This stretchy slip stitch lace loop scarf (ring scarf, eternity scarf) is worked in short rows and is reversible. Wrap it twice for a cowl look; or leave unseamed. The scarf will have angled scarf ends if it is left unseamed.

Lacy slip stitches do not gobble up expensive yarn! 220-250 yards (one or two skeins) are all you need to crochet the loop scarves shown. I’ve included tips for increasing or decreasing the width of the scarf in different yarns. Pattern includes a stitch variation and a bead-as-you-go option.

The swirling paisley-like effect happens naturally when lacy slip stitches are crocheted in short rows (instead of the back loop rib stitches I used for the Slip Slope Scarf free pattern). The lace relaxes the pie wedge shapes into undulating waves. Who knew?

Skill Level: Intermediate. The slip stitch is an elementary stitch, and I find that crocheting short rows is a natural fit with slip stitches. However, short rows are considered an Intermediate skill, and the stitch gauge is much looser than most crocheters are taught to use when they learn how to make their first stitches. I’m discovering that “hook-led” gauge is an important Intermediate skill for some kinds of crochet, such as slip stitch fabrics and Tunisian lace.

If this is your first slip stitch short row project, you might like to try the Slip Slope scarf tutorial first.

Seeing and feeling the stitches open up and shift dynamically is quite the opposite experience that most crocheters have with slip stitches! It’s a perfect example of a factor that I call “loop ease.” Give a slip stitch some “loop ease” and we see how compressed it has been over the centuries, by comparison.

After following this pattern you will know (if you didn’t already):

• How to add beads to slip stitch front loops without pre-stringing (thinner yarn version).
• How to crochet stretchy slip stitch lace.
• How to crochet short rows with “loop ease” to allow biasing & draping of the short row wedges.
• How to use a twisted slip stitch and why.
• How to use a hook-led stitch gauge.
• How blocking affects slip stitch lace.

Finished Dimensions Customizing information is included in pattern for widening and lengthening scarf.

Thicker yarn version, unseamed and unstretched: One skein (240 yds) yielded a scarf 9.5” wide X 53” long {24 cm X 134 cm} with angled ends, measured flat (not hung). When seamed into a loop scarf, circumference is approximately 48” {122 cm}.

Thinner yarn version, unseamed and unstretched: Two skeins (214 yds) yielded a scarf approx. 11” wide X 42” long {28 cm X 107 cm} with angled ends, measured flat (not hung). When seamed into a loop scarf, circumference is approximately 36” {92 cm}.

Supplies List for Thicker Yarn Version
Crochet Hook: Size J/US10/6.0mm hook, or size needed for gauge.
Size #4 Medium yarn: Three Irish Girls Wexford Merino Silk, 1 skein of custom color “Gulf of Mexico.”
Substituting a yarn: A special upscale yarn with tonal hand dyeing like the aqua one pictured adds to the simple slipstitching experience. Choose a soft #3 light weight yarn that lists a crochet hook size range from US G/6/4mm-H/8/5mm on its label. These yarns may also be referred to as Light Worsted, DK, and occasionally “Heavy Sport” Weight.
Recommended if you’re new to slip stitch crochet: 2 or more stitch markers (until you can recognize the last slip stitch of each row).

Supplies List for Thinner Yarn Version
Crochet Hook: Size G/US7/4.5mm hook, or size needed for gauge.
Size #2 Fine yarn: Louisa Harding Jasmine 48% cotton, 39% bamboo viscose, 10% silk, 3% polyester, 107yd/98m per 50g skein), color #27, 2 skeins.
Substituting a yarn: The metallic silver glitter strand in the yarn pictured really makes this special (shows up better in person than in photos). The yarn reminded me very much of Paton’s Grace, which is more widely available; however, there are several other yarns that could also be easily substituted, ideally with some rayon or silk content. Choose a soft #2 fine weight yarn that lists a crochet hook size range from US D/3/3.25-G/6/4mm on its label. These yarns may also be referred to as Sport Weight, Heavy Fingering Weight. {UK/AUS: Light DK, 5 ply and some 4 ply}

Beading (Optional): Approx. 108 beads with holes large enough for a loop of your yarn to be pulled through (hoisted on) with a steel crochet hook. I used large iridescent colorless seed beads, a.k.a. Size 6/0 or #6 or “E-beads.” I would have used slightly larger ones if I had some with large enough holes, for example size 4/0 or 1/0 “seed” beads. Also needed: a steel crochet hook (“hoisting hook”) fine enough to pull a loop of the yarn through the hole of the beads you use, but not too fine that you shred your yarn. I used a Boye #12/1mm. Note: we’re in tricky territory here: sizing standards and labeling for both steel crochet hooks and for beads vary, and local availability is unpredictable. So, be prepared to try a few combinations of yarn + beads + hoisting hook to see what works for you.

Recommended if you’re new to slip stitch crochet: 2 or more stitch markers (until you can recognize the last slip stitch of each row).