Lacy crochet scarf patterns are a step up in skill level from scarves using basic stitch patterns, but they’re a great way to learn more intricate stitches and add a handmade touch to your wardrobe any time of year.
Lace scarves usually have a repeating stitch pattern, so as soon as you learn the basics it’s simple to repeat that design as long as you want for your scarf. And many of these stitches are just variations on the basic crochet stitches, so they shouldn’t be too much of a challenge!
How Do You Crochet a Lace Scarf?
Lace scarves, like any other crocheted scarf, are typically rectangles and can be worked from the top down (meaning from one short side to the other) or from side to side, using a long chain that is the same length as your scarf.
Lacy crochet scarf patterns often use one or several repeating stitch patterns to make the design, so make sure you’re comfortable with all the techniques before you get started.
If you need any help understanding what the pattern wants you to do, our Crochet Fundamentals workshop can help. It will teach you everything from basic stitches to finishing techniques so your projects will end up looking just like the ones in the pictures.
How Long is the Average Crochet Scarf?
Crocheted scarves can be made to any length you like. Sometimes lacy crochet scarves are shorter than you might make a winter scarf because they are worn more as an accessory than something to keep you warm.
In general, though, scarves are worked to about the length that the recipient is tall. When working a scarf from a short end, you can easily alter the pattern to make it shorter or longer based on who you are giving it to and how it will be worn.
Just keep in mind the pattern repeat and make sure you’ve completed a full repeat of the pattern if it is more than one row before you finish off your work.
Materials for Lacy Crochet Scarf Patterns
The most important consideration when making a lacy crochet scarf is what yarn you want to use. Typically lighter weight yarns are used for lace scarves (up to a 4, worsted weight) and sometimes a larger hook is used that would typically be called for with that weight of yarn to emphasize the openness of the stitches.
You don’t necessarily need to check gauge when working a scarf pattern, because if your scarf comes out a slightly different size it’s not a big deal. But if you want to make a swatch so you can practice and make sure you understand all the pattern abbreviations and techniques, that can be helpful.
When it comes to fiber content, any fiber you like can be used to crochet a lace scarf, from cotton to acrylic, wool and blends. Since scarves tend to touch the skin you’ll want to use something that is soft to touch.
In addition to yarn and the size crochet hook called for in the pattern, you’ll also need:
- Scissors for trimming yarn ends
- Yarn needle or tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- Stitch markers can also be handy if your pattern has different lace sections in the same row
The following free lacy crochet scarf patterns are arranged by yarn weight in case you want to use something special from your stash or are looking for a lighter weight scarf for summer or a heavier one for the transitional seasons. Either way you’re sure to find a stunning, lacy scarf you can’t wait to get on your hook!
Super Fine Weight Lace Scarf Crochet Patterns
This group of patterns uses yarn weight 1, also known as super fine or fingering weight yarn. This dainty yarn produces ethereal, lightweight scarves that are perfect for warmer weather.
Rosaline Easy Lacy Scarf Pattern
Designer: Annie Design Crochet
Yarn weight: (1) Super fine
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Comfy Fingering
This openwork look is made just with chains, single crochet, and double crochet stitches. It looks a little daunting but once you get the hang of the pattern it’s really easy to work.
New Moon Wrap Scarf Pattern
Designer: Moogly Blog
Yarn weight: (1) Super fine
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Summer Nights
This lacy scarf is made with a six-row repeat. The original yarn used had a little bit of sparkle, but you can also add some bling with a fun beaded edging.
Crochet Lacy Scarf Pattern
Designer: Stitching Together
Yarn weight: (1) Super fine
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Comfy Fingering
This wide scarf or wrap is made with double crochet clusters and chains, so it’s not too difficult for a newer crocheter to stitch. This one would be lovely to stitch up to wear at a summer wedding or garden party.
One Skein Indigo Scarf Pattern
Designer: Annie Design Crochet
Yarn weight: (1) Super fine
Suggested yarn: Red Heart It’s a Wrap
This scarf stitches up quickly with a two-row repeat of chains and shell stitches. A skein that changes color makes this scarf even more special, but you can work it in a single color as well.
Lacy Waves Crochet Scarf Pattern
Designer: Trainee Hero
Yarn weight: (1) Super fine
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Comfy Fingering
This beautiful lacy scarf is made with a wavy pattern that looks similar to the knitting pattern Feather and Fan. It’s worked from one long side so you can keep stitching until you run out of yarn or the scarf is as wide as you’d like. You can even turn it into a shawl if you want.
