France vs Spain Scarf

A Beginner Single Crochet Scarf

Celebrate the big match with a reversible-style rectangular scarf featuring the France flag (blue • white • red) on one end and the Spain flag (red • yellow • red) on the other, joined through a shared red-and-white center. Worked entirely in single crochet, this is a perfect first color-change project.

Skill Level

Beginner — single crochet only, straight rows, simple color changes.

Finished Measurements

• Width: 7 in (18 cm)
• Length: approximately 64 in (163 cm), not including fringe
• Add about 5 in (13 cm) at each end if fringe is used.

Materials

• Yarn: Worsted weight (medium / #4), smooth acrylic or wool blend.
  • A – Blue (France): 1 skein (~120 yd / 110 m)
  • B – White: 1 skein (~150 yd / 137 m)
  • C – Red (shared): 1 skein (~170 yd / 155 m)
  • D – Yellow/Gold (Spain): 1 skein (~120 yd / 110 m)
  • Total approx. 560 yd (512 m). Amounts include a small margin for fringe.
• Hook: US H/8 (5 mm)
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends
• Scissors
• Optional: 6 in (15 cm) piece of cardboard for cutting even fringe

Gauge

16 sc and 18 rows = 4 in (10 cm) in single crochet.

• Stitch gauge: 16 ÷ 4 = 4 sc per inch
• Row gauge: 18 ÷ 4 = 4.5 rows per inch

A precise gauge is not critical for a scarf; check that your fabric is firm but not stiff. Adjust hook size to match.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch – chain
• sc – single crochet
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• RS – right side

Notes on Construction

• The scarf is worked flat, back and forth, from the France end to the Spain end.
• The turning chain (ch 1 at the start of each row) does NOT count as a stitch.
• Color change technique: Work the final single crochet of the last row in the old color until 2 loops remain on the hook, then yarn over with the new color and pull through both loops. Continue with the new color. This gives a crisp color line.
• Carry colors loosely up the side only if a gap is 2 rows or fewer; otherwise cut and rejoin to keep edges neat.

Stitch Count Check

Foundation chain: ch 29 → first row yields 28 sc (the chain is one more than the stitch count because the first sc goes into the 2nd chain from the hook).

• Verify: 29 ch − 1 = 28 sc ✓
• Width check: 28 sc ÷ 4 sc/in = 7 in ✓

Every row is 28 sc from start to finish. No shaping.

Row Plan (Color Blocks)

Total length target: 288 rows at 4.5 rows/in = 64 in ✓

Row-count check: 40 + 40 + 40 + 24 + 24 + 40 + 40 + 40 = 288 rows ✓ Per flag: 3 × 40 = 120 rows each ✓; center = 288 − 240 = 48 rows ✓

Note: Center band 2 (red, 24 rows) flows directly into Spain stripe 1 (red, 40 rows) with no color change, forming one continuous red block of 64 rows at the join. This is intentional and blends the two ends.

Instructions

Foundation

With Color A (Blue), ch 29.

Row 1 (RS): Working into the back bump or top loop of the chain, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. — 28 sc ✓

Row 2 and all following rows: Ch 1 (does not count as a st), sc in each st across. Turn. — 28 sc

Keep working Row 2 as your master row, changing colors on the schedule below.

France End

• Continue in A (Blue) until you have completed Row 40. On the last sc of Row 40, change to B (White).
• Work B (White) for Rows 41–80 (40 rows). On the last sc of Row 80, change to C (Red).
• Work C (Red) for Rows 81–120 (40 rows). On the last sc of Row 120, change to B (White).

Center

• Work B (White) for Rows 121–144 (24 rows). On the last sc of Row 144, change to C (Red).
• Work C (Red) for Rows 145–168 (24 rows). Do not change color — continue straight into the Spain end with red.

Spain End

• Continue in C (Red) for Rows 169–208 (40 rows). On the last sc of Row 208, change to D (Yellow).
• Work D (Yellow) for Rows 209–248 (40 rows). On the last sc of Row 248, change to C (Red).
• Work C (Red) for Rows 249–288 (40 rows).

Finishing the Fabric

After Row 288, do not turn. Fasten off, leaving a 6 in (15 cm) tail. Weave in all ends with the yarn needle, working each tail into its matching color block so it stays hidden.

Optional Fringe

Fringe adds a sporty finish and is worked in the matching end colors.

1. Cut strands 12 in (30 cm) long. For each fringe tassel, use 3 strands folded in half (finished fringe length ~5 in / 13 cm after knotting and trimming).
2. France end: use A (Blue) and C (Red) strands. Spain end: use C (Red) and D (Yellow) strands.
3. Space tassels evenly across each 7 in end. Place 9 tassels per end (one at each corner and evenly between).
   • Spacing check: 28 sc ÷ 9 tassels ≈ 1 tassel every 3 sts ✓
4. To attach: Insert hook from back to front through an edge stitch, catch the folded center of the 3 strands, pull a loop through, then pass the strand ends through that loop and pull snug.
5. Trim all fringe even using the cardboard as a guide.

Total fringe strand estimate: 9 tassels × 2 ends × 3 strands = 54 strands × 12 in ≈ 54 ft (16.5 m) of yarn total, split between the two color pairs.

Care Instructions

Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle; lay flat to dry to preserve shape and prevent color bleed (especially the red against white). For a wool blend, hand wash cold and dry flat.

Quick Reference Summary

• Cast on: ch 29 → 28 sc
• Every row: ch 1, sc in each st across (28 sc)
• Total rows: 288 (~64 in)
• Colors: France end Blue-White-Red; Center White-Red; Spain end Red-Yellow-Red
• Finished width: 7 in — 28 sc ÷ 4 sc/in = 7 in ✓

Enjoy the match, and wear your colors proudly! 🇫🇷🇪🇸