Ariel Lace Neckwarmer / Neck Cuff

Ariel Lace Neckwarmer / Neck Cuff

What is Being Made

The Ariel Lace Neckwarmer, also called a Neck Cuff, is a textured lace accessory designed by Brenda Lavell under the Phydeaux Designs label. This piece features highly textured lace with dynamic movement reminiscent of sea spray dancing in the breeze. The neckwarmer is available in three lengths—Small, Medium, and Large—making it adaptable for different neck sizes and preferences. The finished piece includes attached i-cord edges for a polished finish and a hand-stitched button placket with four tiny buttonholes, allowing for adjustable closure and a refined aesthetic.

Techniques Used

This knitting pattern employs advanced lace-work techniques combined with functional closures. The construction involves:

• Lace knitting with intricate stitch patterns that create the textured, movement-filled appearance
• I-cord edging attached directly to the piece for a professional, finished edge
• Hand-stitched button placket construction for a custom closure system
• Buttonhole placement and finishing—four tiny buttonholes are incorporated into the design
• Bind-off techniques, with the pattern suggesting the option of using a needle one size larger for binding off to ensure a flexible edge

Stitches and Stitch Work

While the specific stitch abbreviations and row-by-row instructions appear in the full pattern, the Ariel Lace features lace stitches that create the characteristic open, textured fabric. The pattern is suitable for semi-solid and variegated hand-dyed and hand-painted yarns, suggesting that the stitch pattern allows the yarn colors and variations to shine through visually.

Materials Required

Yarn: The pattern calls for 70–80 yards (64–74 meters) of fingering weight yarn (4-ply). The sample shown uses Wool Candy Marzipan, a blend of 75% merino wool and 25% nylon in the colorway Swamp Monster. Suggested alternative yarns include Wabi Sabi Yarns Koala or Glow, and Three Irish Girls Adorn, all of which work well with semi-solid and variegated hand-dyed and hand-painted colorways.

Needles and Tools: Size 3 US (3.25mm, 10 UK) knitting needles are required, or the size needed to obtain the pattern's specified gauge. The pattern recommends having one size larger needle available as an optional tool for binding off, which helps create a more elastic edge.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as Intermediate to Advanced level knitting. The combination of lace-work, i-cord attachment, hand-stitched button plackets, and buttonhole creation requires solid foundational knitting skills and comfort with more complex techniques. Despite the technical demands, the pattern notes that this is a fun knit, making it an engaging project for experienced knitters seeking to expand their skills.

This is a downloadable PDF pattern for personal, non-commercial use only. Copying or distribution without express written permission from the designer is not permitted.