How to Crochet a Fast & Easy Infinity Scarf for Beginners

Are you ready to crochet your first project? This spiral infinity scarf is super easy and perfect for beginners! The entire project uses basic stitches, so you’ll become more confident with every row. Grab your yarn and let’s get started — you’ll have a fun, cozy scarf before you know it!

Materials Needed

Before we dive in, grab your materials.

Yarn and Color Choices

You’ll need three balls of yarn for this project, each 100 grams, bringing your total to 300 grams of yarn. For my project, I picked colors that give off a fall vibe but also added a bit of extra fun for winter. You can go with similar seasonal tones or try something completely different. It’s all about colors you’ll love wearing!

Crochet Hooks

For this scarf, you’ll use two crochet hooks:

• 6mm hook for the main body of the scarf
• 7mm hook for the starting chain (using a larger hook for the chain helps prevent tightness).

Additional Tools

You'll also need a few basic tools:

• Scissors: Any good pair will do, but I love mine because they’re small and make clean cuts.
• Darning needle: You’ll use this toward the end to weave in your yarn tails.
• Stitch marker: To help you keep track of your stitches if you plan on taking a break.

Now that we’ve got everything we need, let’s move on to the actual crocheting!

Starting the Project

First things first, pick your starting color. I recommend starting with your least favorite color (you’ll see why later). Here’s a handy trick: start pulling from the center of your yarn ball. This keeps the ball from rolling all over the place while you crochet.

Creating the Slip Knot

To make your slip knot, drape the yarn over your fingers, crossing it to form an X. Then, pull the working yarn through the loop until you have something that looks like a knot. Leave a tail about 4-5 inches long. This will make it easier to weave in the ends later.

Once your slip knot is ready, slide it onto your larger crochet hook (7mm). Let’s begin the foundation chain.

Creating the Foundation Chain

Using a larger hook for your starting chain helps prevent a tight foundation, which could make your scarf uncomfortable.

Chain Stitch Technique

Hold your yarn in your non-dominant hand, push your crochet hook under the yarn, turn the hook to “grab” it, and pull it through the loop already on your hook. Repeat this process for five chains. Don’t count the slip knot or the loop on your hook.

Now that you’ve done five chains, we’re going to go for 170 chains total. For every 20 chains, place a stitch marker. This helps you stay organized and not lose count (a lifesaver for anyone easily distracted, trust me!).

Once you’ve got 170 chains (congrats!), we’ll move on to building the body of your infinity scarf.

Transitioning to the Main Hook

Now, switch to the smaller crochet hook (6mm). Make a bigger loop by pulling gently on your yarn, and swap out the 7mm hook for the 6mm hook.

Joining the Chain

To form the infinity loop, lay your chain flat to make sure it’s not twisted. Then, connect the ends by pulling the last stitch through the first stitch.

And guess what? You’re ready to crochet around and around without having to join rows. This is the beauty of creating a spiral infinity scarf — it’s faster, less complicated, and very beginner-friendly!

Starting the Spiral Infinity Wrap

Let’s begin by working into the V side of the chain. Avoid the bumpy side as it will make your project harder to work with.

Single Crochet Foundation

Insert your hook into the first “V” and make a single crochet. Repeat this in the next stitch as well. This serves as the foundation for your infinity scarf.

Half Double Crochet Section

Next, we’ll add some height. In the following two stitches, make two half double crochets.

Main Double Crochet Body

From here on out, it’s all double crochets. In every stitch around, make a double crochet. This is the bulk of the scarf’s body, which will really let you get comfortable with your stitches.

Working in Spiral

Here’s the fun part — you won’t be joining rows. You’ll just keep spiraling up as you crochet. It’s super relaxing once you get into the rhythm.

Make sure your chain stays flat and doesn’t twist around itself. If the chain starts getting a bit twisted, feel free to correct it by flipping it back in place. This helps keep everything smooth and neat.

Handling Chain Twists

It’s inevitable — sometimes the chain flips! No worries. If you notice the chain twisting, and you're seeing upside-down “V”s, just adjust by flipping it back. Be mindful that the scarf stays as flat as possible as you work.

In some cases, it might make sense to skip a stitch to correct the twist, but that’s up to your judgement. A twist won’t ruin the scarf, so don’t stress too much.

Running Out of Yarn and Adding New Yarn

About to run out of yarn? No problem. We’re going to join the next ball of yarn using one of my favorite techniques: the magic knot. This knot is practically invisible and super secure.

Joining New Yarn

Here’s how it works: take both the new and old yarns, tie one around the other, and then tie the second around the first. Pull on both ends and the knots will slide together like magic! Trim the ends so they don’t dangle.

When you reach the knot while crocheting, hide it inside a double crochet stitch, making sure it stays secure and out of sight.

Tightening the Knot

For added security, pull tightly on both ends of the knot. This keeps everything snug.

