Double Crochet Front Post Crochet Scarf for OCC Shoebox ~ Pattern (With Link to Hat Pattern)

Crocheting is one of my favorite crafting techniques for donating in Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes and to other charities.  It is easy and portable.  I learned to crochet as a young child, I can't remember when, I just remember always being able to.  The first thing I distinctly remember crocheting was a baby afghan for my first nephew when I was 11.  My grandmother learned from her teacher in a one room schoolhouse during her lunch break and my mother and
sisters and myself followed in her footsteps.  Mary, from Joy With Purpose, also has a crocheting heritage in her Aunt Ida.

Size variation by changing hook size
and yarn size--baby thru adult.

Mary shared her Aunt Ida's Hat Pattern and story a while back on Joy With Purpose.   Mary recently commented that Ms. Ida is currently 96 years old and has crocheted over 2500 of these hats for others in need, including those in prison.  I have never met Ms. Ida, but am inspired by her determination to make each day count thru helping others.

I had been wanting a quick and easy hat to crochet so when I saw the post by Mary I had to try "Aunt Ida's hat" (what I now fondly refer to each hat I make with her pattern) and I was not disappointed--it is quick and easy to whip up and with the front post stitches the hats have character.  There are so many ways to change up the colors making each unique, just like the individual receiving them.

I wanted to include scarves with some of the hats I make so I decided to create an Aunt Ida Scarf in a pattern as close to the hat as possible--keeping the front post design.  Below are instructions for making your own.  To find Aunt Ida's Hat pattern visit Joy With Purpose:  Crocheted Hats – Finding Purpose Through Crafting.

Aunt Ida Crocheted Front Post Scarf

Sizes:  I read a good average for a scarf is the height of the person wearing it.  Since I don't know the individual receiving my scarves I use the following average lengths. And since I am tucking them in shoe boxes I need to err on the side of shorter rather than longer so more items can fit in the box.

Toddler:  35"
School age child:  45"
Teen & adults:  55" to 60"

Hooks & Yarn:

Toddler:  Size H hook, light weight worsted or sport yarn
School age child:  Size I hook, regular worsted weight yarn
Teen & adults:  Size J hook, regular worsted weight yarn

Stitches used:

ch -- chain
sc -- single crochet
dc -- double crochet
fp dc -- front post double crochet** see illustration below

Size variation from changing hook
size & yarn type.

Instructions:

Ch 26

Row 1: work 25 sc, ch 3 turn (counts as first dc in row 2)

Row 2:  work 24 dc across, ch 1 turn (25 sts)


Row 3:  work 25 sc, ch 3 turn (counts as first dc in row 4)

Row 4:  dc in next st, {fp dc in next corresponding dc st of row 2, dc in next 3 sts,} repeat across ending with dc in last two stitches, ch 1 turn (25 sts)


Rows 5 +:  Repeat rows 3 & 4 until scarf measures length you want (see examples above).

Final Row:  work 25 sc

To adjust width change original chain by 4 -- add or subtract in groups of 4 (such as: ch 18, 22 for a narrower scarf or ch 30, 34, etc. for a wider scarf).

NOTE:  Front Post Double Crochet (fpdc) stitches used in this pattern:  Yarn over, insert hook from front to back to front around post of corresponding dc stitch below--in this pattern it is in the dc row below the sc row which is directly below the row you are working, yarn over and pull up loop, yarn over and draw through two loops, yarn over and draw thru last two loops on hook.

We have other crochet patterns perfect for Operation Christmas Child shoebox crafting here at Simply Shoeboxes.  Below are links to some of them:

• Crochet Toddler Hat & Scarf
• Easy Crochet Mini Shell Afghan Lovey
• Small Crocheted Wallet
• Small Crocheted Stand Up Drawstring Bag Pattern

Design and instructions copyright Simply Shoe Boxes.  Please enjoy using this design for your personal use and for gift giving.