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Scarf of a Thousand Chains TUTORIAL

October 23, 2013 · Delia 30 Comments

Are you ready for the first Hip Hooks project?

This first project is simple, as simple can be.

It’s all chains. Yep. All one thousand of them.

This is a fantastic project to begin with, because it gives you seemingly 馃槈 endless practice of the first stitch that is the foundation of crochet. But don’t worry. I’m not having you wax on and wax off for nothing. You will have a beautiful, little cowl like scarf when you’re finished.

This scarf is a crocheted version of those T-shirt tube necklace/scarves that you have probably seen all over pinterest circa 2012. You can find lots of free crochet patterns for this type of scarf online, so if you don’t prefer my version, you can find other variations with a quick search.

I decided to luxe mine up a bit with some soft wool yarn that is a size 6 (read the labels). So it’s chunky and thick. I also add a bit of wrapping and twisting and a touch of leather for interest.

Let’s get started!

First, you want to get the right yarn and the correct hook.

Yarn: about 4 ounces of Super Bulky, Size 6 (preferably a soft wool, so it’s not itchy). I used Loops & Threads Goldenrod

Hook: size K

*You may use a thinner yarn or a smaller needle. Just keep in mind that you will have to chain more chains to get the length and thickness you need to complete this scarf.
**The bulky yarns can cost more, especially the wool ones. I always use a half off coupon at my local craft store. The great news about this project is that it doesn’t use the whole skein of yarn. I have plans for another project that will use up the rest!

Now, let’s get down to business.

First learn how to chain stitch by clicking HERE.

Keeping a tally helps me keep my count, especially if I know I am going to get interrupted.

It’s going to take a while, so you might want to get cozy.
If you have to take a break, make sure to pull your loop out a bit to hold your place. If you leave it tight and close to the needle, the needle will probably fall out and chains will likely get pulled out causing you to lose count of your stitches.
Okay…once you hit 1,000 stitches or chains, you are now going to join your current loop into a chain close to the beginning chain.
Count in from the beginning chain, roughly 100 chains. This doesn’t have to be exact, just close.

When you pull that end all the way through, you knot the end off.

Now, you’re ready to loop the scarf together.

The tail you created from the beginning chains are now going to wrap loosely around the stack of looped chains. Tie it to the other end piece of yarn when you get there.

Turn the scarf over and double knots those ends together again.

Now, you have a choice. You can weave in the ends and call it good. HERE is a good tutorial for weaving in ends. Since you only have chains, you have to weave the ends into the surrounding chains.

Or you can sew on a strip of leather like so.

*I get my leather from old purses and jackets. I also sometimes buy mixed grab bags of scrap leather from Hobby Lobby. You can use vinyl, felt or knit fabric if you don’t have or don’t want to use leather.

I sewed a strip of leather about 4.5 inches long and 1.5 inches wide, around the tied ends of the scarf. The leather is wrapped and sewn right sides together, wrong side out.

Once you sew the strip on. Trim away the excess and then carefully turn the leather tube right side out.

Tada!

You can use a leather needle for this, but since it was such a small leather project, I didn’t bother. I simply lengthened my stitch and sewed slowly.

And there you have it! A lovely scarf 聽of a thousand chains.

It adds warmth visually as well as physically and it’s a cinch to make!

So, what do you say? Are you hooked on crochet yet? 馃槈

I have a few more chained projects to share with you next week. After which, we will get into single crochet!

Have a good one.

Autumn, crochet, tutorial

Previous Post: « Hip Hooks…not your Grandmother’s Crochet Series
Next Post: World Map Vinyl & $50 Giveaway! »

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Comments

  1. Kristie says

    October 23, 2013 at 2:20 PM

    This is so perfect! I have one person on my Christmas list that I have been clueless about. And this will be completely perfect for her. Thanks for all your hard work, I can't wait to get started!

    Reply
  2. britt schmiesing says

    October 23, 2013 at 2:29 PM

    just added to my must make list. i have a couple of versions of cowls similar to this but not crocheted. might as well add it to the collection.

    Reply
  3. Keri says

    October 23, 2013 at 2:37 PM

    What a terrific DIY for handmade gifts!! I have daughters who love wearing unique …and comfortable…accessories. Definitely going to make them this scarf/necklace.
    You are very talented and creative. Thanks so much for sharing.
    Keri

    Reply
  4. Andrea says

    October 23, 2013 at 3:09 PM

    Oh, I'm so glad you're doing this series! I tried crochet before but quickly got bored with granny looking things. But I'm so excited to try this! Thank you!

    Reply
  5. Leigh Anne says

    October 23, 2013 at 3:47 PM

    This is adorable! I have seen the t-shirt version, but not crochet. I really love the look…..casual & cozy 馃檪 I need to get some heavier weight yarn & I'm all set! Excited about your series!

    Reply
  6. In锚s says

    October 23, 2013 at 4:36 PM

    I'm in!

    Reply
  7. fr.dots says

    October 23, 2013 at 4:43 PM

    I love the color you chose. So warm and bright. Adds a real sparkle to the outfit.

