How to Crochet a Tube Scarf

Twisted style tube scarf with button embellishments

Tube scarves are great for stuffing in your coat pocket and having when winter strikes. They can slip on easily over your head, and they stay in place easily. Sometimes called cowls or neck warmers, these little scarves can keep your face warm, too, and they're easy and fun to make.

Things You'll Need

• One skein yarn (any weight you want; 200 to 400 yards)
• Hook (size to match your yarn; check the yarn label if you're not sure)
• Yarn needle
• Scissors

Instructions

Hook up a Tube

1. Choose your stitch pattern. If you're working with a solid-color yarn, you might want to use a detailed stitch or something lacy and fun. If your yarn is variegated, let it steal the show by using a simpler stitch pattern. Consult a stitch dictionary or website to find a pattern you'd like to try.

2. 

   Use a rectangular format. In this method of making a tube scarf, you stitch together a big rectangle. Go for about 4 to 6 inches wide and 32 inches long for a cowl that rests around your neck. Or you can go longer for one that will stretch down your front. Start by making a foundation chain, approximately 6 inches long (or the desired width of your tube scarf). Crochet in even rows until your scarf reaches its desired length. Now bring your short sides together and slip stitch along the seam to stitch them together; this will give you a traditional tube shape. Or, if you like, you can make one twist in the middle of the scarf before stitching the edges together.

3. 

   Use a circular format. In this alternative, you will crochet in the round along the longer side of your scarf. Make a foundation chain of stitches that is approximately 32 inches long (or, again, your own desired length). Join the first chain to the last to make a circle. Again, you can leave it as a traditional tube by keeping your chain stitches straight, or you can make one twist in the chain first. Work your stitch pattern in the round until the desired width of your scarf has been achieved. Note that for this version, you are crocheting across the long edge of the scarf and it is already circular; in the other option, you were crocheting across the short edge of the scarf and you had to make it a circle in the end.

4. 

   All you have to do now is weave in your ends using your yarn needle, trim the woven end with scissors, and slip it over your head. If you choose, you can put a border stitch around the outside of the circle first, but most of the time this is not necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider adding buttons. If you make the rectangular style tube scarf, you can add buttons across one end and buttonholes across the other instead of sewing together, if you want.

• Watch out for your twisting. If you make a twisted circular style, be careful to make your stitches follow the twist, and not get tangled up.

References

• Rectangular Moebius Scarf Pattern
• Round Cowl Pattern
• Crochet Stitch Patterns