Mixed Signals Scarf

Inspired by the colours of the classic BBC test card, the mixed signals crochet scarf pattern is a simple fun asymmetric chevron scarf.

You can follow the precise colour changes offered in the pattern or use this as a stash buster and go to town with your colours and stripe sizes.

I’m a lover of stripes and really enjoy randomly mixing up the depth and colours, often with unexpected results. Just check out the stash to treasure batwing sweater if you want to see some really random stripes!

This scarf was originally designed for Inside Crochet, Issue 122

An add free PDF printable version of this pattern is available to purchase from Etsy, Ravelry or Love Crafts

A woman leaning on a door models the black and white mixed signals crochet scarf which has a pop of orange colour and green fringe

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Skills Needed

This is a relatively simple pattern using the ever popular moss stitch in a chevron pattern.

Knowledge of basic crochet stitches and terminology, including simple decreases, is required

The pattern uses a two row repeat and you can change colours as desired.

You may wish to use place markers to mark the top of the chevron and the base of the trough until you get used to the row repeats.

Materials

Hook: 5mm crochet hook

Yarn: You will need around 250g / 575m of dk yarn.

To achieve the look you see pictured, I used King Cole Bamboo Cotton DK, 50% bamboo/50% cotton, 100g/230m/252yds.

Yarn A: White 530 x 1 ball
Yarn B: Black 534 x 1 ball
Yarn C: Crimson 634 x 1 ball
Yarn D: Lawn 635 x 1 ball

Substitution Options:

This is a great stash busting pattern so you can use whatever you have in your stash. I used almost all of a 100g ball of each of black and white and only around 20g-25g of the orange and green.

I think it would work really well with a mix of textures and fibres too.

Note that in below freezing climates, wool and acrylic yarns may prove warmer as cotton tends to retain moisture which can freeze in the fabric in extreme temperatures.

The scarf can be worked in different yarn weights too, though this will impact the finished size and amount of yarn required.

You may find this post useful in choosing a substitute yarn.

Notions: Yarn needle & scissors

A woman fastens her earring while modelling a black and white chevron striped scarf which has an orange pop of colour with green fringe

Finished Size

The finished scarf measures 180cm/71in long by 20cm/8in wide.

You can change the length of the scarf by adding or removing rows.

You can change the width of the scarf by adding or removing stitches from the foundation chain.

However, this will impact the stitch counts between the increases and decreases so you will need to adjust the pattern accordingly.

Pattern Notes

General Notes

Please read all the pattern notes before starting your project.

This pattern uses standard US crochet terms (UK equivalents are given in brackets in the abbreviations list)

Numbers at the end of a row indicate the number of stitches in that row and are only given at the start of a section or where there is a change.

Chain 2 turning chain counts as 1 single crochet and chain 1 throughout

Chain spaces are included in the stitch count.

Instructions written after *asterisks should be repeated as indicated.

Instructions written between [square brackets] should be worked the specific number of times instructed.

Instructions in (round brackets) should be worked in the same stitch / space.

Construction

The scarf is worked in rows along the short side.

I have indicated which rows to work in which colours to achieve the look of the item pictured, but you can get creative and random with your colour changes.

For the best results, fasten off your yarn after each colour change.

The fringe is added at the end.

Stitches & Abbreviations: US terms

(UK Equivalent in Brackets)

ch = chain

ch-sp = chain space

sc2tog = single crochet 2 together (UK double crochet 2 together) – see special stitches

rep = repeat

RS = right side

sc = single crochet (UK double crochet)

sk = skip (UK miss)

sp = space

aa = slip stitch

st(s) = stitch(es)

WS = wrong side

Special Stitches

Single crochet 2 together (sc2tog )

Insert hook, yo, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), insert hook into next st, yo, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yo, pull through all 3 loops to complete the stitch.

In this pattern you will work your sc2tog over 2 chain spaces instead of 2 consecutive stitches. You simply miss the sc between the two ch1-sp to complete the decrease.

Gauge

20 sts and 18 rows in moss st to measure 10 x 10cm/4 x 4in using 5mm hook, or size required to obtain tension.

Gauge is not essential for this project.

Learn how to make and measure a gauge swatch here

You can purchase and add free printable PDF version of this pattern from Etsy, Ravelry or Love Crafts.

a close up of the texture of the mixed signals crochet scarf

The Mixed Signals Crochet Scarf Pattern

Using Yarn A and a 5mm hook, ch61;

Row 1 (RS): 1sc in third ch from hook, *ch1, sk 1 ch, 1sc in next ch; rep from * to end turn. 31 sc, 30 ch1-sps.

