Free rectangular scarf Pattern

Meet the crochet tartan scarf pattern, a rectangular scarf with a beautiful checkered pattern. I have always wanted to design something unique using the plaid pattern. When the thought of creating a scarf came, I was so excited and in no time, the “Tartan scarf” came about.

This scarf is one of my favorites, the color choice for this is endless and I am super excited to see the colors you all would come up with while making your own version of this crochet scarf.

Name Inspiration for this free crochet tartan scarf pattern

Going by the plaid nature added to this design, I have named this scarf the “Tartan crochet scarf.” For those familiar with my struggles coming up with names, this pattern is actually quite easy to name. Sometimes, when the design speaks to me, it’s a pleasant surprise and the name just comes about just like that. So friends, meet the “Tartan crochet scarf”

Since you love this scarf, why not check out the following scarfs/wraps/shawls on my blog?

1. One skein crochet scarf pattern
2. Pretty in Purple crochet shawl pattern
3. Reversible crochet shawl pattern

By the time you are finished with your scarf, you would have mastered the following:

1. A new stitch -the dc cluster stitch (also known as cluster V st)
2. A new technique is the intarsia crochet technique.

Material lists for this crochet scarf pattern

Yarn – This easy crochet scarf is one that can be made using any weight of yarn at your disposal. The only and significant thing to bear in mind when making your own version of this tartan crochet scarf however is that the estimated measurements provided in the pattern would be different when you use any other weight of yarn.

The prototype was made using a DK, #3 weight yarn. You are welcome to use any type of yarn available to you.

Think of going stash busting with this pattern! The only important thing to note is that a similar weight of yarn is advised for a perfect result.

West Yorkshire Spinners, ColourLab DK (Double Knit; 225m per 100g ball; 100% Acrylic)

The tartan scarf in the sample is made using 4 colors

1 (1, 1) ball in Thistle Purple 717 (A)

2 (3, 4) balls in Silver Grey 137 (B)

1(1, 1) ball in Very Berry 539 (C)

1 (1, 1) ball in Cerise Pink 647 (D)

Estimated yardage

A = 150 (200, 240) yards

B = 400 (600, 800) yards

C = 150 (200, 240) yards

D = 150 (200, 240) yards

Hook and other Materials

5.5 mm Crochet Hook or any hook you are convenient working with.

Gauge

5 cluster V stitch x 8 rows = 4”/10cm measured over tr

Note – Gauge isn’t important for this project.

Your starting chain should be the finished length of the scarf

Pattern Notes

1. Please kindly read through the pattern before starting.
2. Any #3 weight of yarns can be substituted.
3. Beginning ch 3 counts as dc in the pattern

Difficulty Level – Intermediate

Terms – US Terminology

Stitch Abbreviations

Chain(s) – ch(s)

Double crochet – dc

Cluster V st = cl-V

Special Stitches

Cluster V stitch – yarn over, insert hook into indicated st, yarn over, pull, yarn over, draw through 2 Loops, yarn over, insert hook into the same st, yarn over, pull, yarn over, draw through 2 Loops, yarn over, pull through 3 loops, ch 1, yarn over, insert hook into the same st, yarn over, pull, yarn over, draw through 2 Loops, yarn over, insert hook into the same st, yarn over, pull, yarn over, draw through 2 loops, yarn over, draw through 3 loops.

Finished Measurement

S (M, L) = 9 (12, 12)” width by 44 (63, 73)” length.

Pattern Tips

1. For a smooth color change – Yarn over, insert hook into next st, Yarn over, and pull through chain. You should have 3 loops on the hook, wrap the yarn around the hook and pull through the first 2 loops, drop the color you are using and pick up the next color, Yarn over and draw through 2 loops on the hook

Fasten off each color properly. Have a look at this easy tutorial on how to change colors seamlessly.

2. The length of this scarf can be varied (done by reducing or increasing the number of repeats while using B (in section 2).

