How to Crochet a Moss Stitch Scarf for Beginners

Hi guys! I have tons of ideas and posts that I want to share, but when I sit in front of the computer screen, my mind goes blank. Today, I am moving past this mental block, and sharing an easy crochet scarf pattern. This scarf uses the moss stitch (a combination of the single crochet and chain stitch) to create simple texture and blocks of colour. Whether you are a beginner crocheter, or just looking for a fun and relaxing project, I hope you enjoy this “In the Book Stacks” scarf pattern.

You can find the free pattern below; just keep scrolling down.

Why the Moss Stitch?

Some of you know that I love the moss stitch. I am definitely not alone in this because 90% of crocheters who try the moss stitch, fall in love with it. It is one of those stitches that you never forget how to crochet. Not only is this stitch easy to work, but it’s also pretty. The simplicity of this stitch allows colours to shine, so this is great for variegated, marled, and solid coloured yarn.

Whenever I am feeling anxious (which is often), I gravitate to this stitch. It’s familiar, comforting, and everything you make with it, becomes a masterpiece. If you are new to the moss stitch, I think it will quickly become one of your favourite stitches, once you get the hang of it.

Yarn Choice and Inspiration

I don’t know about you, but when I find a colour combination that I love, I want to make everything with it. So after I finished the Disco Queen Blanket, I had 4 partial skeins of Lion Brand Heartland remaining (one in each colour: Yosemite, Badlands, Grand Canyon, and Joshua Tree). I decided to make a scarf because it was a win-win situation: I could use up the partial skeins of yarn, and make something in this beautiful colour combination.

The great thing about this scarf pattern is that it is versatile. This means that you can use ANY yarn brand or weight to make this scarf. The original pattern uses Lion Brand Heartland (a category Worsted/Aran Weight 4 yarn) and a 5.5mm crochet hook to create a nice drape. However, if you choose to use a different brand or weight, you may need to adjust your hook size to suit the yarn. Experiment with different hook sizes, until you find one that gives you the drape and stitch look that you want.

What Can You Do With this Scarf?

You can make this scarf for yourself, friends, family and loved ones, or for charity. My favourite place to donate scarves are to the shelters (homeless shelters or domestic abuse shelters). This scarf would also make a great item to sell in your Etsy Shops or at craft markets.

Other Crochet Scarf Patterns You’ll Love:

• Cloud 9 Infinity Scarf
• Witching Hour Shawl
• Knit-Like Cowl and Infinity Scarf
• Vintage Jean Tube Scarf

Pin this Scarf Pattern for Later – Here!

Pinning this pattern really makes a difference because it helps the pattern get seen by other crocheters. Thank you for taking the time to pin this pattern!

Purchase an Ad-Free Printable PDF – HERE!

The Ad-Free printable PDF includes the complete written pattern, step-by-step pictures, a colour changing tutorial, and a crochet chart/diagram. There are 2 PDFs included at purchase (one with pictures, and one without pictures, for easy printing).

Materials: 

• 5.5 mm crochet hook 
• Scissors 
• Yarn Needle
• Steamer / Spray Bottle / Iron (with Steam setting) 
• Straight Pins 
• Blocking Mat / Carpet / Foam
• Lion Brand Heartland, Weight 4 Medium (100% Acrylic, 251 yd / 230 m, 142 g / 5 oz) – Colours: Grand Canyon (A), Joshua Tree (B), Badlands (C), Yosemite (D) 

Yardage/Number of Skeins:

Used Less than 1 Skein of each Colour.

• Colour A: Grand Canyon (Approx. 40 yds)
• Colour B: Joshua Tree (Approx. 140 yds)
• Colour C: Badlands (Approx. 180 yds)
• Colour D: Yosemite (Approx. 40 yds)

Alternative Yarn Options:

Lion Brand Heartland is a regular worsted/aran weight yarn that is on the thinner end of the spectrum. It has a bit of a sheen to it, and each colour is mixed with similar tones and shades to give it a twisted heathered look. You can use any worsted/aran weight yarn for this project, but here are a few alternative yarn options that are similar in weight, to get you thinking:

• Lion Brand Wool Ease Weight 4 Medium (80% Acrylic, 20% Wool, 197 yd / 180 m, 85 g / 3 oz)
• Lion Brand Skein Tones Weight 4 Medium (100% Acrylic, 185 yd / 170 m, 100 g / 3.5 oz)
• Yarn Bee Soft and Sleek, Weight 4 Medium (100% Acrylic, 232 yd / 212 m, 142 g / 5 oz
• Lion Brand Basic Stitch Weight 4 Medium (100% Acrylic, 185 yd / 170 m, 100 g / 3.5 oz)

Abbreviations:

• St(s) – stitch(es)
• Sp – space
• Sk – skip
• Ch – chain
• Sc – single crochet
• [ ] – repeat instructions inside brackets
• Rs – right side
• Ws – wrong side
• YO – yarn over

Gauge: Approximately 9 stitches x 14 rows in 4″ x 4″

If your gauge is too small, try using a thicker weight 4 yarn or a larger crochet hook. If your gauge is too big, try using a thinner weight 4 yarn or a smaller crochet hook.

