Broomstick Lace Scarf, Stole or Throw in Caron Simply Soft - Downloadable PDF

Broomstick Lace Scarf, Stole or Throw in Caron Simply Soft – Pattern Summary

Designed by Doris Chan, this free downloadable PDF crochet pattern offers remarkable versatility in a single design. With simple modifications to stitch counts and yarn quantities, the same pattern produces three distinct finished projects: a scarf, a stole, or a throw. All three share the same 60-inch length, differing only in width — the scarf measures 8 inches wide, the stole 18½ inches wide, and the throw a generous 45 inches wide. This makes the pattern an ideal choice for crocheters who want one technique to yield multiple gift or wardrobe options.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces a textured, elegant fabric using the broomstick lace technique, one of the most visually striking methods in crochet. The finished fabric features looped clusters arranged in repeating groups, creating an open, lacy appearance with a soft drape. Depending on the size chosen, the finished item functions as a cozy neck scarf, a flowing shoulder stole, or a lightweight decorative throw for the home. All three versions are worked in Caron Simply Soft yarn, a widely available aran-weight acrylic known for its smooth texture and soft hand.

Techniques Used

• Broomstick Lace: The defining technique of this pattern. A large-gauge knitting needle — specifically a size 50 (25mm) jumbo knitting needle or a 1-inch diameter dowel or rod — is used to draw up and hold a full row of elongated loops. A crochet hook then groups these loops together and works them off the needle using standard crochet stitches. The result is a distinctive clustered, loopy texture that looks intricate but is achievable even for beginners.
• Foundation Single Crochet (Fsc): Rather than starting with a traditional chain, this pattern uses the Fsc method, which simultaneously creates a foundation chain and a row of single crochet stitches in one step. This technique produces a more elastic and even starting edge, which is especially useful for wide projects like a stole or throw. The Fsc is fully explained within the pattern instructions.
• Broomstick and Blocks Pattern: The body of the fabric alternates between broomstick lace sections and block sections, creating a rhythmic, structured repeat that is easy to follow once the technique is established.

Stitches Used

• Foundation Single Crochet (Fsc) — used to begin the work
• Single Crochet (sc) — used within the pattern structure
• Double Crochet (dc) — used in the broomstick lace groupings
• Chain (ch) — used in construction and transitions
• Slip Stitch (sl st) — used for joining and finishing

Materials Required

• Yarn: Caron Simply Soft in a single Main Color (MC). The quantity varies by project size: 1 skein for the scarf, 2 skeins for the stole, and 5 skeins for the throw. Simply Soft is an aran-weight yarn, offering a smooth, soft feel well-suited to the open, loopy broomstick lace fabric.
• Crochet Hook: One US J/10 (6mm) crochet hook, or size needed to achieve gauge.
• Broomstick Needle or Dowel: One size 50 (25mm) jumbo knitting needle, or a 1-inch (2.5cm) diameter dowel or rod. This oversized tool is essential to the broomstick lace technique and holds the elongated loops during construction.
• Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends and finishing.

Gauge

Gauge is provided for multiple stitch types. In the broomstick and blocks pattern, 15 stitches (3 groups of 5 loops) and 6 rows equal 4 inches. In single crochet, 13 stitches equal 4