Moss Stitch Crochet Infinity Scarf – Free Pattern
A moss stitch infinity scarf in deep forest green is the kind of accessory that looks expensive and goes with everything. The tiny woven texture looks like linen fabric, the loop sits neatly around the neck with no ends to fiddle with, and you can wear it long or doubled up for extra warmth.
This scarf is worked in the round, lengthwise. You make a chain the length of the loop, join it into a ring, and work rounds of moss stitch — a single crochet and a chain, over and over — until it is wide enough. There is no seam to sew at the end. Add one twist before joining and it becomes a Möbius cowl that drapes even more beautifully.
Moss stitch uses only chains and single crochet, so it is ideal for beginners. It is a little slower than taller stitches, but very relaxing to work.
Why this crochet scarf works
Moss stitch, also called linen stitch or granite stitch, alternates single crochets and chain-1 spaces. On each round, the single crochets go into the spaces and the chains go over the single crochets. That staggers every stitch, so the fabric looks woven, lies completely flat and does not curl. It also has a beautiful drape.
Working in the round means the scarf has no side edges at all, which is what makes an infinity scarf look so clean. And because the rounds run lengthwise around the loop, the texture flows all the way round without a break.
The honest trade-off: moss stitch is short, so there are more rounds than in a double crochet scarf. It is perfect for slow, mindful crochet, but not for a last-minute gift.
Materials you will need
- Yarn: about 520 yards of bulky (#5) wool blend in forest green
- Hooks: 8 mm (L-11), and 9 mm (M/N-13) for the foundation chain
- Notions: stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors
Gauge and finished size
In moss stitch with an 8 mm hook, 12 sts and 14 rounds make a 4″ square. The finished loop is about 60″ around and 10″ wide — long enough to wear in one long loop or wrapped twice.
Abbreviations
- ch = chain: yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook.
- sl st = slip stitch: insert hook, pull a loop through the stitch and the loop on your hook together.
- sc = single crochet: insert hook, yarn over and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through both.
- hdc = half double crochet: yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop (3 loops), yarn over and pull through all 3.
- dc = double crochet: yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop (3 loops), yarn over and pull through 2, yarn over and pull through the last 2.
- st(s) = stitch(es); sp = space; tch = turning chain; BLO = back loop only.
- ch-1 sp = the space under a chain 1.
Pattern notes
- The scarf is worked in joined rounds, right side facing, without turning.
- The ch 1 at the beginning of each round does not count as a stitch.
- The foundation chain must be an even number.
- Place a marker in the first stitch of each round so you can find the join easily.
Step by step
Setting up
With the 9 mm hook, ch 180. Lay the chain flat on a table and check it is not twisted anywhere. Join with a sl st into the first ch to form a large ring. Change to the 8 mm hook.
For a Möbius cowl, give the chain one half twist before you join.
Round 1: Ch 1, sc in the same ch as the join, *ch 1, skip the next ch, sc in the next ch*; repeat from * around, ending with ch 1, skip the last ch. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (90 sc, 90 ch-1 sps)
Round 2: Sl st into the next ch-1 sp. Ch 1, sc in the same sp, *ch 1, skip the next sc, sc in the next ch-1 sp*; repeat from * around, ending with ch 1, skip the last sc. Join to the first sc. (90 sc, 90 ch-1 sps)
Rounds 3–35: Repeat Round 2.
The scarf should now be about 10″ wide. Keep going for a wider cowl, or stop sooner for a slimmer one. Fasten off and weave in the ends.
Finishing
For a crisp edge, work one round of sc into every stitch and every space along both edges. This is optional; moss stitch edges are neat on their own.
How to wear an infinity scarf
- Long loop: wear it once around the neck with the loop hanging down the front, like a long necklace.
- Double wrap: put it over your head, twist the front into a figure eight, and loop it over your head again for a snug cowl.
- Hood: wear it doubled and pull the back loop up over your head on a windy day.
