Every now and then, a project comes along that feels equal parts playful and dramatic—and this skull lace scarf is exactly that. If you’re the sort of maker who loves something a little bit quirky, this is a fabulous addition to your handmade wardrobe. It’s lacy and lightweight, but still has that edgy vibe thanks to the repeating skull motif.

I first whipped this up as a fun autumn accessory (because skulls + cozy layers = perfect fall), but honestly it works year-round. Imagine draping it over a plain tee in summer or layering it with a leather jacket in winter. And the best part? Once you’ve figured out the first motif, the rest repeats like a dream.

A quick heads up—many crocheters notice the piece wants to puff out a little after Row 4. Don’t worry, you’ve got options! Try lengthening your chain stitches slightly, adjust your chain sets to ease tension, or give it a good block when you’re done. Crochet is wonderfully forgiving that way.

Supplies You’ll Need

• About 500 yards of fingering (4-ply) yarn – I used a soft merino blend, but go with something that has nice drape. 
• 2.75 mm (C) crochet hook 
• Scissors, yarn needle for finishing 

Abbreviations

• CH – chain 
• SL ST – slip stitch 
• SC – single crochet 
• DC – double crochet 
• STS – stitches 

? Note: That first CH 3 at the start of a row does not count as a stitch. Each skull panel begins and ends with 46 stitches. You’ll be making two matching halves and then joining them across the top so the skulls face the right way on both sides.

Pattern

1. Foundation – Make a loose chain of 49 (if your chain is tight, go up a hook size just for this part). 
2. Row 1 – DC into the 4th CH from hook, then DC across. (46 sts). Turn. 
3. Rows 2 & 3 – CH 3 (counts as turning chain only), DC across. (46 sts). Turn. 
4. Row 4 – CH 3, work 18 DC, CH 10, skip 10 stitches, 18 DC. Turn. 
5. Row 5 – CH 3, 15 DC, skip 3 DC, CH 6, 4 SC into the CH-10 space from previous row, CH 6, skip 3 DC, 15 DC. Turn. 
6. Row 6 – CH 3, 12 DC, skip 3 DC, CH 6, then in those 4 SC from last row work (DC, CH 1) four times, ending with a DC (so 4 DC separated by CH 1s). CH 6, skip 3 DC, 12 DC. Turn. 
7. Row 7 – CH 3, 9 DC, skip 3 DC, CH 6, then work 11 SC across the DC/CH spaces from last row (2 around chain, 1 in each DC, etc., to balance). CH 6, skip 3 DC, 9 DC. Turn. 
8. Row 8 (Eyes) – CH 3, 7 DC, skip 2 DC, CH 8. SC in 4 of the SCs from previous row, CH 5, skip 3 SC, SC in the last 4 SC. Turn. 
   • Now make the “eyes”: CH 10, SC into the CH-5 space, CH 10, SL ST back into first SC. Turn. 
   • Work 10 SC around each CH-10 loop for the eyes. SL ST to finish. CH 8, skip 2 DC, 7 DC. Turn. 
9. Row 9 – CH 3, 5 DC, skip 2 DC, CH 10. Place 16 SC evenly across the skull center (8 each side). CH 10, skip 2 DC, 5 DC. Turn. 
10. Row 10 – CH 3, 8 DC, CH 6, 12 SC centered over the skull, CH 6, 8 DC. Turn. 
11. Row 11 – CH 3, 11 DC, CH 6, 8 SC centered on skull, CH 6, 11 DC. Turn. 
12. Row 12 – CH 3, 14 DC, CH 6, 6 SC centered on skull, CH 6, 14 DC. Turn. 
13. Row 13 – CH 3, 17 DC, CH 6, 4 SL ST centered on skull, CH 6, 17 DC. Turn. 
14. Row 14 – CH 3, 20 DC, CH 6, 20 DC. Turn. 
15. Row 15 – CH 3, 20 DC, 6 DC around chain space, 20 DC. (46 sts). Turn. 
16. Rows 16–17 – CH 3, DC across. (46 sts). Turn. 

 That’s one full skull motif! 
Repeat Rows 4–17 until you’ve got the length you want. My scarf ended up with 6 skulls per side.

Make a second identical strip. Then join them together across the top with either loose slip stitches or single crochet, so your skulls sit upright no matter which side of the scarf you wear.

Finish by weaving in the ends and giving it a good block.

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