Lovely Leaf Lace Scarf
This Lovely Leaf Lace scarf is made with 100% 8-ply cashmere. The stitches that create this beautiful and dimensional pattern are a simple combination of strategic yarn-overs and decreases. The lace pattern has a wonderful dimensionality while the stockinette pattern curls around your neck like a big soft hug.
If you’re interested in the Easy Mistake Stitch Scarf (the green one on the left), you can find the full, free pattern right here!
Yarn lovers, if you adore the yarn used in this project, you’ll love exploring all of our other yarn collections! Discover over 45 thoughtfully designed yarns in nearly every natural fiber and in every spectacular color you can imagine. Only available here at Purl Soho’s online yarn store, where every skein is created with care and your creativity in mind!
Update: New Yarn
JANUARY 11, 2016
We revisited this classic pattern with Purl Soho’s Lanecardate Feltro. At a bigger 2 1/2 stitches to the inch, our Lovely Leaf Lace Scarf in Lanecardate Feltro offers a whole new bold look!
Update: Campo
March 23, 2021
The perfect yarn for not-quite-springtime, Campo is a blend of 50% wool for the chill that’s still in air and 50% organically grown cotton for the sun that’s doing its best. Campo is a wonderfully soft and cozy choice for right now. To view our update to the Lovely Leaf Lace Scarf, click here!
Designed by Purl Soho founder and co-owner, Joelle Hoverson.
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, and #PurlSohoLovelyLeafLaceScarf. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
- 6 skeins of Lobster Pot’s Worsted Weight Cashmere, or Jade Sapphire’s 8-Ply Cashmere, 100% Mongolian Cashmere; approximately 600 yards of worsted-weight yarn required.
- US 9 (5.5 mm) straight or circular knitting needles
- A spare knitting needle, size 9 or smaller
Shop our wonderful collection of aran + worsted-weight yarn to find a suitable substitute for this project, and remember that it’s always a good idea to check your gauge before you cast on… Our All About Gauge Tutorial shows you how!
Gauge
16 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette stitch
Size
Finished dimensions: Approximately 12 inches wide x 52 inches long
Notes
- This pattern has a lace pattern at each end and stockinette stitch in the middle. You should know ahead of time that this scarf curls up along the edges, however, it is wide enough that, even curled up, it fits generously around the neck.
- The stitch pattern is a multiple of 10 + 1. The stitch count remains the same at the end of every row.
Abbreviations
Yo (yarn over): Review this technique with our Yarn Over Tutorial. When people have trouble with the lace pattern’s stitch counts, the way they’re making yarn overs is often the culprit!
Ssk (slip, slip, knit): Learn how to ssk with our Slip Slip Knit Tutorial.
Sl1, k2tog, psso: Slip 1 stitch purlwise, knit 2 stitches together, pass the slipped stitch over the k2tog and off the needle [2 stitches decreased]
Here’s are step-by-step instructions for sl1, k2tog, psso…
Step 1: Sl 1
Whenever you encounter “sl 1,” it means to slip one stitch as if to purl. Just insert the needle into the next stitch as if to purl and slip it to the right needle without knitting it.
Step 2: K2tog
Knit the next two stitches together.
Step 3: Psso
“Psso” stands for “pass slipped stitch over.” For this step, insert the left needle into the stitch that you slipped and pass it over the k2tog and off the right hand needle, as you would when binding off.
Pattern
Cast on 61 stitches. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Row 1 and all odd number rows (wrong side): Purl.
Row 2: K3, *k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k5, repeat from * to end of row, ending the last repeat with k3 (instead of k5).
Row 4: K2, *k2tog, [k1, yo] 2 times, k1, ssk, k3, repeat from * to end of row, ending the last repeat with k2 (instead of k3).
Row 6: K1, *k2tog, k2, yo, k1, yo, k2, ssk, k1, repeat from * to end of row.
Row 8: K2tog, *k3, yo, k1, yo, k3, sl 1, k2tog, psso (see Notes, above), repeat from * to last 9 stitches, k3, yo, k1, yo, k3, ssk.
Row 10: K1, *yo, ssk, k5, k2tog, yo, k1, repeat from * to end of row.
Row 12: K1, *yo, k1, ssk, k3, k2tog, k1, yo, k1, repeat from * to end of row.
Row 14: K1, *yo, k2, ssk, k1, k2tog, k2, yo, k1, repeat from * to end of row.
Row 16: K1, *yo, k3, sl 1, k2tog, psso, k3, yo, k1, repeat from * to end of row.
Repeat Rows 1-16 five times more. The piece should measure approximately 16 inches at this point.
Next Row (wrong side): Purl.
Next Row (right side): Knit.
