Slip Slope Scarf

Thanks to my new website I can now easily host my free crochet patterns. Slip Slope is the crochet scarf that features short rows with my all-time favorite type of ribbing: slip stitches worked into the back loop. It’s a plush, stretchy scarf would make a great gift for anyone. With a larger than usual crochet hook, it crochets up faster than you’d think.

I’ve already published another free pattern for a different slip stitch scarf: Eva’s Ribs Scarf: Slip Stitch Crochet 101. It’s the simplest beginner ribbed scarf, so you might like to try it first. Slip Slope Scarf is the perfect next step because it’s Eva in short rows. For me, short rowing adds just enough spice to keep me crocheting late into the night 🙂 especially with color-changing yarns. Slip Tectonics and Swoop Loop are variations on Slip Slope.

Although it looks more complicated than it is, it might take some getting used to for some crocheters. After all, short rows are much more common in knitting than crocheting. To help, I’ve included some step-by-step photos. If you still find this pattern to be tricky, the Luckyslip Mitts pattern introduces a just a few short rows and was designed to be a class review for my Slip Stitch 101 students. The Thaxton Cowl goes more in depth.

Skill Level

Intermediate. The slip stitch is an elementary stitch, and I find that crocheting short rows with them is a breeze. However, short rows are considered an Intermediate skill. In addition, the stitch gauge for the Slip Slope Scarf is looser than you were probably taught to use when you learned how to crochet.
I’ve discovered that when it comes to slip stitch patterns, the more you can let your crochet hook size determine how loose you make your stitches, the more you’ll like your results. I call this powerful Intermediate skill a “hook-led” gauge. For more on this, see: Issue #9 of Vashti’s Crochet Inspirations Newsletter, “Slip Stitch for Style.”

I’ve only used a few abbreviations in this pattern and provide International English equivalents for American measurements, yarn weights, and stitch terms. The English equivalents are in brackets {}.

After using this pattern you will know (if you didn’t already):
-How to crochet a stylish and stretchy slip stitch scarf the fun way!
-How to crochet short rows
-How to use a hook-led stitch gauge

Materials

Crochet Hook: Size K/10.5 (6.5 mm).

Yarn: a plump #4 medium-weight yarn that recommends a crochet hook size range from US H/8/5mm-J/10/6mm on its label. These yarns may also be referred to as Heavy Worsted, Aran, Afghan, and occasionally “Light Chunky” Weight. Generally the best yarns for this ribbed kind of slip stitch crochet have a stretchy bounce because of their wool or acrylic content. Cotton yarn is just not the same for this. Long color changes in a self-striping yarn, or subtle tonal shades of a hand dyed yarn, work great for this design!

For a wider scarf, use a thicker yarn and bigger crochet hook.

Recommended if you’re new to slip stitch crochet: up to 17 stitch markers (until you can recognize the last slip stitch of each row).