Balsam Scarf in Berroco Remix - Portfolio5-10 - Downloadable PDF

Balsam Scarf in Berroco Remix – Crochet Pattern by Amy Christoffers

The Balsam Scarf is a beautifully shaped, triangular crochet scarf or shawlette designed by Amy Christoffers and published as part of Berroco Portfolio Vol. 5. This downloadable PDF pattern produces a graceful, lace-influenced accessory with an airy, open construction that drapes elegantly around the shoulders or neck. The finished piece measures approximately 48 inches wide by 22 inches down the center, not including tassels, making it a generous and versatile wrap suitable for three-season wear.

What Is Being Made

The Balsam Scarf is a triangular scarf or shawlette worked from the top center point downward and outward, growing in width with each row. The design features a delicate, repeating lace-like mesh pattern punctuated by small decorative clusters, giving the fabric a light, open texture. The finished scarf is adorned with tassels along the edges, adding a playful, bohemian finishing touch. Rated as an Easy skill level, this is an ideal project for beginner crocheters who are comfortable with basic stitches and are ready to explore simple lace construction.

Techniques Used

• Top-down triangular shaping: The scarf begins at a single chain and expands outward through a series of set-up rows, building the triangular silhouette row by row.
• Lace mesh construction: The body of the scarf is built using chain spaces and single crochet combinations that create an open, net-like fabric — a classic approach in crochet lace that produces a lightweight, breathable textile.
• Cluster stitch accents: Decorative 3-double crochet clusters are worked at regular intervals to create subtle textural interest within the mesh, breaking up the grid pattern and adding visual dimension.
• Pattern repeat rows: After a series of set-up rows that establish the triangular shape, the pattern settles into a 6-row repeat (Rows 7–12), making the rhythm easy to memorize and work rhythmically.
• Tassel finishing: Tassels are added after the main fabric is complete, providing a decorative fringe element along the edges of the scarf.
• Gauge checking: The pattern strongly recommends checking gauge before beginning, with a target of 5 chain spaces and 13 rows equal to 4 inches in pattern stitch.

Stitches Used

• Chain stitch (ch): Forms the foundation and the chain-5 turning chains that frame each row, as well as the chain-3 spaces that make up the open mesh body of the fabric.
• Double crochet (dc): Used at the end of every row as an anchoring stitch, and worked in groups of three to form the decorative cluster accents throughout the pattern.
• Single crochet (sc): Worked into chain spaces throughout the mesh to connect the lace structure and maintain the open grid.
• Chain spaces: The defining structural element of the scarf — chain-3 and chain-5 spaces create the airy, lace-like mesh that gives the Balsam Scarf its delicate appearance.

Materials

The pattern calls for 2 balls of BERROCO REMIX in colorway #3991 Juniper, each ball weighing 100 grams. Berroco Remix is an aran weight yarn known for its unique recycled fiber blend, which gives it a soft, slightly heathered appearance and excellent drape — qualities that make it particularly well-suited to open lace crochet structures like this one. The recommended tool is a crochet hook size 4.50 mm, or the size needed to achieve the stated gauge. No additional notions beyond a hook are required, aside from materials for making the tassels.

Who This Pattern Is For

The Balsam Scarf is designed as a one-size pattern, making it straightforward to complete without sizing adjustments. Its Easy difficulty rating