Sedona Lace Scarf

Sedona Lace Scarf by Selena Miskin

What Is Being Made

The Sedona Lace Scarf is a generously sized rectangle shawl pattern designed by Selena Miskin. This long scarf measures 14 inches wide and 95 inches long when blocked, making it an elegant and versatile accessory. The design draws inspiration from the distinctive red rock mountains of Sedona, incorporating visual elements that evoke the natural landscape through its lace construction.

Pattern Structure and Design

This intermediate-level knitting project features a thoughtfully balanced construction combining eight garter stitch panels with seven alternating lace panels. The alternating panel structure creates visual interest while maintaining the simplicity that makes this pattern accessible to knitters with intermediate experience. The lace pattern is particularly notable for displaying small purled mountains within the design, a charming detail that mirrors the iconic topography of Sedona's landscape.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Sedona Lace Scarf employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for lace weight yarn work. Knitters will practice garter stitch construction, which provides texture and structure to the eight solid panels. The pattern incorporates lace knitting techniques across the seven alternating panels, requiring familiarity with yarn overs and decreases to create the openwork design. A key finishing technique involves slipping the first stitch of each row purlwise, which creates a neat and professional edge throughout the length of the scarf.

Stitches Used

• Knit (k) - The fundamental stitch used throughout the garter stitch panels and as a base for the lace pattern
• Purl (p) - Used to create the purled mountain details within the lace panels and for slipping stitches at row edges
• Knit 2 Together (k2tog) - A right-leaning decrease used to shape the lace pattern and create openwork
• Slip Stitch (sl) - Applied purlwise at the beginning of each row for edge definition
• Place Marker (pm) and Slip Marker (sm) - Used to denote the transitions between garter stitch and lace panels

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Sedona Lace Scarf is worked in lace weight yarn, requiring between 750 and 850 yards depending on individual knitting tension. The original pattern calls for The YarnSisters Black Pearl Lace, a blend of 50% pearl and 50% tencel offering 926 yards per 100-gram skein. One skein of this yarn is sufficient to complete the project. The pattern is adaptable to other lace weight yarns of similar yardage, and Selena Miskin notes that the design would be equally beautiful executed in less-formal fibers such as wool, offering flexibility for personal preference and fiber availability.

Needles and Notions

This project requires US 4 (3.5mm) knitting needles, appropriately sized for lace weight yarn work. Two stitch markers are the only notions required, used to track panel transitions throughout the knitting process. Notably, gauge is not critical for this pattern, allowing knitters flexibility in their tension and making it more forgiving for those new to lace weight knitting.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate knitting project, the Sedona Lace Scarf is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to explore lace knitting techniques. The combination of simple garter stitch panels with lace panels provides a balanced learning experience, allowing knitters to develop comfort with openwork while maintaining sections of straightforward stockinette-adjacent stitching.