Summer Lace Scarf

This lace scarf is perfect for beginning lace work! It knits up so fast, especially if, like me, you use size 10 needles and sock or sport weight yarn. I used Madeline Tosh Superwash Merino Sock. Madeline Tosh is hand dyed and so beautiful, it flows through needles like butter! If you wanted your scarf smaller, with a tighter gauge, just use size 4 or 5 needles. If you want to beef it up for more Fall weather, try a worsted or DK weight yarn.

To begin, cast on 21 stitches. Work the lace pattern following the chart repeating rows 1 through 16 until the scarf reaches 54" (or your desired length). Below is the chart of the lace pattern, inspired by a sweater panel from "French Girl Knits" by Kristeen Griffin-Grimes.


The stitches are pretty straightforward with the exception of the three stitch decrease. Here is a picture of the step for slipping two stitches knitwise,

and here is what the stitch looks like after knitting the next stitch, and passing the two slipped over,



 

I like this decrease because it lets the middle stitch sit in front for a cleaner more even look.
Here is a picture still on the needles (before blocking).



Once you reach your desired length, bind off all stitches on the right side, knitwise and weave in the loose tails on either end of the scarf. Then block the scarf. I like to use a damp towel over the piece with an iron set between wool and cotton. This will help your scarf lay flat and show off all your hard work!

Now you can either wear your scarf, or add an extra touch by sewing a lightweight backing fabric to the wrong side, making it a bit more structured. I'll show you how on my next post! Another great advantage to using the Madeline Tosh yarn (which I bought at Hart's Fabric in Santa Cruz!) is the yardage is so great you can knit two scarves! one plain and one with a decorative fabric backing. Check back soon to learn how.