The Harry Potter (Gryffindor) Scarf - What it Is and How to Get One

The "Harry Potter" scarf refers to the Gryffindor house scarf: alternating broad bands of red (scarlet/maroon) and gold. Its look comes from early book illustrations and the film costumes; licensed merchandise tends toward maroon and gold. You can buy official versions or knit a DIY scarf using wide horizontal stripes to match the traditional style.

What is the "Harry Potter" scarf?

When people talk about a "Harry Potter scarf" they usually mean the Gryffindor house scarf: a long, striped knit in the house colours of deep red (scarlet/maroon) and gold. The scarf appears throughout the books and films as part of the Hogwarts uniform and has become a widely recognized piece of fandom apparel.

Origins and the colours

Harry Potter first appeared in print in the U.K. on June 26, 1997, in J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. In the United States the book was published under the title Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

Rowling chose Gryffindor's colours to evoke fire and bravery; the house crest and uniform accessories use alternating bands of red and gold. The long, wide-band knitted scarf commonly associated with Harry comes from early illustrations and the film costume design, which emphasize broad horizontal stripes.

Note: some sources describe the red as scarlet while movie merchandise often leans toward a darker maroon.

Book, film and merchandise differences

The books describe house colours but do not prescribe exact yarn shades or stripe widths. The film adaptations and licensed merchandise (for example, Warner Bros.-branded scarves) standardized a maroon/gold stripe pattern, length, and knit style that many fans now recognize.

Fan-made and small-batch versions often vary in colour tone, stripe width, and length. These variations can still be "Gryffindor" inspired, but they aren't official.

Buying or knitting your own

If you want an authentic licensed look, buy official merchandise from reputable retailers or the studio shop. For a DIY scarf, choose a worsted or aran-weight yarn in a rich red and a warm gold. Knit in broad horizontal stripes, alternating several inches of each colour, to match the traditional long, wide-band appearance.

Pattern tips:

• Cast on enough stitches for a wide scarf (typical adult width: 8-10 inches).

• Use stockinette or garter stitch for a classic knitted look.

• Make long bands (for example, 10-20 rows per colour) so the stripes are broad and bold.

Why the scarf still matters

Beyond being costume or merchandise, the Gryffindor scarf is a visual shorthand for the house's traits: courage, daring and loyalty. It remains one of the most popular wearable items for fans of all ages.

: Source confirmation for J. K. Rowling's wording about choosing the colours to "respond to the element of fire."

1. Confirm exact phrasing and source for J. K. Rowling's statement that she chose Gryffindor's colours to 'respond to the element of fire.'