Crafting the Iconic Dr Who 4th Doctor Scarf: A Comprehensive Guide

The Fourth Doctor, portrayed by Tom Baker, is instantly recognizable by his impossibly long and colorful scarf. This iconic accessory has become synonymous with the character and Doctor Who itself, inspiring fans for decades to create their own replicas. While many characters in the Doctor Who universe have sported scarves, none are as celebrated or distinctive as the Fourth Doctor’s. This guide delves into the details of crafting your own 4th Doctor scarf, focusing on crochet techniques to bring this beloved piece of sci-fi history to life.

The original 4th Doctor scarf, a knitted masterpiece, boasted a vibrant palette. BBC archives list the primary colors as Purple, Camel, Mustard, Rust, Grey, Greenish Brown, and Bronze. These colors, arranged in varying stripes, created the signature look that defined the Doctor’s style across numerous seasons.

If you’re eager to start crocheting, numerous patterns are available online. For those unfamiliar with crochet terminology, all patterns referenced here utilize American crochet terms. For those who prefer convenience, several online retailers offer yarn kits specifically curated for creating a 4th Doctor scarf, eliminating the guesswork of color and yarn selection. Ensure to check if the vendor ships to your location, especially if they are based internationally.

Let’s explore the crucial aspects of creating your own 4th Doctor scarf, starting with dimensions.

Scarf Dimensions: Width and Length for Your 4th Doctor Scarf

When considering the dimensions of your 4th Doctor scarf, width and length are key factors in achieving an authentic look and comfortable wear. The officially knitted scarves for the Fourth Doctor typically measured around 10 to 12 inches wide. However, personal preference and climate can influence this dimension. For instance, in warmer climates, a narrower scarf might be more practical. Many crocheters opt for a width between 6 to 10 inches for a less bulky and more wearable scarf, while still capturing the essence of the original.

Osgood’s scarf, a more recent tribute to the Fourth Doctor’s style, appears to be narrower than the original Season 13 scarf, perhaps half the width. This offers another variation for those seeking a less voluminous scarf.

Length is where the 4th Doctor’s scarf truly stands out. Its remarkable length varied throughout Tom Baker’s tenure, becoming almost comically long in later seasons. Here’s a breakdown of approximate lengths for different seasons, ordered from longest to shortest:

Season 18: The longest, estimated at around 20 feet according to interviews with costume designer June Hudson. Some sources even suggest lengths up to 26 feet, while others estimate 22-23 feet.
Season 15: Ranged from 15 to 20 feet.
SHADA: Just under 20 feet, including tassels.
Seasons 16-17: Approximately 18 feet.
Season 12: Started around 12 feet, stretching to about 14 feet over time.
Season 12.5: Slightly shorter than Season 12 due to shrinkage.
Season 13: Around 11 feet. Osgood’s scarf likely falls somewhere around this length or slightly shorter.
Season 14: The shortest, at approximately 9 feet.

osgood

Image: Ingrid Oliver as Osgood wearing a Doctor Who inspired scarf in “The Day of the Doctor”, showcasing a narrower width variation.

These lengths are approximate and based on estimations, as original scarves were affected by stretching and shrinkage over time. When planning your crocheted scarf, consider these variations and choose a length that suits your personal style and intended use. For a truly authentic replica of the later seasons, prepare for a very long project!

Color Stripes: Replicating the 4th Doctor Scarf’s Iconic Pattern

Each iteration of the Fourth Doctor’s scarf features a unique color scheme, defined by specific stripes. The number of rows within each color stripe is not fixed and can vary based on yarn thickness, crochet hook size, and individual crocheter’s tension. The stripe counts provided here are based on available information and serve as a guideline.

Here’s a breakdown of stripe counts for different seasons:

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: A significantly larger 282 stripes, reflecting its extreme length.

The SHADA scarf is particularly interesting as it combines elements from previous scarves. It utilizes similar colors to Seasons 12-14, as it was created from remnants of the Season 13 and 14 scarves, along with a stunt duplicate. Unique additions to the SHADA scarf include a light grey and a burgundy stripe. Notably, the SHADA scarf uses a blue-purple as the main purple, distinguishing it from the red-purple (burgundy) used in other variations. It’s also worth noting that the original SHADA scarf was made by combining two pieces of different widths.

