purlJam

# Sophie Scarf

A soft, classic rectangular scarf worked in simple UK double crochet. The perfect first project: no shaping, no colour changes — just a relaxing rhythm of one stitch that creates a wonderfully warm, textured fabric. Optional fringe adds a lovely finishing touch.

**Skill Level:** Beginner

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## Finished Measurements
- **Width:** 18 cm (7 in)
- **Length:** 165 cm (65 in), excluding fringe
- **Length with fringe:** approximately 185 cm (73 in)

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## Materials

- **Yarn:** Worsted weight (Aran) yarn in your favourite colour
  - Approximately 450–500 g / 900–1000 m (985–1095 yds)
  - Suggested fibre: wool, wool blend, or acrylic for warmth and easy care
- **Hook:** 5.0 mm (UK 6 / US H-8) crochet hook
- **Notions:**
  - Tapestry/yarn needle for weaving in ends
  - Scissors
  - Piece of cardboard approx. 12 cm wide (for fringe, optional)

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## Tension (Gauge)

**14 dc x 16 rows = 10 cm (4 in) square** in UK double crochet, using a 5.0 mm hook.

Always work a tension swatch before starting — a small difference in tension will affect the final width and yarn quantity required.

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## Abbreviations (UK Terminology)

- **ch** — chain
- **dc** — double crochet (equivalent to US single crochet/sc)
- **st(s)** — stitch(es)
- **sl st** — slip stitch
- **rep** — repeat
- **RS / WS** — right side / wrong side

> **Note:** This pattern uses UK crochet terminology. UK **dc** = US **sc**.

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## Pattern Notes

- The turning chain at the start of each row does **NOT** count as a stitch.
- Work the first dc of each row into the **first stitch** (not the second).
- Work the last dc of each row into the **very last stitch** of the previous row to maintain straight edges.
- Stitch count remains **25 dc** on every row.

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## Instructions

### Foundation
**Ch 26.** *(25 sts + 1 turning ch)*

### Row 1 (RS)
1 dc in the 2nd ch from hook, 1 dc in each ch across to end, turn. **(25 dc)**

> ✓ Math check: 26 ch − 1 (skipped) = 25 dc. Correct.

### Row 2 and all following rows
Ch 1 (does NOT count as a st), 1 dc in each st across to end, turn. **(25 dc)**

### Continue
Repeat Row 2 until the scarf measures **165 cm (65 in)** from the foundation edge, or to your desired length.

This will take approximately **264 rows** in total (including Row 1).

> ✓ Math check: 264 rows ÷ 16 rows per 10 cm = 165 cm. Correct.

**Fasten off**, leaving a 15 cm (6 in) tail for weaving in.

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## Finishing

1. Weave in all ends securely on the wrong side using a tapestry needle.
2. Gently block the scarf to even out the stitches:
   - Lay flat on a clean towel
   - Mist lightly with water (or pin and steam for wool blends)
   - Shape to 18 cm × 165 cm
   - Allow to dry completely before moving

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## Optional Fringe

### Preparation
1. Cut a piece of cardboard 12 cm wide.
2. Wrap yarn around the cardboard approximately 60 times.
3. Cut along one edge to produce strands roughly 24 cm long.

### Attaching the fringe
For each tassel:
1. Fold 3 strands in half to form a loop.
2. From the wrong side, insert the hook through a stitch along the short edge of the scarf.
3. Catch the looped end of the strands and pull through to form a loop on the RS.
4. Pull the loose ends through the loop and tighten gently.

**Spacing:** Attach one tassel at every other stitch along each short edge. This gives approximately **13 tassels per end** (26 tassels total).

> ✓ Math check: 25 sts ÷ 2 ≈ 13 tassels per end. Correct.

### Trim
Once all tassels are attached, lay the scarf flat and trim the fringe ends evenly to approximately 10 cm (4 in) long.

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## Yarn Usage Summary

| Component | Approximate Yarn |
|-----------|------------------|
| Scarf body | 400–450 g |
| Fringe (optional) | 50 g |
| **Total** | **450–500 g** |

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Enjoy wearing your Sophie Scarf — and happy crocheting! 🧶