Repeat last two rows until you have used three whole skeins of 8-Ply Cashmere, or for approximately 12 inches.
Place these 61 stitches on the spare needle set aside.
Repeat the pattern from the beginning, working the second half of the scarf the same as the first, leaving the stitches on the needle at the end. (The reason you make the scarf in two pieces is so that the lace ends will look the same. If you made the scarf in one long piece, the second lace section would be “upside down.”)
Use Kitchener Stitch to invisibly graft the live stitches together at the center of your scarf.
Weave in the ends, and hand wash your scarf gently with a mild soap. When you allow your scarf to air dry, instead of stretching the lace flat, try to encourage it to retain its depth and dimension.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore all of our free knitting patterns and knitting tutorials, buy one of our many knitting kits and yarn bundles, and shop for beautiful yarn. We have over 35 gorgeous natural fiber yarns in 100’s of magnificent colors, designed to bring integrity, beauty, and joy to your next knitting project and only available at Purl Soho!
i can’t find this on ravelry–i want to queue it!
Love this lacy pattern. I think it might find a way into a shawl for my mother. The pattern repeat is actually 12 stitches plus 1, not 10+1
James, you saved my life! It is 12+1!
Hi Lisa,
I added the pattern to Ravelry.
Hi James,
the pattern repeat is definitely 10+1.
I started a hat with this leaf pattern some time ago. I will make this scarf as soon as I finish the hat. I love the idea of lace in both ends and stockinette stitch for the rest!
Gorgeous pattern, thanks for sharing it. 🙂
Thank you for this pattern I like it a lot and will put it on my to do list 😉
Why do you recommend making the two halves separately and then sewing them together? Couldn’t you make the lace portion backwards for the end of the scarf?
This is really lovely – I am adding it to my ravelry queue too. 🙂 Thanks!
Hi Amy,
its to make the lace the same on both ends. I don’t know that you really can knit this lace “backwards” but if you try it and it works we sure want to hear about it!
Ah… I did not know that! 🙂 I learn so much here…
I’m confused and could use some help. I cast on 61 stitches and purled the first row. With the second row, the stitches don’t come out evenly. I k3, then repeated the pattern 5 times, and k3, leaving 5 stitches still on the needle, not enough for another repeat. What am I doing wrong?
Hi Terri,
the first row ends 2 stitches short of a full repeat, is that what you’re referring to? If not, let me know and I’ll be happy to help you out further! Joelle
Yes Joelle, that’s it exactly! Do I just knit the final 3 instead of the last 5 stitches of the repeat? (Thanks for the quick response!)
Hi Terri,
You’re welcome! Note that rows 4 and 8 also have slight variation at the end of the last repeat too.
Good luck!
Joelle
Thank you Joelle. I’ve got it now!
ooohhhh… lovely, I just have to go to the yarn shop today!
Gorgeous! Does the back of the scarf just look like all purls? Is there any way you would post a “backside” picture? Thanks!
love your blog and your passion on what you are doing
Even if I can’t finish before Christmas, I will absolutely have to try this pattern. Also, I’m a new knitter, and I just wanted to say thank you so much for the very clear descriptions of sl, k2tog, and psso. I’ve seen these abbreviations other places, but, with the exception of knit 2 together, I could never fully understand what I needed to do.
Thanks!!!
I just started this pattern today, but I seem to keep having problems. Could you possibly post the number of stitches you’re supposed to have at the end of each even row? I’m going to keep trudging along and see if it works out, but as of now something seems wrong… hmm.
Never mind! I think I figured out my problem! 🙂
I’m having the same problem as Terri (above) – in Row 2, I end up with 4 stitches left over and yet I still need to knit 5 from the repeat, PLUS do the k3 for the end. I counted up the number of stitches per row in the instructions and Row 2 has 16 and Row 4 has 14 where the others have 11 (which would be your multiple of 10+1). Is there a typo in the pattern or am I doing something wrong?
Thanks for your help – the finished product looks so wonderful!
Abby
hi! i was wondering if there was a way to make this scarf thinner (i’m thinking like half as wide)? i’m a new knitter so i’m not too sure.. 🙂
Hi Abby,
Are you still having the problem you described above? The pattern is definitely correct as written so something is happening in your knitting. Its hard to know what the problem is though since we can’t watch you do it.
Here is a description of how to work the first knit row:
First you knit 3 stitches, then you knit 2 stitches together, wrap yarn around needle, knit 1 stitch, wrap yarn around needle, slip, slip knit (left slanting decrease), then knit 5 stitches, then repeat from knit 2 together.
If you’re not ending up with enough stitches I wonder if you’re repeating from the k3 at the beginning of the row?
Please let me know if this doesn’t help clear up the problem!
