Braided Infinity Scarf

So I'm not great at pictures, and I have never written a crochet pattern before, but I loved this braided infinity scarf when I saw a photo of it, and just had to make it! I wasn't able to find a real pattern for it, so I made one up that seems to work pretty well. 

You will be making 5 strips to braid together. Each strip is really easy, just lots of counting. I did 303 chains, and then double crochet in the fourth chain from the hook and in each chain for the length of the strip. You can make this as long as you need to. At the end of the row, finish it off (a simple knot is fine.) 

Join one end of the strands with a chain stitch so that they are anchored to make it easier to braid. 

Here is a picture of how the braid is done. It takes a little bit to get used to, mostly because the strips keep getting tangled, hahahah. 

Then, join both ends of the scarf to make the large loop. This can be done by sewing it or crocheting with a chain. This will wrap around your head twice. 

Here is my first one!

I used Bernat Pop, Blue Blaze and a size K hook. I particularly like this style of hook: 

3 PCS Crochet Hooks Set w/ Ergonomic Soft Grip Handles - New Size K Hook a.k.a 6.5mm 7mm 8mm (L) - Longer Shaft Than Others To Allow More Yarn Loops - EXCLUSIVE ONLY - Perfect For Arthritic Hands because they are more comfortable for my hands. 

This one will be going to a friend at work who loves mermaid colors :) Best part is that it only takes one skein of yarn, and can be done in a day!


EDIT:
I made another from a size 6 bulky yarn, and shortened the pattern a bit so the finished project was almost exactly like the first picture. I did 253 chains, double crochet in the 4th from the hook and each chain down to the end for a total of 250 double crochets. It took 3 skeins of claret thick and quick wool-ease yarn: