I am very pleased to finally be able to make this pattern available to all the crocheters who have ever wished they could crochet their own super-stretchy “magic” tube scarves that stretch every which way into hoods, cowls, even tube tops! The “magic” is in the combination of stitch, hook size, and yarn type.

My earliest version was my constant companion in a 2004 Ohio winter. I wore it constantly, even indoors. Before I could publish the pattern, however, the furry yarn was discontinued. I tried a few other yarns but for a while I couldn’t banish the original one from my mind.

I don’t miss the yarn anymore; sock yarn is perfect for this design! Especially the extra-stretchy ones.

Note on Skill Level: If I used the standard industry guidelines for the Skill Level, this pattern would be rated Easy, even Advanced Beginner, because it uses a beginner’s stitch (slip stitch) and there’s zero shaping.

After teaching it to others, I’ve learned that the crocheter needs to be ready to have more control over his/her natural stitch gauge, because the crochet hook size is much larger than normal for the yarn used. Every crocheter’s fine motor coordination is different, so you might find this pattern to be Easy.
Pattern uses no abbreviations.

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

• How to create a fashion fabric with slip stitches, an easy way to create super-stretchy crochet
• How your own natural gauge (“the crocheter’s hand”) compares to standard gauges
• How to “crochet with air”—that’s how it might feel to use a very big crochet hook with a fine, stretchy yarn!

See all of my slip stitch crochet patterns in one place!

Finished Dimensions

• Worn as a long tube scarf: 4.25 x 50 inches/11 x 127 cm.
• Worn as a cowl, hood, wimple, so-called “snood”: 9 to 10 inches/23 to 25 cm inner diameter
• Worn as a shoulder warmer: its maximum stretch point is approximately 17 inches/43 cm wide, so this would stretch over the shoulders of a size Small person. Note: to increase this dimension to fit larger sizes, more rows can be added to the pattern, which may require another skein of yarn.
• Worn as a tube top/shoulderless vest: see shoulder warmer above.

Supplies Needed

• Yarn pictured: Patons Stretch Socks (41% Cotton, 39% Wool, 13% Nylon, 7% Elastic, 239yds/218m per 1.75oz/50g ball), color #31306 Plum: 2 balls.
• Yarn substitution advice: Look for a smooth-textured sock yarn or “fingering weight” (#1 Super Fine category) yarn that has some stretch or resilient bounce. The hook/needle sizes usually listed on the label range from B/1/2.25 – D/3/3.25mm.

Special Technique: ‘Bosnian’ (Slip Stitch) Crochet