Pattern Measurements:    

• Length: 68″
• Width: 6.25″

Customizing the Size of your Scarf:

Length: To make your scarf longer or shorter, continue to repeat Row 2, until satisfied with the length of your scarf. You may need to adjust the colour changes to suit your new length! 

Width:  If you prefer to make your scarf wider, chain an even number until satisfied with the width of your scarf. Remember that the width will shrink after working the first row (the Moss Stitch always causes a chain to shrink); so if you are not happy with the width once you finish the first row, unravel your work and start again.

Changing Colour Tutorial

In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to change colour and minimize the number of ends to weave in!

First Colour Change: Before completing the final YO of the last sc of the row (there should be 2 loops remaining on the hook): 

• Drop the current colour (Yellow) – do not cut this strand because it is needed later.
• Pick up the new colour with the hook (Pink) – to make the join more secure, make a slip knot with the new colour and place it on the hook. 
• Pull the new colour through the remaining 2 loops on the hook to close the sc. You have changed colour! 

Second Colour Change: Continue crocheting with the new colour, until instructed to change colour. Before completing the final YO of the last sc of the row (there should be 2 loops remaining on the hook):  

• Drop the current colour (Pink) – do not cut this strand if it is needed later.
• Pick up the old colour with the hook (Yellow) – this strand should still be attached to the scarf. This creates less ends to weave in. 
• Pull the new colour through the remaining 2 loops on the hook to close the sc. You have changed colour! 

Note: Repeat this changing colour method throughout the scarf. When a colour is no longer needed (ex. After Row 19, Colour A is no longer needed), leave a 5” tail for weaving in ends, and cut the strand. 

Pattern: 

Notes: 

1. Odd numbered rows are considered the Rs and even numbered rows are the Ws.
2. After Row 1, each st is worked into a ch-1 sp. 
3. To change colours, complete the final yo of the last st of each row with the new colour. Pattern is written with the assumption that the last st before a colour change will be worked this way. There is a changing colour tutorial above.
4. Yarn is not carried throughout this pattern. After joining the new colour, drop the old colour. If you need it for future rows, leave it attached, and pick it up for these rows. If you no longer need the colour, leave a tail, and cut the strand. See the colour changing tutorial above.
5. The pink coloured yarn does not mark a colour change. Instead, it is used to highlight the stitch placement. 

Ch 32 (or see note on customizing width above)

Row 1 (Rs): With Colour A, sc in fourth ch from hook (3 skipped chs count as a sc and ch 1), [ch 1, sk 1 ch, sc in next ch] to end of row. Turn. <15 sc +  14 ch-1 sp>

Row 2 (WS): Continuing with Colour A, ch 2, sc in first ch-1 sp, [ch 1, sk 1 st, sc in next ch-1 sp] to end of row.  The last sc should be in the beginning ch-2 of the previous row. Turn <15 sc + 14 ch-1 sp>

Rows 3 – 209: Repeat Row 2, while following the colour changes below. 

Fasten off and weave in ends!

Blocking your Scarf:

Blocking your work is optional, but it is a great way to give your creations a polished look. If you have never blocked your work before, or you are unsure of what it means to “block” something, let’s dive in. Blocking your work is done by wetting or steaming your crochet piece, which allows the stitches to relax, stretch out, and lie flat.

When Should You Block Your Work?

• If your stitches or edges are uneven, and you want a straighter look.
• If you want to improve the drape of your scarf.
• Blocking should be done at the end of a project.

Pin and Steam Method (My Preferred Method): Lay your piece flat or vertically (depending on how your steamer works) and move the steamer/iron over your work. Make sure that the steamer/iron is at least 2 inches away from your work. Pull on your piece to straighten it out, and let it dry. 

Pin and Spray Method: If you don’t have a steamer or iron, you can use straight pins to stretch and straighten out your work, before lightly spraying it with water. Allow the piece to dry overnight or wait 24 hours before unpinning it.

Questions?

If you have any questions about the In the Book Stacks Scarf pattern, please reach out to me. I am happy to help! Simply comment below, or send me an e-mail through my contact page.

End Notes:  

Check out some more fun and budget-friendly crochet patterns on the blog.

Disclaimer: You are welcome to sell items that you’ve made from this pattern; however, you are not allowed to use my pictures or sell my pattern as your own (Copyright @ ThisPixieCreates).

This wraps up Day 21 of the 365 Day Challenge. I hope you enjoy making your In the Book Stacks Scarf as much as I did! Please tag me on Instagram @thispixiecreates, or on Facebook because I would love to see how your blankets turn out. Have a wonderful day, and happy crocheting!

Read and explore more topics in the 365 Day Blog Post Challenge here.

Love, Dayna