A crocheted SHADA scarf, using worsted yarn and a size I hook with single crochet, can measure around 9 inches wide and approximately 19 feet long without fringe, resulting in a substantial and warm scarf. The original SHADA scarf, however, was crafted using DK yarn, primarily wool and wool blends.

For a crocheted SHADA scarf, consider these yarn color choices:

Purple: Vanna’s Choice Purple
Camel: I Love This Yarn Light Taupe (2 skeins recommended)
Mustard: Bernat Gypsy Gold
Rust: I Love This Yarn Terra Cotta
Grey: Vanna’s Choice Taupe (2 skeins recommended)
Greenish Brown: Bernat Waverly Bark (2 skeins recommended)
Bronze: Vanna’s Choice Toffee (2 skeins recommended)
Light Grey: I Love This Yarn Greybeard
Burgundy: For the distinct burgundy stripe in the SHADA scarf.

Recent examination of the SHADA scarf by Matt from the Stitches group on Facebook revealed fascinating details. Contrary to assumptions, the scarf doesn’t appear to be entirely wool, with some sections showing minimal felting. This is less relevant for crocheters often using acrylic yarn, but insightful for historical accuracy. Matt’s measurements provide precise dimensions:

Length: 19 feet 11 inches from tassel to tassel. The “Hero” side measures 9 feet 3 inches to the join, and the “Dupe” side is 10 feet 3 inches.
Tassels: Hero end tassels are 2 1/4 inches from knot to ends, Dupe end tassels are 2 1/2 inches.
Width: Hero side varies from 11 to 11 1/2 inches. Dupe side varies from 9 1/4 to 9 3/4 inches, with a 40-row brown section narrowing to 7 1/2 inches. The new grey section on the dupe end widens to 10 1/2 inches.

These details offer invaluable insights for dedicated replica creators aiming for the highest degree of accuracy.

Crochet vs. Knit: Adapting Patterns for Your Scarf

This guide focuses on crocheting the 4th Doctor scarf. While the original scarves were knitted, crochet offers a readily accessible and adaptable alternative. If you are working from a knitting pattern, particularly one using garter stitch, understanding the difference between crochet and knit rows is crucial. A crochet row is a single pass, whereas a knitted garter stitch row involves two passes (two rows) to create one ridge. A ridge in knitting is roughly equivalent to a single row in crochet, assuming comparable hook and needle sizes. Yarn labels often suggest different hook and needle sizes for the same yarn weight, reflecting these differences.

For patterns not in garter stitch, the row comparison might not be directly applicable. Most crocheted 4th Doctor scarves utilize single crochet or double crochet stitches, with single crochet being the more common choice. These stitches create a distinct texture compared to knitting. However, to the untrained eye, the color pattern remains the most recognizable feature. For those seeking a closer knit-like appearance in crochet, the Tunisian knit stitch or split single crochet stitch can offer excellent alternatives. Kim Guzman’s video demonstration of the Tunisian knit stitch is a valuable resource for exploring this technique.

Knitting patterns may specify ridges or rows. It’s essential to identify which unit is being used when adapting a knit pattern for crochet. As you gain experience, you can adjust row counts based on established patterns and your own gauge. Gene at doctorwhoscarf.com provides patterns, some using inches instead of rows, which can be particularly helpful for beginners. Remember, your personal rows per inch will vary based on your hook, yarn, and tension.

For a more wearable, less overwhelmingly long scarf, maintain the color stripe sequence of your chosen season but reduce the number of rows in each stripe proportionally. Alternatively, simply crochet until your desired length is achieved, disregarding the total row count.

Yarn and Color Choices for a Crocheted 4th Doctor Scarf

Yarn selection is paramount in recreating the 4th Doctor scarf. Acrylic yarns are a popular and practical choice, especially for crocheters in warmer climates where wool might be less comfortable. Worsted weight and DK weight acrylic yarns are commonly used.

