The Fourth Doctor, portrayed by Tom Baker, is instantly recognizable by his impossibly long, colorful scarf. This iconic accessory has become synonymous with the character and Doctor Who itself. While various characters in the Doctor Who universe have sported scarves, none are as celebrated and sought-after as the original 4th Doctor Scarf. This guide will delve into the details of this beloved item, providing you with everything you need to know to create your own replica, whether you prefer crochet or knitting.
Delving into the 4th Doctor’s Scarves
The scarves worn by the Fourth Doctor weren’t just a single entity; they evolved throughout his tenure. The original BBC scarf, debuting in Season 12, established the now-classic color palette: Purple, Camel, Mustard, Rust, Grey, Greenish brown, and Bronze. These colors formed the basis for numerous variations and adaptations throughout seasons 12 to 18 and beyond, including the Romana scarf and even the Osgood scarf seen in the 50th Anniversary special, “The Day of the Doctor.” Each season presented a slightly different take on the color arrangement and scarf length, adding to the rich tapestry of the Doctor Who universe.
For those eager to start crafting, you can find crochet patterns inspired by these iconic scarves on this page. All patterns utilize American crochet terminology. If you’d rather skip the yarn selection process, several kits are available (listed at the end of this article), but always confirm international shipping options and kit contents for crocheting versus knitting.
Understanding Scarf Dimensions: Width and Length
Width: Official knitted 4th Doctor scarves typically measure around 10-12 inches wide. However, personal preference and climate can influence this. For a less bulky scarf, especially for warmer climates, a width of 6-10 inches is perfectly acceptable. Osgood’s scarf, for instance, appears narrower than the original Season 13 scarf, possibly half the width, though this is an estimation.
Length: The length of the 4th Doctor’s scarf varied dramatically across seasons. Here’s a breakdown of approximate lengths, from longest to shortest, recognizing that stretching and shrinkage occurred over time:
- Season 18: Approximately 20 feet (some sources suggest up to 26 feet, while others estimate 22-23 feet).
- Season 15: 15 to 20 feet.
- SHADA: Just under 20 feet, including tassels.
- Seasons 16-17: 18 feet.
- Season 12: Started around 12 feet, stretching to about 14 feet.
- Season 12.5: Slightly shorter than Season 12 due to shrinkage.
- Season 13: Approximately 11 feet.
- Season 14: 9 feet.
The Osgood scarf’s length is estimated to be shorter than the Season 13 scarf but the exact measurement is unconfirmed.
Decoding the Color Stripes
Each 4th Doctor scarf variation boasts a unique color scheme, dictated by the stripe sequence. The number of rows per stripe depends on yarn thickness, hook/needle size, and individual crafting tension. The stripe counts for different seasons offer a guide:
- Season 12: 53 stripes
- Season 12.5: 52 stripes (one grey section removed)
- Duplicate Scarf: 47 stripes
- Season 13: 47 stripes
- Osgood scarf: 47 stripes
- Season 14: 44 stripes
- Season 15: 66 stripes
- Seasons 16 and 17: 88 stripes
- SHADA: 87 stripes
- Season 18: 282 stripes
The SHADA Scarf: A Unique Case
The SHADA scarf is particularly interesting as it combines elements of the Season 13 and 14 scarves with a stunt duplicate. It incorporates the original color palette but introduces a light grey and a burgundy stripe. Notably, the SHADA scarf uses a blue-purple as the main purple, differentiating it from the red-purple (burgundy) used in other variations. The original SHADA scarf was created by joining two pieces of different widths.
A crocheted SHADA scarf using worsted yarn and an I hook in single crochet, measured approximately 9 inches wide and 19 feet long (excluding fringe). The actual scarf was made with DK yarn, primarily wool or wool blends.
