One of the Questions I Get Asked Most Frequently: What’s the Best Size to Make a Crocheted Scarf? Here, Other Crocheters Weigh in and Share Their Opinions.

Awhile back, I received an email from Carol; she asked,

“What’s the best size to make a scarf? Do you have any guidelines available? both length and width. Thanks.”

I don’t personally know of any specific rules governing scarf length; as far as I know, it’s all about personal preference. So, I thought I’d open the floor for comments and opinions from all of you. Do you have a favorite scarf? If so, how long is it? How wide is it? Share your opinion about what’s the best size for a scarf.

Heather’s Response:

I’ve made infinity scarves measuring 20 x 145 cm, 8 x 57 inches. Then I tied 15 cm/6 inch single-strand tassels all the way around around, folding over so it looks like 2 strands. Good luck.

Pplatterkat’s Response:

5.5-6 ft

I keep my “accessory” scarves about 5.5-6 ft and about 5-6 inches wide depending on the height of the woman. That way they (or myself) can experiment with some fun knots. Winter scarves I do 6-8 inches wide and usually just go until I run out of yarn or am happy with the length, I’ve never really measured those.

Amy’s Thoughts on the Best Size to Crochet a Scarf

I crochet a foundation chain between a hundred and eighty five to two hundred stitches long.

Mary’s Opinion on the Best Size to Make a Crocheted Scarf

I found online that a short scarf is 55 inches, a medium scarf is 70 inches, and a long scarf is 82 inches, but that seems pretty long to me. I think that 55 – 60 inches is a pretty good size. What I did was measure my favorite scarf and used that size.

Donna’s Opinion on the Ideal Scarf Length:

I think 6ft is ideal.You can do many styles and folds.

Rubi’s Thoughts on Scarf Measurements

My favorite go to length is wingspan, from fingertip to fingertip.

Levelin58’s Opinion on the Best Scarf Length and Width

Depends on the person

I make scarves for myself, family, friends, and to sell. I usually keep them 5-7 in wide, but the length varies. One friends wanted to wrap it around her neck 3x so it’s perfect for our cold winters. Usually I’ll make the first row (I go lengthwise back and forth), wrap it around my neck (place it in front under chin then criss cross it in back to that both sides are dangling in front of you), and as long as it hangs at my waist it’s a good length. That way they can also do the “keyhole” and it’s still mid torso.

I just recently started making the circle/infinity scarf and haven’t quite decided the length on that before I sew the ends together. If anyone has an answer for me, please let me know! Thanks

Heather’s Thoughts on the Best Size to Make a Scarf

For winter scarves, I make it so that it wraps all the way around the neck at least once. For other scarves, it’s a personal preference.

RosaLindaValle’s Thoughts on the Best Size Make a Crocheted Scarf

Depends on how it will be used 🙂

Hello. I was thinking about your question about the best size for a scarf. If you mean a nice warm winter scarf, I would say about 10-12 inches wide and 3 feet long. I like a scarf that will wrap around my neck and cover my ears. Now if you mean a pretty scarf as a clothing accessory, I like long, narrow scarves made from soft thin yarn. Maybe only 6 inches wide (ruffled or rusched) and 3 feet long. Whichever you mean, have fun with it!

Marcia’s Thoughts on Scarf Size

I find that I prefer two different scarf sizes – either the short, neckwarmer style (usually with a keyhole) or one that’s long enough to wrap around my neck so both ends then hang down in the front. The longer ones tend to be more popular with the twenty-somethings like my daughter and her friends. For men, the mid-range seems to be best unless you KNOW the guy likes long scarves. For the guys, the scarf should be just long enough to wrap around his neck and tuck in under the jacket lapels.

JD Wolfe’s Favorite Scarf Length:

I like to make my scarves about 2 inches wider than the space from my chin to my chest and long enough to double it and “keyhole” it around my neck. I also like to make scarves wide enough to cover my head to double as a hood.

Gglefty’s Thoughts on the Best Scarf Size:

Totally preference!

I have one daughter who loves to loop her scarves and one who just likes to wear them round and round…I make ’em until they’re done and the girls say, OK, it’s long enough!

Melanie Morton’s Opinion on Scarf Size

I usually use 9 – 12 inches wide and the distance from one wrist to the other over the shoulders

Ruth’s Opinion on Scarf Length:

I don’t think scarves look good if they are longer than the outer garment.

Linda’s Suggested Scarf Size

I don’t like wide scarves. I make them 4-6 in wide. Everyone likes them long. I usually go 6 ft or until I run out of yarn.

Linda’s Thoughts on Scarf Size

I’m with Dorothea — I like long ones, too. As of the past month or so, I’ve been busy making cowls — An even quicker project than a scarf and really trendy right now. There’s no shortage of free patterns for them.

Leslie’s Opinion on the Ideal Scarf Length:

I like to do what I call a 40/40 scarf. 40 stitches, and make it 40 inches long. It’s ideal for tucking into coat lapels and won’t get in the way.

Susan Craig’s Formula for the Best Scarf Size

174 sc, a perfect start, you can do almost everything from there as far as stiches. Can be wrapped twice and still leave a perfect length.

Blazewich’s Opinion on Scarf Size

It depends on who you are making it for yourself, a child, a man, etc. Also the size of yarn and hook you are using. Sometimes it’s just until I run out of yarn!

Darlene’s Thoughts on Scarf Measurements

If it’s an outdoor winter scarf, I measure from the top of the forehead to the neck in back for the width. That way it can double as a hood in bad weather. For length, I make it at least long enough to wrap around the neck twice and tie, again for bad weather.

Laurie’s Suggestions on Scarf Size

I think size depends on whether you want it for looks or warmth. I live in Central Alaska where I NEED a scarf for warmth. Therefore, I need it a little wider and a lot longer so I can wrap it around my neck, throw the ends over my shoulders and they will stay there when I put my coat on and I’ll stay warm. It irritates me to have the ends keep falling and I have to continually throw them back over my shoulder or around my neck. My opinion.

Sharon’s Thoughts on the Best Scarf Size

Well, it all depends on the purpose of the scarf, and the person for whom you are making it. If you are making a kid’s scarf, obviously, it can’t be as long as an adult scarf. If it is a decorative scarf, not meant to keep cold necks warm, then that is different than something designed to wrap around your face and neck to hold back the cold. Too short and it’s useless, too long and it’s dangerous. I generally make mine go from fingertip to fingertip with arms straight out.

Sweetdoggie’s Suggested Scarf Size

I’m making scarf/hat/mitten sets for all my female family members for Christmas. Each scarf is about 12 inches wide and 60 inches long. I’m using all different cable and lace patterns for them.

Banana42’s Favorite Scarf Size

Normal size would be 6″wide by 60″long, and I would adjust from there.

Dawn’s Recommended Scarf Sizes

I like long scarves, about 6 feet or so. Width depends on the material and design. For real bulky yarns, I don’t go as wide as I do with finer yarns where the scarf can be doubled. Hope this helps.

Over to You:

Do you have a favorite scarf size? If so, please share your opinion in the comments section below! Thanks for your input; we really appreciate your feedback on this.

Learn More About Crocheting Scarves:

• Crochet Cowls Book





• Noggins and Necks: Gorgeous Matching Hat and Scarf Patterns





• Crochet Scarf Patterns





• Best Crochet Scarf Pattern Books





• Best Crochet Accessory Pattern Books

Posted By: Amy Solovay

This page was last updated on 6-22-2023.