It is a truth universally acknowledged that a beginner, in possession of a large yarn ball, must be in want of a scarf.
And the majority of makers would agree that embarking on a scarf is the one thing a beginner shouldn’t do.
Nooooooooo! They will lose the will to live! A little pouch (or similar) is probably best IMO.
— Benadryl Thundercat (@_hieroglyphe_) May 7, 2021
As any experienced maker will tell you, a beginner who casts on for a scarf as a first project is unlikely to finish it.
The problem is, scarves are loooooong, and usually, after about the first six inches or so, a beginner has a good handle on the stitches they’re learning.
After the initial rush – casting on their first project (yippee!) – there’s then no satisfying follow-through. A scarf is 5 to 6 feet of unvarying uniformity, and the slog can easily wind up giving a newbie the impression that crochet and knitting are repetitive, monotonous hobbies.
Ugh.
That kind of endurance test is something to build up to, though, but initially, a smaller project makes more sense. Feeling that sense of accomplishment is a HUGE part of what gets beginners hooked.
I recommend washcloths and/or hats instead. Get those “I made this!” endorphins helping to cheer them on. Scarves, especially all garter stitch affairs, can feel neverending and are a test of an experienced crafters patience let alone a newbie without a love for the process yet
— Síle (she-la) #WearYourMask #BLM (@knit1dance2) May 6, 2021
Beginners are far better off making something small at the start, but unfortunately, many newbie makers equate “simple project” with “satisfying experience”, and in the end quit when their scarf bores them to tears. They’re left with a sense of failure that is entirely undeserved.
Of course, there are those who disagree:
I made loads of scarves… for myself… and as presents for everyone… excellent early crochet projects…
— Helen (@Helenintgarden) May 6, 2021
But in case you’re one of the many who fell down a scarf hole, I’ve compiled a list of alternative things anyone can make with failed scarf “fragments”.
No matter how far into that 6 feet of blah you managed to get, there’s definitely a way of folding, twisting or seaming your scarf fragment into something magnificent, useful, and most importantly, FINISHED!
So, get out your random rectangle of fabric from the bottom of your stash, cast it off, thread your darning needle and prepare to bathe in a wholly deserved sense of accomplishment & satisfaction!
Let’s get into it!
Neck Warmer
10 in x 36 in/3 ft will get you a practical and cozy neck warmer.
Half the work for all the comfort.
How To:
Option 1.
Lie fabric flat, fold in half and seam starting and ending rows together to make a ring.
How To:
Option 2.
Lie fabric flat, add a half twist to fabric, then seam starting and ending rows together to make a mobius strip.
Teapot Cozy
10 in x 24 in / 2 ft and your scarf fragment with keep your tea warm instead.
How To:
Lie fabric flat, fold in half and seam selvedges together to make a pocket.
Pixie Hat
10 in x 24 in / 2 ft is enough to make an adorable hat with a pixie point. To really keep the draft out, add a button and loop or ties to fasten under your chin.
How To:
Lie fabric flat, fold in half and seam one selvedge together. Add ties or a button and loop to unseamed corners.
Woolly Hat
10 in x 21 – 22 in will net you a classic.
Just seam into a loop, and pull one side closed with a draw string and you’ll be so cozy you won’t even need that scarf.
How To:
Lie fabric flat, fold in half and seam starting and ending rows together. Weave a strand of yarn along entirety of one selvedge, pull yarn tight and secure with a knot.
Add a bobble, if you’re feeling fancy.
Pot Holder
10 in x 12 in will get you a pot holder. A nice steaming casserole is better than a silly old scarf, right?!
How To:
Add a loop to one corner.
For a more heat-resistant pot holder, use a feltable yarn. Then, shrink it in your next load of laundry.
Fingerless Glove
10 in x 7 – 8 in, and you have enough for my own personal favourite beginner project. Only drawback, you usually have to make two!
How To:
Lie fabric flat. Fold narrowest edge in half. Seam along longest edge, leaving a thumb gap in the middle of the seam.
Coffee Cozy
10 in x 6 in and your 8-cup coffee press will have a scarf of its very own.
How To:
Lie fabric flat. Fold narrowest edge in half. Securely stitch corners together. Gap between corners is where the coffee press’s handle will go
Phone Pocket
Ever had your phone stop working because it’s just too cold out?
Well, I have!
10 in x 6 in would stop that from happening when you’re out and about in January.
How To:
Lie fabric flat. Fold in half. Seam long edges, leaving one opening.
Add loop and button.
Pin Cushion
Just the ticket for when that scarf you started barely got off the ground. The nice thing about pin cushions is that they can be any shape or size.
How To:
Lie fabric flat. Fold in half. Seam two edges, stuff with polyfill, then seam final edge.
Coaster
Honorary mention. Put your swatches and tiny tests to good use as mug coasters.
Be aware, though, open-work (like lace) will not protect your surfaces, nor will non-insulating yarns like acrylic.
The easiest of all!
Weave in ends. That’s it. That’s all you have to do.
Did you enjoy this tutorial? Tell me in the comments below!
And hey, tell your friends too!
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