As the weather cools down, it turns into prime time for displaying our crocheted creations. With the Craft Yarn Council reporting that 86% of crocheters list scarves as their favorite projects, there’s a good chance you have quite a few in your closet. Are you looking for a new way to wear your scarf? In this tutorial, I’ll share 3 different ways to wear a rectangular scarf. These styles will add new life to your old favorites or create a signature look with your latest creation. (By the way, I’m using the Skinny Minny Scarf in the tutorial photos. You can get the free crochet pattern with video here. And, if you’re looking for more inspiration, I included a roundup with 16 more free crochet patterns for rectangular scarves at the end of this tutorial.)
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3 Ways to Tie a Rectangular Scarf
Style 1: Inspired by a Necktie
This is a great unisex look that keeps your neck cozy but also allows the longer edges of the scarf to hang down. This style is great for very long scarves that you want to keep from dangling down too low on your body.
- Step 1: Start by centering the scarf at the back of your neck with the ends hanging down in the front.
- Step 2: Tie a knot in each in each side. Leave one knot loose.
- Step 3: Insert the side with the tighter knot into the looser knot.
- Step 4: Adjust both sides until you have the look you’d like and then tighten up the knot. Style with the knot towards the center.
Style 2: Campus Coed
This trendy style works well with long as well as wide rectangular scarves.
- Step 1: Start by centering the scarf at the back of your neck. Wrap both ends around to the back.
- Step 2: Bring one end of the scarf to the front. Insert the side into the wrapped loop at the other side of your neck.
- Step 3: Bring the other end of the scarf to the front. Insert the side into the wrapped loop at the other side of your neck.
- Step 4: Adjust both sides…
- Step 5: …until you have the desired look.
Style 3: Knotty Girl
This style works best with scarves made from fibers that hold their shape well, like wool and acrylic, since the twisting can stretch out other fibers like cotton and alpaca. It transforms any scarf into an accent scarf that can be worn indoors all day.
- Step 1: Start by centering the scarf at the back of your neck with the ends hanging down in front.
- Step 2: Twist one side of the scarf until it is almost ready to curl.
- Step 3: Wrap the twisted end of the scarf around towards the back of your neck…
- Step 4: …bringing it back to the front.
- Step 5: Tie the twisted end to the long end at the front and begin twisting the long end.
- Step 6: Tie the ends together several times…
- Step 7: …until you reach the desired length. Style the knots off center.
With these tutorials, you even create 3 different looks from the same scarf! But, if you decide you prefer one style with a particular scarf, just loosen the knots around your neck and pull the scarf off gently. Hang the scarf up knotted on a hanger to make it easier to style the scarf when you’re on the go next time.
Now that you have some styling ideas, find your next project in this roundup of free crochet patterns for rectangular scarves!
Roundup: 16 Free Crochet Patterns for Rectangular Scarves
- Mountain Land Scarf by ELK Studio
- Bridgeport Scarf by Stitches’n’Scraps
- Easy Ribbed Scarf by Crochet for You
- Autumn Ripple Scarf by Petals to Picots
Second row, from left to right:
- Vibrant Striped Skinny Scarf by Creative Crochet Workshop
- Wasabi Pop Scarf by The Purple Poncho
- Dreamy Scarf by Pattern Paradise
- Marshmallow Scarf by American Crochet
Third row, from left to right:
- Waves of Enchantment Scarf by The Stitchin’ Mommy
- Clusters and Vs Lace Scarf by Underground Crafter
- Snowy Evening Bobble Scarf by ABC Knitting Patterns
- Trellis Scarf by Jessie At Home
Bottom row, from left to right:
- Amazing Grace Saturday Super Scarf by Beatrice Ryan Designs
- Snow Drops Skinny Scarf by Left in Knots
- Scrap Happy Tube Scarf by Goddess Crochet
- Chevron Scarf by KatiDCreations
If you’re still on the hunt for the perfect scarf pattern, check out this roundup with 50+ more free crochet, knitting, and fabric scarf patterns.