Shell Pattern Scarf
A tapered scarf worked in a shell-and-V-stitch combination that decreases to a soft point, with a long tie strap. Looks just as good as a head wrap.
This scarf grows out of two simple rows, a shell row and a V-stitch row, that taper down by one shell at a time until you reach a soft point. I worked mine in teal and olive and wore it as a head wrap, but it is just as pretty around the neck. Use a single color, stripes, or a gradient.
Materials
- Yarn: Super fine, weight 1 cotton (I used Friends Cotton 8/4 from Hobbii)
- Hook: 3 mm
- Tapestry needle: for weaving in ends
- Scissors
Abbreviations
- ch: chain
- dc: double crochet
- sc: single crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- sl st: slip stitch
- st(s): stitch(es)
- sk: skip
Pattern instructions
1. Foundation chain
Chain a multiple of 6 + 2. For example, to start with 15 shells, chain 92 (that is 15 times 6, plus 2). If you like, you can add a row of sc first.
2. Row 1
Turn and insert the hook into the second ch from the hook and make a sc. Sk 2 sts, *make 5 dc in the next ch (this forms the first shell), sk 2 ch, sc in the next ch.* Repeat from * to * across until the last 3 ch, sk 2 ch, sc in the last ch. Turn your work.
3. Row 2 (V-stitch row)
Turn and sl st across to the 3rd dc (the middle dc of the shell), ch 1, and make a sc in the same st. *Ch 1, dc into the stitch just after the shell (the sc of the previous row), ch 1, dc into the same stitch to make a V stitch, ch 1, then sc into the middle of the next shell.* Repeat from * to * across until the middle of the last shell. You will now have 14 V stitches, one fewer than the number of shells in the previous row.
4. Row 3 (shell row)
Turn and ch 1, sc into the same stitch. *Work 5 dc in the V stitch to make a shell, then sc into the sc from the previous row, just after the shell.* Repeat from * to * across. You will have 14 shells, one fewer than Row 1.
5. Continue decreasing
Repeat Rows 2 and 3, losing one V stitch on each V-stitch row and one shell on each shell row, until the scarf reaches the tapered width you want, ending with one shell in the last row. If you started with 15 shells you will have 15 shell rows.
6. Finishing
Fasten off and weave in any loose ends with a tapestry needle.
Straps
Row 1: Chain 75 and join at the end of the foundation row, then sc along the foundation chain. When you reach the other end of the foundation chain, chain another 75 for the second end of the strap.
Row 2: Hdc all along the strap, then cut the yarn.
Notes
- Adjusting width and length: Change the starting chain to make the scarf wider or narrower by choosing a different multiple of 6 + 2.
- Decreasing: The trick to the taper is to leave off one shell in each odd-numbered row.
- Customization: Try stripes or a gradient for a different look.
I hope this helps you make a beautiful scarf. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.