Joelle
Hi Connie,
Yes, cast on a multiple of 10+1, try 31 or 41 and just follow the rest of the pattern as written. Keep in mind that this pattern curls in so if you make it 31 it might be quite narrow!
Good luck!
Hi there, just wondering how many stitches you should have after the 3rd row.
Thanks!
Hi Erin,
You should have 61 stitches after the 3rd row.
im about 11 inches into this pattern(with 61 sts) and the center “stem” of my “leaves” is actually distinctly two columns of knit instead of the clear single column as in the sample in the photo…any solutions for this?
Hi Jaclyn,
it sounds like you are doing an extra knit stitch between the yarn-overs. There are two solutions, one is to pull it out and start over and the other is to decide that you love it with the two knit stitches and continue. Let me know if you have questions about doing the yarn over! –Joelle
Hi Joelle, Thanks for your reply. I didn’t repeat the K3 from the beginning of the row, just the part within the *asteriskses*.
I’m still not getting it. I don’t see how there can be 16 stitches in Row 2 (not counting the yo’s because you’re creating those stitches) when the pattern says it’s a multiple of 10+1. In your answer to Terri above, you say that row “ends 2 stitches short of a full repeat” (so why doesn’t it say that in the instructions?) which I’ve just never seen in a knitting pattern before. Does it mean that your last leaf at the right edge of the scarf is just squashed if there aren’t full repeats? I’ve been trying some other laces form my various knitting books and I’m not finding any of them that don’t have a full repeat. arg.
thanks!
Abby
Hi Abby,
As far as the short stitches in a few of the rows, it does say it in the pattern in rows 2, 4, and 8. You see this in patterns that have a motif that is a diamond shape like this one. If you look in the detail photo above you can see how the scarf undulates along the edge, and the pattern is written in such a way that it creates that edge (rather than squashing the motif).
For your other question, regarding the amount of stitches, I promise you that there are just the right amount of stitches if you cast on 61, or another multiple of 10+1. If you look at it the way I describe below maybe it will help?
Here is the row you seem to be having trouble with:
K3, *k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k5 repeat from *, end last repeat k3.
Lets say you have 21 stitches and you work them as follows
3 stitches for k3 (2 stitches for k2 tog, 0 stitches for yo, one stitch for k1, 0 stitches for yo, 2 stitches for ssk, 5 stitches for knit 5), repeat the stitches within the parenthesis but end the last knit five with knit 3 instead, this equals:
3+2+1+2+5+2+1+2+3= 21
Please let me know if this helps, or not. I really want to help you get this right!
Joelle
I GET IT! I GET IT! Woo-hoo!! I was reading the instructions for Row 2 as “end the repeat and then K3 more” (which is why I thought I was short so many stitches) when it really means “on the last repeat, K3 instead of the usual K5”. I’m a proofreader at my day job and starting to realize I am tooooo word-oriented! It’s working great now, I have experimented and found the right size needles for my yarn and I’m off to the races! Thanks for your patience! Sorry to be so obtuse 🙂
Love this pattern. I decided to double my yarn – scarf was turning out too wide but I loved the look. Just want to double check before I start again. I can make it shorter by casting on either 31 or 41 (instead of the 61 mentioned in your pattern.) Thank you very much for your help.
Hi Sherry,
Yes, 31 or 41 will work. Just keep in mind that the scarf will curl up when its done so it will be narrower than it looks on the needles.
Good Luck!
Any chance that you would have a sweater pattern that uses the leaf lace pattern? Your scarf is gorgous.
Hi Susan,
Not at this time! It would be beautiful at the bottom of sleeves though. Let us know if you decide to make one or find something like it!
Beautiful scarf! And you did a great job on making the directions comprehensive 🙂
Hi,
I haven’t gotten to the stockinette portion yet, and I haven’t decided what I’m going to do. I was either going to–
1. Just follow the pattern…but how do I make the edges neat? Or
2. I was thinking of adding a border to the stockinette portion to prevent the scarf from curling. Do you have any recommendations to which stitch? Garter? Seed stitch? And how wide should I make the border?
Thanks!
Hi Heidi,
The edges curl in so its not such a big deal if they aren’t neat, but if you’d like you can slip the first stitch of every row to make it tidier. The lace portion is also stockinette so it curls too, though not as much. Either garter or seed will work so it is really just a matter of what look you prefer.
What a gorgeous pattern! I’d love to use the leaf design for socks – when working this in the round, obviously every 2nd row would be knit instead of purl. Would it still require multiple of 10+1 stitches? Or just multiple of 10? I’m trying to get my head around it all…
Thanks for posting this!
