Crochet the Sierra Nevada Scarf:  A Free Pattern for a Textured, Chunky Scarf

Designed with chunky yarn, my latest crochet scarf has a lovely texture yet it’s easy to make.  With a simple one-row repeat and an easy-to-add chain fringe, my pattern can be customized for any age or style—whether you’re creating it for men, women, or children.  The unisex stitch pattern, combined with the option to tweak the length, ensures many possibilities for personalization.

Worked lengthways, the Sierra Nevada scarf is a satisfying and speedy project with just 11 rows! making it perfect for last-minute gifting or treating yourself to something cozy and stylish. 

Wrap it, knot it, or drape it—this is an accessory that’s as versatile as it is practical.

Find the free pattern below or if you prefer to work from a PDF, you’ll find this design in my Etsy and Ravelry stores.

What do you think of the texture of this chunky crochet scarf pattern?  Will you make different sizes for members of your family?  I’d love to see your colour choices too!  Come and share in the Facebook group.

Why you’ll Love to Crochet this Chunky Scarf

Level

Beginner Friendly / Easy (no shaping, one-row repeat)

Supplies and Materials

• Chunky Yarn: 330 yds / 300 meters
• 6mm / J-10 Crochet Hook
• Scissors
• Yarn Needle

Yarn Choices

I used Woolcraft New Fashion Chunky from my stash for this fringed scarf.  I’ve had this yarn for years buried at the bottom of a tub and the colour caught my eye – it’s perfect for my recipient!   

This budget yarn is still available and at a reasonable price.

It is machine washable and softens up lovely after washing.

Yarn Substitutions

You can use any chunky yarn for this project and because the scarf pattern only uses 330 yards, you might want to consider a hand-dyed or more luxurious yarn. 

If you don’t have chunky yarn, two strands of light worsted weight yarn held together will work.  Two strands of Aran weight yarn will work up from chunky to super chunky.  If you would like to keep the measurements of the pattern the same, you can easily adjust your stitches using the stitch gauge converter.

Whichever yarn you choose to use, I would recommend checking the care instructions.  If you don’t want to handwash, you’re better off staying with an acrylic or blended fibre yarn.

Gauge

Using a 6mm / J-10 hook and crossed half double crochet stitches

13 stitches and 9 rows =  10cm X 10cm

Gauge isn’t critical for this project but you will need to maintain your tension.  This stitch pattern will wave or curl if you don’t have even tension.

Glossary

You will need to know how to work these stitches:

• Single Crochet (sc)
• Half Double Crochet (hdc)
• Crossed Half Double Crochet Back Loop Only (Xhdc blo)
• Slip Stitch (sl st)

For my UK crocheters, the table below is a conversion of basic crochet stitches from US to UK.

Abbreviations

These common abbreviations are used in this pattern:

• Chain (ch)
• Each (ea)
• Opposite (opp)
• Repeat (rep)
• Right Side (RS)
• Skip (sk)
• Stitch (st)

Measurements

The scarf without the fringe measures approximately 86 inches long X 6 inches wide.

The chain fringe measures approximately 6 inches long.

How the Chunky Scarf is Worked

This long scarf is worked lengthways which means the foundation chain is the length and the rows are the width.  There are 11 rows in total.

I’ve used half double crochet (hdc), crossed half double back loop only (Xhdc blo) and single (sc) crochet stitches in this pattern.

The first and last row are hdc with the rows in-between worked in Xhdc blo.  The first and last stitch of all rows are worked in hdc. This gives a neat edge to the width and length which means there is no need to work an edging around the scarf.

The fringe uses chains, slip stitches and single crochet along the width.

Customizing your Scarf

• You can make your scarf wider by adding more repeats of row 2 of the pattern.
• I wouldn’t recommend extending the length for an adult but you can extend by adding multiples of 2 to your starting chain.
• You can leave off the chain fringe and replace with tassels or pompoms.  Whatever is your preference.
• To fit a child, you can make this scarf pattern shorter in length by starting with a shorter foundation chain.  Subtract stitches in multiples of 2. 
• For standard measurements recommended for children and adults and how to adapt sizes to suit different heights, use the information below.  Download a copy and save it for future reference.

Download for free your scarf size chart for children and adults.

Print it out and keep it handy/add it to your crochet journal.

A5 Free Scarf Size Chart

A4 Free Scarf Size Chart

Related Scarf Patterns

Looking for inspiration?  Have a browse of the roundup patterns below.

Pattern Notes

• Instructions are written in US terms.
• Chain one does not count as a stitch.
• Do not fasten off once you have crocheted the last row.  The scarf is turned to work the chain fringe along the width.
• Weave in ends as you go.
• Blocking will even out the stitches.

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Scarf Instructions US Crochet Terms

With a 6mm / J-10 crochet hook

Ch 221

Row 1 (RS): hdc in 2^nd ch from hook, hdc in ea ch across, ch1, turn

Row 2: hdc in 1^st st, xhdc blo in ea st to last st, hdc in last st, ch1, turn

Row 3 – 10: rep row 2

Row 11: hdc in 1^st st, hdc in ea st across, turn

DO NOT FASTEN OFF

Chain Fringe

*ch 40, sl st back into same st on scarf edge, sk 1 st, sc in next st, *rep across width

Fasten off

Rejoin yarn on RS at width edge on opp end of scarf and rep instructions

Fasten off

Congratulations! your scarf is ready to be blocked and worn.

Copyright Notice

The pattern and photographs of this design are the property of Sharon Goodwin at Jera’s Jamboree.  This pattern and design are subject to copyright and are for personal, non-commercial use only.  You may not share, resell, alter or redistribute this pattern in part or in whole. You may, however, sell any finished items you make.  If you would like to include this pattern in a roundup, you may take one photo and link back to this pattern.

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