For replicating the original Seasons 12 to 14 scarves in acrylic yarn, consider these color recommendations, keeping in mind that yarn availability can change over time. Websites like doctorwhoscarf.com and the Facebook group “Stitches in Time” are invaluable resources for the most up-to-date and screen-accurate yarn suggestions.

Yarn weight categories, as defined by the Craft Yarn Council, range from 0 (lace) to 7 (jumbo). Categories 3 (light/DK/light worsted) and 4 (medium/worsted/Aran) are most relevant for scarf projects. The term “Aran” often denotes a slightly heavier worsted weight yarn.

Here are specific acrylic yarn suggestions for category #4 (worsted/Aran):

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), (Bernat Waverly Bark, a perfect greenish/brown mix, is discontinued; Bernat Waverly Gingerbread is a good alternative, also discontinued)
Mustard (Gold): I Love This Yarn Sungold, Loops and Threads Impeccable Gold, Bernat Waverly Gypsy Gold (nice but discontinued)
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 (a deep brown with grey undertones), Vanna’s Choice Charcoal (for a true grey)

For a thinner, shinier acrylic worsted option, Red Heart Soft and Bernat Satin yarns work well together due to their similar thickness:

Rust (Red): Red Heart Soft Paprika
Greenish Brown (Green): Bernat Satin Dark Gold
Mustard (Gold): Bernat Satin Goldenrod
Camel (Tan): Bernat Satin Sable, Red Heart Soft Wheat
Bronze (Brown): Red Heart Soft Toast
Purple: Red Heart Soft Grape
Grey: Red Heart Soft Charcoal

For category #3 (DK/sport weight) acrylic yarns:

Rust (Red): Knit Picks Brava Sport Paprika, Stylecraft Special DK Copper (alternative)
Greenish Brown (Green): Sirdar Hayfield Bonus DK Moss Green, Stylecraft Special DK Khaki (alternative)
Mustard (Gold): Stylecraft Special DK Gold, Sirdar Hayfield Bonus DK Pumpkin
Camel (Tan): Knit Picks Brava Sport Almond, Stylecraft Special DK Camel (alternative)
Bronze (Brown): Knit Picks Brava Sport Brindle, King Cole Big Value DK Taupe (alternative)
Purple: Knit Picks Brava Sport Currant, Stylecraft Special DK Burgundy (alternative)
Grey: Stylecraft Special DK Graphite, Knit Picks Brava Sport Cobblestone Heather (alternative if Graphite unavailable)

Remember to use both burgundy and purple for the SHADA scarf and include a light grey stripe. Seasons 16/17 and SHADA scarves feature unique construction details with cut, added, and rearranged sections. Doctorwhoscarf.com provides visual details, and Alex Murphy’s video demonstrates section removal on a knitted scarf, offering insights into these intricate designs.

Season 15 and Season 18 Scarves: Exploring Variations

Season 15 presents a slightly different color palette. Doctorwhoscarf.com is the best resource for accurate color information for this season’s scarf.

Season 18 marked a significant departure in scarf design. Costume designer June Hudson opted for a shorter, chenille scarf in plum, rust, and aubergine. The fanzine “Rassilon’s Star” from that era lists colors as Terra Cotta, Deep Purple, and Claret, while a BBC published pattern suggested Sirdar Chenille yarn in Rust 523, Wine 525, and Plum 526.

Discontinued yarns like Sirdar Chenille and Lion Brand Suede (garnet, spice, eggplant) were used for Season 18 replicas. Lion Brand Wool Ease (cranberry, paprika, eggplant) offers a brushed acrylic alternative.

