Eva’s Ribs Scarf

This is slip stitch crochet ribbing pure and simple—back loop only, same as for classic single crochet rib. With a larger-than usual crochet hook, it crochets up faster and softer than you’d think.

It’s such an elementary pattern that it’s almost not a pattern at all. This scarf is also Step One in creating my Eva Shrug. When I was making the shrug I was very tempted to stop right here and leave it as a scarf. If you decide to turn your scarf into a sweater, you’ll be halfway there.

Eva’s Ribs resembles knitted stockinette or 1X1 knitted rib to many people. It does to me too, sort of. This is a luxuriantly stretchy and plush ribbing, more so than any other crocheted or knitted ribbing I’ve experienced. I hope you enjoy this scarf as much as I do!     — Vashti

Skill Level

Easy-Intermediate. I’d sure like to call this an “Advanced Beginner” pattern, because the slip stitch is elementary crochet, and this is a simple scarf pattern. However, the stitch gauge is much looser than most crocheters were taught to use when they learned the stitch. The more you can let your crochet hook size determine how loose you make your slip stitches, the more you’ll like your scarf. Your stitches will even out and get soft and stretchy.

I’ve kept pattern abbreviations to a minimum and include International English equivalents for American terms.

Finished Dimensions (easily customized)

6″ X 50″ (15 cm X 127 cm). It’s easy to make your scarf wider or longer. If you do, you may need more yarn; also, you might not be able to use it as Step One of the Eva Shrug.

Materials

• Crochet Hook: Size US J/10 (6.00 mm).
• Yarn Used: Berroco Vintage® (52% Acrylic, 40% Wool, 8% Nylon, 217 yards / 100 grams), 1.5 skeins. My total yarn cost for just the scarf: $13, with two-thirds of the second skein left over. This means I’d use all of three skeins if I made two scarves for a total of $19.50.

Substituting a yarn: The best fibers for this project add bounce and plump stretchiness because of their wool or acrylic content. (Cotton yarn is just not the same for this!) Choose a #3 light- to #4 medium-weight yarn that recommends a crochet hook size range somewhere between US G/7/4.5mm-I/9/5.5mm. These yarns may also be referred to as DK (Double Knitting), Light Worsted, or Worsted weight.