Hi,
i have repeated steps 1-16 two times but i don’t know what I’m doing wrong. For some reason my pattern doesnt come up like yours. My is pretty flat. PLEASE HELP ME 🙁
Hi Jess,
We are happy to help out, but need just a bit more information from you. Can you tell us if you are ending up with the right amount of stitches at the end of each row? What do you mean by “coming up flat”? Are you seeing the leaf pattern emerge? etc. Any info you can give us will be a big help!
Hey,
Well the problem is that I do see the leaf pattern but the problem is that its all at the same level. The leaves are not higher up then the rest so when i look at it, its all the same. I’m pretty sure I have the right amout of stiches on each row.
Hi,
I’m already done with the first 16 rows 6x and it looks great. I’m starting on the stockinette portion. I’m wondering if anyone tried to just follow the pattern through without having to sew two parts together. Would it be too different ?
Thanks,
Cristina
Hi Christina,
The reason it’s made in two parts is so that the lace portion will be the same on both ends. If you work the lace from the top down the cast off will be the opposite shape of the cast on, but it might be nice that way, you never know!
Thank you so much for getting back to me so fast!!! I just have a hard time picturing how things would turn out 🙂
I’ll try it and I’ll post a pic and see if it looks very different.
Again, Thank you!!
Cristina
Can someone explain row 8 to me I keep getting to the end and have 10 sitches instead of 9. Thanks for your help.
Hi Olympia,
Here is row 8, I’ll try to explain it in more detail:
Row 8: K2tog, *k3, yo, k1, yo, k3, sl 1, k2tog, psso; repeat from * to last 9 stitches, end last repeat k3, yo, k1, yo, k3, ssk.
Knit 2 together, knit three stitches, yarn over, knit one stitch, yarn over, knit 3 stitches, slip one stitch, knit two together, pass the slipped stitch over the knit two together, repeat until you have 9 stitches remaining, end last repeat knit 3 stitches, yarn over, knit one stitch, yarn over, knit 3 stitches, slip-slip-knit.
I’m not sure why you would end up with an extra stitch unless you are doing something funny when you yarn-over (sometimes knitters thing a yarn over includes knitting a stitch but it doesn’t) or if you aren’t passing the slipped stitch over on the last part of the pattern. Let me know if you need more help!
Joelle
Thank you for your help. working on this pattern helped me uncover some interesting things about my knitting and how i was working my decreases. on to Row 10….
I was wondering if you could do double cast on. I can’t remember the official name but it is where you cast on adding a scrap piece of yarn so that when you knit it scrap stays on and when you are ready to start the second half you pick up the stitches from the bottom and discard the scrap. You probably can’t understand what I am trying to say and it might not work with this pattern.
Hi Carolyn,
We do understand what you are saying! It sounds like you are describing a “provisional cast on”. The provisional cast on is a great technique, but it isn’t appropriate for this pattern because on this scarf you are joining the two pieces at the end of the knitting rather than at the cast on. Hope this clarifies it for you, but if not be sure to let us know.
Thank you very much for this lovely pattern .I have made 2 scarves for my friends Both of them loved them very much and apprecoiated the design
Hello,
This may be a silly question, but I'm an absolute beginner: doing the scarf in 2 bits is putting me off. Couldn't one just knit it as one piece?
Lovely pattern!!
thanks
Hi,
I love the look of this scarf and I’ve just started knitting it, but something isn’t going correctly. The first 3 rows seemed ok, (row 2 had the right number of stitches to end the row as described) but when I got to the 4th row I was short several stitches at the end. At the 6th row, I was missing even more stitches. I see that there should always be 61 stitches in each row, but how is that possible when you are knitting 2 together several times during each row? I only have 54 stitches on my needle at the end of row 6. Any advice? Thanks!!
Hi Shelia,
Thanks for writing in! Going over the pattern, on rows 2 and 4, the k2tog (knit 2 togethers) and ssks (slip slip knits) are countered by the yo (yarn overs) in each row. Can you check to be sure that you are creating the yos and purling into them on the wrong side?
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hi Muumi-
The leaf pattern is directional so it needs to be knit in two pieces to keep the pattern symmetrical.
Thanks for your question!
Molly
Hi I'm new to knitting and am trying this, but in every row when I count am ending up with more then 61 what am I doing wrong?
Hi Dorothy-
It sounds like you might be doing the decreases incorrectly. Here is a video showing SSK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKL5xol22bs
And here is a video on k2tog: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBjSEzf-Q5E
Hope this helps!
Molly
thanks I was doing the ssl incorrect what I was doing was slip 2 stitches and knit the next instead of the 2 stitches
I'm needing help! For the beginning you say to purl the odd rows. Do you mean purl the same as the knitt stitches.. Or just straight up purling?