Continuing the Spiral

Once you’ve joined your new yarn, continue the spiral. Keep working double crochet stitches until you run out of yarn again. After the second ball, you’ll start to see your project really taking shape.

It’s such a simple and enjoyable process. You’ll be crocheting without thinking about joins, rows, or complicated stitch patterns.

Joining the Final Ball of Yarn

Yes, we’re almost there! Add the final ball of yarn the same way, using the magic knot technique. Here’s a tip: if you saved your favorite color for last, finishing your scarf will be even more exciting. You’ll love seeing the scarf come together in your top-choice color!

Finishing the Wrap

When you’re almost out of yarn, you’ll want to taper off the end of the scarf.

Tapering Off the End

To create a nice, gradual finish, we’ll first switch to half double crochets for three stitches. Then, move to single crochets for the next three stitches. This decreases the height and makes the edge of your scarf look polished and professional.

Slip Stitch for a Clean Finish

Finally, slip stitch into the next two stitches. This will create a clean, flat end to your scarf. Chain one, pull up your hook and yarn, and snip the end. You’re done crocheting!

Weaving in Ends

Now that your scarf is finished, grab your darning needle and weave those yarn tails in. The goal is to weave in three directions: down, over, and back under some stitches. This prevents the tail from coming loose over time.

A quick tip: don’t weave the ends too close to the edge since these areas get a lot of wear. You want those tails hidden deep in your scarf for a long-lasting finish.

Left Handed?

https://youtu.be/ibaf-LTGWME

Troubleshooting Common Issues

No project is perfect, right? Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to fix them.

Tension Issues

Is your scarf bunching up? It might be a tension problem. If your chains are too tight, your scarf will curl inward. Loosen up your tension by giving the yarn more slack. On the flip side, if your stitches are too loose, tighten them by pulling on your yarn as you go.

Correcting Mistakes

If you spot a mistake — like a skipped stitch or a place where you accidentally added one — don’t panic! You can simply pull out the last row and redo it. With double crochet stitches, it’s easy to go back and fix things.

Edge Curvature

Notice parts of your scarf curving weirdly? This usually happens when the tension is uneven. Go back to the affected section and rework it with even, steady tension.

Final Review

Once your scarf is done, lay it out flat. Check for any visible knots or missed stitches. Is the scarf looking even and uniform? If everything looks good, test the fit by wrapping it around your neck. It should feel soft, comfortable, and perfectly snug.

Voilà! Your fast and easy infinity scarf is complete. This piece is not only practical, but it’s also a great way to practice your crochet skills. Enjoy your new scarf, and wear it with pride!

For more patterns, ideas, and beginner-friendly tutorials, be sure to check out more at The Secret Yarnery. You can also explore other handmade scarf patterns here or explore helpful beginner tips here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of yarn is best for a beginner-friendly infinity scarf?

Acrylic yarn is often recommended for beginners due to its affordability and ease of handling. Look for soft, medium-weight yarns, like a worsted weight, for ease and comfort while crocheting.

How long does it typically take to crochet an infinity scarf for a beginner?

The time can vary depending on your skill level and the speed at which you crochet. However, for most beginners, completing this scarf can take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days.

What should I do if my scarf starts curling at the edges?

Curling can result from tight tension. Ensure that your starting chain is loose enough and adjust your tension by either loosening up or using a larger crochet hook if needed.

Can I use a different hook size than the recommended 6mm and 7mm?

Yes, you can. Adjusting hook sizes can change the scarf's texture and size. However, if you're a beginner, it's best to stick with the recommended sizes until you're more comfortable experimenting.

How do I know if I’m holding my hook and yarn correctly?

Holding your hook and yarn correctly can vary from person to person, but generally, the yarn should run over your non-dominant hand, and the hook should be held like a knife or pencil, depending on preference. A comfortable grip that doesn’t stress your hand is key.

What’s a magic knot, and why is it used?

The magic knot is a way to join new yarn seamlessly. It's used because it's strong and virtually invisible within the crochet piece, ensuring a smooth finish to your project.

I keep losing count of my chains, what can I do?

Using stitch markers after every 20 chains can help keep track. It’s also helpful to count aloud or use a digital row counter to ensure accuracy.

How do I weave in ends effectively to ensure they don’t come loose?

Weaving ends in multiple directions — down, over, and back under stitches — helps ensure they stay secured. Avoid weaving too close to the edge where the scarf sees the most wear.

Christa Patel is a seasoned crochet expert known for her accessible and creative designs that have inspired beginners to take up the craft with confidence. With over a decade of experience, Christa combines her passion for fiber arts with a talent for teaching, making her tutorials a favorite among newcomers. Her engaging approach focuses on simplicity and creativity, empowering crocheters to express themselves through vibrant projects. Christa's work has been featured in various crafting magazines, and her commitment to fostering a supportive community for crochet enthusiasts sets her apart as a leader in the field.