Monday, February 21, 2011

World's Easiest Lace Scarf--A Free Pattern!

I had the urge to knit a lace scarf out of some Sea Silk I had in the stash. Alas, we all know my unfortunate history with lace knitting. I wanted to actually enjoy the experience, and after a couple of hours on Ravelry, it became obvious to me that I was going to have to come up with something a whole lot easier than any of the lace scarf patterns available online.

It took just a few minutes to come up with this pattern. There are only two easy rows to memorize, and it is highly adaptable to any yarn and any needles. I used Sea Silk, which is a fingering weight, simply because that was the yarn I wanted to use. I used size 3 needles because I have a pair of Signature straights in that size, and I felt like using them. I would have preferred perhaps a size 5 needle with this yarn, but it's no big deal. I just have a bit denser lace than I would have liked.

I had a hard time coming up with decent pictures, as it is dark out and my kitchen lighting doesn't seem to be the best for this sort of thing. But I hope you get the general idea.

Without further ado, here's the pattern:

Cast on a multiple of three stitches, plus two for the edges. I used 47 stitches, which is giving me a scarf about 8" wide with my chosen yarn and needles. Your results will, of course, vary. If this matters to you, knit a swatch.

Row 1: K1, *P1, K2tog, yo*, end K1

Row 2: *K1, P2*, end K2

Knit until you're sick of it, or the scarf is long enough, whichever comes first. Cast off. Block it if you want to.

That's it. Really couldn't be easier, right?

The pattern as written creates a scarf that is entirely lace, with a single-stitch garter border. If you want more of an edge, cast on a few more stitches and work those in garter stitch. If you want a shawl, cast on more stitches; just make sure you use a multiple of three for the lace section. I think this would make a great shawl or throw in worsted, or even bulky weight, yarn.


The pattern looks great from both sides, which I think is important in a scarf.

So...anyone feel like knitting along? I only have about eight inches done, so you have plenty of time to join me!

19 comments:

Wanderingcatstudio said...

Very pretty. I have a skein of laceweight silk that I've been trying to figure out what to do with...this might just work!

Sharon said...

this is wonderful! Thank you - I will definitely be making this!

Knitrageous said...

Very pretty! Thank you for sharing!

Lindsey @ Yarnia said...

Looks like this lace pattern makes it turn out very nice and stretchy -- I love how rhythmic two-row lace patterns can be!

Anonymous said...

Now you're a lace designer! Great pattern - thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Wow! Love the colors of that yarn. Very, very pretty.

Amy in DC said...

This is beautiful. I have a newbie question: since the YO is before a purl stitch, is it front to back?

Sue said...

That's a fabulous design. Thank you for sharing. I'm off to rifle through the stash to find the sock yarn which will be just right for this scarf.

renesews said...

A friend bought some sea silk in Alaska and asked me to knit a scarf. After several starts and start overs I went on the hunt for the perfect pattern. And here it is. Started a bit ago and have about 3 inches done.Love it!!! Thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

I think I'll get started on this tomorrow!

Anonymous said...

I am working on this exact pattern now. I found it easier to YO twice, rather than move the yarn to the front. My way you can purl the stitch and still have the first YO for the lace design. It’s a very pretty pattern.

ELAINE KELLY said...

How much wool will i need?

Gill - That British Woman said...

I think even I could have a go at this...LOL

Anonymous said...

Can’t seem to get this pattern to work for me, following pattern directions as shown, with fingering yarn and #3 needles cast on 47 stitches but is just not working for me, what am I doing wrong. I am an experienced knitter, when I count the rows after the 2 row pattern I am getting a different count than 47 stitches

Anonymous said...

I’m probably looking right at it, but what size needles if using bulky yarn?

Anonymous said...

I’m also ending up with 2 additional stitches at the end of the first row. Do I YO before the last stitch in row one?

Slimb said...

I just found this pattern and wow very simple, gonna try however i don't any silk yarn so just gonna use whats in my stash and hope it works out. very lovely pattern and thanks for sharing it.

Anonymous said...

I must be daft, have worked this over and over and it does not come out for me. The problem is the yarn over, it seems to get twisted up as I start the second row to pattern.

Anonymous said...

I just found your pattern very easy, knitting the scarf with cotton blend, so far I like it.