Scarflette knitting and crochet patterns have been hot for several years now and show no sign of dying down. When the Financial Times and the Guardian write articles about tiny scarves, you know that skinny scarf knitting and crochet patterns are super on trend.
So why are they so popular right now? Well, they’re something even a beginner can make — and if you’re experienced, you can knock one out in a few hours. They’re practical; you can wrap it to keep the chill off your neck, but stash it in a pocket if you don’t need it (good luck trying that with an oversized scarf!) And, because they don’t use much yarn, they are very budget friendly. Most of these patterns call for one skein or less of yarn.
But we must warn you: scarflettes are definitely moreish. Once you’ve made your first, you may be compelled to make every scarflette on this list.
Scarflette Knitting Kits
Free Scarflette Crochet Patterns
Dorchester 1- Skein Fingering Weight Scarf
The free Dorchester scarf pattern from Grace of Stitchberry is cute, simple, and designed to be a “mindless project.” The ribbed pattern makes this crochet scarf look like knit! Grace’s goal was to design a versatile scarf that could elevate any outfit, and could also be made with just one skein of yarn. She hit it out of the park. For a wide range of colours as well as an elevated texture, we’d recommend Hedgehog Fibres Sock Yarn.
The Saccharine Scarf
The Saccharine Scarf free crochet pattern by The Cozy Knot bears a striking resemblance to an uber-popular scarf pattern mentioned in our intro — but it’s crochet, not knit. And, with four different sizing options, it’s so versatile! As designer Tanya Johnson says: “Sport it around your neck, head, ponytail, waist, tote, purse, or bag. Drape it, wrap it (once or twice), knot it, loop it, or tie it in a bow.” You can even make the largest version of this scarf with one skein and still have yarn to spare. This one can be more challenging, and you will need to know (or quickly learn) basic stitches, working flat, gauging, increasing and decreasing, loop recognition, and applied i-cord to an edge. You’ll also need to be able to read a pattern that doesn’t have photo references or video tutorials. If you’re ready to take up the challenge we recommend you grab a skein of Zealana Kauri Fingering and get started!
Evergreen Mini Scarf
If you can’t choose between the Dorchester or Saccharine Scarf, the Evergreen Mini Scarf crochet pattern by Sarah Maker is like a hybrid of the two! It has both the ribbed look and an i-cord edging. The process is simple enough for adventurous beginners, but has enough variety to keep more accomplished crocheters interested. You’ll learn (or get to use) skills like half double crochet in the back loop only as well as attached i-cord edging. You can make the short version with one skein of Broadway Purely Wool DK, or the longer version with a bit more than one (but at those prices, it won’t pinch your pocket!)
Free Scarflette Knitting Patterns
The Radling Scarflet
The simple and elegant Radling Scaflet free knitting pattern was designed by A Bee in the Bonnet as a fun exercise for an adventurous beginner or a relaxing quick knit for someone more experienced. You will practice (or learn) long-tail cast-on, increases, and elastic bind-off. If your gauge is similar to the designer’s, you can make three of them out of one skein of ultra-luxurious Manos Del Uruguay Milo yarn.
The Simple Thing
Designer Melina Brell says “It is not a scarf, it is not a shawl, it is just a simple little knitted thing in-between…” Whatever you call it, The Simple Thing free knitting pattern has style. It’s worked in a simple garter stitch with i-cord edging. The pattern comes with tips that allow you to make it longer and narrower or wider and shorter. We recommend two skeins of Broadway NZ Merino DK for a soft, comfortable scarf.
Sweet Li’l Scarflette
Ambah O’Brien’s Sweet Li’l Scarfette knitting pattern absolutely lives up to the name! It is simple (maybe even simple enough for an adventurous beginner) and oh-so-cute. It is worked sideways seamlessly in the round. O’Brien styles it as a retro-’50s short scarf or as something resembling a necktie (but simpler). It can also be worn as a headband. You can make this out of one skein of Anzula Haiku, or for the ultimate in warm and soft luxury, two balls of Zealana Air Superfine (held double).
milly cheri
Claudine Guerin’s milly cheri knitting pattern is one of those that you can’t believe is free. It uses intricate cabling to create an absolutely stunning texture. It is designed to be worked in fingering weight and mohair lace weight held together, but can also be worked in DK if you have some you are looking to use up. You can repeat the pattern to make it longer if you like. It is both written and charted. We would recommend the colour-coordinated Urth Yarns Bonmoher and 16 Fingering to bring out the beauty of the stitchwork.
