Evergreen Mini Scarf - Free Crochet Pattern (2024)

This post may contain affiliate links.

This free mini scarf crochet pattern is perfect for beginners! You’ll love its modern knit-like texture and polished i-cord edging.

Project Inspiration

This modern mini scarf is the type of pattern you’ll reach for over and over! It’s the perfect quick project for ambitious beginners – and a great way to practice some interesting crochet techniques!

Versatile.Its smaller size makes it perfect for transitional weather – think breezy spring days or brisk fall walks. It’s also great for travel or adding a pop of color to your everyday wardrobe.

Knit-like Texture.I love finding ways to recreate knitted textures like ribbing and i-cord – all with my crochet hook! In this scarf, I used a simple crochet stitch pattern to achieve that modern knit-look texture.

Polished Look.The attached I-cord edging elevates the scarf with a professional-looking finish.

Styling your Scarf

You can wear this mini scarf in so many ways! Here are some of my favorite styling ideas:

• Wrap it around your neck once for a laidback look, or twice to bundle up for warmth.
• Roll it up into a headband to keep your hair back, or add a pop of color.
• Tie it onto your tote bag with a playful bow.
• Give it as a gift to a friend—handmade items make the best presents!

Prefer the PDF version?

Grab the ad-free, printable PDF pattern. Download and print at home, or view on your computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Buy the Pattern

Add on Ravelry

Construction Overview

I designed this pattern to be beginner-friendly but still interesting to stitch up. So, while the results look super pro, the process is surprisingly simple.

1. First, we’ll crochet the body of the scarf using half-double crochet stitches worked in the back loops only.
2. We’ll work from tip to tip — increasing to make the scarf wider, working a few rows straight, and then decreasing to make the scarf thinner.
3. Then, once the body of the scarf is complete, we’ll add the i-cord around the edges.

Two Options to Choose From

One thing I love about this pattern is you can choose between two different style options:

• Option 1 is a shorter scarf that wraps around your neck once.
• Option 2 is a longer scarf that wraps around your neck twice before tying.

Each option is written for six sizes, from Adult XS to Adult 3X.

Choosing Yarn for this Pattern

For this project, choose a DK-weight yarn with next-to-skin softness. I recommend a yarn with good stitch definition to really highlight the knit-like texture of the scarf.

For my sample scarves, I used Swish DK yarn in the colors Forest Heather (green) and Marine Heather (dark teal).

Feel free to play with stripes, ombre yarn, or scraps from your stash for your scarf. This mini-scarf is a great way to use up single skeins and other leftover yarn.

Other Supplies You’ll Need

• Crochet Hook:A US size G (4mm) crochet hook is recommended. But, always make a swatch to check your gauge!
• Yarn Needle:For weaving in those ends.
• Scissors:An essential for any yarn project!
• Knitting Needle:To hold the stitches while you crochet the I-cord edging.

Skills You’ll Learn

Ready to try some new techniques? This project will teach you:

• Half Double Crochet in the Back Loop Only (HDC-BLO): This stitch pattern creates a fabric that looks remarkably like knitting.
• Attached I-Cord Edging: A method for adding a small, tubular cord directly onto the edge of the scarf.

Pattern Details

Designer

Sarah Stearns

Project Level

Easy

Sizes

S (M, L, XL, 2X, 3X)

To fit circumference at base of neck: 14 (15, 16, 17, 18, 19”)/ 36 (38, 41, 43, 46, 48cm)

For a looser fit, size up.

Finished Measurements

Option 1: Wraps around the neck once, with extra length to tie.

3.5” wide, 30 (32, 34, 36, 38, 40”) / 76 (81, 86, 91, 97, 102cm) long

Option 2: Wraps around the neck twice, with extra length to tie.

3.5” wide, 40 (42, 44, 46, 48, 50”) / 102 (107, 112, 117, 122, 127cm) long

Yarn Requirements

Size 3 DK weight

Option 1: 80 (90, 95, 105, 115, 120) yds / 73 (82, 87, 96, 105, 110) m

Option 2: 120 (130, 135, 145, 155, 160) yds / 110 (119, 123, 133, 142, 146) m

Suggested Yarn

Knit Picks Swish DK

100% Fine Superwash Merino Wool

123 yds (112 m) / 1.75 oz (50 g)

Option 1: 1 (1, 1, 1, 1, 1) skeins Forest Heather

Option 2: 1 (2, 2, 2, 2, 2) skeins Forest Heather

Suggested Hook

US G-6 (4.0mm)

Notions

• tapestry needle
• US 6 (4.0mm) knitting needle, short DPN preferred

Gauge

18 sts and 11 rows = 4 in/10 cm using US G-6 (4.0mm) hook

Measured over hdc-blo stitch pattern, after blocking.

Pattern Notes

• Turning ch-2 does not count as a stitch
• Adjust the length by adding/subtracting rows in the middle section.

