Making gifts can be fun. If you know how to crochet, you can have even more fun. Combine the fun of crocheting with the joy of gift giving just by making quick and easy scarves.

As the year goes by, there is a pretty good chance that cold weather will be in the forecast. Even if it is not, get a head start on holiday gifts by crocheting a bushel of scarves. Men and women will appreciate this gift when the cold wind hits their faces.

Making a scarf does not have to be hard or fancy to be pretty and functional. In fact one repetitive stitch creates a beautiful piece. To start, decide on the color or colors you wish your scarf to be. If you do not have that down in your mind before entering the store, you might become overwhelmed at the multitude of color that awaits you.

Once color is decided, you can go to the store and decide on the type of yarn and the texture. If you are still new to crocheting, do not choose a chunky, frilly, or any other fancy type of yarn. Stick to the basic kinds such as Caron Soft or Redheart. 

Once the kind of yarn is chosen, you really have a dilemma of deciding on how much yard to buy. Much of it depends on the type of yarn. All yarn has its own personality and the more you use it the more familiar you will become. Most scarves when laid once around the neck reach as short as mid thigh to mid thigh to the knee on both sides. Usually people like to wrap their scarves more than once around their necks and therefore need more scarf. It is always better to buy more than you need than not enough especially if the yard has a dye lot. Even without a dye lot, the color can change and ruin the effect of your piece.

Plan on purchasing about 12 -18 ounces of yarn. The smaller the scarf you want the closer you want to 12 ounces. Some pieces might surprise you and really use only a couple of skeins (yarn packages). You will learn a lot on what you will need once you make your first one. 

Begin with a chain that is the desired width of the scarf. If you are unsure, take an existing scarf and compare. Add a few extra stitches for the first stitch of your next line. Double crochet or half double crochet in third chain from hook and continue to end of chain. Chain one and turn. Continue with double crochets or half-double crochets. Even single crochet stitches can be used for a tighter stitch. Using double crochets gives the scarf a more airy property and will not be as warm as the tighter stitches will be. 

Continue stitching until you use up one skein of yarn. See how much one skein gives you in length. This will give you a good idea of how many you will need in the end. If it looks like you have less than half the desired length, continue on through the second skein and then measure again. Once you get to about three-fourths your desired length, begin checking your length every five to ten rows. When length is achieved, finish off with slip stitches over the last row and complete. 

Now, the decision to add fringe or not confronts you. Most people do not like fringe on their scarves, yet it can be an extremely decorative addition. Think of the person who might receive it. You can also add some beads, buttons, or other adornments to dress up the piece. Use a team logo, favorite hobby, or replica of pet to give it a personal touch. 

You now have a truly unique gift to give someone special. Have fun and be creative.