Off The Rails Infinity Scarf – Free Crochet Pattern
When the weather cools down, everyone loves a chunky scarf to keep them selves cozy. The ‘Off the rails’ crochet infinity scarf is a free beginner crochet scarf pattern which fits the bill perfectly.
It works up in around an hour using super bulky yarn and a large crochet hook. This crochet scarf / snood makes a great crochet gift for loved ones and sells well at craft fairs for the crochet makers among you!
This crochet pattern uses simple stitches to create an elegant and timeless knit-look rib which runs through the length of the infinity scarf. You will get wear out of it for years to come!
You can read more about the inspiration and idea for this crochet pattern on this blog post.
Keep reading for the free crochet pattern for the Off the Rails Infinity Scarf.
You can also purchase the ad-free printable download of the matching hat and scarf pattern set from Ravelry, Etsy or Love Crafts
This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click a link to a product and go on to make a purchase, I receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you. You can read my full affiliate disclosure here.
Pattern Notes
- The Scarf is worked in the round, joining with a slip stitch to the top of the first stitch at the end of each round and turning your work.
- Numbers at the end of instructions indicate the stitch count for that row; The stitch count remains consistent throughout this pattern.
- Turning chains to not count as stitches.
- The first stitch of each round is worked into the last stitch of the previous round.
- Do not work into the slip stitch used to join the round
Skills Used
The infinity scarf is an easy crochet pattern that uses simple stitches and is great for a beginner crocheter with a little experience.
You’ll need to know how to work in turned rounds using US single crochet, half double crochet and working in the back loops only.
I also recommend using the foundation half double crochet / chainless foundation row (described below), which is not a basic crochet stitch but well worth learning as soon as you can!
You can replace this by working half double crochets into a starting chain, but I personally recommend using the chainless foundation row technique.
If you want to learn more about crocheting scarves, this post will share all you need to know about crochet scarves!
Stitches & Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch = chain
- blo = back loop only
- st = stitch
- ss = slip stitch
- yo = yarn over
- sc = single crochet (UK double crochet)
- hdc = half double crochet (UK half treble crochet)
Special Stitches
Foundation half double crochet (fhdc)
Ch3, yo, insert hook into 3rd chain from hook, *yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through 1 loop (to create the base for next stitch), yo, pull through all 3 loops*, insert hook into the v of the base stitch you created and repeat *
If you struggle with foundation stitches you can find a stitch tutorial here.
How to purchase a Dora Does crochet pattern:
I sell my PDF crochet patterns in my Etsy, Ravelry and Love Crafts stores. You can purchase this pattern on any of these platforms, depending on your preference. Simply click the relevant links throughout this pattern page to be taken to the listing, or visit the store homepages in the links at the start of this paragraph.
Materials
Hook: 12mm hook (I use my clover amour large plastic hook)
Yarn: 150yds of Super Chunky / Super Bulky Yarn.
For the samples pictured, I used one 200g hank of Cheeky Chunky Merino yarn from Wool Couture. 100% merino wool, 200gram skein = 130m/143yds (hand wash only).
I used shades; baby pink, mustard, granite grey and natural cream in the samples you see pictured (all of the colours are beautiful in this yarn in my opinion!!).
Yarn Substitution:
A similar yarn will create a similar result. There is a lot of variation in this kind of chunky yarn, so look for something with a similar number of m per 100g
Different yarns and fibres will create a different result.
You may find this post useful when choosing your yarn.
Finished Size
The finished infinity scarf loop measures 150cm / 60in around
It is about 12.5cm / 6in wide.
To increase the length of the scarf, work more stitches in Round 1. To increase the width of the scarf, crochet more Rounds.
Gauge
5.5 sts and 8.5 rows in 10cm of pattern repeat (Rep Rounds 2 and 3 for pattern) using a 12mm crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge.
Variation in your gauge will lead to variations in the finished size of your project.
Learn how to make and measure a gauge swatch here
You must make sure the loop is long enough to comfortably wrap around your neck twice. You might want to check the fit is suitable after a working the first few rounds.
Note that the scarf will get tighter the more rows you make, so ensure you have room to accommodate this.
The Pattern
Round 1 (Right Side): 85 fhdc, join to first st with a ss creating a long loop, turn. 85 sts
If you are not using fhdc: ch 87, hdc in the second chain from the hook and across to the end and join to the first st.
Make sure you do not twist your first row when you join to the start.
Round 2 (Wrong Side): Ch 1 (does not count as st), 1sc in blo of each st all the way around and join to top of the first st with a ss, turn. 85 sts
Round 3: Ch2, (does not count as st), 1hdc through both loops all the way round and join to top of the first st with a ss, turn. 85 sts
Rounds 4 – 11: Repeat Rounds 2 and 3, finishing on a Round 3 repeat
Fasten off sew in ends
Block to size if required.
Enjoy your finished scarf!
If you want to make a hat to match the scarf, you can purchase an ad-free PDF pattern which includes both the scarf and matching crochet hat (seen below) pattern from Ravelry, Etsy or Love Crafts
Have fun with this pattern, and as always, don’t forget to tag me in your finished makes! Nothing makes me happier than seeing my designs brought to life by others. I love the colour choices and personal touches you add to the patterns!
On Instagram, you can use the hashtag #DoraDoes or just tag @doradexplored.
I’m also a huge fan of Pinterest so if you like my patterns I’d love it if you pin them, or visit my Pinterest page which showcases some wonderful inspirational crochet patterns – the talent out there blows my mind!
Until next time.
Happy Hooking
Dx
More Crochet Scarf, Cowl and Shawl Patterns
Copyright Dora Does Limited, Registered in England, Company Number 13992263. This pattern is for personal use only and may not be shared or reproduced in written, photo, video or any other form without prior written consent. All rights reserved. Terms of service.
I’ve just done the foundation row, but am confused about how to join the two ends together. And if it is one big loop, why do I need to turn the work at the end of each row instead of crocheting in rounds? Thank you.
You slip stitch to the top of the first stitch to join the loop. Stitches look different when worked in turned rounds versus rounds made in the same direction. In order to achieve the ribbed look pictured, this pattern needs to be turned at the end of each round. I hope that helps! Dora
If what I’m hoping to make is a cowl, what foundation count should I begin with?
Thank you for your help!
Hi! Can’t wait to try this! If I wanted to crochet this as just a scarf and not an infinity scarf or cowl, how would I do this? Just not join in the round? Would the stitch and rows count be the same?
Thank you!
Hi, yes it would work the same in flat rows as toy turn at the end. For a traditional scarf, I would make it a bit longer though. Work your first row to the length you want it and go from there! 😊
Just finished this scarf – so easy to do and looks great. Thank you so much for the pattern 😊
Thank you for your feedback – I’m so glad you enjoyed it! 😊