Paid Scarflette Crochet Patterns
Mini-Scarf Trio
The Mini-Scarf Trio crochet pattern set by Sara Dudek is, as the name says, three very different mini-scarf patterns. Dudek calls it “a great opportunity to practice increase and decrease stitches!” There are three patterns: the mini-tie (using about one ball of yarn), the small triangle (which uses about two balls of yarn), and the large triangle (which uses roughly three balls of yarn). Make them sparkle with Anzula Nebula.
Felicity Scarf
The Felicity Scarf crochet pattern is another great Tanya Johnson original. It bears some similarity to the Saccharine Scarf above, but it’s more complex and requires a broader range of skills. In addition to everything you need to know for the Saccharine Scarf, you’ll also need to know stitch anatomy, chainless foundation stitches and have experience reading an intermediate pattern. If you’re going to take on this challenge, make it worth the work by crocheting it in soft, luxurious Juniper Moon Farm Patagonia Organic Merino. (If your gauge is like Johnson’s you can make two from one skein!)
Paid Scarflette Knitting Patterns
Dew Scarf
We are in love with the gorgeous Dew Scarf knitting pattern designed by Irene Lin! Made with lace weight mohair, it is a light and airy confection that is seamless and worked flat sideways. You can make it larger by repeating the pattern or reduce the number of repeats to make it shorter. If you want to make this in a solid colour, we’d recommend Urth Yarns Bonmoher; if you want colour variations, use Malabrigo Mohair yarn.
Mini Scarf
The simplicity of the Mini Scarf knitting pattern name belies the intricacy of the design. The Sweater Babe designed this with an all-over leaf lace stitch, as well as tapered ends and a thin middle to make it even more elegant and wearable. There are short, medium and long options, and depending on the length it can be a hair tie, a handbag decoration or, well, a scarf! You can make several of these with one ball of Broadway Purely Wool Baby for great stitch definition and maximum softness at an unbeatable price.
Dunluce Shawl
Is it a little scarf? Is it a shawlette? Why not both? The Dunluce Shawl knitting pattern by Brenda Brayfield has an interesting texture and comes with a bonus matching cuff pattern. It’s easy to customize, and can be made longer or wider (or shorter or narrower) to suit your tastes. And if you hate purling, good news — there is no purling involved in this pattern! If you are learning, Brayfield’s patterns come with many techniques and a lot of advice, because she is also a knitting instructor. This is suitable for an adventurous beginner but interesting enough for someone with more skills. We recommend Malabrigo Mechita for this shawlette/little scarf.
Armagh Shawl
If you like the Dunluce Shawl, there’s a sequel with even more texture! The Armagh Shawl knitting pattern uses a textured lace pattern. If you are new to lace, this is a great pattern to get started with because, as we mentioned before, Brayfield is also a knitting instructor, and that comes through in her patterns. Like the Dunluce Shawl, this also comes with a matching cuff pattern. Make it in Broadway NZ Baby Merino so that it will be soft against your skin, but still show off those super stitches.
Valiant Scarflette
Claire Slade of Verily Knits has designed the Valiant scarflette knitting pattern, a lacy explosion of texture. The instructions include information on how to change the width or length, and come with both written and charted instructions. Make this scarflette soft yet defined with Zealana Kiwi Fingering.
Stay Toasty Scarf
The Stay Toasty Scarf knitting pattern is another texture fest. The stitch pattern is reversible and, as designer Kutovakika writes, “adds both depth and squishiness to the fabric.” It is worked with knits and purls and has an i-cord edge. It features a video tutorial for people that is very helpful if you’re struggling, and it’s a relaxing knit for an experienced knitter. We would recommend the sumptuous and warm Zealana Cozi held double to add to the toasty factor of this scarf!
Noelle Scarflet
Mix up garter stitch and eyelet lace for a very interesting knit when you make the Noelle Scarflet knitting pattern by Helen Stewart. Reviewers rated the pattern as exceptionally clear. It’s also flexible; many people that have made it have repeated the eyelet section a few extra times to add to the length of the scarf. Enjoy luxurious warmth, delicious softness and great stitch definition for those eyelets with Zealana Rimu DK.
Disclaimer: we have not tested all these patterns — but we sure wish we had the time to do so! We have read the pattern reviews carefully to help us select the best ones but cannot guarantee that each one is perfect. If you have an issue with any of these patterns please let us know.
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