Free Crochet Pocket Scarf Pattern, The Papaya Scarf

Updated October 2026

✦ Quick answer: The Papaya Scarf is a free crochet pocket scarf pattern worked flat in rows as one rectangle, about 10.5 inches wide and 65 inches long. First you crochet the scarf with back post double crochet, which makes the raised ridges. Then you crochet two small pockets separately and sew them on. You need weight 4 yarn and a 6 mm hook, and the difficulty is Easy. The free written pattern is below.

Jump straight to the Papaya Scarf Instructions ↓

I have a confession to make.

I used to hate yellow. For years, I wouldn’t have chosen anything yellow for myself. And then, somehow, I changed my mind. This warm golden, orangey shade became one of my favorite colors, so I named this crochet pocket scarf Papaya.

But the color isn’t the only reason I love this scarf. It has texture. It’s soft and cozy without feeling bulky. And, most importantly, it has pockets. Yes, pockets in a scarf.

I use mine for my glasses, keys, crochet hooks, little bits of yarn, and whatever else I don’t want to put down and then spend half an hour looking for.

This crochet pocket scarf pattern is made from simple stitches, but the combination creates a nicely textured fabric that looks more complicated than it really is.

The best part? You get to make something beautiful that you will actually use. So let’s make the Papaya Scarf.

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Why You Will Love This Crochet Pocket Scarf

I think the best crochet projects are the ones you actually use. You finish the last stitch, take a picture because you’re very proud of yourself, and then it disappears into a cupboard. Not this one. I designed the Papaya Scarf to be pretty, but also useful.

It has pockets!

I know, I know. A scarf with pockets sounds a little funny. But once you have them, you wonder why every scarf doesn’t have them. You can wear the scarf around your neck, or spread it over your shoulders like a little wrap and still have your pockets right where you need them.

The texture looks complicated, but it isn’t

The texture is made with back post double crochet, which creates raised ridges across the scarf. If you’ve never tried back post stitches before, this is a nice project to practice them because you repeat the same basic idea over and over. Once your hands get into the rhythm, it becomes one of those projects you can crochet while watching your favorite show.

You can make it your own

The scarf is worked as a simple rectangle, so you don’t have to worry about complicated shaping. Want it longer? Keep crocheting. Want a different color? Absolutely. Want to use the yarn you already have in your stash? Go for it.

It’s a good project for a gift

I also think this makes a great handmade gift, especially for someone who likes practical things. You’re giving them a scarf they can actually wear, with pockets they will probably end up loving as much as I do.

If you like a textured scarf, you may also like my Sky Scarf or my Dotless Scarf.

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Before You Get Started, Check Out My Newest Favorite Finds!

• Blocking mats with pins, for blocking the pockets before you sew them on
• Locking stitch markers, to mark where the pockets go
• A tassel maker, if you want to add tassels
• A row counter, for keeping track of the long scarf rows

Let’s Get to the Pattern, Shall We? Making the Papaya Scarf

Difficulty

Easy.

Materials and Tools You’ll Need

• Ice Yarns Saver, #4, 100% Dralon Acrylic, 2 skeins of 100 gr each, 330 m used in total
• or any weight #4 yarn of your choice
• Hook: US Size J-10 (6 mm)
• Yarn needle, scissors and measuring tape

Gauge

• 11 st X 8 rows (scarf pattern 4″ X 4″ )
• 12 st X 8 rows (pocket pattern 4″ X 4″)

Sizes

• Scarf: 10.5″ wide and 65″ long
• Pocket: 7″ wide X 10.5″ tall

You can decide on the size of the scarf by adding chains and rows. My finished scarf is approximately 10.5 inches wide and 65 inches long, but you can adjust the length to suit you. If you like a longer scarf, simply add more rows. You can also make the scarf wider or narrower by adjusting your starting chain, as long as you keep the stitch repeat in mind. And don’t forget the pockets when you’re deciding on your size. You want them to sit comfortably where you can actually reach them.

