purlJam

# Nautical Stripe Scarf
**A Simple Single Crochet Scarf Template**

**Description:**
A classic, warm rectangular scarf featuring bold nautical stripes. Worked in rows of simple UK double crochet (US single crochet), this project focuses on achieving perfect tension and clean colour transitions. The use of a slightly larger hook ensures the dense fabric retains excellent drape and softness.

**Difficulty Level:** Intermediate
(Requires consistent tension, precise colour changes, and neat edge finishing).

**Finished Measurements:**
*   **Width:** 20 cm (approx. 8 inches)
*   **Length:** 170 cm (approx. 67 inches) excluding fringe.

**Materials:**
*   **Yarn:** Aran weight (Worsted weight) wool or acrylic blend.
    *   Colour A (Navy): 200g (approx. 340 metres)
    *   Colour B (Cream/Grey): 200g (approx. 340 metres)
*   **Hook:** 5.5 mm (check yarn band; go 0.5 mm larger than recommended for better drape).
*   **Notions:** Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, sharp scissors, measuring tape.

**Tension (Gauge):**
14 stitches and 18 rows = 10 x 10 cm over double crochet fabric using 5.5 mm hook.
*It is vital to check tension to ensure the scarf is not too stiff.*

**Terminology & Abbreviations (UK English):**
*   **ch**: chain
*   **dc**: double crochet (equivalent to US single crochet)
*   **st(s)**: stitch(es)
*   **rem**: remaining
*   **RS**: Right Side
*   **WS**: Wrong Side

**Technical Notes:**
*   **Turning:** Ch 1 at the beginning of the row does **not** count as a stitch. The first dc is worked into the very first stitch at the base of the chain.
*   **Colour Changes:** To change colour cleanly, work the last dc of the row until 2 loops remain on the hook. Yarn over with the **new colour** and pull through to complete the stitch.
*   **Carrying Yarn:** If striping every 2 or 4 rows, carry the unused yarn loosely up the side of the work to reduce ends. If stripes are wider than 4 rows, cut yarn and weave in ends.

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### INSTRUCTIONS

**Foundation:**
Using Colour A and 5.5 mm hook, loosely ch 29.
*[Math: 28 base sts + 1 turning ch = 29 chains]*

**Row 1 (RS):**
Dc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn.
*[Math Check: 29 ch - 1 turning ch = 28 sts]*

**Row 2:**
Ch 1 (does not count as st), dc in first st (at base of ch 1), dc in each st across to end. Turn.
*[Math Check: Start 28 sts + 0 inc = 28 sts]*

**Rows 3–14 (Colour A Block):**
Repeat Row 2.
At the end of Row 14, on the final stitch, switch to Colour B (see Technical Notes).
*[Math Check: Constant count of 28 sts]*

**Rows 15–18 (Colour B Stripe):**
Using Colour B, repeat Row 2 for 4 rows.
At the end of Row 18, switch to Colour A.

**Rows 19–22 (Colour A Stripe):**
Using Colour A, repeat Row 2 for 4 rows.
At the end of Row 22, switch to Colour B.

**Main Body Section:**
Continue repeating the striping pattern (4 rows Colour B, 4 rows Colour A) until work measures approximately 160 cm from the foundation edge.
*Ensure you verify stitch count every 10 rows to prevent edges from tapering or flaring.*
*[Math Check: 160 cm / 10 cm * 18 rows ≈ 288 rows total so far]*

**Final Block:**
End with a 14-row block of Colour A (to match the start).
Total length should be approx 170 cm.
Fasten off.

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### FINISHING

1.  **Weaving Ends:** Secure all loose yarn tails using a tapestry needle. If you carried yarn up the side, ensure the floats are not too tight (which puckers the fabric) or too loose (which catches).
2.  **Blocking:** Wet block the scarf to relax the fibres. Pin to 20 cm x 170 cm and allow to dry flat. This is crucial for fixing any minor curling at the edges.
3.  **Fringe (Optional):**
    *   Cut strands of yarn 30 cm long.
    *   Hold 3 strands together and fold in half.
    *   Insert hook into the first stitch of the short edge, pull the fold through to create a loop.
    *   Pull the yarn tails through the loop and tighten.
    *   Repeat in every other stitch across both ends of the scarf.
    *   Trim fringe evenly to 12 cm.