Opposites Attract Kerchief in Lion Brand Color Theory - M22077 - Downloadable PDF

Opposites Attract Kerchief in Lion Brand Color Theory – Free Crochet Pattern by Two of Wands (M22077)

The Opposites Attract Kerchief is a stylish, triangular crocheted scarf designed by Two of Wands and worked in Lion Brand Color Theory yarn. Released as pattern number M22077, this is a free downloadable PDF suitable for beginner crocheters. The finished kerchief measures an impressive 74.5 inches (189 cm) end to end with a widest point of 13.25 inches (34 cm), making it a versatile accessory that can be worn wrapped around the neck, tied as a headscarf, or styled as a classic bandana-style kerchief.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a long, flat, triangular kerchief worked in two contrasting colorways of Lion Brand Color Theory yarn: Bone (619-122X) as color A and Caper (619-173AE) as color B. The two-tone color blocking creates a striking visual contrast — hence the name "Opposites Attract" — with the neutral warmth of Bone playing against the muted green of Caper. The result is a modern, wearable accessory with a handcrafted aesthetic.

Construction and Techniques

The kerchief is worked flat, side to side rather than from a point outward, which gives the crocheter precise control over shaping. The construction is divided into two main phases:

• Increase rows: Beginning with just 2 stitches, the piece grows by one stitch every other row until it reaches its widest point of 53 stitches at row 102.
• Decrease rows: After the widest point, stitches are removed every other row using half double crochet 2 together (hdc2tog) decreases, tapering the piece back down symmetrically to the opposite end.

The crocheter turns the work at the end of each row throughout. This side-to-side construction is a clever approach that creates smooth, clean diagonal edges along both long sides of the triangle.

Color Changing Technique

One of the most instructive elements of this pattern is its approach to color changes. The two colors are introduced at specific rows to create an asymmetric, artistic stripe arrangement rather than a simple split. Color changes are executed by working the final yarn over of the last stitch of the previous row in the new color, which is the standard method for clean color transitions in crochet.

For single-row stripes, the pattern recommends tapestry crochet as an optional technique to reduce the number of ends that need to be woven in. In tapestry crochet, the unused color is laid along the top of the previous row and crocheted over, effectively carrying it invisibly through the fabric. This is a particularly useful finishing tip for beginners who may find weaving in many ends tedious.

Stitches Used

• Chain (ch) – used to start the piece and to begin each row (the turning chain of 2 does not count as a stitch throughout this pattern).
• Half double crochet (hdc) – the primary stitch used throughout the entire kerchief, creating a dense yet flexible fabric with a slightly textured appearance.
• 2 hdc in one stitch – the increase method, worked into the last stitch of increase rows to add one stitch every other row.
• Half double crochet 2 together (hdc2tog) – the decrease method used during the second half of the kerchief to taper the shape back to a point.

The half double crochet stitch sits between a single crochet and a double crochet in height, producing a fabric that is slightly taller and more fluid than single crochet while remaining easy to work — making it an excellent choice for a beginner-level project.

Gauge

The pattern calls for a gauge of 16 stitches and 11 rows to 4 inches (10 cm) in half double crochet. Achieving this gauge is important for hitting the stated finished dimensions, particularly the full 74.5-inch length.

Materials