The Pomander Scarf is back — upgraded, expanded, and feeling rather pleased with itself. What started as my quest to make a stylish, textured, not-even-remotely-boring scarf for the men in my family has now grown into a full 10-size pattern with two construction options. Whether you prefer working long rows (fewer of them) or short rows (more of them, but quick and zippy), this free crochet scarf pattern lets you choose your own adventure.

And honestly? It looks good on everyone. This scarf is proudly, unapologetically unisex.

Note: this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

The Story Behind the Pomander Scarf

Every year, when the summer fades and that first crisp autumn morning hits, crocheters everywhere have the same instinct: Must… make… cosy things. Scarves, hats, blankets — you name it. And of course, the second thought that creeps in is the big “C” word… Christmas. Suddenly we’re making lists, checking our yarn stash, and wondering why we didn’t start all this in January like the super-organised among us. (I used to be one of them. Used to.)

A couple of years ago, I decided every man in my family was getting a handmade hat-and-scarf set. Noble idea. Terrible execution. I made six ultra-basic hdc-in-the-back-loop scarves, and by set number three I was questioning every life choice that had brought me to that moment. They turned out warm and cosy — my husband literally overheated in his at an ice rink — but goodness, were they dull to make.

So I vowed: never again.

And from that vow came the Pomander Scarf — textured enough to be interesting, simple enough to stay unisex, and absolutely not soul-draining to make on repeat.

Yes, the model in the photos is female. That’s what happens when none of the men in your house will stand still for pictures. Don’t worry — it still looks wonderfully rugged and timeless on the fellas.

Other Patterns in the Pomander Collection

If you love the stitch combination and cozy texture of the Pomander Scarf, you’ll be thrilled to know there’s an entire Pomander Collection to explore — and every pattern is free on the blog. This growing series includes wearable accessories for the whole family as well as beautifully textured home décor.

• Pomander Cowl – Written in multiple sizes and available in three different yarn weights, this cowl is a versatile, beginner-friendly project that works up beautifully in any fibre.
• Pomander Hat – A classic unisex beanie pattern written in sizes for babies, kids, teens, and adults, making it perfect for gift sets or family makes.
• Pomander Mug Rug – A quick, satisfying scrap-buster that lets you enjoy the Pomander texture in a smaller home project.
• Pomander Placemat – Add rustic charm to your table with this textured crochet placemat, ideal for daily use or seasonal decorating.
• Pomander Table Runner – A stunning centrepiece pattern designed for practicality and style, available free on the blog and perfect for cotton yarns.

Each design uses the same timeless stitch combination, making it easy to mix and match pieces or create coordinated gift sets. Whether you’re making accessories or adding handmade touches to your home, the Pomander Collection has something for every crocheter.

What’s New in This Updated Version?

Quite a lot, actually!

✨ 10 sizes — from child to tall adult
✨ Two construction options — long rows or short rows
✨ Clearer stitch instructions
✨ Better drape and dimension thanks to refined stitch counts
✨ A more beginner-friendly layout

If you’ve made the Pomander Scarf before, think of this as the glow-up edition.

Why This Scarf Works for Everyone

The Pomander Scarf has just the right amount of texture — the extended half double crochet paired with the classic X-stitch (double crochet cross stitch) gives the fabric that delicious, timeless look without leaning too feminine or too rugged. It’s warm, it’s cosy, it’s practical, and it’s the sort of scarf people wear until it finally gets too warm to justify it.

My father-in-law still wears his constantly once the weather cools. Which, frankly, is the ultimate compliment. Now my hubby wears the long row version!

Construction Details

This pattern now offers two ways to build your scarf:

1. Short Rows (Original Version)

Worked in shorter stitches with a satisfying row rhythm. More rows, but they fly by.

2. Long Rows

Fewer rows overall, but long satisfying stretches of stitching. Great if you love zoning out with a podcast.

Both versions use the same three-row repeat, the same stitches, and the same overall texture — so choose the method that suits your crochet personality.

Yarn + Hook Info

• Yarn weight: #4 aran/worsted
• Hook: 5mm (H)
• Yardage varies by size, but the original sample used:
  • 420 yards for a 62″ x 6.5″ adult size

Stitches Used

• Double crochet cross stitch (x st)
• Extended half double crochet (ehdc)

The Yarn I Used

For the original sample, I used James C Brett Aztec Aran in Copper — 90% acrylic and 10% alpaca. It’s soft, drapey, warm, and has that tiny hint of luxury from the alpaca. (Also hypoallergenic, which is a handy little alpaca fact if you need to justify buying more yarn.)