For acrylic worsted weight Season 18 scarves, doctorwhoscarf.com suggests:

Plum (Claret): Knit Picks Brava Worsted Wine
Rust (Terra Cotta): Knit Picks Brava Worsted Paprika
Aubergine (Deep Purple): Deborah Norville Everyday Soft Worsted Aubergine (or Knit Picks Brava Worsted Currant as a single brand alternative)

Vanna’s Choice offers readily available worsted/Aran options:

Plum (Claret): Vanna’s Choice Cranberry
Rust (Terra Cotta): Vanna’s Choice Brick
Aubergine (Deep Purple): Vanna’s Choice Eggplant

Yarn Charm offers brighter, “neon” S18 chenille yarn options:

Plum (Claret): Bella Chenille by Universal Yarns Ripe Berry
Rust (Terra Cotta): Bella Chenille by Universal Yarns Bright Salmon
Aubergine (Deep Purple): Bella Chenille by Universal Yarns Pansy Purple

The original Season 18 scarf featured a slip stitch crochet edging in rust. A (sc, ch 1, sk 1) edging in paprika provides a visually similar alternative.

DoctorWhoScarf.com and the Facebook group “Stitches in Time” remain your best resources for yarn suggestions across all seasons.

Beyond the Fourth Doctor: Romana and Osgood’s Scarves

While the 4th Doctor’s scarf is iconic, other characters have also sported similar styles. Harry Sullivan wore a 4th Doctor style scarf in “Terror of the Zygons.” Romana II famously wore a 4th Doctor-esque scarf in “Destiny of the Daleks” as she experimented with different looks.

Romana’s Scarf

Romana II’s scarf, featured in “Destiny of the Daleks,” was a deliberate nod to the Fourth Doctor’s style but with distinct color variations. Doctorwhoscarf.com offers a specific pattern for the Romana scarf. Romana also wore a long, cream-colored silk or silk-like scarf with tassels in the same episode, estimated to be around 18 feet long.

The Osgood Scarf

The Osgood scarf, seen in the 50th Anniversary special “The Day of the Doctor,” is a clear homage to the Tom Baker era. Worn by the character Osgood, its origins are intentionally ambiguous, adding to its charm. Whether Osgood made it herself (in-universe or referring to actress Ingrid Oliver) remains a delightful fan speculation.

scarf yarn kit

Image: A Doctor Who scarf yarn kit showcasing the variety of colors needed to crochet a replica, highlighting the accessibility of pre-selected yarn packs for fans.

Scarf Kits: Convenient Options for Your Project

For crocheters seeking convenience, pre-packaged scarf kits offer a streamlined approach. When purchasing a kit, confirm that it includes sufficient yarn for a crocheted scarf, as kits are often designed for knitting, which typically requires less yarn. Color accuracy in kits can vary, so research vendor reviews if screen-accurate colors are a priority.

Unraveled Ewe: Offers a 4th Doctor scarf yarn kit on their website and Etsy shop.
Sconch Textiles (UK): Offers a Stylecraft Special DK kit (often out of stock). Note that the included yellow (“Sunshine”) is brighter than the original mustard; consider substituting Stylecraft Special DK Gold for greater accuracy. Their blog post from 2015 discusses the kit’s contents.
Yarn Charm: Offers yarn “groups” in 4th Doctor scarf colors.
Unique Sheep: Provides yarn suggestions but no longer offers complete kits.
The Knit Tree: Offers scarf kits on their website.
Little Red Mitten (Canada): Previously offered a “Time Traveller scarf” kit with Brown Sheep Nature Spun Sport yarn (discontinued). Colors included Red Fox, Saddle Tan, Wood Moss, Spiced Plum, Charcoal, Choco Kisses, and Goldenrod.

These kits provide a starting point, but always verify yarn quantities and color accuracy to meet your specific crocheting needs and desired level of authenticity.

Conclusion: Crafting Your Own Time Lord Scarf

Creating a crocheted 4th Doctor scarf is a rewarding project for Doctor Who fans and crochet enthusiasts alike. By understanding the nuances of scarf dimensions, color stripes, yarn choices, and available resources, you can craft a unique and personalized replica of this iconic accessory. Whether you aim for screen accuracy or a wearable interpretation, the journey of creating your own Time Lord scarf is a delightful exploration of fandom and fiber arts. Embrace the colors, the lengths, and the creative process, and enjoy wrapping yourself in a piece of Doctor Who history.