Crochet Ribbon Lace Scarf [Free Video Tutorial & Written Pattern!]

There is something endlessly satisfying about a scarf that looks complicated but works up in a single evening. The Crochet Ribbon Lace Scarf is exactly that kind of project — elegant, airy, and deceptively simple once you understand the stitch repeat. Whether you are brand new to lace crochet or you have been hooking for years and want a quick gift project, this pattern delivers a beautiful result every single time. Today I am sharing the full free written pattern along with a video tutorial so you can follow along whichever way works best for you.

This scarf has a soft, ribbon-like quality that comes from the way the open mesh and solid stitches alternate in every row. When you hold it up to the light, you get those gorgeous open spaces that give lace its signature delicate look. When it lies flat around your neck, it has enough body to feel substantial and cozy without being stiff or heavy. It is one of those pieces that looks like it came from a boutique, and you will have people asking where you bought it. That is always a good feeling.

Let me walk you through everything you need to know before you pick up your hook.

Why You Will Love This Pattern

Before we dive into the materials and the stitches, I want to talk a little bit about why this particular scarf design has become one of my absolute favorites to make and to give.

First, the yarn. This pattern is designed for a smooth, light-worsted or DK-weight yarn, which means it works up fairly quickly compared to a fingering-weight lace project, but it still produces that floaty, delicate texture that makes lace crochet so beautiful. If you have been intimidated by fine lace yarn and tiny hooks in the past, this is a wonderful introduction to lace-style crochet using tools you probably already own.

Second, the construction is straightforward. This scarf is worked flat, from end to end, in rows. There is no shaping, no increases, no decreases, and no seaming. You start, you work your stitch repeat, and you stop when you like the length. It really is that approachable.

Third, it photographs beautifully. I know that might sound like a funny reason to love a pattern, but if you are making things to give as gifts, wear yourself, or share on social media, this scarf has that professional, polished look that makes people stop scrolling. The combination of solid stitches and open chains creates a texture that catches the light in the most satisfying way.

Materials You Will Need

Getting your materials together before you start will make the whole process smoother, so here is exactly what I used for the sample scarf shown in the video.

Yarn: Approximately 200 to 250 yards of DK-weight or light worsted yarn in a smooth fiber. I used a wool-acrylic blend in a soft sage green, but this pattern looks incredible in any solid color. Avoid anything too fuzzy or textured, because the open lace stitches need a smooth yarn to really show off their shape.

Hook: US size H-8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook. You can go up to a size I if you want a slightly more open, drapey fabric, or down to a size G if you prefer a tighter mesh.

Notions: Scissors, a yarn needle for weaving in ends, and blocking mats and pins if you plan to block your finished scarf (which I highly recommend — lace always opens up beautifully after a gentle wet block).

Finished size: The sample scarf measures approximately 6 inches wide and 60 inches long after blocking, worked over a foundation of 27 chains. You can easily adjust the width by working more or fewer foundation chains in multiples of 6, plus 3.

Abbreviations and Stitch Guide

This pattern uses US crochet terminology throughout.

ch — chain

sl st — slip stitch

sc — single crochet

dc — double crochet

ch-sp — chain space

sk — skip

rep — repeat

RS — right side

WS — wrong side

V-stitch (V-st): Work (dc, ch 2, dc) all into the same stitch or space.

Shell: Work 5 dc all into the same stitch or space.

The lace pattern in this scarf is built from a combination of chain-2 spaces, double crochets, and the occasional shell. Once you have worked two or three repeats, the rhythm becomes very natural and you will find yourself moving through the rows without needing to count every single stitch.

Gauge

Gauge is not critical for a scarf, but here is what I got with the recommended yarn and hook so you can check your tension if you want a finished piece similar to the sample: 14 dc and 8 rows = 4 inches in the main stitch pattern after blocking.

If your gauge is significantly looser, your scarf will be wider and longer and will use more yarn. If it is tighter, your scarf will be narrower and shorter. Both are completely fine — just keep your yarn yardage in mind.

Pattern Notes

A few things to keep in mind as you work through this pattern.

The foundation chain should be measured loosely. Lace patterns need a flexible foundation, and if you chain too tightly, the bottom edge of your scarf will pucker. If you tend to chain tightly, try going up one hook size for the foundation chain only, then switch back to your main hook for the first row.