I love this scarf. I'm a fairly beginner and was wondering why this can't be knit in one piece without the Kitchener part? Thank you.
Hi Gayle-
I'm not sure I understand your quesrion. You purl every stitch of every odd row (row 1, 3, 5, 7, etc)
Does this make sense. Please let us know!
Molly
Hi Pam-
The leaf pattern is directional so it needs to be knit in two pieces to keep the pattern symmetrical.
Thanks for your question!
Molly
Yes it does. I'm new to patterns lol. I'm doing this pattern in a multi-colored yarn and it's coming out pretty neat looking! Thanks
Hi, thanks for the pattern, my mother loves it so I'm rushing to finish it before her winter trip.
I'm a beginner and so far, I've worked my way to row 15 smoothly but I'm starting to have doubts as I have holes here and there, mostly around the ''going upwards braid area" and the braids are not outstanding/ popping like yours. Am I doing it wrong or was it suppose to be like this?
I'm using a pair of size US 6 needles, might this be the reason?
Thank you
Hi there,
I've just done one round of the pattern and it's working great (I think!). However, in the photos the diamond shapes have one line of 'v' shaped stitches going up the centre with the holes on either side. On my knitting I have two rows of 'v's side by side in the centre of each diamond. Could you explain why this might be happening? It looks good but I really like the single line as it's more defined!
Thanks,
Christina
Hi Justine-
For the email address the AT (@) and the DOT (.) are spelled out to discourage spam. so replace the "AT" with an @ sign and the "DOT" with a .
Thanks!
Molly
Just starting to use this pattern in row two what is ssk ? slip stitch knit? would like to find out before I keep knitting and have to unravel it.
Hi Nursehart-
Here is a link to a video explaining ssk:
https://www.purlsoho.com/create/the-purl-bee/2008/12/2/lovely-leaf-lace-scarf.htm
Thank you!
Molly
Thanks for the beautiful pattern! I wanted to do a matching hat and saw an earlier post asking if the leaf pattern repeat would then be 10+1, as in the flat directions, or if the repeat would only be 10 since it's joined in the round. I don't think I saw a reply and would appreciate the info.
Deary y2knits,
it's been so long since I made this scarf that I'm not sure. I would try a couple of super small samples using 10+1 and 10 and see how it goes. We would love to hear the results once you test it!
Joelle
Just finished a scarf using this pattern! Thanks a lot for it! Please let me know how you think it turned out 🙂
http://www.pearlypoppies.com/orange-leaf-lace-scarf/
Hi Wondering if the leaf pattern can be worked in the round for a cowl? Has anyone tried? Thanks
Thanks Abby and Joelle for your comments and clarifications. I had the same trouble and your comments really helped.
I'm kinda confused about this pattern at row 8.
(repeat from * to last 9 stitches, end last repeat k3, yo, k1, yo, k3, ssk)
It says to last 9 stitches but k3, yo, k1, yo, k3, ssk needs 11 remaining stitches. How does this work?
Hi Christina-
"k3, yo, k1, yo, k3, ssk" takes 9 stitches to complete, since yarn overs do not use a stitch, instead they make a stitch. It might seem confusing to read but once you're at that point it will probably make sense.
If you need clarification on how to do a Yarn Over you can check out our Yarn Over tutorial video here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/knitting-tutorials-increases/2013/11/11/yarn-over-yo.html
Let us know if you have any more questions!
Molly
I randomly found this scarf while looking for patterns and completely fell in love so now I want to make one for my mom and myself. I was just wondering what kind of cast-on is best for this scarf. Thanks!
Hi Carolyn-
We recommend a long tail cast on for this.
Thank you!
Molly
I love this pattern, thank you so much. Someday I hope to learn to write patterns – I’d love to see this stitch in a slouchy hat!
i saw this scarf on pinterest & the caption was loom knitted scarves. All I find are knitting instructions. So?
Hi Micki-
This is a traditionally knitted scarf, and isn’t loom knitted. We actually don’t have any loom knitting projects on our site. I’m sorry I can’t be of more help! Please let me know if you have any more questions!
Molly
Ok I am a bit confused about the cast on 61. I got through row 1 but on row 2 there are not enough stitches. I read through comments and it seems others have had this problem but I am concerned to start the pattern with an inaccurate writing of the pattern. Apparently row 4 and 8 have slight variations too but if you don’t write it how do I know what they are. Don’t meN to be rude, just trying to do it correctly. Also, is this pattern charted?
Hi Amy!
I think this might help clarify: In Row 2, each section between the *’s uses 10 stitches. After knitting the first 3, you will be able to knit 5 full repeats through that section (for a total of 53 stitches). Then you will repeat the section between the asterisks once more, but you will replace the “K5” with a “K3.” This is what it means by “end last repeat with a K3.” Since you have 8 stitches left, this ends up perfectly.
