Stitch
Every Row: K1; *P1, K1; repeat from * to end of row

 This scarf is available for purchase in any of the pretty Snuggle Yarn colors!  Click here to purchase.  To print pattern, click Seed Stitch Knit Scarf Pattern.

Be sure to check out the FREE Knitting Tutorials from Craftsy!

Knitting Stitches You Need to Know
from: Craftsy

You might also want to check out 10 Easy Scarf Knitting Patterns for Beginners and more Free Knitting Patterns on this website.

 I use this pattern by Prague Loop over and over.  It is easy, mindless and quick, especially with a bulky yarn.  Any yarn could be used and any size hook.  My favorite yarn to use with this pattern is our Snuggle Yarn.  This scarf is worked lengthwise, back and forth in rows, and gauge is not important.  Super easy one row scarf, very suitable for beginners.

The color of the Snuggle Yarn pictured above is called Seafoam.

HOOK

US Size N – 9.0 mm

MATERIALS

131 Yards of Snuggle Yarn

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

The color of this Snuggle Yarn is called Winkle.

DIRECTIONS

Decide how long a scarf is good for you.  Chain an amount of st that is the length you want.  The scarves above were made with 100 stitches, though next time I make it I may go a little longer.

Setup row: HDC (half double crochet) in each st.

Row 1: HDC into back loop of every HDC of previous row.

(Note for the beginner: Unlike single or double crochet, the HDC stitches appear to have an extra loop at the top.  You will be using the loop that is at the back of the stitch.  In a few rows, you will see that the two loops you have not been using form a “chain” along the length of the scarf.)

Repeat row 1 until the scarf is as wide as you want or you run out of yarn.

You might want to work one round of single crochet around the whole thing, so the edge looks neat, but it is not necessary.  Weave in ends.

Blocking is optional.

Enjoy your new scarf or give it to someone!

 This scarf was made with the same pattern using one of the Hand Dyed Snuggle Yarns called Knot of Naturals.  The hand dyed line comes in seven different colors!

Any yarn can be used with the pattern, and gauge is not important.

This scarf was made with our Swizzle Alpaca Yarn using a 5.5 mm (I) crochet hook and chaining 145 stitches.  It took just one skein of yarn for a scarf that measured 60″ long  by  5.5″ wide.  See Free Crochet Pattern – Swizzle Alpaca Ribbed Scarf.

This pattern is called Spring Petals Scarf, a free pattern I found on Ravelry by Ragamuffin.  I adapted it for our Astral Yarn and love how it turned out!  I used Star Bright White Astral Yarn by The Alpaca Yarn Company.  The pattern called for a worsted weight yarn, and Astral Yarn is DK weight, also referred to as light worsted.  A little lighter than worsted weight, I figured the DK weight might make the scarf a little bit more lacy looking.  And so it did!

HOOK

 US Size H – 5.0 mm

MATERIALS

265 Yards of Astral Yarn

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

DIRECTIONS

Chain 25.

Row 1 – 3 dc in 5th ch from hook, skip next 3 ch, 1 sc in next ch, *ch 3, 3 dc in same ch as last sc, skip 3 ch, 1 sc in next ch, repeat from *, ending with 1 sc in last ch, turn.

Row 2 – Ch 4, 3 dc in first ch, skip [1 sc, 3 dc], 1 sc in ch 3 space, *Ch 3, 3 dc in same ch 3 space as last sc, skip [1 sc, 3 dc], 1 sc in next ch 3 space, repeat from *, work last sc under ch 4, turn.

Repeat row 2 to desired length.  Finish off and weave in ends.

Optional ending row (to even out edge):

Ch 3, 3 hdc in first sc, *sc in ch 3 space, 3 hdc in first dc, repeat from *, sc in last ch 4 sp.

Finish off and weave in ends.

The Astral Yarn is a beautiful blend of 30% alpaca, 20% wool, and 50% Tencel.  It has a sheen to it that is gorgeous and so sumptuously lovely to work with.

This is the scarf made up in Gold Rush, such a rich, pretty color, especially in the sunlight.

Learning to knit can be a bit overwhelming, but once you’ve learned it can be very enjoyable, calming your mind while your hands stay busy.  All you really need is some yarn and a couple of knitting needles.

