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I originally designed the BLM-Bogolan knit scarf pattern in the height of 2020 as an expression of self love. I needed to make a statement. So I designed a way to proclaim to the world that Black lives matter across the diaspora and celebrate the Bogolan motif. There recently has been a lot of conversation about how crochet is often forgotten in the designing world in favor of knitting patterns. I’m so excited to be able to now offer the crochet version with the same message as a way to honor crochet, the other half of my love for fiber arts! It was a long time coming, but the reality is that life be life-ing. However, even 3 years later this pattern & message are still as fresh, beautiful, and powerful as day 1. Remember to be kind and gentle with yourself. We are our first love. 💚

Black lives still matter! If you do end up crocheting this scarf, please tag me @drcharlieuntangled and use the hashtag #BLMBogolanCrochetScarf.

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Materials & Pattern Info

Materials

Featured yarn:

MC: Paintbox Simply Chunky - Soft fudge

5 skeins
OR ~750 yds of bulky wt yarn

CC: Paintbox Simply Chunky - Champagne white

3 skeins
OR ~450 yds of contrasting bulky wt yarn

Hook: US K-10.5 (6.5 mm)
Clip stitch markers (optional)
Large pom-pom maker
Tapestry needle
Scissors

Measurements

Gauge: ~12 sts x ~14 rows in 4” in waistcoat stitch
Finished scarf:

86” L (without pom) x 14” around

Techniques to know

Crochet chain
Single crochet
Waistcoat stitch in the round
Waistcoat stitch increase & decrease
Starting a new round in waistcoat stitch
Tapestry crochet & color changing
Making a pom pom either by hand or with a pom pom maker

Abbreviations

beg - beginning
BOR - beginning of round
CC - contrast color
ch - chain stitch(es)
dec - decrease
inc - increase
MC - main color
sc - single crochet
slst - slip stitch
st(s) - stitch(es)
tog - together
wcst - waistcoat stitch

Tips from the doctor

This scarf pattern is crocheted in the round with the waistcoat stitch. I found a very helpful tutorial for how to work the stitch and increase and decrease. My pattern has you decreasing a little differently than this video, but try the method that works best for you. Another note about decreasing, if you follow my method, on the next round after a decrease round, you’ll want to insert your hook into both stitches of the previously decreased stitch to get the smoothest result. I also found a very neat trick demonstrated by Yarn Th3ory on Instagram for how to start an invisible new round.
Both charts for this pattern use the tapestry crochet technique, where you’re working with both colors, alternating based on the chart and carrying the unused color behind each stitch so it’s available when you need it. But it’s using it in the round, so you never have to use the other half of the technique for the wrong side. To learn how to change color while holding on to your second color, see this color changing technique video from Toni at TL Yarn Crafts at timestamp 5:54.