Classic Collegiate Striped Crochet Scarf

Pattern Overview & Color Repeat

This scarf is worked flat in lengthwise rows from bottom to top. The classic collegiate stripe sequence consists of wide Color A blocks separated by crisp varsity accent stripes:

• Block 1: 24 rows Color A (Rows 1–24)
• Stripe Set 1: 4 rows Color B • 4 rows Color A • 4 rows Color B (Rows 25–36)
• Block 2: 24 rows Color A (Rows 37–60)
• Stripe Set 2: 4 rows Color B • 4 rows Color A • 4 rows Color B (Rows 61–72)
• Block 3: 24 rows Color A (Rows 73–96)
• Stripe Set 3: 4 rows Color B • 4 rows Color A • 4 rows Color B (Rows 97–108)
• Block 4: 24 rows Color A (Rows 109–132)
• Stripe Set 4: 4 rows Color B • 4 rows Color A • 4 rows Color B (Rows 133–144)
• Block 5: 16 rows Color A (Rows 145–160, Finishing block)

Total: 160 rows (approx. 68 inches unblocked).

Want custom colors or stripe widths? Use our free Stripe Pattern Generator to simulate custom palettes, preview row counts, and calculate exact yardage per color before starting.

Foundation & Stitch Anatomy

With Color A, ch 26 (or any number of stitches to reach your desired width; see our Scarf Cast-On Calculator to adjust for different yarn weights).

Row 1 (RS): Starting in the 2nd chain from hook, work 1 hdc in the back bump of each chain across. Turn. (25 hdc)

Main Ribbed Body

Row 2 (WS): Ch 1 (does not count as st), 1 hdc in BLO of each stitch across until 1 st remains; work 1 hdc through BOTH loops of the last st. Turn. (25 hdc)

Rows 3–24: Repeat Row 2 with Color A. On the final yo of Row 24, drop Color A and pull through with Color B. Do not fasten off Color A.

First Varsity Stripe Set

Rows 25–28 (4 rows): With Color B, repeat Row 2. On the last yo of Row 28, switch back to Color A.

Rows 29–32 (4 rows): With Color A, repeat Row 2. On the last yo of Row 32, switch to Color B.

Rows 33–36 (4 rows): With Color B, repeat Row 2. On the last yo of Row 36, switch to Color A. Fasten off Color B with a 6-inch tail.

Continuing the Sequence

Repeat the sequence according to the overview chart:

1. Rows 37–60: Work 24 rows Color A.
2. Rows 61–72: Work Stripe Set 2 (4 rows B, 4 rows A, 4 rows B).
3. Rows 73–96: Work 24 rows Color A.
4. Rows 97–108: Work Stripe Set 3 (4 rows B, 4 rows A, 4 rows B).
5. Rows 109–132: Work 24 rows Color A.
6. Rows 133–144: Work Stripe Set 4 (4 rows B, 4 rows A, 4 rows B).
7. Rows 145–160: Work 16 rows Color A.

Fasten off Color A, leaving an 8-inch tail. Weave in all yarn ends securely along the edges using a tapestry needle.

Adding the Fringe (Optional but Recommended)

Fringe gives this collegiate scarf its authentic vintage varsity aesthetic and naturally covers any carried yarns along the short ends.

1. Wrap yarn around a 6-inch (15 cm) piece of sturdy cardboard approximately 50 times. Cut across one end to create uniform 12-inch strands.
2. Group 4 strands together and fold in half to form a loop.
3. Insert your crochet hook from back to front through the edge of the first row at the short end of the scarf.
4. Catch the folded center loop with your hook and pull it partially through the fabric (about 2 inches).
5. Draw the loose yarn ends through the loop and pull firmly to tighten into a classic lark's head knot.
6. Repeat evenly across both short ends of the scarf, placing a fringe tassel every 2 to 3 stitches (approx. 9 to 11 tassels per end).
7. Steam lightly with an iron or garment steamer (do not touch acrylic yarn directly with hot metal), then trim fringe ends straight with sharp shears.