FREE PATTERN: Little Lacey Scarf

While visiting my sister Carla at holiday time she showed me a lovely bamboo yarn that she received as a Christmas gift. She asked for a design that would show off the yarn yet use one skein. I started thinking about some of the lace patterns that I have recorded in my knitting journals.

How about a narrow scarf, not only for warmth, but for show? Something you could wind around your neck while wearing a turtleneck in cool weather or a deep V neck on warm summer nights. Hmmmm . . . this lace scarf is the result.

Little Lacey Scarf

For a narrow scarf using sock weight yarn and US #6 needles: 

Cast on 25 stitches using cable cast on.
Set up row: Knit one row – this is a backside row.

Row 1 (right side): K2, *p1, p2tog, yarn over, k1, yarn over, p2tog, p1,  repeat from * 2 more times, end k2 -- 25 stitches.


Row 2: k2, purl across row, end k2.

Row 3: Knit.

Row 4: Same as Row 2.

Repeat these 4 rows to desired length.

About the yarn overs: Each yarn over (YO) is worked differently because of the p2tog. You will see that you bring the yarn to the front or back depending on which YO you are working. It might seem like you are doing a double YO. This can be puzzling so count stitches after finishing each right side row.

About the scarf shown: Lori Limberger knit the Little Lacey Scarf shown in the photo. She used Trekking Maxima , Color 912, which is available on our website. The scarf is 4" wide by 72" long. Lori's goal was a soft scarf that would go around the neck twice. She used most, but not all, of the 400 plus yards on this sock weight skein of yarn. Lori has been knitting with the Tuesday Night group at Graywood Studio this winter. Great job, Lori!

Try another weight of yarn: Since this is a scarf and a scarf is like a swatch, only longer, you can play with the size of yarn and needles that you use. Try using US#10 or 10 1/2 needles with a worsted weight yarn for a heavier and probably shorter scarf. In general, when knitting openwork lace, use needles that are 3-5 sizes larger than than what is recommended for the gauge of the yarn you are using. The larger needles will give a softer, looser, more open lace.

Using self striping yarn: When using self striping or handpainted yarns, go for those with a subtle look. The fair isle striping or bold painted yarns will overpower the subtleness of this little lace pattern.

Blocking lace: I always block lace when it is finished. For this scarf I got eager to see the results so I blocked it when I had about 12 inches knit. Here's how: Slip the stitches onto a holding strand and pin most of the completed knitting to an ironing surface. Insert pins about every inch all around the perimeter of the scarf. Next wet a dinner napkin size piece of muslin, place it on top of the pinned knitting and lightly (very lightly!) steam the knitting. Walk away and let the work dry at this point. When dry, release the pins and be delighted with the lacey look of your work. Slip the stitches back on the needles and keep on knitting. You will have the blocked lace to admire and your work will go faster.