Crochet Braided Puff Stitch Collar Scarf

Soft, warm, textual and quick to make! I just love how this Braided Puff stitch looks and as a collar it's really comforting to have on. My daughters who are modeling the Collar Scarf loved the look and commented that they thought it had a European look to it. I totally agree!

Guess What? You won't believe this but the crochet Braided Puff stitch has a 1 row repeat after the initial set-up row! You really could make this in an afternoon and wear it out in the evening. I found this puff stitch so much fun to work and I hope I can do it justice in this tutorial.

The base that goes around your neck is the Braided Puff stitch with side tabs that have a small hole in the center on the ends so that you can thread a scarf through to secure it around your neck. It's about about 21" including side tabs so that it is not tight around your neck for the adult size. The children's size is about 15" including the tabs on the side for ages 4-8.

You could use scarves to accessorize the collar or make a really long tassel that's fun to play with.

This is for the advanced beginner having simple knowledge of how to
crochet using skills to work yarn-overs, single crochet, double crochet and handling several loops on the hook :)

My pattern is easily adjustable and also very customizable. I truly recommend adding your own flare to this project. I have including photos with notes on them to go with the written instructions.

After, I made this, my younger daughters wanted me to make them one, lol. So, I've included a child's pattern ages 4-8 but you can easily adjust it to be smaller or larger to fit your own child :)

Step 1: Tools and Supplies

I have 3 patterns using different yarn weights, 2 for an adult size and 1 light worsted weight yarn for children - so you can choose which look you would like. The thicker the yarn the puffier your puff stitch will be.

Super Bulky Weight: 2 skeins Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in color of your choice, I used Hudson Bay. (1 skein for the collar portion, 1 skein for sides and tassel - you could also use a different skein of yarn in a coordinating or constructing color for this part, you could even use up some scrap yarn)
K Hook

Or

Worsted Weight: 1 skein Artyarns Big Merino Cloud in color of your choice, I used #2317 looks like a spring green variegated color.
H Hook

Or
Light Worsted Weight for Child sized: 1 skein Lion Brand Homespun yarn in color of your choice, I used #790 Gemstone Stripes.

K Hook

Optional: A coordinating fabric scarf, you can search your favorite thrift store or give life to a forgotten scarf in your closet.

Optional: Additional yarn to make the tassel

I obtained the Artyarns Big Cloud Merino on eBay at a great price and the Wool-Ease and Homespun from Walmart but you can also purchase that on eBay.

Step 2: Let’s Get Started... Set-Up Row

Note: Puff Stitch Multiple of 2 + 3

If using super bulky yarn... Using K Hook

Chain 30 place marker, then chain 3 more (I used a ponytail holder as a marker - it’s used for just a few minutes in the setup row)

If using worsted weight yarn... Using H Hook

Chain 54 place marker, then chain 3 more (I used a ponytail holder as a marker - it’s used for just a few minutes in the setup row)

If using light worsted (Child's Size)... Using K Hook

Chain 28 place marker, then chain 3 more

(I used a ponytail holder as a marker - it’s used for just a few minutes in the setup row)

Set-Up Row Instructions: Same for all sizes...

DC - Double Crochet, yo, insert hook into stitch, draw up a loop, yo, and draw through two loops, yo, and draw through last two loops.
Puff - yo, insert hook into stitch, *yo and draw up a loop, rep *4 more times, for a total of 5 long strands/11 loops on hook, yo and draw through all loops on hook, chain 1.

In fifth chain on hook, then working back into first chain (the one with the marker in it), work Puff

**skip 1 ch, DC in next ch space, work Puff back into skipped chain space. Repeat from ** to end, then DC into last stitch, chain 3 and turn.

Step 3: Puff Stitch Row 2 (Repeating Row)

Congrats on getting that set-up row completed! Now, let's work on Row 2...

DC - Double Crochet, yo, insert hook into stitch, draw
up a loop, yo, and draw through two loops, yo, and draw through last two loops.