For a crocheted SHADA scarf, suggested yarn colors include:
- Purple: Vanna’s Choice Purple
- Camel: I Love This Yarn light taupe (2 skeins)
- Mustard: Bernat Gypsy Gold
- Rust: I Love This Yarn Terra Cotta
- Grey: Vanna’s Choice Taupe (2 skeins)
- Greenish brown: Bernat Waverly Bark (2 skeins)
- Bronze: Vanna’s Choice Toffee (2 skeins)
- Light grey: I Love This Yarn greybeard
scarf yarn kit
Recent analysis of the SHADA scarf by Matt from the Stitches group revealed it may not be entirely wool, with some sections showing minimal felting. Measurements taken by Matt indicate a length of 19 feet 11 inches from tassel to tassel, with varying widths between the “Hero” and “Dupe” sections. The fringe length was surprisingly short, around 2 1/4 – 2 1/2 inches.
Crochet vs. Knit: Choosing Your Craft
This guide focuses on crochet, but many knit patterns are available. If adapting a knit pattern using garter stitch for crochet, remember that one crochet row roughly equals two knitted rows (one garter stitch ridge). Yarn labels often suggest different hook and needle sizes for the same yarn weight. For example, “I Love This Yarn” recommends a 5.5mm crochet hook (I) and a 5mm knitting needle (#8). This row equivalence may not hold true for knit patterns beyond garter stitch.
Single crochet and double crochet are common stitches for crocheted 4th Doctor scarves, with single crochet being more frequently used. While crochet creates a different texture than knitting, the color pattern is the most recognizable element to the casual observer. For a knitted look in crochet, consider the Tunisian knit stitch (demonstrated in Kim Guzman’s video) or split single crochet.
When using knit patterns, be mindful of whether they specify rows or ridges. For beginners, Gene’s patterns at doctorwhoscarf.com, which use inches instead of rows, are highly recommended. Ultimately, your personal gauge (rows per inch) will depend on your hook/needle, yarn, and tension.
For a wearable, shorter scarf, maintain the color stripe sequence of your chosen season but reduce the number of rows per stripe. Alternatively, simply crochet or knit to your desired length, stopping when it feels right.
Yarn and Color Choices: Acrylic and Beyond
Acrylic yarns are a popular and practical choice, especially for those in warmer climates or seeking machine-washable options. Both worsted weight (#4) and DK weight/sport (#3) acrylic yarns work well for 4th Doctor scarves.
For screen-accurate colors, doctorwhoscarf.com is an invaluable resource. The Stitches in Time Facebook group is another excellent community for color discussions and yarn recommendations.
Acrylic Yarn Options (Worsted/Aran – #4 weight):
- Rust (Red): Knit Picks Brava Worsted Paprika, Vanna’s Choice Brick (Aran), I Love This Yarn Terra Cotta (Aran)
- Greenish brown (Green): Bernat Satin Dark Gold (thinner), Bernat Super Value Gingerbread (Aran)
- Mustard (Gold): I Love This Yarn Sungold, Loops and Threads Impeccable Gold, Bernat Waverly Gypsy Gold
- Camel (Tan): I Love This Yarn light taupe
- Bronze (Brown): Knit Picks Brava Worsted Brindle, Vanna’s Choice Toffee (Aran)
- Purple: Knit Picks Brava Worsted Currant, Vanna’s Choice Burgundy (Aran)
- Grey: Vanna’s Choice Taupe, Vanna’s Choice charcoal (true grey)
For a thinner, shinier worsted acrylic option, Red Heart Soft and Bernat Satin are comparable.
Acrylic Yarn Options (DK/Sport – #3 weight):
- Rust (Red): Knit Picks Brava Sport Paprika, Stylecraft Special DK Copper
- Greenish Brown (Green): Sirdar Hayfield Bonus DK Moss Green, Stylecraft Special DK Khaki
- Mustard (Gold): Stylecraft Special DK Gold, Sirdar Hayfield Bonus DK Pumpkin
- Camel (Tan): Knit Picks Brava Sport Almond, Stylecraft Special DK Camel
- Bronze (Brown): Knit Picks Brava Sport Brindle, King Cole Big Value DK Taupe
- Purple: Knit Picks Brava Sport Currant, Stylecraft Special DK Burgundy
- Grey: Stylecraft Special DK Graphite, Knit Picks Brave Sport Cobblestone Heather
Remember that yarn availability and manufacturer colors change. Always check for current options and consider joining crafting communities for up-to-date recommendations.