    Claudia

    Reply
  8. Stacia, the Homey Owl says

    October 23, 2013 at 5:49 PM

    How cute and lovely! Would be super easy to teach a child how to do, too, as long as they can make the basic stitch. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Stacia says

      November 13, 2013 at 9:41 AM

      I made a version of this and shared it on my blog today – of course pointing back to you for the brilliant idea. 馃檪
      thehomeyowl.blogspot.com/2013/11/thousand-chains-scarf.html

      Reply
      • Delia says

        November 13, 2013 at 1:34 PM

        Thank you Stacia! It turned out great!

        Reply
  9. Tara says

    October 23, 2013 at 6:06 PM

    my favorite part of this whole tutorial was the little illustration on the "pull all the way through" frane. haha. so cute!

    Reply
  10. Erin A says

    October 23, 2013 at 7:35 PM

    Yeah this is a cool one. Oh man, I have just finally jumped fully and completely on the sewing bandwagon, and I feel like there is no room for more, you know? But you are going to reel me in with these beauties. Sigh. 馃檪

    Pinning for later.

    PS-Cool triangle print on your wall! Tell me it's black card stock and tape? 馃檪

    Reply
  11. Erin A says

    October 23, 2013 at 7:36 PM

    Okay okay…triangles, diamonds, you know what I mean. 馃檪

    Reply
  12. Delia says

    October 23, 2013 at 7:57 PM

    haha…thanks Erin! I'm going to blog about them soon. It's just vinyl squares turned on their sides to look like diamonds. So easy!

    Reply
  13. Amanda says

    October 24, 2013 at 3:29 AM

    So excited about this series! I tried to learn to crochet quite a few years ago and gave up! You may lure me back if you keep having AMAZING projects like this one! 馃檪

    Reply
  14. Anneliese says

    October 24, 2013 at 5:41 AM

    This is so fabulous, Delia! Love the black-white-mustard in all these photos too!

    Reply
  15. Nancy says

    October 24, 2013 at 3:25 PM

    I just love it! I knit (sometimes) but have never crocheted before, this project looks like the one to test out on. Your photos are fantastic, especially love your chair (eames?).

    Reply
  16. Lisa says

    October 25, 2013 at 2:04 PM

    So pretty! I was looking at these at a craft fair and I think it might work to braid the yarn instead of crochet if you are crochet-challenged like myself. (I'm a knitter) May try this soon!

    Reply
  17. Anne @ Under the Umbrella says

    October 28, 2013 at 4:39 PM

    I am IN LOVE with this pattern! I have one almost done and plan to make a few more for Christmas gifts! Thanks for the GREAT idea!

    Reply
  18. 鈽匨ax California says

    October 29, 2013 at 2:34 AM

    I love that it is literally a thousand chains. Lol. I thought you were being dramatic but NOPE!

    I love all the photos in this post *-*

    Reply
  19. 鈽匨ax California says

    October 29, 2013 at 2:34 AM

    I love that it is literally a thousand chains. Lol. I thought you were being dramatic but NOPE!

    I love all the photos in this post *-*

    Reply
  20. Irene V. says

    October 29, 2013 at 7:20 AM

    I love all of this project: color, yarn thickness, simplicity… Thanks -for sharing, you make me wanna re-start crocheting 馃檪
    MammaNene @ SergerPepper.com

    Reply
  21. janae king...sewing patterns says

    November 1, 2013 at 4:24 PM

    I have a dream to be able to crochet, but have not had much luck. This is the perfect starter project for me and I can't wait to get started. I'm buying my yarn today! Can't wait to see the next crochet project you post. Hopefully by then I'll be a pro at the first row and have my scarf made. 馃檪

    Reply
  22. Mary says

    November 5, 2013 at 3:02 AM

    Thanks so much for your awesome tutorials! I am so excited to make some of these amazing things! This looks like the perfect starter project for me to learn how to crochet! 馃檪

    Reply
  23. Lee Ann says

    November 10, 2013 at 8:06 AM

    What an amazing and awesome pattern! Thank you very mush for posting this! :). 馃檪
    _______
    Lee Ann

    Crochet…Gotta Love It! Blog


    YouTube Channel

    Reply
  24. Lee Ann says

    November 10, 2013 at 8:12 AM

    I love your blog! This is my first visit and it’s terrific!
    Do you have an email sign up link so that I can follow with email notifications? Thank you. 馃檪
    _______
    Lee Ann

    Crochet…Gotta Love It! Blog


    YouTube Channel

    Reply
  25. corina says

    December 8, 2013 at 4:25 AM

    Soooo pretty!I will make it in all colors!Thank you!

    Reply
  26. Linda says

    December 3, 2016 at 6:53 PM

    LOVE this! Is there anyway to print out the directions without everyone’s comments?

    Reply
    • Delia says

      December 3, 2016 at 11:46 PM

      Thanks Linda! Sure! It would probably be easiest to copy and paste what you need into a Word document. I hope that helps?

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. The Closet Quilter · Crochet Lessons – First Finishes! says:
    March 14, 2014 at 6:36 AM

    […] I wanted them to be able to make something with their chains instead of just having to rip them out when they were done. Luckily, DELIA CREATES had the perfect project: The Scarf of a Thousand Chains. […]

    Reply

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