Every row in this pattern begins with a turning chain that counts as a double crochet. The turning chain at the beginning of each row is 3 chains, and it stands in as the first dc of that row. When you reach the end of a row, work your final stitch into the top of the turning chain from the previous row.

If you are a visual learner, scroll down for the video tutorial or pull it up in a separate window. I walk through every single step in real time, including how to handle the turning chain and how to place your hook correctly in each chain space.

The Written Pattern

Foundation Chain

Using your 5.0 mm hook and the yarn of your choice, chain 27 loosely. (To adjust the width, work any multiple of 6 chains, plus 3. For a wider scarf, try chaining 33 or 39.)

Row 1 (RS)

Dc in the 4th chain from the hook (the skipped chains count as the first dc). *Ch 2, skip 2 chains, dc in the next chain, ch 2, skip 2 chains, (dc, ch 2, dc) in the next chain.* Repeat from * to * across until 3 chains remain. Ch 2, skip 2, dc in the last chain. Turn.

You should have a series of V-stitches and single double crochets along your foundation row, with chain-2 spaces creating the open, ribbon-like mesh.

Row 2 (WS)

Ch 3 (counts as first dc). *Ch 2, dc in the next dc, ch 2, dc in the ch-2 sp of the V-st below, ch 2, dc in the next dc.* Repeat from * to * across, ending with ch 2, dc in the top of the turning ch. Turn.

Row 3 (RS)

Ch 3 (counts as first dc). *Ch 2, (dc, ch 2, dc) in the next dc, ch 2, dc in the center dc of the group below.* Repeat from * to * across, ending with ch 2, dc in the top of the turning ch. Turn.

Row 4 (WS)

Repeat Row 2.

Row 5 (RS)

Ch 3 (counts as first dc). *Ch 2, dc in the next dc, ch 2, 5 dc (shell) in the ch-2 sp of the V-st, ch 2, dc in the next dc.* Repeat from * to * across, ending with ch 2, dc in the top of the turning ch. Turn.

This row creates the slightly denser ribbon rows that give the scarf its layered, woven appearance when you look at it straight on. The shells add just a touch of visual richness without making the fabric heavy.

Row 6 (WS)

Ch 3 (counts as first dc). *Ch 2, sk first dc of shell, dc in next dc of shell, ch 2, dc in center dc of shell, ch 2, dc in next dc of shell, ch 2, sk last dc of shell, dc in the next single dc.* Repeat from * to * across, ending with dc in the top of the turning ch. Turn.

Rows 7 and 8

Repeat Rows 3 and 4.

This completes one full pattern repeat of 8 rows. Continue repeating Rows 1 through 8 (or just Rows 1 through 6 for a simpler repeat once you are comfortable) until your scarf reaches your desired length. For the 60-inch sample, I worked approximately 18 pattern repeats of the main stitch section.

Finishing Row

Work one final row of sc evenly across the top edge of the scarf, working 1 sc into each dc and 2 sc into each ch-2 space. Fasten off.

Repeat the finishing row along the foundation chain edge at the beginning of the scarf for a tidy, symmetrical look.

Weave in all ends.

Adding Fringe (Optional)

The sample scarf in the video has a simple knotted fringe added to both short ends, and it adds such a lovely finishing touch that I always recommend it even though it is completely optional.

To make fringe, cut lengths of yarn approximately 14 inches long. Fold two strands together in half, insert your hook through the edge stitch of the scarf, pull the folded loop through slightly, then pull the loose ends through the loop and tighten. Repeat every other stitch along both short ends. Trim the fringe to a uniform length — I usually go for about 5 to 6 inches after the knot.

Video Tutorial

The video tutorial walks you through the entire scarf from the foundation chain all the way through to the finishing row and the optional fringe. I show you each row in real time, including close-up shots of where to place your hook so you can see exactly how the lace structure builds up. If you run into any confusion with the written pattern, watching even just the first few minutes of the video will usually clear things right up.

Tips for Success

A few things I have learned over many, many lace scarves that will make your experience smoother and your finished object more beautiful.

Swatch before you commit. Even just 12 chains and a few rows will tell you a lot about how your chosen yarn behaves in this stitch pattern. Some yarns bloom beautifully and fill in the spaces just the right amount. Others stay very open and translucent. Both are lovely, but knowing in advance helps you choose intentionally.