Row 2: Ch2 (counts as 1sc, ch1 throughout), sk the first sc, ch-sp and the second sc, 1sc in second ch-sp, [ch1, 1sc in next ch-sp] six times, ch1, (1sc, ch1, 1sc) in next ch-sp, [ch1, 1sc in next ch-sp] twice, ch1, sc2tog over next 2 ch-sps, [ch1, 1sc in next ch-sp] three times, ch1, (1sc, ch1, 1sc) in next ch-sp, [ch1, 1sc in next ch-sp] five times, ch1, sc2tog over next 2 ch-sps, [ch1, 1sc in next ch-sp] three times, ch1,(1sc, ch1, 1sc) in next ch-sp, [ch1, 1sc in next ch-sp] twice, turn. 61 sts.

Row 3: Ch2, sk (first sc, ch-sp and second sc), 1sc in second ch‑sp, ch1, (1sc, ch1, 1sc) in next ch-sp, [ch1, 1sc in next ch-sp] three times, ch1, sc2tog over next 2 ch-sps, [ch1, 1sc in next ch-sp] five times, ch1, (1sc, ch1, 1sc) in next ch-sp, [ch1, 1sc in next ch-sp] three times, ch1, sc2tog over next 2 ch-sps, [ch1, 1sc in next ch-sp] twice, ch1, (1sc, ch1, 1sc in next ch-sp), [ch1, 1sc in next ch-sp] eight times, turn. 61 sts.

Continue to work the scarf by repeating Rows 2 & 3

I have outlined the colours I used for each row below, but you can go freestyle on this or use it as a guide.

Make sure you always start a new colour on a Row 2 rep.

Rows 4 – 7: Yarn A

Rows 8 – 15: Yarn B

Rows 16 – 19: Yarn A

Rows 20 – 21: Yarn B

Rows 22 – 23: Yarn A

Rows 24 – 39: Yarn C

Rows 40 – 43: Yarn A

Rows 44 – 51: Yarn B

Rows 52 – 57: Yarn A

Rows 58 – 59: Yarn B.

Rows 60 – 61: Yarn A

Rows 62 – 63: Yarn B

Rows 64 – 71: Yarn A

Rows 72 – 73: Yarn B

Rows 74 – 77: Yarn A

Rows 78 – 87: Yarn B

Rows 88 – 93: Yarn A

Rows 94 – 101: Yarn B

Rows 102 – 103: Yarn A

Rows 104 – 107: Yarn B

Rows 108 – 113: Yarn A

Rows 114 – 121: Yarn B

Rows 122 – 127: Yarn A

Rows 128 – 131: Yarn B

Rows 132 – 133: Yarn A

Rows 134 – 135: Yarn B

Rows 136 – 139: Yarn A

Rows 140 – 145: Yarn B

Rows 146 – 153: Yarn A

Rows 154 – 163: Yarn B

Rows 164 – 167: Yarn A

Rows 168 – 171: Yarn B

Rows 172 – 177: Yarn A

Rows 178 – 181: Yarn B

Rows 182 – 183: Yarn A

Row 184: Ss in each st and ch-sp across.

Fasten off and weave in ends

You may want to block your scarf if you have used a mix of yarns.

A woman smiles at the camera wearing a blue dress and a black white and orange striped shaft with green fringing

Add the Fringe

Using Yarn D, and with WS facing, add fringe to each end of your scarf.

To do this, cut approximately equal lengths of yarn, fold each strand in half. Using your crochet hook, pull the loop through the end of the scarf, tuck the tails of the strand into the loop and pull tight to close.

Work your fringe through the back of the starting ch for the first end and the final slip stitch row for the other end.

Repeat this until you are happy with the density of your fringe.

Trim fringe to one length. This post shares my favourite tips for trimming yarn fringes.

Sharing your finished makes

I hope you had fun with this pattern. I love seeing your finished makes – it gives me all the happy feels!

Here’s how you can share them on social media, if that’s your cup of tea!

On Instagram, you can use the hashtag #HookMeHappy or #MixedSignalsScarf or just tag me @doradexplored
You can add your photos to my Facebook page
If you have the bug for creating garments, why not join my dedicated facebook group “My Crochet Wardrobe” and share them there?
If Pinterest is your happy place, you can add them there too – check out my Pinterest account for lots more crochet inspiration from makers across the web!

Happy Hooking

(C) DoraDoes 2020. You may sell what you make from my patterns, but please credit me as the designer. The pattern is for personal use only and may not be shared without written consent.