Be Proud Scarf in Red Heart Soft Solids - LW2604

Be Proud Scarf in Red Heart Soft Solids (LW2604) – Crochet Pattern Summary

About This Pattern

The Be Proud Scarf (LW2604) is a beginner-friendly crochet accessory pattern designed by Sharon Mann and published by Red Heart. The finished scarf measures 6" wide by 50" long, making it a generously sized, wearable accessory suitable for all ages. This pattern was originally created as part of the 2012 Special Olympics Scarf Project, worked in the event's official colors of red and navy. It is available as a downloadable PDF and is an ideal project for anyone new to crochet who wants to practice color changes and a simple stitch cluster pattern.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a single striped crochet scarf worked in two colors. The stripe sequence is carefully structured across 18 rows to create a bold, graphic look using the official Special Olympics color palette. The scarf is worked lengthwise, beginning with a long foundation chain of 200 stitches, which establishes the full 50-inch length from the very first row.

Techniques Used

• Working into a foundation chain: The scarf begins with a chain of 200, and stitches are worked directly into the chain on Row 1, setting the full length immediately.
• Cluster stitch groups: The core technique involves working a (single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet) cluster all into the same stitch, then skipping two stitches before repeating. This creates a subtle, textured shell-like effect across every row.
• Color changing in single crochet: The pattern includes specific instructions for changing colors cleanly within a single crochet stitch — working the last stitch until two loops remain on the hook, dropping the current color, and drawing the new color through. This technique ensures tidy, professional-looking color transitions at the end of each stripe row.
• Carrying and rejoining yarn: Colors A and B are alternated throughout an 18-row sequence, requiring the crocheter to drop and pick up colors at regular intervals.
• Weaving in ends: The pattern concludes by fastening off and weaving in all yarn ends for a clean finish.

Stitches Used

• Chain (ch) – used for the foundation and turning chains
• Single crochet (sc) – used as the anchor stitch in each cluster group and at the end of every row; also used for color changes
• Half double crochet (hdc) – the middle stitch of each three-stitch cluster
• Double crochet (dc) – the tallest stitch in each cluster, adding height and texture to the fabric

Stitch Pattern and Stripe Sequence

The stitch pattern is consistent throughout: every right-side and wrong-side row is worked the same way, with (sc, hdc, dc) clusters separated by two skipped stitches, and a single sc at the end of each row. The stripe sequence across the 18 rows is as follows: 2 rows Color A, 1 row Color B, 3 rows Color A, 3 rows Color B, 1 row Color A, 2 rows Color B, 2 rows Color A, 1 row Color B. This rhythm creates a dynamic striped pattern without being complicated to follow.

Gauge

The recommended gauge is 16 stitches and 13 rows = 4 inches in pattern. Checking gauge is encouraged, and the pattern notes that any hook size may be used as long as the correct gauge is achieved.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Red Heart Soft Yarn, Art. E728 — an aran weight yarn available in 5 oz (140 g) / 256 yd (234 m) solid color balls. You will need 1 ball each of color 9925 Really Red (Color A) and 4604 Navy (Color B).
• Crochet Hook: 5mm [US H-8]
• Yarn needle for weaving in