Yarn choice matters more than usual in lace. Because this pattern is all about the negative space — those open chain areas — a yarn that is too textured, too fuzzy, or too thick will obscure the lace effect entirely. Smooth, plied yarns in wool, cotton, or a blend are your best friends here. Bamboo yarn produces a particularly gorgeous drape in this stitch pattern.

Do not skip blocking. I know I already mentioned it, but it deserves repeating. Blocking is the step that transforms a crochet lace project from something that looks a little bunched and uneven off the hook into something that looks truly finished and professional. For a wool or wool-blend yarn, wet blocking is ideal: soak the finished scarf in cool water for about 20 minutes, press out the excess water gently in a towel (never wring it), and then pin it to your blocking mats in the shape you want. Let it dry completely before unpinning. The open lace stitches will spread out beautifully and the whole fabric will relax into its final, gorgeous drape.

Use stitch markers to track your repeat. If you find yourself losing count of where you are in the 8-row repeat, a simple stitch marker at the end of each repeat or at the beginning of your row can be a lifesaver. You can use commercial stitch markers, a small piece of scrap yarn, or even a paper clip in a pinch.

Yarn Substitutions and Color Ideas

One of the things I love most about this scarf is how differently it looks depending on your yarn choice. I have made it in a deep burgundy wool for winter gift-giving, a bright coral cotton for spring and summer wear, a soft charcoal bamboo blend for a sleek, modern look, and a variegated yarn in muted earth tones that created the most beautiful, unexpected pooling effect through the lace. Basically, if it is smooth, has decent stitch definition, and falls into the DK or light worsted weight range, it will work wonderfully here.

If you want to make this scarf as a gift for someone who has a wool allergy or prefers a yarn that is easy to care for, a cotton-acrylic blend or a 100% acrylic smooth yarn will work very well. Just keep in mind that acrylic tends not to respond to wet blocking the same way natural fibers do — you can steam block carefully with a pressing cloth and a steam iron held an inch or two above the surface, which will help open up the lace nicely.

For a truly luxurious version, try this pattern in a fingering-weight silk or merino silk blend on a 3.5 mm hook. It will take longer and be more delicate to work with, but the result is absolutely stunning and drapes like liquid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can beginners make this scarf?

Yes, with a small caveat. If you are very new to crochet and are still working on making consistent tension and understanding how to turn your work and read the structure of your stitches, I would suggest spending a little time with a basic double crochet project first just to get comfortable. But if you have completed even one or two beginner projects and feel confident with your double crochets and chains, you are absolutely ready to try this pattern. The video tutorial makes it very accessible.

How long does this scarf take to make?

For an experienced crocheter, the sample 60-inch scarf takes about 6 to 8 hours total. For someone working more slowly or pausing to follow the video, plan for closer to 10 to 12 hours spread over a few sessions.

Can I make this wider or narrower?

Absolutely. As noted in the pattern, the stitch count is based on a multiple of 6 chains, plus 3. Adding 6 chains to your foundation will make the scarf about an inch wider. Subtracting 6 will make it an inch narrower. You can also make this into a full wrap or cowl by adjusting the dimensions — just be mindful of your yarn yardage if you scale up significantly.

What if I want to make a matching set?

This scarf pattern pairs beautifully with a simple ribbed hat. I have a free pattern for a double crochet ribbed beanie on the blog as well, and the two together make a gorgeous, coordinated set that is always popular as a handmade gift.

Sharing Your Make

If you make this scarf, I would absolutely love to see it. Share your finished photo on Instagram using the hashtag #HookedByRobin or tag me so I can see your work and cheer you on. There is nothing I enjoy more than seeing the different color choices and yarn combinations that makers bring to these patterns — every single one turns out uniquely beautiful.

You are also welcome to sell finished items made from this free pattern. I only ask that you credit Hooked by Robin as the pattern designer. Please do not sell or redistribute the written pattern itself.

If you enjoyed this pattern, consider pinning it to your crochet boards on Pinterest so other makers can find it, or sharing it in your favorite crochet community. It really does make a huge difference in helping a small independent blog grow, and I am so grateful for every share.

Happy hooking, and I cannot wait to see your Crochet Ribbon Lace Scarf come to life!

— Robin