Create a stunning Checkered Crisscross Braided Scarf with this crochet tutorial! Perfect for cozy days, its elegant design and versatility make it a stylish accessory to complement any outfit. Whether worn wrapped or draped, this scarf is easy to create and looks absolutely beautiful.
This scarf combines beauty and functionality. Its durable 68-inch length is ideal for wrapping snugly or wearing loosely as a statement piece. The alternating amethyst and sweet cream panels add a checkered elegance, while its unique braided texture gives it standout appeal.
Crochet Checkered Crisscross Braided Scarf Pattern
Crafting the Checkered Crisscross Braided Scarf is enjoyable for beginners and experienced crochet enthusiasts alike. Using a 22-needle knitting machine, this project is simple and customizable, allowing you to get creative with colors and yarns for a truly personal touch.
Materials and Preparation
Materials:
- Yarn: Loops & Threads Flex Yarn
- Colors: Amethyst and Sweet Cream
- Knitting Machine: 22-Needle Circular Machine
- Permanent Marker: To mark divider between last white and first black needle
- Scissors: For cutting yarn tails
- Crochet Hook: 4.5 mm
- Pom-pom Maker: Clover Pom-pom Maker (Size 65)
- Stitch Markers: Any type to secure dropped stitches
- Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends and cinching edges
Abbreviations and Notes
Abbreviations:
- KN = Knit (in context of machine knitting)
- SC = Single Crochet (used when fixing dropped rows)
- Drawstring Cast-on/Off: Circular knitting technique for machine
- Jogless Join: Method to prevent visible seams when changing yarn colors in the round
Notes:
- Take time to learn the jogless join for seamless color-changing rows.
- Ensure light tension throughout, especially in early rows, to prevent splitting or dropped stitches.
- Be mindful when dropping stitches for braiding—marking the stitches is helpful.
- Handle the yarn loosely during cast-on to prevent difficulty in looping onto machine needles.
Gauge, Approximate Size, and Pattern Notes
Gauge:
Loosely knit 65 rows on the machine. Gauge isn’t critical for this scarf.
Finished Dimensions:
Approximately 68 inches long (5' 8").
Pattern Notes:
This scarf alternates between Sweet Cream and Amethyst colors, creating a checkered design. Two matching tube-like panels are knitted and braided together for a clean, textured look. No gauge swatch is required.
Step-by-Step Pattern
Step 1: Beginning the Project
- Set up your 22-needle knitting machine. Mark the divider between the last white and first black needle with a permanent marker for easier row tracking.
- Choose your first yarn color, Sweet Cream, and prepare for a Drawstring Cast-on.
- Guide the yarn in front of the first black needle, behind the next white needle, and repeat this front-back movement around the machine.
- Note: Avoid tight tension since the project lacks weight initially.
Step 2: Row Tracking and Knitting
- Set row counter to 0 after finishing the cast-on.
- Begin knitting 65 rows in Sweet Cream for the first section.
- Hold yarn lightly for smooth loops over the machine's red teeth.
- Adjust tension as necessary to prevent splitting.
- At the end of Row 65, locate the black divider needle and stop at the yarn guide.
Step 3: Jogless Yarn Change
- Switch to Amethyst yarn:
- Cut the Sweet Cream yarn and insert it between the last white and first black needle.
- Begin Amethyst yarn in the same position.
- Knit 4-5 stitches, helping loops pass under the red dividers.
- Tighten the joint by pulling both yarn ends gently away from each other—this aligns the yarn change seamlessly.
- Knit 65 rows in Amethyst to Row 130 on your counter.
Step 4: Continue Alternating Colors
Repeat the same steps above for alternating blocks of Sweet Cream (Rows 130–195), Amethyst (Rows 195–260), and Sweet Cream (Rows 260–325). You’ll knit a total of 325 rows, ending with Sweet Cream.
- Tip: Use a stitch marker to divide colors visually for cleaner tracking.
Step 5: Cast-Off and Dropping Stitches
- Set up for the Drawstring Cast-off: Cut a yarn tail long enough to circle the barrel 1-2 times.
- Drop stitches for braiding: Drop needles 11 and 12 (or two adjacent needles from the white section), marking them with stitch markers.
- Carefully rotate the barrel, removing needles one row at a time while ensuring tension remains intact.
Step 6: Braiding the Panels
- Knit a second panel using the same instructions but reverse the color order (start and end with Amethyst instead of Sweet Cream). Both panels will echo the alternating checkered design.
- Create the braid:
- Place loops from each dropped stitch on opposite ends of the two panels.
- Pick up three bars from Panel A, pull them through the loop on Panel B, and alternate across both panels for a braided texture.
Step 7: Cinching Edges
- Cinch the top edges of the scarf by threading the drawstring from both panels around the center loops. Pull tightly to secure.
- Tie a few firm knots, and weave in loose yarn tails with a yarn needle. Trim excess yarn.
Step 8: Adding Pom-Poms (Optional)
- Use the Clover Pom-pom Maker (Size 65) to create rich, fluffy pom-poms in Amethyst (or your preferred color). Trim evenly for a professional finish.
- Attach pom-poms securely to the cinched ends of the scarf using a yarn needle. Ensure they're firmly knotted to prevent unraveling.
Pattern Question:
Question: Can I use other types of yarn for this scarf?
Answer: Absolutely! While the tutorial uses Loops & Threads Flex yarn, you can experiment with other yarns to suit your style. Just ensure it's lightweight and flexible for a smooth and even finish.
Conclusion
The Checkered Crisscross Braided Scarf is a delightful crochet project that combines creativity, style, and functionality. Whether you're crafting for yourself or as a gift, its striking design and simplicity make it an incredibly rewarding project. Give it a try and experience the joy of handmade fashion!