Here you can find the standard sizes for crochet scarves. Measure yourself and decide which is best for you!

Stitch Key

• Ch = Chain
• Sc = Single Crochet
• Dc = Double Crochet
• St = Stitch
• Hdc = Half Double Crochet
• Yo = Yarn over

Specialty Stitches

Bpdc = Back post double crochet stitch. Yo, insert your hook from back to front around the post of the next stitch, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through 2 loops on your hook, yo, pull through remaining two loops on your hook.

BloHdc = Back loop only half double crochet. Yarn over, Insert crochet hook into the back loop only Pull up a loop, Yarn over, Pull through the 3 loops on the crochet hook.

Sandra’s Tip: If back post double crochet is new to you, practice a few stitches on a small swatch first. Once your hands understand the movement, the scarf itself is quite relaxing to make.

Notes

• The pattern is worked in rows
• This pattern consists of a rectangle for the scarf + two small rectangles for the pockets
• Ch2 does count as st at the beginning of each row
• Ch1 at the beginning of the row does not count as a stitch
• This pattern uses pattern repeats.
• You can work this pattern with one color or multiple as you wish. I used one solid color
• If changing colors make sure to have a changing technique and weave your ends in.
• You can decide on the size of the scarf by adding chains and rows
• The scarf pattern is a one row repeat pattern
• For the scarf pattern, start with an odd number of stitches

Papaya Scarf Instructions

The Scarf

Ch 31

Row 1: Dc 1 in 4th st from hook, dc 1 in next and across to end of row, turn (29)

Next, Row 2: Ch 1, hdc 1 in 1st st from hook, *[Bpdc 1 in next st, hdc 1 in next]* repeat from *to* to end of the row, (do not forget the ch3 is the last st), turn (29)

Then Row 3: Ch 1, hdc 1 in 1st st from hook, *[Bpdc 1 in next st, hdc 1 in next]* repeat from *to* to end of the row, turn (29)

After that, Rows 4 to 129: Repeat row 3 (29)

Finally, Row 130: Ch 1, dc 1 in 1st st from hook, dc 1 in next and across to end of row, (29)

Secure yarn, cut, and weave in ends

The Pockets, Make Two Identical

Ch 22

Row 1: Hdc 1 in 2nd st from hook, hdc 1 in next st and across to end of row, turn (21)

Next, Row 2: Ch 1, BloHdc in 1st st from hook, bloHdc in next and across to end of row, turn (21)

Then Rows 3 to 21: repeat row 2 (21)

Turn your work to the narrow side of the rectangle

Now work 1 row of hdc 1 on each st and work 2 rows of blohdc 1 on each st (21)

Construction

Block pockets before joining

Lay each pocket on the right side of the scarf bottom part, 1.5″ above the final row and centered. Attach by sewing with the tapestry needle leaving the upper part open

Secure yarn, cut, and weave in ends

Finishing

You can add tassels or fringe to the pocket scarf!

Enjoy!

Want a hat to go with it? Try my free granny stitch crochet hat, worked top down in rounds. Want something bigger to wrap up in? Try my easy chevron crochet wrap, made in one cake of variegated yarn.

For colder days, my waffle stitch crochet cowl keeps your neck warm and closes with 2 buttons.

This is an original Sandra Regev pattern: Owner/Designer of Sandra Stitches. This pattern may not be redistributed for free, sale, or trade, but finished products can be sold with credit to this shop. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Want more crochet scarf patterns?

Try the Alhambra Scarf, the Shell Stitch Scarf, or the Honey Scarf.

Did you try this pattern? Share a picture and tag me on Instagram @sandrastitchesil

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Sandra Regev

Hi my crochet friend!

Crochet has followed me from Argentina to Israel and through every crossroads since. Now I design calm, achievable crochet, made to feel possible.

Come find free patterns, tutorials, and the V-Stitch Club right here on the blog.

 

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