Scarf Tutorial: Navy and Marine Corps Inspired Crochet Project

Summary: These custom crochet scarves are inspired by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps uniforms, making them a thoughtful gift to honor military service. Both scarves are made entirely with the single crochet stitch and are crafted from 100% wool, though acrylic yarn can be used for a more budget-friendly option. The Navy scarf is crocheted vertically with black yarn, featuring gold stripes at both the top and bottom edges to represent an Ensign’s rank. The Marine Corps scarf is crocheted horizontally with a blue base, incorporating a red Blood Stripe down the center to resemble the Marine Corps Service Dress pant. Both scarves can be personalized with insignia to reflect the wearer’s service branch. Follow the simple steps to create these meaningful, handcrafted accessories that celebrate military tradition.

Our family friends have two children who are both serving as officers—one in the Marine Corps and the other in the Navy. To celebrate their service and give their parents a fun way to show their pride, I decided to make custom scarves representing each branch. These scarves will be a great way for them to stay warm while also supporting their kids, especially at the annual Army-Navy game. It’s a small but meaningful way to recognize their family’s connection to both branches, and I hope they’ll enjoy wearing them for years to come.

Navy Service Dress Blue Scarf:

The Service Dress Blues Uniform worn by line officers in the U.S. Navy has a distinctive and formal appearance, with sleeve or shoulder boards that display an officer’s rank through a series of gold stripes. Inspired by this traditional design, I created a crocheted scarf that reflects the insignia of an Ensign (O-1)—the first commissioned officer rank in the Navy—by incorporating a single gold stripe into the pattern.

This scarf is not only a tribute to the Navy’s distinguished uniform but also a unique handmade piece that carries a sense of honor, service, and craftsmanship. The design is simple yet bold, making it a great gift for a Navy officer, a veteran, or anyone who appreciates military-inspired accessories.

Below, I outline the step-by-step process I used to crochet this scarf, ensuring that the final piece closely resembles the classic look of an Ensign’s sleeve board.

**NOTE: If you are making this scarf as a custom gift for a specific officer, it is important to pay close attention to their rank and ensure that the number of gold stripes accurately represents their designation. The rank insignia varies for different officer levels, with additional stripes for higher ranks. Adjusting the number of stripes accordingly will ensure that the final piece is a respectful and accurate representation of their status in the Navy.

Materials Needed:

Black yarn (worsted weight or a yarn of your choice)
Yellow or gold yarn (for the rank stripe)
Appropriate crochet hook (size recommended for your chosen yarn)
Scissors
Yarn needle (for weaving in ends)

Crochet Instructions:

Starting the Foundation Chain:
Begin by making a chain stitch to achieve the desired width of your scarf. The width should be sufficient to create a balanced look, keeping in mind that the rank stripe should remain a clear focal point. I chose a width that allows the stripe to stand out while maintaining the sleek, professional look of the Navy uniform.
Creating the Black Base:
Using black yarn, work four rows of single crochet (sc) stitches. This section forms the foundation of the scarf and represents the dark fabric of the Service Dress Blues uniform. Make sure to keep your stitches even for a clean and polished appearance.
Adding the Gold Stripe:
After completing the black base, switch to the yellow (or gold) yarn. Crochet two rows of single crochet stitches in this new color. This golden band symbolizes the rank insignia of an Ensign, just as it appears on a Navy officer’s uniform sleeve. If you are creating this scarf for an officer of a higher rank, be sure to adjust the number of gold stripes accordingly. For example, a Lieutenant (O-3) would require two stripes, while a Commander (O-5) would need three. Always confirm the correct number of stripes before starting the project to ensure accuracy and respect for the officer’s position.
Continuing with Black Yarn:
Once the gold stripe is complete, switch back to black yarn and continue working single crochet stitches for the main body of the scarf. This section should be long enough to ensure the scarf can be wrapped comfortably around the neck or draped over the shoulders.
Adding the Final Stripe:
As you approach the other end of the scarf, repeat the color pattern used at the beginning. First, switch back to yellow (or gold) yarn and crochet two rows of single crochet stitches to create the second stripe.
Finishing the Scarf:
To complete the design, return to black yarn and crochet four final rows of single crochet stitches to mirror the first section. Once finished, fasten off the yarn and use a yarn needle to weave in any loose ends.

Optional Finishing Touches:

If desired, you can add a border around the scarf using black yarn to give it a more structured edge.
For a clean, professional look, block the scarf by lightly steaming or dampening it and laying it flat to dry.
If you prefer a longer or wider scarf, adjust the number of stitches and rows accordingly while maintaining the stripe placement for authenticity.

The Insignia (Also optional, but adds character and accuracy!):

Crocheting the star was the hardest part of this process. Also, not all officers have the same symbol on their sleeve. Unrestricted line officers (surface warfare officers, pilots, submariners, etc) have the star on their sleeve. However, other officers (for example Supply Corps Officers that use the “gold oak leaf”) have alternative insignia.

I crocheted four stars separately, and then sewed the stars onto the scarf at the end.

I outlined the star in black, lining up the two stars on opposite sides of the scarf before “sewing” them together along the black boarder with the black yarn and a tapestry needle.

I used 100% wool for the sake of using natural fibers, but using acrylic may be cheaper. I used a muted black (kind of a grey black) and a mustard-yellow for the “gold” Ensign decals.

This design is a simple yet meaningful way to pay tribute to the Navy’s heritage, and it makes for a stylish and distinctive cold-weather accessory. Whether worn with pride or given as a gift, this Ensign-inspired crochet scarf is a striking representation of naval tradition and craftsmanship.

Marine Corps Inspired Scarf:

The Blood Stripe is one of the most iconic elements of the United States Marine Corps dress uniform, traditionally seen running down the outer seam of the trousers worn by non-commissioned officers (NCOs), staff NCOs, and officers. This distinctive red stripe is a symbol of honor and sacrifice, making it a powerful inspiration for a handcrafted scarf.

I designed this crocheted scarf to reflect the bold and striking look of the Blood Stripe while ensuring that it remains a stylish and wearable accessory. The deep red stripe is framed by a rich blue, mirroring the colors of the Marine Corps dress uniform trousers. To achieve a more refined and sophisticated look, I opted for slightly darker shades of red and blue than those found in the official uniform—this subtle adjustment keeps the design from being too loud while still making a strong statement.

As with my other crochet projects, I chose 100% wool to maintain the integrity of natural fibers, though an acrylic alternative can be used for a more budget-friendly option.

To achieve a more refined and sophisticated look, I opted for slightly darker shades of red and blue than those found in the official uniform—this subtle adjustment keeps the design from being too loud while still making a strong statement.

As with my other military-inspired crochet projects, I chose 100% wool to maintain the integrity of natural fibers, though an acrylic alternative can be used for a more budget-friendly option.