delia creates

Autumn, crochet, pattern, tutorial ·

Scarf of a Thousand Chains TUTORIAL

Are you ready for the first Hip Hooks project?

This first project is simple, as simple can be.

It’s all chains. Yep. All one thousand of them.

This is a fantastic project to begin with, because it gives you seemingly 😉 endless practice of the first stitch that is the foundation of crochet. But don’t worry. I’m not having you wax on and wax off for nothing. You will have a beautiful, little cowl like scarf when you’re finished.

This scarf is a crocheted version of those T-shirt tube necklace/scarves that you have probably seen all over pinterest circa 2012. You can find lots of free crochet patterns for this type of scarf online, so if you don’t prefer my version, you can find other variations with a quick search.

I decided to luxe mine up a bit with some soft wool yarn that is a size 6 (read the labels). So it’s chunky and thick. I also add a bit of wrapping and twisting and a touch of leather for interest.

Let’s get started!

First, you want to get the right yarn and the correct hook.

Yarn: about 4 ounces of Super Bulky, Size 6 (preferably a soft wool, so it’s not itchy). I used Loops & Threads Goldenrod

Hook: size K

*You may use a thinner yarn or a smaller needle. Just keep in mind that you will have to chain more chains to get the length and thickness you need to complete this scarf.
**The bulky yarns can cost more, especially the wool ones. I always use a half off coupon at my local craft store. The great news about this project is that it doesn’t use the whole skein of yarn. I have plans for another project that will use up the rest!

Now, let’s get down to business.

First learn how to chain stitch by clicking HERE.

Keeping a tally helps me keep my count, especially if I know I am going to get interrupted.

It’s going to take a while, so you might want to get cozy.
If you have to take a break, make sure to pull your loop out a bit to hold your place. If you leave it tight and close to the needle, the needle will probably fall out and chains will likely get pulled out causing you to lose count of your stitches.
Okay…once you hit 1,000 stitches or chains, you are now going to join your current loop into a chain close to the beginning chain.
Count in from the beginning chain, roughly 100 chains. This doesn’t have to be exact, just close.

When you pull that end all the way through, you knot the end off.

Now, you’re ready to loop the scarf together.

The tail you created from the beginning chains are now going to wrap loosely around the stack of looped chains. Tie it to the other end piece of yarn when you get there.

Turn the scarf over and double knots those ends together again.

Now, you have a choice. You can weave in the ends and call it good. HERE is a good tutorial for weaving in ends. Since you only have chains, you have to weave the ends into the surrounding chains.

Or you can sew on a strip of leather like so.

*I get my leather from old purses and jackets. I also sometimes buy mixed grab bags of scrap leather from Hobby Lobby. You can use vinyl, felt or knit fabric if you don’t have or don’t want to use leather.

I sewed a strip of leather about 4.5 inches long and 1.5 inches wide, around the tied ends of the scarf. The leather is wrapped and sewn right sides together, wrong side out.

Once you sew the strip on. Trim away the excess and then carefully turn the leather tube right side out.

Tada!

You can use a leather needle for this, but since it was such a small leather project, I didn’t bother. I simply lengthened my stitch and sewed slowly.

And there you have it! A lovely scarf  of a thousand chains.

It adds warmth visually as well as physically and it’s a cinch to make!

So, what do you say? Are you hooked on crochet yet? 😉

I have a few more chained projects to share with you next week. After which, we will get into single crochet!

Have a good one.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. This is so perfect! I have one person on my Christmas list that I have been clueless about. And this will be completely perfect for her. Thanks for all your hard work, I can't wait to get started!

    Reply

  3. What a terrific DIY for handmade gifts!! I have daughters who love wearing unique …and comfortable…accessories. Definitely going to make them this scarf/necklace.
    You are very talented and creative. Thanks so much for sharing.
    Keri

    Reply

  4. Oh, I'm so glad you're doing this series! I tried crochet before but quickly got bored with granny looking things. But I'm so excited to try this! Thank you!

    Reply

  5. This is adorable! I have seen the t-shirt version, but not crochet. I really love the look…..casual & cozy 🙂 I need to get some heavier weight yarn & I'm all set! Excited about your series!

    Reply

  10. Yeah this is a cool one. Oh man, I have just finally jumped fully and completely on the sewing bandwagon, and I feel like there is no room for more, you know? But you are going to reel me in with these beauties. Sigh. 🙂

    Pinning for later.

    PS-Cool triangle print on your wall! Tell me it's black card stock and tape? 🙂

    Reply

  13. So excited about this series! I tried to learn to crochet quite a few years ago and gave up! You may lure me back if you keep having AMAZING projects like this one! 🙂

    Reply

  15. I just love it! I knit (sometimes) but have never crocheted before, this project looks like the one to test out on. Your photos are fantastic, especially love your chair (eames?).

    Reply

  16. So pretty! I was looking at these at a craft fair and I think it might work to braid the yarn instead of crochet if you are crochet-challenged like myself. (I'm a knitter) May try this soon!

    Reply

  20. I love all of this project: color, yarn thickness, simplicity… Thanks -for sharing, you make me wanna re-start crocheting 🙂
    MammaNene @ SergerPepper.com

    Reply

  21. I have a dream to be able to crochet, but have not had much luck. This is the perfect starter project for me and I can't wait to get started. I'm buying my yarn today! Can't wait to see the next crochet project you post. Hopefully by then I'll be a pro at the first row and have my scarf made. 🙂

    Reply

  22. Thanks so much for your awesome tutorials! I am so excited to make some of these amazing things! This looks like the perfect starter project for me to learn how to crochet! 🙂

    Reply

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