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Crochet the Contrast Layers Scarf : A Unique Pattern Blending Texture and Style

Level up your accessories with my latest crochet scarf design.  My pattern combines texture, colour, fun and functionality! Crocheted with two different yarn weights for a gorgeous drape, the Contrast Layers scarf is as practical as it is eye-catching.

The central “inner” scarf, features the trinity stitch and is worked in a self-striping #4 weight aran yarn, offering vibrant stripes that make every scarf unique. The chain fringe made from the same self-striping yarn gives a 3D affect and a touch of playfulness.

To bring the layered design together, a neutral shade in #3 weight DK yarn is used for the side and length extensions, creating a balanced and harmonious look.

Free to view on the blog below.  If you prefer to work offline, a PDF is available is my Etsy and Ravelry stores.

A scarf crocheted in bold and neutral colours is styled on a mannequin.  The same scarf is worn by a woman in the same style

Perfect for stash busting, I’ve included instructions to customize the width and length of your scarf to suit your style.  

If you need help, don’t forget you can reach out in the Facebook group. I’d love to know how you get on!

Whether you’re making it for yourself or as a gift, I think this will become one of your favourite projects.

Why you’ll Love to Crochet this Scarf

Beautiful Colour and Texture Combination: You’ll love the stunning texture and vibrant stripes created from the Trinity stitch. The neutral side extensions provide a lovely contrast and modern look to your scarf.
Customizable to Your Style: With instructions to extend the width and length, you can tailor this scarf to your personal preferences or gift recipient’s needs.
Perfect for Stash Busting: My pattern uses two different yarn weights, making it ideal for using up yarn from your stash while creating a stylish and cohesive design.

Level

Easy

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Supplies and Materials

Yarn Choices

I’ve chosen to combine two different weight yarns for this scarf pattern.  I wanted the ‘scarf within the scarf’ to be heavier which not only allows for a better drape over the shoulders but is warmer.

My #4 weight is Yarnsmiths Nirvana Aran.  I used this yarn in my Textured Trails Pocket Scarf and loved the definition of the stitches! 100% acrylic, it’s lovely and soft.

I had yarn left over from my hexagon sweater pattern and luckily enough, it didn’t take me long to find it in my stash!  I knew it would be perfect to offset the strong colours in the Yarnsmiths.  My #3 weight yarn is Cygnet Pato Baby DK.  This is also 100% acrylic.

Both yarns are machine washable.

Yarn Substitution

You can substitute both yarns although I would recommend keeping the weight the same.  However, because gauge isn’t critical, use whatever you have in your stash.

The weight of the yarn you choose will affect the size and drape of your scarf.  Keep this in mind when choosing what you’re going to use.

I would recommend machine washable yarns, purely because it makes life easier!  If you’re not going to be washing your scarf regularly then handwash might be an option for you.

To get the same effect, choose bold colours for the inner scarf and a neutral, lighter colour for the outer.  This colour palette will make the inner scarf and chain fringe really pop!

A scarf is styled on a mannequin with the same scarf styled the same on a woman

Gauge

Using a 5mm / H-8 hook

10cm X 10cm

Trinity Stitch – 18 stitches and 15 rows

Single Crochet – 16 stitches and 18 rows

As mentioned, gauge isn’t critical however, if your personal gauge is going to make a big difference to the size, you can adjust your stitch and row count with my converter.

Glossary

Stitches

You will need to know how to work these stitches:

  • Single Crochet (sc)
  • Single Crochet 3 Together (sc3tog)
  • Slip Stitch (sl st)

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

US Crochet TermsUK Crochet Terms
single crochet (sc)double crochet (dc)
half double crochet (hdc)half treble crochet (htr)
double crochet (dc)treble crochet (tr)
treble (tr)double treble (dtr)
double treble (dtr)triple treble (trtr)

How to work the Trinity Stitch

The Trinity stitch uses single crochet 3 together (sc3tog).  The rows begin with a single crochet and this stitch is used to work the first stitch of the sc3tog.  The following sc3tog across the row uses the previous stitch to work the sc3tog.  To keep the stitch count the same across the row, a chain one is completed after working the stitches together and counts as a stitch in the following row.  The exception to this is when the last sc3tog of any row is worked.  A single crochet is worked in the last stitch, even though this is the last sc3tog of the row.

Abbreviations

  • Chain (ch)
  • Each (ea)
  • Extending (ext)
  • Instructions (instr)
  • Opposite (opp)
  • Repeat (rep)
  • Right Side (RS)
  • Skip (sk)
  • Stitch/es (st/s)

Measurements

Inner scarf (Trinity stitch) without fringe measure approximately 42” long X 7.5” wide.