Clover Fan Infinity Scarf Pattern
Designer: Made by Gootie
Yarn weight: (1) Fingering
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Stroll
The clover cluster stitch used on this infinity scarf is so pretty, and if it’s new to you there’s a photo tutorial in the pattern to help you get started. This pattern is lovely in a tonal or a solid colored yarn.
Stepping Out Summer Scarf Pattern
Designer: Stitches n Scraps
Yarn weight: (1) Super fine
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Summer Nights
This lightweight scarf is the perfect thing to keep in your bag for when you get a bit of a chill on a cool summer evening or in a building with too much air conditioning. The cluster stitches add texture to this reversible scarf, and the pattern includes a chart if you prefer that to written instructions.
Simple Lace Crochet Scarf Pattern
Designer: Annie Design Crochet
Yarn weight: (1) Super fine
Suggested yarn: Ewe Ewe Fluffy Fingering
This simple mesh design would be a great first crochet lace project for someone who has never tried it before. It is mostly made with chains and double crochet stitches, so it grows quickly and would be a great last-minute gift idea.
Rustic Lace Scarf Pattern
Designer: Highland Hickory Designs|
Yarn weight: (1) Super fine
Suggested yarn: Red Heart It’s a Wrap
This charming lace scarf uses double crochets and clusters of stitches to make the lacy pattern. It’s a very long scarf and easy to customize the width and length, or you can make yours an infinity scarf. There’s also a coordinating hat pattern.
Sport Weight Yarn Lacy Scarf Crochet Patterns
Next we have a small collection of patterns that use yarn weight 2, also known as light or sport weight. The slightly thicker yarn makes these a little faster to stitch, but not a lot heavier, so you can still use them when the weather is warm.
Picot Trellis Crochet Scarf Free Pattern
Designer: Crochet For You Blog
Yarn weight: (2) Sport
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Brava Sport
This lovely scarf is made with picot trellis stitch. It is an easy and fast pattern with an open lace texture, making it great for a lightweight, warm weather scarf.
Shell Stitch Crochet Scarf Pattern
Designer: Annie Design Crochet
Yarn weight: (2) Sport
Suggested yarn: Schachenmayr Catania
The simple one row repeat on this scarf is easy to learn and will grow quickly on your hook. Iris stitch uses shells and chain stitches for lacy stitches that also have a lot of texture.
Imperial Lace Scarf Pattern
Designer: Suvi’s Crochet
Yarn weight: (2) Sport
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Heatherly Sport
This pretty scarf was inspired by 19th-century ceramic tile designs, and by the designer’s wish to make a one skein project. This lacy crochet stitch pattern repeat is 32 rows, but there are two places in the pattern you can stop, so you can just keep stitching until you almost run out of yarn.
Seashore Shell Stitch Scarf Pattern
Designer: Stitching Together
Yarn weight: (2) Sport
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand LB Collection Cotton Bamboo Linen
This dainty shell pattern adds a little bit of openwork to make the scarf breathable. It’s the perfect thing for a night out when the weather might turn a little cooler through the evening.
Lace Crochet Scarves Made with DK Weight Yarn
Yarn weight 3, or DK/light, is a great choice for scarves because it hits the sweet spot of not being too heavy or too fine. These projects are great for spanning the seasons and don’t take too long to stitch.
Ready or Not Scarf Pattern
Designer: Oombawka Design Crochet
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Mandala
This pretty mesh pattern is worked in double crochets and chain stitches, and once the pattern is established it’s a single row repeat. This one is so quick and easy, and made more fun with the addition of optional fringe.
Easy Lace Scarf Pattern
Designer: Kirsten Holloway Designs
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Patons Grace
The dramatic openwork sections of this summer scarf are made by working long chains, so this is a really easy project for beginners. In addition to chains you only need to know how to make sc and dc stitches to complete this one.
Stashbusting Lace Scarf Pattern
Designer: Crafting Each Day
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton DK
This free crochet pattern has two panels of crochet lace stitches that repeat across the project. They look great in a multicolored yarn as shown, use a solid or self-striping yarn from your stash, or even make your own stripes with leftovers from other projects!
Easy Crochet Spring Infinity Scarf Pattern
Designer: Mama in a Stitch
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton DK
Here’s a fun way to get a lacy look in a project that’s perfect for beginners. Just use a much larger hook than the yarn would normally call for, and you have instant lace even with simple standard stitches.
Lace Floral Scarf Pattern
Designer: Golden Lucy Crafts
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: DROPS Cotton Light
The mesh pattern on this scarf is made with chains, single crochet, double crochet, and treble crochet stitches. The applique flowers are a fun additional decoration, but totally optional.