3. The width can also be varied by increasing or decreasing the numbers of starting chains, note that it must be in a multiple of 3.

4. To increase/decrease the length of this scarf, simply increase/decrease the middle part by repeating till your desired length.

5. Unless otherwise stated turning chains counts as a stitch.

If you want the whole pattern with stepwise pictures, you can get the Ad-free PDF copy using the link below.

Tartan crochet scarf on Ravelry

Pattern instructions for the crochet tartan scarf

Section 1

With A chain 42 (54, 54)

Row 1: Starting in 3rd ch from hook, dc in each ch across. Turn. 40 (52, 52) sts

Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as a stitch here and throughout), *skip next 2 sts, [cl-V in next st], rep from * to last 3 sts, skip next 2 sts, dc in last. Turn. 12 (16, 16) Cluster V stitch

Row 3: Ch 3, cl-V in each ch 1-sp across, dc in last st. Turn.

12 (16, 16) Cluster V stitch

Fasten off A, join B

Rows 4 – 5: With B, rep Row 3

Fasten off B, join A

Rows 6 – 7: With A, rep Row 3

Repeat last Rows 4 – 7 five (six, six) more times.

Want progress pictures? Get the PDF version!

Section 2 of the tartan crochet scarf pattern

Crocheting with B

Next 40 (68, 88) rows, with B, rep Row 3.

Change to C, fasten off B.

Section 3

• This part is worked using the intarsia technique.
• Use a separate ball of yarn for each block of color.
• You will need 2 balls pf each color C and D.

Row 1: With C, ch 3, *[cl-V in next ch 1 sp] 3 (4, 4) times, change to D, [cl-V in next ch 1 sp] 3 (4, 4) times**, change to C, rep from * to ** once more, dc in last st (top of beginning ch 3). Turn. 12 (16, 16) Cluster V stitch

Rows 2 – 8 (10, 10): Repeat Row 1

Row 9 (11, 11): With D, ch 3, *[cl-V in next ch 1 sp], 3 (4, 4) times, change to C, [cl-V in next ch 1 sp] 3 (4, 4) times**, change to D, rep from * to ** once more, dc last st (top of beginning ch 3). Turn. 12 (16, 16) Cluster V stitch

Rows 9 (11, 11): Rep Row 2

Row 10 (12, 12) – 16 (20, 20): Rep Row 9 (11, 11)

Rep Rows 1 – 8 (10, 10) once more.

Fasten off.

Finishing: Weave in ends and block to dimensions given.

Optional – Add fringes to the short ends.

Style and use your checkered crochet scarf with pride!!

Frequently asked questions about this pattern – Easy crochet scarf pattern

1. Can I substitute any other type of yarn with the same weight? YES, I have only used ColourLab as that is the yarn available to me. You are welcome to use any other brand of yarn at your disposal.
2. Can I use another weight of yarn? It is not advisable to use another weight of yarn as this scarf’s measurements, and the gauge was based on #3 (DK) weight yarn and also tested using a similar weight. However, for the experienced crocheters, you might want to measure as you crochet. Do bear in mind that if you use any other weight of yarn, you might need to adjust your starting chains and the number of repeats.
3. I have never made a plaid scarf, how easy is this pattern? This is my very first plaid scarf design but I can assure you, it won’t be my last as I enjoyed every bit of the designing process and I am confident you can make yours also. I have also provided information on how to customize your own scarf so that it fits your personality.
4. Can I use more colors than suggested in the pattern? Sure, you are welcome to make your own versions of this scarf in colors of your choice. No matter the color(s) you decide on using, this scarf would come out so beautiful.
5. How long does it take to crochet this? In as much as we all crochet at different speeds, I would suggest to budget between 5 days to 1 week. The time it would take you to complete your skirt depends on so many things like – the size you are making, the speed at which you crochet, and the amount of time at your disposal.

I can’t wait to see your own version of this crochet tartan scarf made from the free pattern.