Slip Swoop Loop Scarf

This stretchy 100% slip stitch crochet pattern features a simple lace mesh. Short rows naturally result in the paisley-like shapes. Fully reversible loop scarf (ring scarf) doubles as a cowl. Pattern includes a variation for thinner yarns and a bead-as-you-go option.

Lacy slip stitches do not gobble up expensive yarn: 220-250 yards (one or two skeins) are all you need to crochet the loop scarves shown. I’ve included tips for substituting other yarns, and for increasing or decreasing the width of the scarf. The scarf will have angled scarf ends if it is left unseamed.

The swirling paisley-like effect of this design was a surprise discovery. It happened when I crocheted lacy slip stitches in short rows. The lace relaxes the pie wedge shapes into undulating waves. Who knew?

Skill Level

Intermediate. Short rows are considered an Intermediate skill. Also, the stitch gauge is much looser than most crocheters were taught to use when they learned how to make their first slip stitches.

The slip stitch is elementary crochet, and I find that crocheting them in short rows is a breeze. It adds just enough spice to the easy stitching to create that “Just one more row!” fun. If this is your first slip stitch short row project, you might like to try Slip Slope Scarf first. Or even Eva’s Ribs. View all slip stitch patterns here.

?After using this pattern, you will know (if you didn’t already):

• How to add beads to slip stitch front loops without pre-stringing (thinner yarn version).
• How to crochet stretchy slip stitch lace.
• How to crochet short rows with “loop ease” to allow biasing & draping of the short row wedges.
• How to use a twisted slip stitch and why.
• How to use a hook-led stitch gauge.
• How blocking affects slip stitch lace.

Finished Dimensions

Pattern has customizing information for widening and lengthening scarf.

Thicker yarn version, unseamed and unstretched: One skein (240 yds) yielded a scarf 9.5″ wide X 53″ long {24 cm X 134 cm} with angled ends, measured flat (not hung). When seamed into a loop scarf, circumference is about 48″ {122 cm}.

Thinner yarn version, unseamed and unstretched: Two skeins (214 yds) yielded a scarf approx. 11″ wide X 42″ long {28 cm X 107 cm} with angled ends, measured flat (not hung). When seamed into a loop scarf, circumference is about 36″ {92 cm}.

Materials

Thicker Yarn Version

• Crochet Hook: Size J/US10/6.0mm hook, or size needed for gauge.
• Size #4 Medium yarn: Three Irish Girls Wexford Merino Silk (60% silk, 40% merino wool, 240yd/219m per skein), 1 skein of custom color “Gulf of Mexico.”

Substituting a yarn: A special upscale yarn with tonal hand dyeing like the aqua one pictured adds to the simple slip stitching experience. Choose a soft #3 light weight yarn that lists a crochet hook size range from US G/6 (4 mm)–H/8 (5 mm) on its label. These yarns may also be called Light Worsted, DK, and occasionally “Heavy Sport” Weight.

• Recommended if you’re new to slip stitch crochet: 2 or more stitch markers (until you can recognize the last slip stitch of each row).

Thinner Yarn Version

• Crochet Hook: Size G/US7/4.5mm hook, or size needed for gauge.
• Size #2 Fine yarn: Louisa Harding Jasmine 48% cotton, 39% bamboo viscose, 10% silk, 3% polyester, 107yd/98m per 50 g skein), color #27, 2 skeins.

Substituting a yarn: Just one skein of our Lotus yarn would be great for this. Choose a soft #2 fine weight yarn that lists a crochet hook size range from US D/3/3.25-G/6/4mm on its label. These yarns may also be called Sport Weight, Heavy Fingering Weight. {UK/AUS: Light DK, 5 ply and some 4 ply}

• Beading (Optional): Approx. 108 beads with holes large enough for a loop of your yarn to be pulled through (hoisted on) with a steel crochet hook. I used large iridescent colorless seed beads, a.k.a. Size 6/0 or #6 or “E-beads.” I would have used slightly larger ones if I had some with large enough holes, such as size 4/0 or 1/0 “seed” beads.
• For Beading, a steel crochet hook (“hoisting hook”) fine enough to pull a loop of the yarn through the hole of the beads you use, but not too fine that you shred your yarn. I used a Boye #12/1mm.
• Recommended if you’re new to slip stitch crochet: 2 or more stitch markers (until you can recognize the last slip stitch of each row).