Total scarf measures approximately 68” long X 12” wide.

A woman is holding out a scarf to its full length

How the Crochet Scarf Pattern is Worked

The ‘inner’ scarf is worked in Trinity stitch.  I love the texture of this stitch and have also used it in my Callista Pocket Shawl.

A close up of the Trinity stitch worked in Yarnsmiths Nirvana yarn

The ‘outer’ scarf is worked in single crochet.

The scarf fringe is worked in chains.

A close up of a chain fringe on a scarf

The process image and information below give more in-depth details.

A diagram showing the process of crocheting the  Contrast Layers scarf
  1. The inner scarf is worked first in the Trinity stitch using self-striping yarn in bold colours.  The pattern works in rows from the bottom up.  This stitch gives a lovely star shape!
  2. Next, the sides of the scarf are extended in single crochet using a neutral colour.  Working into the beginning stitch of rows on one side and last stitch on the opposite side, chains are made and worked back to the side of the scarf.  Slip stitches (sl st) are made on the side of the scarf before working back up the ‘row.’  This technique is similar to adding ribbing to garments for hems and cuffs.
  3. The same yarn used to extend the sides is used to work extra rows of single crochet on the top and bottom of the scarf across the width to extend the length.  Yarn is rejoined and the scarf continues to be worked in rows for the full width.  The full width includes the Trinity stitch and the side extensions.
  4. Finally, a chain fringe is added to the inner scarf giving a fabulous 3D effect.

Customizing your Scarf

If you would like the total size of your scarf to be longer, repeat row 1 instructions from the extending length section across the width for both ends of the scarf. 

I wouldn’t recommend changing the width.  However, you can easily alter the inner scarf by adding an even number of chains to the starting chain (Trinity stitch).  Depending on how many chains you add, you will likely need to alter the number of stitches extending the width on each side so that it remains in proportion.

You can also alter the length of the inner scarf by repeating row 2 to the length of your preference.

If you change this pattern in any way, you will need more or less yarn than stated.

The back view of a scarf styled on a mannequin and on a woman

Pattern Notes

  • Multiples of 2 plus 1, add 1 for foundation chain (chain any even amount).
  • Chain one turning chain does not count as a stitch.
  • Chain one Trinity Stitch does count as a stitch.
  • Work the chain one of the Trinity Stitch loosely to make it easier to work the chain in the following row.
  • Do not create a chain 1 after the final single crochet 3 together at the end of a row.  Instead, work a single crochet in the last stitch of the row.
  • To help if you miscount the stitches when working the Trinity stitch, the 3rd single crochet is always worked in the chain from the previous row.
  • Yarn A = self striping; Yarn B = neutral
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The scarf pattern includes everything you need:

  • how to work the stitches
  • how the pattern is worked
  • pattern notes
  • clear written instructions

Scarf Instructions (US terms)

Inner Scarf

With a 5mm / H-8 hook and Yarn A

Ch38

Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc3tog (starting in sc just made), *ch1, sc3tog starting in st just made, * rep across to last ch, sc in same st as last sc3tog, ch1, turn

Row 2: sc in first st, sc3tog (starting in sc just made), *ch1, sc3tog starting in st just made, * rep across to last ch, sc in same st as last sc3tog, ch1, turn

Row 3 – 153: rep row 2

Row 154: rep row 2 with last pull through, change to Yarn B

DO NOT FASTEN OFF

Extending Width

Working with Yarn B

Ch11

Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in ea ch to scarf edge, sl st in next 2 sts of scarf edge, turn (10 sc)

Row 2: sc in ea st across, ch1, turn

Row 3: sc in ea st to scarf edge, sl st in next 2 sts on scarf edge, turn

Rep rows 2 and 3 for the length of the scarf

Fasten off

Rejoin yarn B on opp side of scarf edge and rep instr for ext the width

DO NOT FASTEN OFF

Extending Length

**Now working across width of scarf

Continue working with Yarn B

Row 1: ch1, sc across width, turn

Rep row 1 for a further 52 rows

Fasten off**

Rejoin yarn at the other end of scarf and rep above from ** to **

Chain Fringe

Choose which side of your scarf is the RS

**Using a 4mm / G-6 hook

Rejoin Yarn A on RS to the first st of the inner scarf (Trinity stitch pattern)

*Ch 30, sl st back into same st, sk 1 st, sc in next st, * rep across to the last st of the inner scarf

Fasten off**

Rejoin Yarn A at the other end of the inner scarf and rep above from ** to **

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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Short on time? Pin the image below to your favourite board.

Pinterest pin showing a scarf styled on a mannequin.  One image has the scarf looped around the neck, the other resting over the shoulders.  There is also a close up of the Trinity stitch

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