Lace Ended Scarf

Lace Ended Scarf by Sharon Slarke

What Is Being Made

The Lace Ended Scarf is an elegant, short knitted scarf featuring decorative lace detailing at both ends. This refined accessory measures 12.5cm (5 inches) wide by 94cm (37 inches) long, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions. The design combines smooth stockinette stitch sections with intricate lace patterning, creating visual interest and texture throughout the finished piece.

Craft and Techniques

This project is created using the knitting craft, making it an ideal choice for beginner-level knitters. The scarf employs fundamental knitting techniques including basic stitch construction, yarn overs for lace creation, and decreases to shape the decorative elements. The lace pattern is worked using a traditional stitch pattern sourced from Creative Knitting, a 1980s English knitting series (volume three), demonstrating how classic knitting designs remain timeless and accessible to modern crafters.

Stitches Used

The Lace Ended Scarf incorporates several essential knitting stitches:

• Stockinette Stitch (Stocking Stitch) — the primary stitch used throughout the body of the scarf, created by alternating knit rows and purl rows to produce a smooth, flat fabric
• Laced Squares Pattern — a decorative stitch pattern worked over a multiple of 6 stitches plus 6 stitches plus 2 edge stitches, featuring yarn overs and decreases to create openwork lace effects
• Yarn Forward (yf) — used to create deliberate holes in the fabric, essential for the lace design
• Slip Stitch (sl 1) — a stitch passed over the needle without working it, used in combination with other decreases
• Knit 2 Together (k2 tog) — a right-leaning decrease that reduces stitch count while shaping the lace pattern
• Pass Slip Stitch Over (psso) — a left-leaning decrease used alongside the slip stitch to create balanced decreases in the lace sections

Materials and Specifications

This scarf is designed to be worked in DK weight yarn (also called 8 ply), which provides an elegant drape suitable for lace work. The pattern calls for 2 balls of yarn, with approximately 200 meters (218 yards) total yardage. The recommended yarn is Celone by Heirloom, a premium blend containing Merino, Alpaca, and Silk, which creates a luxurious, breathable fabric with excellent stitch definition for showcasing the lace pattern. However, any DK or 8 ply weight yarn of similar yardage may be substituted.

The scarf is worked on 5mm needles (or the size needed to achieve proper gauge). The recommended gauge is 21 stitches and 28 rows to 10cm (4 inches) in Stockinette Stitch using 5mm needles. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished scarf meets the intended measurements and drapes correctly.

Summary

The Lace Ended Scarf by Sharon Slarke is a beginner-friendly knitting project that combines classic techniques with timeless design. Using straightforward stitches like stockinette and a traditional lace pattern, crafters can create an elegant accessory in DK weight yarn. The blend of Merino, Alpaca, and Silk in the recommended yarn provides a soft, refined finish, while the lace detailing adds sophistication to this short, wearable scarf.