When I was very small, about three or four years old, my dream was to own a zoo when I grew up. Now, over twenty years later, I still love animals, but my zoo consists of a 3-year-old sheltie and the wildlife I spot around our house — deer, antelope, elk, raccoons, rabbits, squirrels, and dozens of birds. That being said, I enjoy having more animals around, and when I found these animal scarves I got excited about bringing another animal into the family, even if it was just a crocheted version!
There are of course dozens of animal scarf patterns for sale — dogs, cats, elephants, lions, bears, etc., but I’ve found quite a few adorable free crochet patterns as well for animals as domesticated as sheep and as fantastical as dragons. If you’re looking for a cute gift for a kid or another animal lover, these would make excellent holiday or birthday presents.
If you or the recipient of your gift loves springtime, woolly lambs, and soft pastels, you might want to make the Sheep Scarf from Michelle Taylor. With a “G” size crochet hook, two off-white yarn colors, eyes (buttons will do), scissors, and a tapestry needle, you can crochet up this simple pattern in no time. The only stitches you’ll need to know are the single crochet (sc), front post double crochet (fpdc), back post double crochet (bpdc), and chain (ch) stitches.
Or, if you know someone who adores reptiles, you might want to present them with a gator scarf (this also works if they are Florida football fans). A “K” size crochet hook is needed here, along with knowledge of the following stitches: chain (ch), single crochet (sc), half double crochet (hdc), double chain (DC), triple chain (TC), and back loop only (blo).
Of course, a mischievous family member or friend might enjoy a foxy scarf from Monica Gallardo. It’s a hat and scarf combination and available as a free pattern on Ravelry. With a size “H” crochet hook and some simple stitches such as single crochet (sc), double crochet (dc), single crochet 2 together (sc2tog), increase, and front post double crochet (fpdc), you’ll be wrapping this scarf around them in no time.
For the couch potatoes, the sloth scarf from Knot Bad Ami is the most adorable little companion on the planet. You can use either an “M” or “N” crochet hook and if you know these stitches, you can work this little guy up in a flash: magic ring, back loop only (blo), front loop only (flo), chain (ch) and single crochet (sc). Pick 3 colors of yarn and settle down in your favorite comfy chair to bring this baby animal to life.
If your tastes run more toward fantasy, you can always make the Dragon Scarf from Six Little Mice. Using only single crochet (sc), double crochet (dc), triple crochet (tc), and increase and decrease stitches, two crochet hooks (sizes “F” and “G”) and some patience, this dragon will protect your hoards of craft supplies as well as your neck from the cold.
There’s nothing stopping you from making them all, of course, and adding them to your scarf collection. Most of them will work well as beginner projects, although a few of them are listed as intermediate. If you’re ready to get started, you can choose the lamb, gator, fox, sloth, or dragon to get started on your way to becoming the next Dr. Dolittle.
