FREE PATTERN WITH VIDEO TUTORIAL
The idea for this pattern was a bit different at first. Yarns have some special way of talking to us and this wool Aran weight thread, was asking to become a classic shaped scarf and nothing else. Maybe because the print in this Scotia Scarf came out so easy and beautifully, that structure needed to stay simple.
So, it’s the basic long length scarf, which can be worn in different ways. Made of one seamless piece, which is practically completed while in the making. Resulting in fewer instructions for the row by row process and finishing steps as well.
My beloved tapestry crochet technique making its appearance once again. With back loop single crochet, but working it one way only, by fastening off at the end of each row. Turning this into another fun practice with another type of construction. Easy skill level still, because of the tartan repetitive drawing, simple to follow, once you have first rows done. Then, only few finishing steps, with no tapestry needle involved!
Including a special stitch, the back loop single crochet join (explained below), to begin every row. This gives a cleaner start and that “standing” look we need the first stitch to have, for a closer resemblance to the final stitch on the other end of every row.
SPECIAL STITCHES AND TECHNIQUES
Back loop single crochet: Single crochet, made in back loop of stitches from last round. Insert the hook in back loop of next stitch, yarn over, pull through the stitch, yarn over and pull through two loops on the hook.
Back loop single crochet join (Standing back loop single crochet): Used to add a new color in the beginning of a new row, to get a cleaner start. Make a slip ring over the hook, insert the hook in back loop of indicated stitch, yarn over, pull through the stitch, yarn over and pull through two loops on the hook.
Tapestry Crochet: In this technique, you crochet with one yarn while one or more threads are carried and wrapped in between the stitches. Colors are switched throughout rows/rounds to make a drawing. Depending on the project, you will make one or more foundation rows/rounds with one color only and then move on to the tapestry crochet portion of the project.
A nice way to combine three colors in one project, but by switching between two colors only, in every row, to keep it simple. If you’ve never used tapestry before, I suggest you watch the video below first, to have previous notions of carrying an additional yarn and making color changes. Giving it a little try beforehand, in a small sample, will allow you to move forward with a lot more ease once you start the scarf. PLEASE NOTE that this beginner video, shows tapestry with back loop single crochets, in the round. The Scotia Scarf is made in one way only so, beginning and end rounds will be different.
The Scotia Scarf video tutorial focuses on showing the steps for constructing the scarf and how to begin and finish every row, only working on the right side of the project. I also explain, with detail how to work with the tapestry portion, how to change colors and then repeat the sequence of stitches to create the plaid print. Also, a nice fast guide by the end, on how to block the scarf, which will make the shape flat and with the final drape we expect this kind of accessory to have.
If you want the formatted, ad free, 8 page PDF document (with written instructions, chart and more than 50 images in photo tutorials) of the Scotia Scarf this is available in my pattern stores (Ravelry, Etsy, Lovecrochet) for USD $2.50.
Aran weight works great for the final result, cozy, but not super heavy. With nice looking stitches and the chance to wear all year long, not only for the cold but to add a touch of classic style to your outfit. A practical make, where adding the fringes is already included in the crocheting process. And like I said before, no tapestry needle needed at all.
SUGGESTED MATERIALS
- 5 mm (H8) crochet hook
- 5.5 mm (I9) crochet hook
- One 100 gr/ 3.53 oz (148 m/ 162 yd) skein of Aran weight Omega Dolly (100% wool) yarn in BROWN (MC)
- One 100 gr/ 3.53 oz (148 m/ 162 yd) skein of Aran weight Omega Dolly (100% wool) yarn in AQUA GREEN (CC1)
- One 100 gr/ 3.53 oz (148 m/ 162 yd) skein of Aran weight Omega Dolly (100% wool) yarn in YELLOW (CC2)
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
FINISHED SIZE
- 5.7” x 63”/ 14.5 cm x 160 cm (before blocking, without fringes)
- 5.7” x 65”/ 14.5 cm x 165 cm (after blocking, without fringes)
GAUGE (5.5 mm crochet hook, back loop single crochet, with tapestry crochet, before blocking): 15 sts x 12 rows= 4”/ 10 cm
SKILL LEVEL
Easy: This design includes basic crochet stitches, an easy level tapestry crochet pattern, simple shaping and finishing techniques.
