Crochet Pattern: Piano Key Scarf
By Rachel Choi – 160 CommentsEDIT: This pattern was updated on December 21, 2009. The pattern as written now, uses a larger hook size (to solve the stiffness problem) and includes tips for changing colors and carrying loose ends as you work so that you will have only ONE loose end to tuck in after you complete your scarf. This pattern is intended for people with experience and lots of patience as a lot of color changes are required. This pattern is not recommended for beginners.
Please read this pattern fully and carefully before beginning. You will be required to repeat certain rows to obtain the piano key layout. Be sure to only repeat the rows indicated when instructed to.
The piano key scarf is perfect for any piano lover. Take the piano anywhere and everywhere you go. This crocheted scarf is great for men, boys, ladies and girls. No matter who you are, this scarf is bound to keep you warm and fashionably in style. Just whip out your yarn and crochet hook and follow the crochet pattern below.
Finished Size: 5’’ (13 cm) wide, and as long as you want it to be (follow the instructions within the pattern to adjust the length) |
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Materials: Medium Weight Yarn (Black and White) approximately 200 yards each Recommended yarn brand: Caron Simply Soft Yarn Crochet hook K (6.50 mm) Scissors |
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Gauge:
11 sc = 3’’
6 rows = 2’’
Gauge Swatch: 3’’w x 2’’h (7.5 cm x 5 cm) ch 12.
Row 1: sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across: 11 sc
Row 2 – 6: ch 1, turn, in front loop only, sc in each sc across: 11 sc
Finish off.
How to Change Colors in this Pattern
For this pattern, when you are instructed to change colors, make one chain with the color you are currently using, then cut the yarn and pull the loop on your hook so that the loose strand of yarn is pulled through the stitch. Pull the loose strand so that it creates a small knot. Your loose end should not be longer than 2 inches. With the new color, start with a slip knot on your hook, then make the stitches as indicated in the pattern. Carry the loose end of your yarns as indicated in the tips in the pattern. The knot made should not be noticed in your work.
How to Minimize the Number of Loose Ends
The tips included within the pattern instruct you to carry loose ends of yarn by crocheting over them to minimize the number of ends you have to weave in when you finish. If done correctly you will have only ONE loose end to weave in. Here is a link to a more detailed explanation of the technique used in this pattern: How to Minimize Weaving in Ends in Crochet
Crochet Pattern: Piano Key Scarf
Row 1: with white, ch 21, working in the back ridge only, sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across: 20 sc
Tip: before making your last few stitches on this row, hold the loose end created at the beginning of the chain, to the chain and crochet over it.
All stitches now and throughout are worked in the front loop only.
Row 2: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across: 20 sc
One Key
Row 3: ch 1, turn, sc in next 10 sc, change to black, sc in next 10 sc: 20 sc
Tip: Carry the loose ends of the white and black yarn in your work until it is no longer sticking out.
Row 4: ch 1, turn, sl st in each sc across: 20 sl st
Row 5: change to white, turn, sc in next 10 sl st, change to black, sc in next 10 sl st: 20 sc
Tip: When crochet with white yarn at the beginning of row, carry the loose ends of the black and white yarn in your work until it is no longer sticking out. When you change to black, carry only the loose end of the black yarn in your work.
Row 6: change to white, turn, sc in each sc across: 20 sc
Tip: Carry the loose ends of the white and black yarn in your work until it is no longer sticking out. When you reach the loose end of the white yarn from the previous row, carry it in your work until it is no longer sticking out.
Work “One Key” (rows 3 – 6), 2 more times.
Space
Row 7: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across: 20 sc
Row 8: change to black, turn, sl st in each sc across: 20 sl st
Row 9: change to white, turn, sc in each sl st across: 20 sc
Tip: Carry the loose ends of the white and black yarn in your work until it is no longer sticking out. Before making your last few stitches on this row, hold the loose ends of the black and white yarn from the previous row, to your work and crochet over it.
Row 10: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across: 20 sc
Work “One Key” (rows 3 – 6), 2 times.
Work “Space” (rows 7 – 10), 1 time.
Work “One Key” (rows 3 – 6), 3 times.
Work “Space” (rows 7 – 10), 1 time.
Repeat the above 4 lines until the scarf is as long as you desire. When you choose to end your scarf, end after you compete your last row 7. You should only have 1 loose end to weave in when you are done.
For an extra perk, add black tassels on both ends of the scarf.
Do you need help crocheting the piano key scarf? No worries just leave a comment!
Hello,
I really love this pattern and have just started making it. I’ve not attempted anything with colour changes before, but am managing to do it ok, as your instructions are excellent.
However, as my scarf is going to be for a man, I think I’d have preferred it to be a bit wider. I was wondering about doing a couple of rows of sc around it afterwards, in black yarn, but am worried if I do it as a black border, then the piano keys might not show up.
What do you think, please? 🙂
Hi Sheila! I think the keys will still show up after you do the black border. Give it a try and see if you like it. You can always undo the border if it doesn’t look right.
Thanks Rachel – I’ll do that. I’ve googled a few piano keyboard images since writing this first post, and I’ve realised it probably should look really good with a black surround to it. 🙂
Sheila I am going to make this for my daughter’s piano teacher who is retiring how did it come out with the border??? Thanks 🙂
Can I suggest a different colour for the border? Maybe red, or yellow, or green – or whatever suits the person?
Draw out the piano on paper and photocopy.
Use coloured pencils and try different colours to edge it.
I have started this piano scarf a couple times but I keep running into the same problem. On the first color change on the keys I end up having a hole between the white and black. I’m not sure what I am doing wrong. Thanks!
Hi Jeanne! It is normal for a small gap to be between the two stitches. After you work the next row on top of it, it will hold the stitches together.
I can’t wait to get started on this pattern. It looks beautiful.
Hi Rachel, I found it and yet still to study it and we will do it with our teenage daughter who said when see the photo: “Who was the genius that create this?
Awesome!
It will be our 2020 project, here we are going to summer now..Then we will notice you!
We bless you and your work!
Abi and MarÃa, from Argentina.
Thank you. This will be perfect for my piano playing, teaching, tuning friend.
I love the looks of this scarf, can’t wait to try, Thank you for the free pattern