This is the same in the other rows you mentioned: When ever it says “end last repeat,” it doesn’t mean to do those stitches in addition, but that you will end with a different number of stitches during the last repeat through.
Unfortunately, we do not have this pattern charted.
Hope this helps!
Thomas
Would the new Woolfolk yarn Far be a suitable alternative?
Hi Sarah-
Yes! That would be a beautiful alternative! The whole Purl Bee team was just admiring this beautiful yarn and talking about how it felt just like cashmere!
https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/9607-Woolfolk-Yarn-Far
Thanks for your question!
Molly
Hello I’m new to knitting and I was wondering: when you sl 1 do you slip it as if to purl or as if to knit? I’ve seen it both ways in different videos. Also when you ssk do you slip both as if to purl or as if to knit or one to purl one to knit? I’ve also seen that multiple ways
Apologies if this is a silly question. Lovely tutorial though, beautiful scarf!
Hi Meera-
These are not silly questions! Unless otherwise noted you always slip as if to purl. We have an SSK video here that demonstrates how we do it (although as with most of this stuff there is no one official right way!): https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/08/13/slip-slip-knit-ssk-2/
Thanks so much for getting in touch and please let us know if you have any more questions!
Best
Molly
Hello,
First of all I would like to thank you for this amazing looking pattern and the clear instructions. I’ve knitted the first side of the scarf and made it all the way to where the next leafy pattern starts. I was wondering if instead of knitting the second leaf pattern separately I could maybe reverse the pattern, start from row 16 going upwards to row 1 and knit it as a whole piece? Is this possible?
Thank you
Hi Myria!
I don’t think the pattern would work out reversing the rows. If you wanted, you could knit the second lace section in the same order in the way you are decribing – as long as you don’t mind the lace facing downward on the second side.
-Thomas
Hi, this may be a silly question, but is 8ply yarn too thin for size 9 needles? Because every conversion chart I’ve looked up says that 8ply wool is meant to be used on needles sizes 5-7.
Hi Brynne!
Not a silly question at all! We’ve always found that the cashmere 8 ply knits much more like a worsted weight. For a scarf, we like giving the cashmere extra room, because it will bloom and be very very soft!
Happy Knitting!
Thomas
Hello, I am trying out this scarf but on the second row I have followed the instructions to repeat the 10 stitch repeat but when I get to the end of the row I only have three stitches left over rather than 8 to do the K5 and then K3 at the end. Is this the way its supposed to be or am doing something wrong?
Hi Lorena!
You’re actually doing it perfectly. When the pattern says “end last repeat K3” it means that you will do 3 stitches instead of the K5 with-in the last repeat.
Hope this clarifies! Happy Knitting!
Thomas
I would love to know the same thing. Would it curl too much on the edges or would this just add to the charm of the cowl?
Hi Mary-
I’m not sure I understand your question. This scarf does curl around the edges but it’s so wide that it doesn’t really turn into a snake like some scarves can. I hope this answers your question- please let me know!
Molly
I’d like to make this scarf for several people. Would the Brooklyn Tweed Shelter be a a good yarn for this?
Hi Tim-
Yes, the Shelter could be used as a substitution although it’s not all that soft. But if you’re making it for someone that doesn’t mind the feeling of wool then it will work, and it will look really lovely. I might go down a needle size since the Shelter is slightly thinner.
This will work with any worsted weight yarn so if you’re looking for something a bit softer I might suggest our Worsted Twist yarn which is very soft! https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/9239-Purl-Soho-Worsted-Twist
Thank you for your question and please let us know if you want any more suggestions!
Molly
Thank you, Molly. Definitely want a softer yarn for this project, which is what I was hoping you’d be able to tell me. I’ll go with the your Worsted Twist for sure. Should keep the needle size called for in the pattern with the Worsted Twist? Thanks!
Hi Tim-
Yes I think you can use the suggested needles if you are using the Worsted Twist. Please let us know if you have any more questions and thanks so much for getting in touch!
Molly
Thanks! I received the Worsted Twist yesterday. Great stuff.
It’s gorgeous every piece I see is an art piece
Hi, I just finished the first half of the scarf and noticed that I’m getting two braids up the middle of each leaf. Several other people seem to have had this problem, and as a solution to one, it was mentioned that the knitter was perhaps adding knit stitch between the yarn over, but that’s exactly what the patter says, yo, k1, yo, k1, etc… I don’t get it. I will have to put up with the two braids, but it looks chunkier and I’m not so happy with it.
