Granny Square Scarf: Easy Pattern Plan With Square Counts
A granny square scarf is one row of joined squares with a narrow border. Work out how many squares the length needs, pick a yarn that drapes, then join and edge the strip.
Tutorial at a glance
Materials
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Tape measure
- Blocking mat and pins (optional)
A granny square scarf is a single row of squares joined edge to edge, then tidied with a narrow border. The plan comes down to three numbers: the size of one square, the length wanted, and the number of squares that gets there. Twelve squares of about 5 in (12.5 cm) make a scarf roughly 60 in (152 cm) long and 5 in (12.5 cm) wide before the border, which is a comfortable everyday length for most adults.
How Many Squares for the Length
Divide the target length by the width of one finished square and round up.
| Square Size | About 60 in (152 cm) | About 70 in (178 cm) | Scarf Width |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 in (10 cm) | 15 squares | 18 squares, 72 in (183 cm) | 4 in (10 cm) |
| 5 in (12.5 cm) | 12 squares | 14 squares | 5 in (12.5 cm) |
| 6 in (15 cm) | 10 squares | 12 squares, 72 in (183 cm) | 6 in (15 cm) |
For a wider wrap, join two rows side by side: 4 in (10 cm) squares arranged 2 by 15 use 30 squares and measure about 8 by 60 in (20 by 152 cm). All of these figures are estimates that depend on yarn, hook and tension, so make one square and measure it flat before deciding on a count. The granny square size guide shows how to measure and adjust.
Yarn and Hook for a Scarf That Drapes
A scarf has to fold and wrap, so softness and drape matter more than stitch definition or durability.
- Weight: DK weight (3) makes a light, flexible scarf. Worsted weight (4) is warmer and thicker and works up faster.
- Fiber: wool and wool blends are warm and springy. Soft acrylic is light and easy to wash. Blends that include bamboo-type viscose or alpaca tend to hang fluidly. Stiff, tightly twisted cotton makes a scarf that holds its shape instead of draping.
- Hook: a hook toward the larger end of the range suggested on the yarn label opens the stitches. Try a US H-8 (5 mm) hook with DK yarn or a US J-10 (6 mm) hook with worsted.
Abbreviations (US Terms)
The pattern uses standard US crochet terms. US double crochet equals UK treble and US single crochet equals UK double crochet.
- ch = chain
- sl st = slip stitch
- sc = single crochet
- dc = double crochet
- sp = space
- rnd = round
- rep = repeat
- cluster = 3 dc worked into the same space
The Square (Make 12)
This is the classic cluster square worked to four rounds. The ch 3 at the start of each round counts as a dc.
- Start: Ch 4, sl st into the first ch to form a ring.
- Rnd 1: Ch 3, 2 dc into the ring, ch 2, [3 dc into the ring, ch 2] 3 times, sl st to the top of the ch-3.
- Rnd 2: Sl st in the next 2 dc and into the corner sp. (Ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the same sp, ch 1, [(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the next corner sp, ch 1] 3 times, sl st to the top of the ch-3.
- Rnd 3: Sl st in the next 2 dc and into the corner sp. (Ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the same sp, ch 1, 3 dc in the next ch-1 sp, ch 1, [(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the next corner sp, ch 1, 3 dc in the next ch-1 sp, ch 1] 3 times, sl st to the top of the ch-3.
- Rnd 4: Sl st in the next 2 dc and into the corner sp. (Ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the same sp, ch 1, [3 dc in the next ch-1 sp, ch 1] twice, *(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the next corner sp, ch 1, [3 dc in the next ch-1 sp, ch 1] twice; rep from * 2 more times, sl st to the top of the ch-3. Fasten off.
| Round | Clusters | Dc | Ch-2 Corner Sps | Ch-1 Sps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 12 | 4 | 0 |
| 2 | 8 | 24 | 4 | 4 |
| 3 | 12 | 36 | 4 | 8 |
| 4 | 16 | 48 | 4 | 12 |
Tip
Count the tails before choosing a color scheme. Every color in a square leaves 2 ends, so 12 squares in 3 colors each means 72 ends to secure. Using one color per square cuts that to 24.
Joining the Strip
Lay the squares in a row and shuffle the colors until no two neighbors match. Twelve squares in one row need 11 seams. Because both faces of a scarf show when it is worn, a flat, neat join is worth the extra care: a whip stitch through the back loops or a mattress seam lies flatter than a raised single crochet ridge. Each method is shown in how to join granny squares. To skip sewing altogether, the squares can be linked on their last round with the join as you go method.
Secure the ends before the border goes on. A scarf is pulled, knotted and washed, so each tail should change direction at least once inside the stitches; see how to weave in ends on granny squares.
A Simple Border
One round of sc pulls the long edges into a clean line and hides the small dips where squares meet.
- Join yarn with a sl st in any outer corner sp of the strip. Ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the same sp.
- Sc in each dc and in each ch-1 sp along the edge. At every seam, work 1 sc in the corner sp on each side of the seam.
- Work (sc, ch 2, sc) in each of the other 3 outer corner sps as they come up. Sl st to the first sc and fasten off.
The count for a single row of four-round squares is easy to check. Each square edge has 12 dc and 3 ch-1 sps, so 15 sc, plus 1 sc in the corner sp at each end, 17 in all. A long side of 12 squares therefore has 12 times 17, or 204 sc, and each short end has 17 sc. The whole round is 2 times 204 plus 2 times 17, which is 442 sc, with 4 ch-2 corners.
Watch out
A border worked too tightly makes the long edges pull in and the scarf curve. If the edge starts to pucker, pull out the round and rework it with a hook one size larger.
Finishing Touches
- Blocking: a light block evens out the squares and relaxes the fabric. Pin the scarf in sections if it is longer than the blocking surface.
- Care: follow the washing instructions on the yarn label.
Frequently asked questions
How many granny squares make a scarf?
Divide the length wanted by the width of one square. For a scarf of about 60 in (152 cm), that is 15 squares of 4 in, 12 squares of 5 in or 10 squares of 6 in.
How long should a granny square scarf be?
Around 60 in (152 cm) suits most adults for everyday wear, and about 70 in (178 cm) gives enough length to wrap twice. A common rule of thumb is a length close to the wearer's height.
What yarn works best for a granny square scarf?
A soft DK or worsted yarn with drape, such as a wool blend or soft acrylic, worked on a slightly larger hook. Stiff cotton makes a scarf that holds its shape instead of wrapping.
Does a granny square scarf need a border?
It is optional, but one round of single crochet straightens the long edges and hides the dips where squares meet. Work it loosely so the edges do not pull in.
