Granny Square Hooded Scarf: Free Beginner Crochet Pattern
A classic woolen hood provides warmth on windy mornings, especially when it joins forces with the nostalgic charm of connected yarn motifs. This project turns simple clusters into a functional accessory that wraps securely around your neck and covers your head during chilly walks to the coffee shop. You will find this construction satisfying because it breaks the workload into individual pieces that you can stash in your bag for commuting. I personally enjoy the rhythmic process of connecting these motifs, as it teaches you how to maintain consistent tension while mastering the basic double crochet stitch sequence.

Why You’ll Love This Pattern
This beginner-friendly amigurumi mushroom works up in under two hours, making it an ideal choice for quick gift-giving or craft fair inventory. The construction relies on simple single crochet stitches worked in continuous rounds, eliminating the need to join at the end of each circle. Because the project requires only small amounts of scrap yarn, it provides a functional way to clear out your stash while practicing shaping techniques like increases and decreases. The final piece stands about four inches tall, providing a sturdy base that sits flat on shelves or desks.
I managed to finish three of these mushrooms in a single afternoon using colors from my scrap bin, and the instructions for the stem-to-cap transition were very easy to follow.
— Sarah, amigurumi enthusiast
Pattern Overview & Skill Level
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Approximate Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Construction: Amigurumi style, worked in continuous spiral rounds
- Finished Dimensions: 4 inches tall by 3 inches wide
Materials & Supplies Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight #4, 100% cotton yarn (approx. 20 yards of red for the cap, 15 yards of white for the stem)
- Hook Size: 3.5 mm / E-4
- Notions: Polyester fiberfill stuffing, stitch markers, yarn needle, small scissors
- Safe Yarn Substitutions: Acrylic worsted weight yarn can be used as a substitute. Note that acrylic is slightly stretchier than cotton, so you may need to stuff the mushroom more firmly to prevent the stitches from gapping.
Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)
- MR: Magic Ring
- st/sts: Stitch/stitches
- ch: Chain
- sc: Single crochet
- inc: Increase (work 2 sc into the same stitch)
- dec: Invisible decrease (insert hook into front loops of the next 2 sts, yarn over and pull through, yarn over and pull through both loops on hook)
- sl st: Slip stitch
Stem
The stem is worked from the bottom up, starting with a flat base.
- Rnd 1: Start 6 sc into a magic ring (6 sts)
- Rnd 2: Inc in each st around (12 sts)
- Rnd 3: (Sc 1, inc) repeat 6 times (18 sts)
- Rnd 4: Working in BLO, sc in each st around (18 sts)
- Rnd 5-8: Sc in each st around (18 sts)
- Rnd 9: (Sc 1, dec) repeat 6 times (12 sts)
- Rnd 10: Sc in each st around (12 sts). Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Cap
The cap is worked as a wider, rounded dome.
- Rnd 1: Start 6 sc into a magic ring (6 sts)
- Rnd 2: Inc in each st around (12 sts)
- Rnd 3: (Sc 1, inc) repeat 6 times (18 sts)
- Rnd 4: (Sc 2, inc) repeat 6 times (24 sts)
- Rnd 5: (Sc 3, inc) repeat 6 times (30 sts)
- Rnd 6-10: Sc in each st around (30 sts)
- Rnd 11: (Sc 3, dec) repeat 6 times (24 sts)
- Rnd 12: (Sc 2, dec) repeat 6 times (18 sts). Stuff the cap firmly with fiberfill before closing.
- Rnd 13: (Sc 1, dec) repeat 6 times (12 sts)
- Rnd 14: Dec 6 times (6 sts). Fasten off and weave the remaining tail through the front loops to close the hole.
Assembly
Stuff the stem lightly. Place the stem centered against the flat underside of the cap. Using the long tail left on the stem, sew the top of the stem to the bottom center of the cap using a whipstitch. Secure the yarn with a knot and bury the tail inside the stem.
Care & Washing Instructions
- Hand wash in cool water using a mild wool-safe detergent to protect the fiberfill shape.
- Lay flat on a clean towel in a shaded area to air dry, turning occasionally to ensure the inside dries completely.
- Reshape the mushroom gently with your hands while it is damp to ensure it remains upright.
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Use a stitch marker at the start of every round to avoid losing your place, as continuous spirals do not have a clear end-of-row indicator.
- Maintain consistent tension throughout; if you notice gaps where the stuffing shows through, try going down half a hook size.
- Weave your yarn ends into the interior of the piece rather than cutting them close to the knot to prevent the work from unraveling over time.
- Adjusting the size by adding more rounds to the cap will increase the yardage required; ensure you have enough yarn before expanding the pattern.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a larger hook for this pattern?
Using a larger hook will result in a larger, looser mushroom. While possible, you will need more stuffing and may find that the fiberfill is visible between your stitches.
Is this project suitable for absolute beginners?
Yes, this project only requires basic knowledge of the magic ring and single crochet stitches, making it a standard first project for those learning to work in the round.
Can I sell the finished mushrooms?
You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern, but please check the specific copyright terms of the original designer if the pattern was sourced from an external designer marketplace.
How do I keep the mushroom from tipping over?
Ensure the base of the stem is stuffed firmly and the stitches in Rnd 4 of the stem are worked in the back loop only to create a sharp edge that keeps the bottom flat.

Your finished hooded wrap feels soft against the skin and provides a cozy layer for winter afternoons spent reading or running errands. You can experiment with a monochromatic color scheme using shades of gray and charcoal to give it a modern look compared to the traditional multicolored version. Please share a photo of your work on Instagram or Pinterest to show off your custom color choices. If you enjoyed this project, check out my other free tutorials on the blog for more handmade winter staples.