Hi Tim,
Thank you for the comment! I’ve just knit up a little swatch of the stitch pattern to identify the potential issue. There indeed should be a knit stitch in between the yarn over’s. However I’m not sure why there would be two stitches making up the vein in the middle of the leaves. The only thing I can think of is if the slip 1, knit 2 together, pass the slip stitch over, were not completed then there would be an extra stitch where the vein would be and could cause that extra stitch?
I hope this helps you identify the mistake, but if you have anymore questions feel free to respond here or call the shop at 212-420-8796, we would be happy to talk you through it!
Good Luck!
Jake
Jake! I figured this out about 15 minutes after I’d posted my query. Here’s the thing: I was new to yarn overs, and after consulting my “Vogue Knitting”, I thought that a “yo” in the pattern’s instructions meant to knit the next stitch, not — as it is — the simple action of bringing the yarn forward. SO…. THAT’S the reason I got the double chain and my work looked so chunky. I watched the little video on how to do a yarn over on this site, and realized immediately how I’d misconstrued the pattern’s instructions. A beer or two later, and I’m on the right track re-knitting this scarf (I had to order more yarn, but will rip out the giant mistake, salvage all of that yarn and make…a hat, I think). Thanks for your response, and for taking the time to knit a sample.
Hi Tim,
I’m so glad you figured it all out!!! Good Luck and feel free to write back if you have anymore questions!
Happy Knitting!
Jake
i am knitting the Lovely Leaf Lace Scarf for my daughter. The pattern is so easy to follow. i just finished the leaf lace section on the first half of the scarf, and now i’m knitting the stockinette section. so pretty! sherri will love it!
This pattern made an awesome beanie as well! So stinkin pretty! <3
I am a beginning knitter and I’m trying to figure out the directions in this pattern e enough. I understand until it gets to the part that says when you’re 16 inches from the cast on edge, then row 1 purl, row 2 knit. Am I supposed to end the part I’ve already done and then go down to the original row 1 or do I just start recounting rows and keep going? Silly question probably but I don’t understand it. Any help would be appreciated.
Hello, Bambi!
Thank you so much for writing in! This is such a wonderful pattern for a beginner! So, when you’re 16-inches from the cast on edge the next row will be all purl stitches. Then the row after that will be all knit stiches. Then you’ll alternate between a row of purls and a row of knits for about 12 inches. Does that make sense? You do not need to bind off after the 16 inches and go back to the origial row 1. If you have further questions, please let us know!
Best,
Kumeko
Hi, I’ve returned to this scarf project after a couple of years and unfortunately the updated pattern with the new yarn isn’t quite the same. Is there any way to get the original pattern? I’ve knit one half, mastered the leaf pattern but now am at a loss how to get back on the saddle! If the original is available I would be most grateful!
Many thanks
Kate
Hello, Kate!
Thank you so much for writing in! You can find the original pattern here. (The new one is here, if you want to see the differences.) If you have further questions, please let us know!
Best,
Kumeko
I printed out the pattern for the beautiful scarf pattern “Leaf Lace Scarf”. Can you tell me where to find the “Kitchener Stitch” to use in the pattern? I would like to attempt the pattern. I also, will be doing the other scarf which is easy to understand.
Hi Linda,
Thanks for writing in! Our kitchener stitch tutorial can be found here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/11/11/kitchener-stitch-video/
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
I’ve been having trouble with ssk – I can accurately complete a ssk stitch, but it takes me quite awhile and makes me easily frustrated. Is there a reason I can’t just k2tog in this pattern (or any other, for that matter) instead? The two decrease methods appear to be almost identical to me.
Thanks in advance!
Hi Olivia,
Great question! Ssk and k2tog are both leaning decrease. They lean in opposite directions and thus create a different look especially in a lace pattern such as this lovely scarf. If you were to replace the ssk with k2tog, the end effect would be quite different.
Generally, when knitting an ssk is difficult, it is the result of a tight gauge. To make things a little easier, you could use a DPN a size or two down from the needle that you are using to preform the ssk.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
This is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you.
Since curling stockinette drives me nuts, could 5 seed stitches be added at the beginning and end of the stockinette rows, as long as the uneven total is maintained?
Your yarns and your patterns are the best, so thanks for all the hard work that goes into maintaining such a wonderfully helpful and educational site.
Mary S.
Hi Mary,
Thank you for the wonderful words! I suggest you start the bottom edge of the scarf in seed stitch on a smaller size needle to eliminate any flaring. This will prevent rolling on the bottom. As for the edges of the scarf you can add a border to the stitch pattern by adding on an odd number on each side for seed stitch. Best of luck!