Choosing Yarn

One of the pleasures of knitting is working with beautiful yarn textures and colors, though choosing which yarn to use can be puzzling.  It is important to choose the right yarn for your knitting project.  This E-guide on How to Choose and Use the Right Yarn Every Time is a very helpful resource.

Some suggest that beginners start with a medium worsted weight yarn. I like to use bulky yarns when teaching beginners to knit, because knitting goes faster, and gratification from a finished project comes sooner!  Yarn that is a solid color and light colored makes seeing the stitches easier.

I frequently use a bulky yarn called Snuggle when teaching classes.  We typically use solid colors, but there are also some very pretty hand-painted colors too.

The yarn label tells you the size of the yarn.  Find something that is pretty and soft to the touch.  I highly recommend Alpaca Yarn, you can’t go wrong.  It is a treat to work with and helps make the learning curve of knitting more enjoyable!

Yarn Labels

Yarn has labels that provide lots of information, such as the type of yarn, the amount or yardage, fiber content, recommended needles to obtain the gauge, and care instructions. On the label you will also see yarn color names, numbers or dye lots. There can be subtle color differences between yarns dyed in different batches, so if yarn has a dye lot number, always be sure that you purchase enough of the same dye lot to finish a project. Some yarns will say “No Dye Lot Yarn” which means the fibers were dyed before they were spun so there should be no color differences. Many labels also include free patterns.

Here is How to Read a Yarn Label.

All yarn patterns require specific types of yarn, some mention a specific brand of yarn. Each type of yarn has a different thickness or “weight.” The knitting industry has adopted a Standard Yarn Weight System and uses number symbols from 0 to 7, with 0 being the finest called lace weight and 7, the thickest, called Jumbo.

Tools

Knitting Needles

There are many to choose from.  Straight knitting needles, which come in aluminum, plastic, wood or bamboo, are the most common. There is a point at one end of the needle, and a knob at the other, which prevents stitches from slipping off.  You may want to experiment with different needles to see which ones you like.  Every knitter has their favorites!

Bamboo or wood needles are great choices for beginners. Knitting stitches don’t slide off the needles as easily. They’re also very comfortable to work with. Plastic and aluminum are quite slippery and your knitting stitches can easily slip off the ends.

A numbering system is used for determining needle sizes, while in other countries a metric designation, which represents the actual circumference of the needle, is used. In most packaging you will see the metric sizing shown first, followed by the U.S. sizing in parenthesis. Knitting needles come in varying sizes, from 2.25 mm (1), the smallest, to size 19 mm (35) and larger.  They are sold in pairs, and come in 10″ or 14″ lengths.

The most important size you need to look for is the diameter.  This number will determine the size of the stitches on your needles and ultimately the size of your finished knitting project. The thicker the needle the bigger the stitches and the thinner the needle the smaller the stitches.

The length of the knitting needle is more of a personal choice. For bigger projects like sweaters or blankets that require lots of stitches, you will need the really long needles.  For smaller projects, shorter knitting needles are more comfortable. Again though this is a matter of personal preference.

Circular knitting needles, long, flexible needles with a point on each end, are less cumbersome, especially for large projects.  They eliminate the need for seams and to continually be turning turn your knitting at the end of a row.

For smaller projects that do not have seams (socks and mittens) “double-pointed knitting needles” are used. These come in sets of four and as their name suggests, there is a point on each end.

17 Things Every Beginner Needs

To start knitting, you only need two things: a pair of needles and a ball of yarn. If you want to finish a project, though, you’ll need a few more items. So what does an experienced knitter keep in a knitting kit?  Check out What’s in Your Knitting Kit?

Learn Essential Beginner Knitting Skills in New Class

Depending on how you learn, a Knitting Class is always helpful when you are first learning, as well as when you’ve mastered the basics and are ready to move on to something more.  Craftsy (now Bluprint) offers many online Knitting Classes, with hours of instruction, and access anytime once you have purchased the class.

If you’re near Mansfield, Ohio, be sure to check out the Learn to Knit Class at Alpaca Meadows!

So, let’s move on to Getting Started!

Other good knitting resources:

Top 10 Yarn Questions