Long and Short Scarf Free Crochet Pattern

I'm excited to be sharing with you my newest free crochet pattern! I've named it the Long and Short Scarf and shared a little bit about my thoughts on the Scheepjes Secret Garden yarn* here. 

As I mentioned in the previous post, I named it this because it is worked in short rows--but is a long scarf that is whimsical and versatile to wear.

It's easy enough to adjust the length of the scarf by reducing the number of colored repeats, colors, or length of striped section. In other words, the pattern is super versatile, too.

If you have never worked short rows or slip stitch crochet, this is a splendid piece that works up fairly quickly and easily to give you some practice.

Let's get going on the pattern (below), but if you are interested in a tidy pdf version for $2, you can find it in my Etsy shop here. You can also find links to purchase the yarn here.

Skill Level: Easy

Materials:

• Hook: 5.5mm (I)
• Yarn: Scheepjes Secret Garden* (50g = 93m; 20% silk, 20% cotton, 60% polyester)
• A = # 734 Picket Fence (yellow)
• B = #738 Whimsical Topiary (red)
• C = #733 Wisteria Arch (purple)
• D = #731 Dappled Sunlight (blue)
• E = #732 Weeping Willow (green)
• F = #737 Shady Courtyard (black)
• G = #736 Bird Bath (white)
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers (optional)

Stitch abbreviations: (US Terms)

• ch = chain
• rep = repeat
• sl st(s) = slip stitch(es)
• st(s) = stitch(es)

Dimensions: 6" X 71" (15.2cm X 180.3cm)

Remember, you can easily adjust the length of your scarf by working fewer repeats of the angled section--either fewer colors or fewer times through the sequence--or make the striped section shorter. You can also adjust the width of your scarf by working fewer or more repeats of 3 + 1 for your foundation chain.

Notes: 

• The color sequence for the angled short-row section is A-E (Rows 2-20) repeated 6 times, ending on Row 19. The color sequence for the striped section is F-G, repeated 12 times.
• When working sl sts--all stitches are worked in the back loops only of the previous row of slip stitches. Work your slip stitches loosely. (Don't tug on them!)
• Ch 1 at the beginning of a row does NOT count as a st.
• Right side and wrong side are not critical to keep track of until you get to the striped section since both sides look essentially the same.
• Tip: If you have a tough time determining the last st of each row, place a marker in it after working it.
• Total yarn used for sample = approximately 383m (421yds)

Scarf:

• Short-Row Section

With A, ch 31

Row 1 : working in back bumps of ch across, sl st in second ch from hook and each ch across, turn --30sts

See the X's? Those are the back bumps on the wrong side of the chain. Stick your hook in there when working Row 1. Also--remember to work LOOSELY! If you pull those slip stitches too tightly you won't be able to get your hook back in them on the returning row. Think relaxing thoughts!

This is what Row 1 looks like complete. Notice that it looks like a chain sitting atop another chain. And remember, when you turn it to work Row 2, the sl sts will tip away from you--so the back loop will be tipped towards the back of your work.

Row 2: ch 1, sl st in first st and next 26, leave last 3 sts unworked, turn 

--27sts

Row 3: ch 1, sl st in first st and each st across, turn

When working Row 3 or its repeats, you will always work in each st back to the straight edge.

Notice you now have a "step" at the other end of the row.

Row 4: ch 1, sl st in first st and next 23, leave last 3 sts unworked, turn --24sts

Row 5: ch 1, rep Row 3

Row 6: ch 1, sl st in first st and next 20, leave last 3 sts unworked, turn --21sts

Row 7: rep Row 3

Row 8: ch 1, sl st in first st and next 17, leave last 3 sts unworked, turn --18sts

Row 9: rep Row 3

Row 10: ch 1, sl st in first st and next 14, leave last 3 sts unworked, turn 

--15sts

Row 11: rep Row 3

Row 12: ch 1, sl st in first st and next 11, leave last 3 sts unworked, turn 

--12 sts

Row 13: rep Row 3

Row 14: ch 1, sl st in first st and next 8, leave last 3 sts unworked, turn --9sts

Row 15: rep Row 3

Row 16: ch 1, sl st in first st and next 5, leave last 3 sts unworked, turn

Row 17: rep Row 3

Row 18: ch 1, sl st in first st and next 2, leave last 3 unworked, turn --3sts

Above is what your piece will look like at the end of Row 18. You now have 10 "steps" --with each "step" made from 3 stitches.

Row 19: rep Row 3, fasten off

Row 20: with next color in sequence, join with sl st to last  st, sl st in first st and each st across, turn --30sts

For this row you are essentially working down the "steps"--3 sts for each "step".

This shows the first 3 sl sts worked. Now work your next 3 down on the next "step".

Continue working 3 stitches on each step to the end (3 sts X 10 steps = 30 sts) as shown above and then turn your work. Working a Row 2 repeat, slip stitch back up the "steps" to the top of the hill leaving the last 3 stitches unworked.

You'll repeat these rows (2-20) until you've repeated your color sequence (A-E) 6 times (or as many times as you wish). But, remember to end your final time through the repeat on Row 19 before fastening off.

• Striped Section:

Note: This is a good place to adjust the length of your scarf if you wish. Chain as many or as few as you want here. You can also avoid weaving ends by not fastening off between rows and just dropping the old color and picking up the new color. Draw through the new color on your last draw through of the final slip stitch of the row.

With F, join with sl st to last st (top of steps), ch 91

 Row 1: ch 1, working in back bumps, sl st in second ch from hook and each ch across, sl st in joining sl st, sl st to next st on steps, changing to G, turn --91sts

Shows color change to G. Drop F and slip stitch in next stitch of  "step" drawing through G.

Working in back loops only for the remaining rows

Row 2: ch 1, sl st in each st across, turn 

Row 3: ch 1, sl st in each st across, sl st to next st on steps, changing to F, turn

Row 4:  ch 1, sl st in each st across, turn

Row 5: ch 1, sl st in second ch from hook and each ch across, sl st in joining sl st, sl st to next st on steps, changing to G, turn

Rep Rows 2-5 across width of scarf ending with Row 3 repeat. Fasten off and weave in ends.

I hope you like the scarf. It's fun to wear, has a unique graphic feel and is comfy around the neck. 

Until next time...follow me around on Facebook here, Instagram here, or Pinterest here. 

| On the Board | -- Mighty change is mighty hard.    ~~Neal A. Maxwell

*This post contains affiliate links which if used do not cost you more but might provide me a small fee and allow me to keep the blog and free patterns coming.