Magnolia Leaf Scarf Pattern
Designer: Happy in Red
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Scheepjes Merino Soft
This pretty stitch pattern was inspired by magnolia leaves. Once established, the pattern is a four-row repeat, and a chart is included for those who like them.
Alana Lacy Scarf Pattern
Designer: Crochet Dreamz
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton DK
This project uses a variation on shell stitch to make a very open pattern that’s quick to work. The designer says they used different fibers and preferred the look of this design in cotton, but you can try different yarns to see what you prefer.
Lemonade Scarf Pattern
Designer: The Lazy Hobbyhopper
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Malabrigo Caprino
This chevron lace pattern is easy to make with just dc and chain stitches. The pattern includes a video tutorial if you need help learning how to work this fun pattern.
Worsted Weight Lacy Crochet Scarf Patterns
Worsted weight or yarn weight 4 is a popular choice for all sorts of projects, and it’s great for lace scarves, too, because it isn’t so bulky that you won’t be able to see the stitches. Using lace stitches also keeps your scarf from being too warm and makes it work up quickly with this relatively heavier weight.
Easy Skinny Summer Scarf Pattern
Designer: Christa Co Design
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
Are you looking for a scarf that you can wear all year round? This pattern is all you need. The super simple mesh pattern is made with double crochets and chains, and the cotton yarn keeps it super lightweight.
Lace Scarf with Flowers Pattern
Designer: Kristen Holloway Designs
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Cotton Cakes
This pretty floral lace scarf would be perfect to wear at a summer wedding. The pattern includes a photo tutorial for working the stitch, and it’s made even sweeter with purchased lace stitches to the ends.
Best & Airy Light Crochet Scarf for Spring Pattern
Designer: Simply Hooked by Janet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Comfy Color Mist
This scarf features the Y stitch, which is an easy combination of a treble crochet, a chain stitch and a double crochet. There’s a tutorial in the pattern but once you have the hang of it this scarf will fly off your hook!
Tendril Leaf Crochet Scarf Pattern
Designer: Annie Design Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand LB Collection Mako Cotton
The four-row repeat used in this pattern only uses chains, sc and dc stitches, so it’s easy to do once you get the hang of it. This design makes a wide scarf that’s almost like a wrap, but you can modify it if you’d like a skinnier one.
Festival Scarf Pattern
Designer: Fiber Flux Blog
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Swish Worsted
We’re used to granny stitch being used in granny squares, but this pattern opens up the design into chunky openwork stripes. It’s really easy and quick to do, and there’s a video tutorial if you’re new to the technique.
Gingko Leaf Scarf Pattern
Designer: Fiber Flux
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Color Theory
The Ginkgo Leaf Scarf is a fun scarf with a fall feel that celebrates the beautiful fan shape of the gingko leaf. It is made up of the basic stitches like treble, single, and chain to make the fan shape. There’s a video tutorial included in the pattern.
Love Knot Scarf Pattern
Designer: The Purple Poncho
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Pound of Love
This scarf looks delicate as it is designed with loopy and knotted stitches that resemble diamonds or flowers. The love knot is also known as Solomon’s knot, and there’s a video tutorial in the pattern to show you how it's done.
Dandelion Meadow Scarf Pattern
Designer: Knits ‘n Knots
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Simply Alpaca
This wide, fringed scarf is made with an allover shell stitch pattern hat looks like starbursts, or a field of dandelions. It’s mostly made with chains and clusters of double crochet, so it’s quick and easy to make this lace scarf for cooler weather.
Spring Shell Scarf Pattern
Designer: 5 Little Monsters
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Scarfie
This cheery two-row repeat scarf pattern is great for spring and summer. It uses mostly chains and single crochet stitches, and you can let the ends hang or sew them together to make a circle scarf.
Ready to Make Your Own Scarf Designs?
If these patterns have inspired you to try your hand at designing a crochet scarf, our Ultimate Crochet Stitch Library can help by teaching you 45 different crochet stitch patterns.
With video tutorials for each stitch, you’ll be working up all these fun patterns in no time and adding them to your projects will be easy.
I designed this fun and colorful infinity scarf with the basic crochet stitches: chain, single crochet and double crochet; so even the beginner crocheter can hook this one up! You could easily change this infinity scarf into a cowl, by using only one skein. You could also change this into a normal scarf by using a total of two skeins. The stitch pattern is so simple that after the first set of repeats, you can get lost on your Netflix binge and mindlessly crochet this entire free pattern!
