I absolutely enjoy crocheting scarves! They are wonderful projects for practicing a new stitch pattern or experimenting with a different type of yarn. Since scarves usually require no complicated shaping and don’t have strict sizing requirements, they are often one of the first items many people make when they begin learning crochet.

Most scarves are traditionally created by working back and forth in horizontal rows, which is the method many crocheters learn first. However, making scarves vertically with sideways rows offers several unique advantages. In fact, it has become one of my favorite ways to crochet scarves.

Keep reading to discover why sideways scarves are worth trying, along with useful advice for creating your own designs. At the end of this guide, you’ll find three beginner-friendly sideways scarf patterns to inspire your next project.

Why Create a Sideways Scarf?

There are three main reasons why I enjoy crocheting scarves in a sideways direction.

Many stitch designs become even more attractive when crocheted sideways. For example, ribbed textures often look especially elegant when the raised lines run vertically rather than horizontally. Other stitch patterns with strong linear details can also create beautiful effects when turned in this direction.

I also love making striped scarves with leftover yarn pieces. By changing colors for every row, I can use small amounts of yarn from my collection and weave the yarn ends into the fringe instead of spending time hiding countless loose ends.

Another advantage is that sideways crochet creates cleaner, more even edges along the long sides of the scarf. When working traditional turned rows, keeping the beginning and ending edges perfectly straight can sometimes be challenging. Any unevenness usually appears at the ends of rows, but when the scarf is worked sideways, the long edges remain smooth and polished.

Sideways scarves also make sizing much easier. The final length is decided first by the foundation chain, while the number of rows determines the scarf’s width. This approach works especially well when using yarn from your stash because you can control the length before knowing exactly how much yarn remains.

A scarf that is too short may not wrap comfortably around your neck, while a slightly narrower scarf can still be practical if it has enough length. If you are concerned about running out of yarn, simply choose your minimum desired length, create the foundation chain to match it, and continue crocheting until your yarn is gone.

Tips for Creating Your Own Sideways Scarf

Make a test swatch before starting

Creating a small sample before beginning the full project can help you avoid problems later. You may discover that your foundation chain requires a different hook size than the rest of the scarf.

If the foundation edge looks stretched or wavy compared with the fabric, try using a smaller hook just for the beginning chain. If the edge feels too tight or pulls inward, switch to a larger hook. Swatching also helps you select the correct hook size to achieve the softness and drape you want.

Use a swatch to determine the foundation chain length

The number of chains needed depends on your stitch pattern and your personal crochet tension. The foundation chain may measure differently before it is worked into rows, meaning simply chaining the desired length may not always produce accurate results.

If the exact final measurement is not important, you can begin chaining freely. However, if you want your scarf to reach a specific length, make a swatch first. Measure the width of the swatch and count the number of stitches across. Then divide your desired scarf length by the width of the swatch and multiply that number by the number of stitches in the sample.

For example, if you want a 60-inch scarf and your swatch measures 4 inches wide, divide 60 by 4 to get 15. If the swatch contains 14 stitches, multiply 15 by 14, giving you 210 stitches. Your foundation chain should begin with about 210 stitches, plus any additional chains required for turning.

Keep track of your long foundation chain

Since sideways scarves often begin with many foundation chains, keeping track of your stitch count is important. Place stitch markers every 20 chains so you can easily check your progress if you lose count.

If you reach the end and are uncertain whether you have enough chains, it is better to add a few extra. If the following row turns out too long, removing extra stitches is simple.

Crochet into the bottom of the foundation chain

This method is sometimes called working into the back of the chain. Instead of inserting your hook under the two loops that create the traditional “V” shape on top of the chain, work beneath the horizontal bars on the underside.

This technique is simple and creates a neat, balanced edge that closely matches the appearance of the final row. As a result, both long sides of your scarf will have a similar finished look.

Consider making a reversible scarf

Many people prefer scarves that look attractive from both sides, especially because scarves naturally twist and move while being worn. Stitch patterns with simple one-row repeats often create completely reversible designs.

The three patterns included later in this article all feature reversible textures.

Choose the scarf length that works for you

There is no perfect scarf measurement because everyone has different preferences. However, these general guidelines may help.

A typical scarf is often close to the wearer’s height. A standard scarf usually measures around 60–65 inches (152–165 cm). A shorter style may be approximately 50–55 inches (127–140 cm), while a longer scarf can range from 70–80 inches (178–203 cm).

If you are making a very wide scarf, consider adding extra length so it can comfortably wrap around your neck without feeling bulky.

Sideways Scarf Pattern Collection

Below are three sideways crochet scarf designs to help you start experimenting with this technique.

1. The Moss Stitch Scarf

This quick and cozy scarf uses super bulky yarn, allowing the simple moss stitch texture to stand out beautifully.

Finished Measurements

The scarf measures approximately 64 inches (162.5 cm) long, excluding fringe, and about 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) wide.