STITCH GUIDE
- R: row
- Ch: chain
- Sc: single crochet
- St(s): stitch(es)
- Bl: back loop
- Rep: repeat
- MC: main color
- CC: contrasting color
- RS: right side
- WS: wrong side
NOTES
- All the project is made in one way rows, by working on the RS only. Fasten off by the end of every row. By the end of every row, don’t turn the work.
- In the tapestry crochet portion of the project, begin every row with 1 bl sc join, with the indicated color and at the same time, carry and wrap the additional color, according to Scotia Chart or written instructions.
SCOTIA SCARF
Crocheted in one way only, from right to left, over the RS, fastening off by the end of every row and without turning the work. The project is started from one end of the scarf. With MC and 5 mm crochet hook, ch 241, by leaving a 4”/ 10 cm tail to begin.
R1 (RS): Starting in second ch from the hook, sc 240, don’t turn= 240 sts. Fasten off, leaving a 4”/ 10 cm tail.
R2: Change to 5.5 mm crochet hook. From this row on, start tapestry crochet part, by carrying and wrapping CC1, CC2 or MC, by leaving a 4”/ 10 cm tail at the beginning. Continue crocheting over 240 sts, by following Scotia Chart (below in this same post) or written instructions. Make necessary color changes to shape the drawing, by working with one yarn, while wrapping unused color in between the sts.
With MC bl sc join (by leaving a 4”/ 10 cm tail at the beginning) in first st of last row, bl sc 1, (with CC1 bl sc 1, with MC bl sc 2, with CC1 bl sc 2, with MC bl sc 1, with CC1 bl sc 2, with MC bl sc 2) rep ( ) 23 times, with CC1 bl sc 1, with MC bl sc 2, with CC1 bl sc 2, with MC bl sc 1, with CC1 bl sc 2, don’t turn= 240 sts. Fasten off CC1, by leaving a 4”/ 10 cm tail. Cut MC, by leaving a 4”/ 10 cm tail.
R3: Rep R2
R4: With CC1 bl sc join (by leaving a 4”/ 10 cm tail at the beginning) in first st of last row, bl sc 1, (with CC2 bl sc 1, with CC1 bl sc 2, with CC2 bl sc 2, with CC1 bl sc 1, with CC2 bl sc 2, with CC1 bl sc 2) rep ( ) 23 times, with CC2 bl sc 1, with CC1 bl sc 2, with CC2 bl sc 2, with CC1 bl sc 1, with CC2 bl sc 2, don’t turn= 240 sts. Fasten off CC2, by leaving a 4”/ 10 cm tail. Cut CC1, by leaving a 4”/ 10 cm tail.
R5-6: Rep R2
R7-8: Rep R4
R9: Rep R2
R10-11: Rep R4
R12-16: Rep R2-6
R17: Change to 5 mm crochet hook. With MC bl sc join (by leaving a 4”/ 10 cm tail at the beginning)
in first st of last row, bl sc 239= 240 sts. Fasten off, by leaving a 4”/ 10 cm tail.
FINISHING
FRINGES
Cut a 7.9”/ 20 cm strip of MC and with the hook, add a fringe by the beginning of R1 of the scarf, on the RS, taking care it has the same length as the rest of the fringes.
With a steamer, block the scarf and fringes, on the WS, by placing the iron just above the work, without touching the weave, allowing the steam to spread all over and molding with the hands to flatten the edges. Allow to dry.
Trim and even the tips of the fringes. Knot the fringes, on the RS, by taking every pair of yarns at the beginning and end of every row, to keep in place. Only yarns from R17, in MC, will be knotted individually.
And we’re done! Think of how many fun scarves you can make, by using many different tones.
I’m sure you’ll love it because of the versatility it brings to your wardrobe and that classic look of plaid that fits into any season. Try your very own color mixes and let me see through #scotiascarf hashtag or tag me as @chabepatterns on my Instagram.
All written instructions, chart and images in this pattern are protected by Copyright. This pattern is for personal use and not to be copied or reproduced, partially or totally, for any purpose. It may not be redistributed or shared anywhere, either online or offline. Finished items made from this pattern may be sold, in small quantity. But they cannot be promoted using the images contained in this pattern. Proper credit for the original design must be given to Chabepatterns and link back to this post and/or designer’s pattern shop.