I’m sharing a crochet scarf pattern for men, women, and all genders as part of the charity spotlight series to meet the donation requirements of the Red Scarf Project. The Staggered Ladders Scarf uses post stitches to create a subtle texture.
This post contains affiliate links. I may receive compensation (at no added cost to you) if you make a purchase using these links. Yarn for the sample was generously provided by Cascade Yarns.
This Month’s Featured Organization: Red Scarf Project by Foster Care To Success
Foster Care To Success is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that I’ve featured before in the charity spotlight series. Foster Care To Success provides support to young adults who have aged out of foster care, including administering scholarships to foster care students to attend college and training programs. Each year, they distribute handmade red scarves to the students in these programs through the Red Scarf Project. coordinating distribution of red scarves to students in each year. Scarf donations are accepted only between September 1 and December 15. You can find the parameters for donation, links to free patterns, the shipping address, and more on the Red Scarf Project page on the Foster Care To Success website.
Tips for Designing Red Scarves for Donation
The Red Scarf Project is looking for “unisex collegiate” style scarves. In other words, a crochet scarf for men, women, and all genders! Scarves should measure at least 60″ (152.5 cm) long and between 5″ (13 cm) to 8″ (20.5 cm) wide. And, as the name suggests, they should use red (including maroon, burgundy, or cherry) yarn, incorporate red stripes, or be made with multicolor yarns that include red. Yarn should be soft and fringes are option. I recommend an easy care yarn that can be easily machine washed and dried for a college student on the go.
Scroll down for the free pattern for the Staggered Ladders Scarf. Update: You can get the free pattern for the matching Staggered Ladders Slouch in 10 sizes here.
About the Staggered Ladders Scarf
The Staggered Ladders is made with Cascade Yarns Anthem, a soft, medium (#4/worsted) weight yarn. I used 04 Maroon for my version, but there are several other red options you can choose from. This yarn can be machine washed and dried.
Looking for another Red Scarf Project pattern idea? Check out the Tunisian Extended Knit Scarf with video!
If you make your own Staggered Ladders Scarf, I’d love to see it! Share your progress and questions by tagging me on Facebook as @Underground Crafter on on Instagram as @ucrafter. You can also share a picture in the Underground Crafters Facebook group. Sign up for my weekly newsletter and get a coupon code for your choice of one of my premium patterns and private access to my vault of subscriber goodies. Plus, you’ll never miss one of my free patterns again!
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Staggered Ladders Scarf
Crochet Scarf for Men, Women, and All Genders Pattern by Underground Crafter
This crochet scarf for men, women, and all genders is easy enough for beginners but interesting enough to keep you awake. The pattern is designed to meet donation requirements for the Red Scarf Project by Foster Care To Success.
Finished Size
- Teen/Adult: 7” (18 cm) wide x 60” (152.5 cm) long.
Materials
- Cascade Yarns Anthem yarn (100% acrylic, 3.5 oz/100 g/186 yd/170 m) – 4 skeins in 04 Maroon, or approximately 600 yd (548.5 m) in any medium weight yarn.
- US Size I-9/5.5 mm crochet hook, or size needed to obtain gauge.
- Yarn needle.
Gauge
- 16 sts in pattern = 4” (10 cm) across. Exact gauge is not critical for this project.
Abbreviations Used in This Pattern
- BPdc – back post double crochet – Yo, insert hook from back around front to back of st in previous row, yo and draw up a loop, [yo and draw through 2 loops] twice. A video tutorial for this stitch is available below the pattern abbreviations.
- ch – chain
- dc – double crochet
- FPdc – front post double crochet – Yo, insert hook from front around back to front of st in previous round, yo and draw up a loop, [yo and draw through 2 loops] twice. A video tutorial for this stitch is available below the pattern abbreviations.
- hdc – half double crochet
- rep – repeat
- sc – single crochet
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- yo – yarn over
- [] Repeat instructions within brackets as indicated.
- A video tutorial for BPdc and FPdc is available below.
- If you can’t see the video tutorial for the BPdc and FPdc above, click HERE to watch it on YouTube.
Pattern Instructions
Scarf
- Ch 28 (or any multiple of 4 ch, + 4).
- Row 1: Turn, skip 1 ch, sc in next 27 ch. (27 sts)
- Row 2: Turn, ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in next 26 sts.
- Row 3: (Right Side) Turn, ch 1, hdc in first st, [FPdc around next st, hdc in next 3 sts] across to last 2 sts, FPdc around next st, hdc in next st.
- Row 4: Turn, ch 1, hdc in first st, [BPdc around next st, hdc in next 3 sts] across to last 2 sts, BPdc around next st, hdc in next st.
- Rows 5-12: Rep Rows 3-4, 4 times.
- Row 13: (Right Side) Turn, ch 1, hdc in first 3 sts, [FPdc around next st 2 rows down, hdc in next 3 sts] across.
- Row 14: Turn, ch 1, hdc in first 3 sts, [BPdc around next st, hdc in next 3 sts] across.
- Row 15: (Right Side) Turn, ch 1, hdc in first 3 sts, [FPdc around next st, hdc in next 3 sts] across.
- Rows 16: Rep Row 14 once.
- Rows 17-22: Rep Rows 15-16, 3 times.
- Row 23: (Right Side) Turn, ch 1, hdc in first st, [FPdc around next st 2 rows down, hdc in next 3 sts] across to last 2 sts, FPdc around next st 2 rows down, hdc in next st
- Row 24: Rep Row 4 once.
- Rows 25-32: Rep Rows 5-12.
- Rep Rows 13-32 until scarf measures approximately 59” (150 cm) long, ending after Row 12 or 22.
- Next Row: Repeat Row 2 once.
- Final Row: Turn, ch 1, sc in first st and each st across. Fasten off.
Finishing
- With yarn needle, weave in yarn tails.
I really love this pattern. It is attractive when finished and so easy. I can’t wait to make more for gifts. Thank you!