Materials

Approximately 220 yards (201 m) of super bulky yarn, preferably wool, soft acrylic, or a wool/acrylic blend

US P/Q 15.0 mm crochet hook or the size needed to achieve the correct gauge

Yarn needle

Yarn Used for the Example

We Crochet Tuff Puff, super bulky weight, 100% wool, 44 yards per 100 grams, Pucker color, 5 skeins.

Gauge

5.25 stitches and 7 rows equal 4 inches (10 cm).

Notes

The scarf is crocheted flat using turned rows. Turning chains do not count as stitches. After the first row, all half double crochet stitches are worked into slip stitches from the previous row, and all slip stitches are worked into half double crochet stitches from the previous row.

Instructions

Scarf

Chain 85.

Row 1: Starting in the second chain from the hook and working into the bottom of the chain, make 1 half double crochet in the next stitch and 1 slip stitch in the next stitch across. Total: 84 stitches.

Rows 2–11: Chain 1, turn, and repeat half double crochet and slip stitch across.

Fasten off.

Finishing

Weave in the ends or include them in the fringe if they are located on the short edges. Block the scarf.

Fringe

Wrap yarn loosely around a 6.5-inch (16.5 cm) piece of cardboard 28 times. Cut along one edge to create 28 pieces measuring 13 inches (33 cm).

Using a crochet hook, attach two strands together through each corner stitch and tie them with an overhand knot near the edge. Add five additional fringe sections evenly between the corner tassels.

Repeat on the opposite side. The finished scarf should have seven tassels on each end. Trim if needed.

2. The Classic Ribbed Scarf

Ribbed crochet fabrics are always a great choice for scarves, and the yarn-over slip stitch creates a particularly beautiful texture. It provides excellent drape and a clean pattern of stacked V shapes.

This style is ideal for anyone who prefers a timeless, classic accessory.

Finished Measurements

The scarf measures approximately 62 inches (157 cm) long, excluding fringe, and 5.5 inches (14 cm) wide.

Materials

Approximately 436 yards (399 m) of worsted weight yarn, preferably wool, alpaca, or soft acrylic

US I 5.5 mm crochet hook or the size needed for gauge

Yarn needle

Two removable stitch markers (optional)

Yarn Used for the Example

We Crochet Brava, worsted weight, 100% premium acrylic, Hunter color, 2 skeins.

Gauge

14 stitches and 14.5 rows equal 4 inches (10 cm).

Notes

The scarf is worked flat in turned rows. Turning chains do not count as stitches. Stitch markers may be helpful for marking the first and last stitches of each row.

Special Stitch

Yarn-over slip stitch: Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, then pull the loop through all loops on the hook.

Yarn-over slip stitch through back loop: Work the same way, but insert the hook only through the back loop of the stitch.

Instructions

Scarf

Chain 221.

Row 1: Beginning with the second chain from the hook and working into the bottom of the chain, make one yarn-over slip stitch across. Total: 220 stitches.

Rows 2–20: Chain 1, turn, and work yarn-over slip stitch through the back loop across.

Fasten off.

Finishing

Weave in ends, block the scarf, and prepare the fringe.

Fringe

Wrap yarn around a 5.5-inch (14 cm) piece of cardboard 66 times and cut to create 66 pieces measuring 11 inches (28 cm).

Attach three strands together through each corner stitch. Add nine more fringe sections evenly between the corners.

Repeat on the opposite side. There should be eleven tassels on each end.

3. The Knotted Double Crochet Scarf

This variation of traditional double crochet creates a smooth fabric with beautiful drape. Unlike regular double crochet, it has smaller spaces between stitches, making it a warmer choice for windy weather.

Finished Measurements

The scarf measures approximately 72 inches (183 cm) long, excluding fringe, and 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) wide.

Materials

Approximately 400 yards (366 m) of bulky weight yarn, preferably wool, alpaca, or soft acrylic

US J 6.0 mm crochet hook or the size needed for gauge

Yarn needle

Two removable stitch markers (optional)

Yarn Used for the Example

We Crochet Swish, bulky weight, 100% fine superwash merino wool, Karma Heather color, 3 skeins.

Gauge

11 stitches and 10 rows equal 4 inches (10 cm).

Notes

The scarf is worked flat in turned rows. Turning chains do not count as stitches. Stitch markers can help maintain consistent stitch counts.

Special Stitch

Knotted Double Crochet: Yarn over, insert hook into the next stitch and pull up a loop. Pull that same loop through the first loop on the hook. Yarn over again and pull through both remaining loops.

Instructions

Scarf

Chain 201.

Row 1: Starting in the second chain from the hook and working into the bottom of the chain, make one knotted double crochet in each of the next 200 stitches.

Rows 2–16: Chain 1, turn, and work knotted double crochet across.

Fasten off.

Finishing

Weave in ends, block the scarf, and add fringe.

Fringe

Wrap yarn around a 6.5-inch (16.5 cm) piece of cardboard 54 times and cut to create 54 pieces measuring 13 inches (33 cm).

Attach three strands together through each corner stitch. Add seven additional fringe sections evenly between the corner tassels.

Repeat on the other side. Each end should have nine tassels. Trim the fringe evenly if necessary.