Puff - yo, insert hook into stitch, *yo and draw up a loop, rep *4 more times, for a total of 5 long strands/11 loops on hook, yo and draw through all loops on hook, chain 1.

Note: I will refer to completed previous row "puffs" with a lower case and when you are to work a "Puff" stitch with an uppercase/bold.

Row 2 (Repeating Row) Same for all sizes...

DC in between first two puffs made on set-up row, then work Puff back between first puff and DC on set-up row, *DC in between next two puffs, moving Backwards skip 1 puff, you will be working into next puff below working a Puff into space between the dc and puff made in row below (using your fingers you have to slightly move the puff strands to expose the dc hidden underneath - push your hook into the space between the dc and the puff strands) sounds more complicated than it is in action. Repeat from * to end, DC into last space, Chain 3 and Turn.

Row 3-4 for the pattern I wrote or as many rows as you want if you are customizing your own pattern...

Repeat Row 2.

When you have completed 4 rows, do not fasten off, go to next step which is crocheting the side tabs :)

Step 4: Adding the Side Tabs to the Collar...And Finishing...

Adult Size... Using Bulky Yarn

First Row:

When at the end of the 4th row or desired number of rows, do not fasten off, chain 1 and turn to the side edge. SC in the same spot of chain stitch. (**If using a different yarn, fasten off other yarn, attach new yarn in either corner, chain 1, SC, in same corner spot) Then you'll notice across each puff row a ch. 3 space or DC space that create a bridge space over each puff row. Across first bridge space SC 3 times over that ch. 3 sp or DC space to cover it. Next bridge space, SC 4 times over space, last bridge space - SC 3 times over space, end with SC in corner stitch, total of 12 stitches, chain 1, turn.

2nd & 3rd Row: *SC in each st. through the backloop, across to end, chain 1, turn, Repeat from * for one more row. For a total of 3 rows. (this is for cosmetic reasons, if you want you can go under both loops)

DEC Row: (SC 2tog)x2, then CH. 3, skip 3 stitches, then (SC 2tog)x2, CH 1, turn.

Last Row: SC in next 3 stitches, 3 SC over chain 3 space, SC in last 3 stitches. Fasten off leaving 3" tail.

Finishing:

Weave in any loose ends.

Attach Fringe or Scarf as desired, Style to your liking :) Enjoy!!

Adult Size... Using Worsted Weight Yarn...

First Row:
When at the end of the 4th row or desired number of rows, do not fasten off, chain 1 and turn to the side edge. SC in the same spot of chain stitch. (**If using a different yarn, fasten off other yarn, attach new yarn in either corner, chain 1, SC, in same corner spot) Then you'll notice across each puff row a ch. 3 space or DC space that create a bridge space over each puff row. Across first bridge space SC 2 times over that ch. 3 sp or DC space to cover it. Next 3 bridge spaces , SC 3 times over space, last bridge space - SC 2 times over space, end with SC in corner stitch, total of 15 stitches, chain 1, turn.

DEC Row: (SC 2tog)x3, then CH. 3, skip 3 stitches, then (SC 2tog)x3, CH 1, turn.

Last Row: SC in next 3 stitches, 3 SC over chain 3 space, SC in last 3 stitches. Fasten off leaving 3" tail. Finishing: Weave in any loose ends. Attach Fringe or Scarf as desired, Style to your liking :) Enjoy!!

Child Size... Using Light Worsted Weight Yarn...

First Row:

When at the end of the 4th row or desired number of rows, do not fasten
off, chain 1 and turn to the side edge. SC in the same spot of chain stitch. (**If using a different yarn, fasten off other yarn, attach new yarn in either corner, chain 1, SC, in same corner spot) Then you'll notice across each puff row a ch. 3 space or DC space that create a bridge space over each puff row. Across first bridge space SC 3 times over that ch. 3 sp or DC space to cover it. Next bridge space, SC 3 times over space, last bridge space - SC 3 times over space, end with SC in corner stitch, total of 11 stitches, chain 1, turn.

