Versatile Lace Scarf Knit Pattern

A lovely lace knit scarf pattern you can play around with. Recommended for an advanced beginner though I honestly think it isn't too hard so don't be shy at giving it a try even if you are a true beginner. It is a great way to start practicing your increases and decreases while making a lovely lace scarf.

I chose to combine Berroco Gem yarn and Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool Designer's Choice yarn for this project. I have been looking for a way to look use my beautiful, but bright, Gem Tangerine yarn for a while and this seemed perfect. When combined with the Granite wool yarn, it balances it out to give the scarf a more elegant look.

When you decide to knit two strands of yarn together, you need to decide what size needle to use. The thickest yarn of the two, that I used for this project, is the Gem. The Gem's yarn label recommends a size # 9 US. Now that it will be combined with yet another yarn, I need to go up a needle size and chose to use size # US 11 knitting needles.

Please note that you can use just one type of yarn for this project. If so, look at your yarn label, see what knitting needle size they recommend and use the largest size they recommend or just one size larger than recommended for this pattern. And have fun! Maybe use yarn that has adornment already on it, like sequins, which will make it look even more unique! Have fun with this pattern! See the bottom for various modification possibilities!

Skill Level: Advanced Beginner

Stitches Used:
k - knit  (example, k2 would be knit two stitches)
p - purl
yo - yarn over (this creates an increase)
k2tog - knit two together (this creates a decrease)

Yarn: 
320 - 344 yards
If you decided to knit two strands of yarn together, make sure you have enough of each yarn. Meaning that you will most likely need at least 320 yards of each type of yarn.

Needle:
# US 11 (when knitting two strands of yarn together)
- or -
# US  7 (for one strand only with light worsted yarn)

Other Materials:
Yarn/tapestry needle or small crochet hook to weave in ends.

--- Pattern ---

Cast on 24 stitches - if using # US 11 needles.
Cast on 34 stitches if using one strand of yarn and size # US 7 needles or smaller.

Foundation

Knit two rows.

Body

Row 1: k2, *purl* until last two stitches, then k2.

Row 2: k2, *k2, yo, k1, k2tog, k2tog, k1, yo, k2* repeat across until last two stitches. Then k2.

Row 3: k2, *purl* until last two stitches, then k2.

Row 4: k2, *k3, yo, k2tog, k2tog, yo, k3* repeat across until last two stitches. Then k2.

Row 5: k2, *purl* until last two stitches, then k2.

Row 6: k2, *k2tog, k1, yo, k4, yo, k1, k2tog* repeat across until last two stitches. Then k2.

Row 7: k2, *purl* until last two stitches, then k2.

Row 8: k2, *k2tog, yo, k6, yo, k2tog* repeat across until last two stitches. Then k2.

Repeat rows 1-8 until you have desired length of the scarf.  

Final Row before "End"

k2, *purl* until last two stitches, then k2.

End

Knit two rows.

Bind off loosely in knit.

Weave in ends. 

You do not have to block. However, depending on the yarn and other factors, it may help the lace pattern really show. And if you have any curling, blocking would help that as well.

--- Pattern Modifications Possibilities ---

To make wider - Do so in multiples of 10. Then repeat the pattern as noted between the * in the Body section. This is due to the pattern repeats on rows 2, 4, 6, and 8 are all sets of 10 which is why if you want to widen the scarf, you would widen it by 10 stitches at a time, thus by one set of pattern repeats at a time.

To make longer - Just remember the pattern looks best when the entire set of rows 1 through 8 are completed. If you decide to go longer, suggest doing an entire another set of rows 1 through 8. 

To make it as a cowl (instead of a scarf) - Do not do the "Foundation" or "End" rows at all. Still do the "Final Row before the Foundation - End", though, before binding off. Seam the ends together (which makes it into a cowl/infinity scarf). Then weave in the ends.