Season 18 Yarn Colors: Chenille and Alternatives
Season 18 introduced a different scarf style, made with chenille yarn in Plum, Rust, and Aubergine. June Hudson, the costume designer, described the colors and yarn in an article on Tom Baker’s website.
Chenille Yarn (Original):
- Plum (Claret): Sirdar Chenille 526 Plum
- Rust (Terra Cotta): Sirdar Chenille 523 Rust
- Aubergine (Deep Purple): Sirdar Chenille 525 Wine
Since Sirdar Chenille is discontinued, alternatives include Lion Brand Suede (also discontinued but sometimes found on eBay) or Lion Brand Wool Ease Brushed.
Lion Brand Suede Alternatives:
- Plum (Claret): Lion Brand Suede garnet
- Rust (Terra Cotta): Lion Brand Suede spice
- Aubergine (Deep Purple): Lion Brand Suede eggplant
Lion Brand Wool Ease Brushed Alternatives:
- Plum (Claret): Lion Brand Wool Ease cranberry
- Rust (Terra Cotta): Lion Brand Wool Ease paprika
- Aubergine (Deep Purple): Lion Brand Wool Ease eggplant
For acrylic worsted weight versions of the Season 18 scarf, doctorwhoscarf.com offers suggestions using Knit Picks Brava Worsted and Deborah Norville Everyday Soft Worsted. Vanna’s Choice also provides readily available worsted/aran options.
Worsted/Aran Acrylic Options for Season 18:
- Plum (Claret): Knit Picks Brava Worsted Wine, Vanna’s Choice Cranberry
- Rust (Terra Cotta): Knit Picks Brava Worsted Paprika, Vanna’s Choice Brick
- Aubergine (Deep Purple): Deborah Norville Everyday Soft Worsted Aubergine, Vanna’s Choice Eggplant, Knit Picks Brava Worsted Currant
Yarn Charm offers a neon-inspired chenille yarn group for a brighter Season 18 look, using Bella Chenille by Universal Yarns.
Scarves Beyond the 4th Doctor
While the 4th Doctor’s scarf is the most iconic, other characters have also worn variations. Harry Sullivan wore a 4th Doctor scarf in “Terror of the Zygons,” and Romana II sported a similar scarf in “Destiny of the Daleks.”
Romana’s Scarf: Romana’s scarf in “Destiny of the Daleks” is a unique variation with slightly different coloring. doctorwhoscarf.com provides a specific pattern for the Romana scarf. Romana also wore a long, cream-colored silk scarf in the same episode.
The Osgood Scarf: Osgood’s scarf, featured in the 50th Anniversary special “The Day of the Doctor,” is a clear homage to the 4th Doctor’s scarf. Its origins are intentionally ambiguous within the show.
osgood
Scarf Kits: Convenient Options
Scarf kits offer a convenient way to acquire pre-selected yarns. When purchasing a kit for crochet, confirm that it includes sufficient yarn, as knitting kits may contain less yarn than needed for crochet. Color accuracy can vary between kits, so research and reviews are helpful.
Kit Retailers:
- Unraveled Ewe: Offers a Doctor Who scarf yarn kit on their website and Etsy site.
- Sconch Textiles (UK): Offers a Stylecraft Special DK kit (often out of stock). Consider substituting Stylecraft Special DK Gold for the included sunshine yellow for better accuracy. https://www.sconch.com/stylecraft-special-dk-dr-who-scarf-pack
- Yarn Charm: Offers yarn groups in 4th Doctor scarf colors. http://www.yarncharm.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=380_332
- Unique Sheep: Provides yarn suggestions but no longer offers complete kits. http://www.theuniquesheep.com/product/fourth-doctor-scarf-set/
- The Knit Tree: Offers kits. http://www.theknittree.com/yarn-kits-patterns.html
- Little Red Mitten (Canada): Previously offered a comprehensive kit with Brown Sheep Nature Spun Sport yarn (discontinued).
By understanding the nuances of the 4th Doctor scarf, from its seasonal variations to yarn choices and crafting techniques, you can embark on creating your own piece of Doctor Who history. Whether you crochet or knit, the iconic colors and stripes will proudly display your fandom for years to come.
