As a relatively new mother (my little one is almost nine months old- where has the time gone?) I’ve been disappointed by the lack of maternity- and nursing-friendly crochet designs available. So many crocheters start the craft in preparation for a new baby or to channel their creativity with a young child at home. With this in mind, I try to design creative patterns for this underserved demographic within the crochet community. I have found myself on multiple occasions wishing I had a nursing cover with me to make breastfeeding a little more discreet while out in public. However, I didn’t want to have just another baby-specific item in my home taking up storage space in between kids. I am so excited to share my newest design- a reimagined infinity scarf that allows for multiple configurations and even doubles as a nursing cover for all you breastfeeding mamas!
The multi-functional scarf will quickly become a wardrobe staple. Worked flat and then stitched together into an infinity shape, this accessory can be worn as a scarf, poncho, capulet, or even a nursing cover. This versatility makes it a great project to be worn year round. Its simple stitch repeat showcases any yarn you choose. It is a great beginner project, a piece to work on at the end of a long day, or a palate cleanser in between more consuming projects. This pattern features a small portion of filet crochet that creates a space to thread a drawstring and tassels that add a decorative touch. Made with sport weight yarn, it is lightweight enough to be worn in warmer months but works up more quickly than a fingering weight scarf.
Supplies
Sport weight yarn, 820 yds
Shown in Zanie Crafts, Weight 2 Sport, (80% superwash merino wool, 20% nylon), 410 yd, 125 g), Tropical Sunset.
D/3.25 mm hook
Tapestry needle
Scissors
Key
St(s)- stitch(es)
Ch- chain
Ch-sp - chain space
HDC- half double crochet
Sk- skip
SM- stitch marker
FO- fasten off
Gauge
18 HDC x 14 rows = 4”
Size
Neckhole measures approximately 30” around when sewn closed
Bottom edge measures approximately 57” across
Approximately 18” tall
Notes
This scarf is constructed as one flat trapezoid. Its top corners are stitched together, leaving a large gap to allow for free movement and airflow. A drawstring is added to cinch the scarf vertically in the middle where the filet stitches are.
This piece can easily be made longer or shorter by changing the total number of rows completed; doing so will change the final stitch count.
Stitch counts are included at the end of each row in (parentheses). Half double crochet stitches and chain stitches both count as stitches. Turning chain does not count as a stitch.
Pattern
Leaving a long tail for sewing (20 inches), ch 127, turn.
Row 1: HDC in second ch from hook, HDC in each ch across, turn. (126 sts)
Place SM in 32nd, 63rd, and 95th sts. This will mark approximately a quarter, halfway, and three-quarters of the way along your row.
You will be increasing the st count by 2 each row, at the first and third SM. The second SM indicates the center of the scarf where you are making a small filet section to allow a drawstring to be threaded at the end of your project. The center st will always be worked and any ch spaces will always be on either side of the center st. The second SM helps you see where the center st is since it can be tricky when working a Row 3 repeat and seeing the wrong side of the row.
Row 2: Ch 1, HDC in each st until first SM, 2 HDC in st and replace SM in second HDC, HDC in each st until one st before SM, Ch 1, sk st, HDC in next st and replace SM in st worked, Ch 1, sk st, HDC in next st, HDC in each st until third SM, 2 HDC in st and replace SM in first HDC, HDC in each st until end of row, turn (128 sts)
Row 3: Ch 1, HDC in each st until first SM, 2 HDC in st and replace SM in second HDC, HDC in each st and Ch-sp until second SM, HDC in next st and replace second SM in st worked, HDC in each st and Ch-sp until third SM, 2 HDC in st and replace SM in first HDC, HDC in each st until end of row, turn (130 sts)
Rows 4-63 (or until desired length): Repeat Rows 2-3, making sure to end with a Row 3 repeat (252 sts)
Fasten off, leaving a six-inch tail for attaching a tassel.
Blocking and Assembly
Before sewing the scarf into an infinity scarf shape or adding the drawstring, I highly recommend blocking it. Especially if you are using yarn with natural fibers, the process of blocking your piece will help relax and settle the stitches into a more uniform shape, allowing the scarf to drape more beautifully and evenly. Once your piece has been blocked and is dry, move on to sewing the scarf together.
Using the long tail from the foundation row of your scarf, you will sew the top of your scarf together. Overlap the ends of the foundation row by about four inches. Line up the ch sts evenly. Using your preferred seaming method, sew this overlapped section of your scarf together. Weave in your end.
Drawstrings and Tassels
Ch 200, FO and leave six-inch tails on both ends of the chain. Thread your drawstring up one side of the filet crochet and back down the other side before attaching the tassels.
To make the tassels, wrap a strand of yarn around three fingers 20 times and cut. Using the six-inch tail on the chain, tie around the loops of yarn to hold them together. Cut another six-inch strand of yarn and tie it across the tassel pieces to make the head of the tassel. Double knot all of your knots. Make two total tassels, attaching one to each end of the chain. Weave in all drawstring and tassel ends. See photo tutorial below.
You will make two more tassels to add to the scarf itself. Make 1 more tassel in the above method using the six-inch tail at the end of your scarf. For your last tassel, you will need to cut a ten-inch piece of yarn to tie around the loops of yarn to hold them together. Continue making this tassel as directed above. Once the tassel is made, tie it onto the corner of the scarf opposite the previous tassel (the other side of Row 63). Weave in the ends.
You now have an accessory for any occasion! You can wear it over one shoulder, over two, or just around your neck. Don’t forget that you can leave the drawstring cinched up or loosen it to let all the fabric down. No matter how the weather or circumstances change, your Endless Summer Scarf will be able to adapt to your needs. I hope you enjoyed making this design and get lots of use styling it into your wardrobe. Please share with me on Instagram @crowchetcreations or through the hashtags #crowchetcreations and #endlesssummerscarf so I can see your scarf in action in all its configurations!