The colours in this line are wonderfully rich and work beautifully for unisex accessories.

Get the PDF Pattern

If you’d like the ad-free PDF with all 10 sizes, both row options, stitch tips, and printable layouts, you can grab it in my shops below:

Materials: 

–         Any 4 weight yarn of your choosing – I used James C Brett Aztec Aran with Alpaca in shade AL14 for my versions. See sizing for estimated yardage.

Gauge:

16 sts and 11 rows of pattern per 4”

Gauge Swatch: 

Row 1: Ch 32, hdc in third ch from hook, hdc in each ch across. Turn (30)

Row 2 – Alt dc in the first st, X st in the next 28 stitches, dc in last st. Turn.

Row 3 – Alt dc in first st, Exhdc in each st across. Turn.

Row 4 – Rep row 3

Rows 5 onwards: rep row 2-4.

Sizing:

This scarf is written for several sizes:

Abbreviations used:

• Ch(s) – chain(s)
• St(s) – stitch(es)
• Ss – slip stitch
• SK – skip
• sc – single crochet
• hdc – half double crochet
• dc – double crochet
• ss – slip stitch
• YO – yarn over
• FO – Fasten Off
• Rep – repeat

Pattern Notes:

• Written in US terms
• Row 1 is written twice – once for the long rows version, once for the short row version. Please take a look before you start working the pattern. All other rows are the same for each version.
•  CH stitches at the beginning of each row do not count as a st unless otherwise stated
• The stitch count remains the same for each row. They are given at the end of row 1 when each round maintains the same stitch count.
• Where pattern is different per size this will be shown as 3-5 (5-7, 8-10, teen, women’s small)(Women’s med, women’s large, men’s small, men’s med, men’s large)

Special stitches:

Alternate Double Crochet: SC in the first st, yo and pull through so you effectively work a sc and ch1.

X Stitch (crossed double crochet) : This is worked across 2 stitches. Sk the first st, dc into the next st, working behind the stitch you have just made, DC into the skipped st.

Extended HDC – YO, Insert hook Into next st, YO and pull through, do not YO but pull through the first loop on hook, YO and pull through 3 loops on hook.

Video Tutorials

I have video tutorials on how this pomander stitch combination works together for each row of this pattern, using my pomander blanket section:

Right handed tutorial – https://youtu.be/UhqFQwD1q40

Left handed tutorial – https://youtu.be/8Djbop26UQ4

The Free Crochet Scarf Pattern

** This is a free pattern on the Sunflower Cottage Crochet blog. If you are reading this anywhere else it is stolen content. Please do not copy and paste any part of it or print this pattern out. Please bookmark this page and use the website to work up your pattern. This helps my small business greatly as it provides a little bit of ad revenue which will in turn will allow me to continue to create free content for you!**

Long Row Version:

Row 1: fhdc 136 (168, 180, 228, 256) (272, 272, 288, 300, 316).   

OR    Ch 137 (169, 181, 229, 257) (273, 273, 289, 301, 317) hdc in second ch from hook, hdc in each ch across, turn. (136 (168, 180, 228, 256 ) (272, 272, 288, 300, 316) (sts) 

Short Row Version:

Row 1: fhdc 16 (16, 20, 20, 24 ) (24, 28, 28, 32, 32).   

OR    Ch 17 (17, 21, 21, 23) (23, 29, 29, 33, 33) hdc in second ch from hook, hdc in each ch across, turn. (136 (168, 180, 228, 256 ) (272, 272, 288, 300) (sts) 

For all versions:

Row 2: Alt dc in the first st, X st along until you have 1 st remaining. Dc in last st, turn

Row 3: Alt dc in first st, Ehdc In each st across, turn.

Row 4: Repeat row 3

Rows 5 on: Rep rows 2-4 until your scarf measures:

For long row version: 4 (4, 5, 5, 6) (6, 7, 7, 8, 8)” wide.

For short row version: 34 (43, 45, 57, 64)(68, 68, 68, 72, 75)” tall.

Note: end your repeat with a row 2 so that the start will mirror the end of the scarf.

Final Row: Alt hdc in first st, hdc in each remaining st across.

FO and weave in ends.