Variations
- Two-tone moss: alternate two colours every round for a speckled tweed look. Carry the unused colour up inside the join.
- Straight scarf: work the same stitch flat in rows on a chain of 32 for a 10″ scarf, adding rows to 70″.
- Shorter cowl: ch 90 for a snug neck warmer that sits close to the chin.
How long should a crochet scarf be?
There is no single right length, but these measurements are a good guide. A child’s scarf is about 40–48″ long. An adult scarf that wraps once with the ends hanging down the front is about 60–65″. A long scarf that wraps twice, or can be tied in a loose knot, is about 70–80″. A good rule of thumb is to make the scarf roughly as long as the wearer is tall, minus about a foot.
Width matters just as much. A slim scarf of 6–7″ is neat under a coat collar. An everyday scarf is 8–10″. Anything 12″ or wider becomes a wrap or blanket scarf that can be worn over the shoulders. Every pattern in this collection gives the stitch multiple, so you can make it wider or narrower.
Choosing yarn for a scarf
A scarf sits right against the neck and face, so softness matters more than for almost any other project. Hold a skein against your neck in the shop before you buy it. Wool and wool blends are the warmest and the most forgiving — they bounce back after wear and block beautifully. Merino is the softest wool and rarely itches. Acrylic is affordable, machine washable and comes in every colour, which makes it a practical choice for gifts and for children. Alpaca and alpaca blends are very warm and silky but can stretch a little with wear.
Avoid stiff cottons for a winter scarf: they are not very warm and can feel heavy. And for textured stitches like waffle, cluster and moss stitch, choose a smooth, plied yarn rather than a fuzzy or bouclé one — the texture shows up far better.
Always buy all the yarn for one scarf from the same dye lot. A scarf is one long piece, and a change in shade halfway through is very easy to see.
Common problems and fixes
My cowl has a twist I did not want.
The chain twisted when you joined it. Unfortunately the only fix is to start again. Next time, work Round 1 as a long row first, then join, so you can untwist before joining.
The join is drifting.
That is normal in joined rounds. Keep the marker in the first sc of each round and the drift will stay small.
The edges flare.
Your foundation chain is too loose. Use the 8 mm hook for the chain next time, or work the optional sc edge tightly.
Blocking and finishing
Blocking makes a big difference to a scarf: it evens out the stitches, straightens the edges and gives the fabric a lovely drape. For wool and wool blends, soak the scarf in cool water for twenty minutes, squeeze out the water gently (never wring), roll it in a towel, then lay it flat on blocking mats or a clean towel, pat it to the right width and length, and leave it to dry completely. For acrylic, lay the scarf flat, pin it to shape and hover a steam iron just above it — never press the iron onto acrylic, or it will go flat and shiny for good.
Caring for your scarf
Hand wash wool scarves in cool water with a wool wash, and dry them flat. Acrylic scarves can usually go in the washing machine on a gentle cycle inside a mesh bag, then dry flat. Never hang a crochet scarf to dry — the weight of the wet yarn will stretch it. To store, fold it rather than hanging it on a hook, and keep wool scarves with a cedar block over the summer to keep moths away.
More crochet scarf patterns in this collection
This is one of six free crochet scarf patterns, each in a completely different stitch and style — from a squishy textured waffle to a boho granny stripe with tassels. Pick the one that suits your skill, your yarn and the look you want, or make a few as winter gifts.
- Waffle Stitch Scarf
- Chunky Cluster Stitch Scarf
- Chunky Ribbed Scarf
- Granny Stripe Tassel Scarf
- Moss Stitch Infinity Scarf — you are here
- Striped Chevron Scarf
Frequently asked
Is moss stitch the same as linen stitch?
Yes. Crocheters call it moss stitch, linen stitch, granite stitch or woven stitch. They all mean single crochet and chain 1, offset on each row.
How long does it take?
About 10 hours. The rounds are long but each stitch is very quick.
Before you start
Make the chain and lay it flat to check for twists before you join. That is the one step that matters. More cosy makes are in Hats & Scarves.