Abbreviations

• blo: back loop only
• ch: chain
• hdc: half double crochet
• st(s): stitch(es)

Special Stitches

• half double crochet back loops only two together (hdc-blo-2tog): (yarn over, insert hook in back loop of next stitch, pull up a loop) twice, yarn over and pull through all 4 loops on the hook. One stitch decreased.
• half double crochet decrease (hdc-dec): (yarn over, insert hook in next stitch, pull up a loop) twice, yarn over and pull through all 4 loops on the hook. One stitch decreased.

Prefer the PDF version?

Grab the ad-free, printable PDF pattern. Download and print at home, or view on your computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Buy the Pattern

Add on Ravelry

Pattern Instructions

Increase Section

Row 1: Ch 3(does not count as st), 1 hdc in 3rd chain from the hook, turn. (1 st)

Row 2: Ch 2 (see Pattern Notes), 2 hdc in first st, turn. (2 sts)

Row 3-4: Ch 2, hdc-blo in first st, hdc in lastst, turn. (2 sts)

Row 5: Ch 2, 2 hdc-blo in first st, 1 hdc in next st, turn. (3 sts)

Row 6-7: Ch 2, hdc-blo in first st, hdc-blo in next st, hdc in last st, turn. (3 sts)

Row 8: Ch 2, 2 hdc-blo in first st, hdc-blo in next st, hdc in last st, turn. (4 sts)

Row 9-10: Ch 2, hdc-blo in each st across until last st, hdc in last st, turn. (4 sts)

Row 11: Ch 2, 2 hdc-blo in first st, hdc-blo in each st across until last st, hdc in last st, turn. (5 sts)

Repeat Rows 9-11 nine more times, for a total of 38 rows.

Middle Section

Row 1: Ch 2, hdc-blo in each st across until last st, hdc in last st, turn. (14 sts)

Option 1: Repeat Row 1 for a total of [5, 11, 16, 22, 27, 33] rows.

Option 2: Repeat Row 1 for a total of [33, 38, 44, 49, 55, 60] rows

Decrease Section

Row 1: Ch 2, hdc-blo-2tog across first two sts, hdc-blo in each stacross until last st, hdc in last st, Turn. (13 sts)

Row 2-3: Ch 2, 1 hdc-blo in each st across until last st, hdc in last st, Turn. (13 sts)

Repeat Rows 1-3 until you have 2 sts remaining, then repeat Rows 2-3 once.

Row 37: Ch 2, hdc-dec across remaining sts, Turn. (1sts)

Row 38: Ch 2, hdc. Do not turn.

I-Cord Edging

Setup: Ch 3. Insert hook into 2nd ch from hook, yarn over and draw up a loop, insert hook into next ch, yarn over and draw up a loop. (3 loops on hook).

Row 1: Transfer first 2 loops from hook onto a US 6 (4.0mm) knitting needle. (1 loop left on hook.) Yarn over and pull up a loop. Transfer next loop from needle to hook, yarn over and pull up a loop. Transfer last loop from needle to hook, insert hook under a loop on the scarf edge, yarn over and pull through both the scarf edge and the loop on the hook.

Repeat along both sides of the scarf. I recommend crocheting 3 I-cord rows per every 2 hdc rows. At each end of the scarf, crochet 5 I-cord stitches in the same stitch to “turn the corner”.

Seaming the Ends

Join the 3 live loops from the last row of i-cord to the three stitches in the first row of i-cord to finish the edge.

Setup: Transfer the 3 live loops of the i-cord to the knitting needle. Cut yarn, leaving an 8” tail. Thread tapestry needle with yarn tail.

Duplicate Stitch

1. Insert needle from back to front through the right-most loop on the needle.
2. Insert the needle from right to left behind the 2 legs of the right-most stitch in the first row of i-cord.
3. Insert needle from front to back through the right-most loop on the knitting needle. Pull to tighten.

Repeat steps with middle loop, and left-most loop.

Finishing

Use tip of tapestry needle to adjust the tension of the seaming stitches to match the rest of the I-cord. Weave in ends.

Tips for Success

Here are some tips to get a great result.

1. Practice makes perfect.New to HDC-BLO? Take some time to practice before starting your scarf.
2. Check Your Tension:Make a quick swatch and measure your gauge. That way, you can be confident your scarf will turn out the correct size.
3. Be Patient with the I-Cord:The attached I-cord edging can be a bit fiddly. It might feel awkward at first, but you’ll get the hang of it with practice.
4. Block Your Scarf:Blocking is the final step, and it’s an important one! Blocking will even out your stitches, improve the drape, and give your scarf a finished look.

More Crochet Patterns to Try

• How to Crochet a Scarf for Beginners – Free Pattern
• 30+ Free Crochet Cowl Patterns To Keep You Warm
• 45 Free Easy Crochet Scarf Patterns for Beginners

What’s Next?

Pin this post: Save this tutorial to your Pinterest boards so that you can come back to it later.

Leave a comment: We love to hear your feedback. Tell me in the comments below!

Share on Instagram or Facebook: When you make this project, share it on social media and tag me @sarahmaker_. We love to see what you make!

Have questions? Join the Facebook Group!

We hope this article was useful for you! If you have any additional questions, feel free to join myFacebook Group. We created this group for you to share pictures, ask questions, and help each other out.