DEC Row: (SC 2tog)x2, then CH. 3, skip 2 stitches, then (SC 2tog)x2, CH 1, turn.

Last Row: SC in next 2 stitches, 4 SC over chain 3 space, SC in last 2 stitches. Fasten off leaving 3" tail.

Finishing: Weave in any loose ends. Attach Fringe or Scarf as desired, Style to your child's liking :)

Step 5: Optional: Adding a Tassel...

I used a big couch pillow measuring about 20" across when squished down for the adult scarves but you really could use whatever you have in your house to obtain similar results. I wanted a really long tassel but please make your tassel the length that suits you :)

Super Bulky:

Place yarn end on one side of the pillow and hold in place while you wrap the yarn around the pillow. I wrapped the yarn around the pillow about 40 times ending in the same spot where the end of the beginning is. This will be your cutting side. On the other side of the pillow, use a twist tie to secure around the middle - this is optional but it helps to keep all the yarn together. Now, on the other side, using scissors cut the strands through to end. Holding the middle part with the twist tie on it place it under one of the holes of the cuff scarf, pull up the fringe loop, about 4 inches enough to place your hand in the opening, then grab the fringe ends through the loop on your hand. Gently tug down on those ends, tightening the loop down. You can use your hand to straighten the strands out, then trim the ends so that they are all even-ish, lol, I can't quite get them even ;)

Worsted Weight Yarn:

Place yarn end on one side of the pillow and hold in place while you
wrap the yarn around the pillow. I wrapped the yarn around the pillow about 60 times ending in the same spot where the end of the beginning is. This will be your cutting side. On the other side of the pillow, use a twist tie to secure around the middle, this will be the fringe loop - the twist tie is optional but it helps to keep all the yarn together. Now, on the cutting side, using scissors cut the strands through to end. Holding the middle part with the twist tie on it place it under one of the holes of the cuff scarf, pull up the fringe loop, about 4 inches enough to place your hand in the opening, then grab the fringe ends through the loop on your hand. Gently tug down on those ends, tightening the loop down. You can use your hand to straighten the strands out, then trim the ends so that they are all even-ish, lol, I can't quite get them even ;)

Light Weight Worsted Yarn:

I used a smaller pillow for the children's scarf, one that measured about 15"

Place yarn end on one side of the pillow and hold in place while you wrap the yarn around the pillow. I wrapped the yarn around the pillow about 50 times ending in the same spot where the end of the beginning is. This will be your cutting side. On the other side of the pillow, use a twist tie to secure around the middle, this will be the fringe loop - the twist tie is optional but it helps to keep all the yarn together. Now, on the cutting side, using scissors cut the strands through to end. Holding the middle part with the twist tie on it place it under one of the holes of the cuff scarf, pull up the fringe loop, about 4 inches enough to place your hand in the opening, then grab the fringe ends through the loop on your hand. Gently tug down on those ends, tightening the loop down. You can use your hand to straighten the strands out, then trim the ends so that they are all even-ish, lol, I can't quite get them even ;)

Step 6: How to Wear...

The collar scarf has two tabs with a centered hole in them. Which gives you some options on how to wear it...

With a fabric scarf...

I used a square fabric scarf and folded it in half twice.

Then I threaded one end of the scarf through one tab and then thread the other end of the scarf through the other tab, pull close and you can tie it together or not.

Tassel

With the tassel attached to one end all you have to do is thread the tail end of the tassel through the other tab. You could either wear it with half of the tassel threaded or you could thread the whole tassel through and move tab over the tassel knot at the top.

These are just some options, please feel free to be creative and make your own way of wearing this :)

Step 7: Adjusting Size...

If you find you need to adjust the size larger or smaller...

Across all sizes, adjust the chain size down or up by an increment of 2. It will adjust the size of 1 puff which equals about 1" for worsted weight yarn - 1 1/2" for bulkier weight yarn.