-Adam
This may be a silly question but I’m fairly new to knitting, and I don’t think I’m doing the yarn overs correctly? I watched the attached video and I assumed I would use the method between a knit stitch and a purl stitch but when I do that and then try to knit a stitch, I end up creating 2 stitches with the yarn over, plus one from the knit stitch. So instead of 2 (one from YO and one from the stitch), I’m getting three. How should I be going about the yarn overs to avoid this?
Hi Emma,
Thanks for the question. It’s not silly, yarnovers can be frustrating when you’re just learning them. To yarnover and then knit the next stitch, you bring the yarn between the needles and over the right needle and then just knit the next stitch. You do not bring the yarn back through the needles again, it just lays over the right needle. Hope this makes sense, and we apologize for the delayed reply. Let us know if you have any more questions!
Kindly,
Anna
Something has gone wrong with your Print link for free patterns. It used to give us a chance to create a ,pdf of the pattern and then download it. Now the link goes directly to a print dialogue, which contains a .pdf, but it has lines of print on top of other lines. A .pdf preview there also has lines jumbled up on top of each other. HELP! Please restore the old method of creating our own .pdf of the pattern (which could eliminate unnecessary photos) and downloading that.
Hi June,
Thanks for writing in! Our print dialogue has changed but you should still be able to print or download a PDF. If you click on the Print button in the right hand column, the resulting print dialogue should have Print, PDF and Email boxes in the upper left hand corner. To remove images, click the drop down next to the image icon and change from 100% to 0%. You could also opt to print just smaller images if you wish by selecting 50% or 25%.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Your have most beautiful pattern how can I buy the pattern book from you? I really enjoy knitting made the knitting more interesting .keep up the good work!
Hi Jeany,
Thanks for writing in and for your very kind words! This lovely pattern and good portion of the rest of our in house patterns are available for free on this site! Joelle does have a book of lovely patterns that is available for sale. Last Minute Knitted Gifts contains patterns not found on the site.
If you would like to print any of the free patterns on the site or save them as PDFs, you can use our handy print function! If you’re on a desktop version of the site, you will find a “print” icon in the right column just below the date and tags. If you’re on a mobile version of the site, you will find a “print” icon below the pattern and above the comments.
Follow the easy on-screen instructions to delete whichever parts of the pattern you don’t want to print or save. For example, you may decide to shorten the pattern by omitting certain images or the list of materials. To remove images, click the drop down next to the image icon and change from 100% to 0%.
I hope that this helps and thanks again for your kind words!
Cassy
Hi. I am working on this beautiful pattern, and am having trouble with the very large lace stitches. Your scarf has very tiny lace holes (in fact I didn’t notice that they were there until I really studied the piece). How do you get them so small? I have reduced the needle to a size 7 hoping this would help, but they are still very large. Thank you, Martrice
Hi Martrice,
Thanks for reaching out! While the yarn overs in our image do look a bit on the smaller side, they are intended and a hole is unavoidable in this lacey stitch. I would suggest measuring your gauge to make sure you are matching our gauge of 16 stitches to 4 inches in stockinette stitch, as a loose gauge will emphasize the yarn overs. It is also possible that your yarn choice could be coming into play – a multi-ply yarn in a fiber like wool will fill in the yarn over holes a bit more, while a single ply or cotton, linen, or silk yarn tends to be a bit limper and will naturally create lacier effects.
Best of luck, and I hope that helps!
Julianna
I am looking to make this scarf in a narrower style. Because it is 10+1 I’m guessing I can cast on 41 and make any adjustments from there. Is that correct.
I haven’t read through the entire pattern yet.
Hi Janice,
Thanks for reaching out! Yes, 41 stitches will fit the multiple of 10 stitches plus 1 so you won’t have to make any other adjustments while knitting the scarf!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
As an absolute beginner I’m so excited that I’m about three quarters of the way through this pattern and it looks amazing!
Just one question…after the Kitchener stitch (which looks terrifying and very unfixable if it goes wrong!), what is meant by “weave in the ends”?! Are there instructions or is this another YouTube learning moment?! Feels weird to not add a knot somewhere to finish it!
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for reaching out! Congratulations! That is a great accomplishment, lace patterns can always be a bit intimidating but are so fun once you get into the rhythm!
Kitchener Stitch can also be intimidating but it is very easy and we have an excellent tutorial showing step by step instructions. If you are feeling a bit nervous, I would recommend making a little swatch (just basic stockinette) and do a practice/test run so you can get comfortable with the stitch before you apply it to the scarf!
As for Weaving in Your Ends, we have another excellent tutorial that will show you several variations and you can select one depending on the stitch you are working with! For this project in particular I would suggest any of the options we recommend under the STOCKINETTE section (which will be the first section on the page!)
I hope this helps and please let me know if you have any more questions!
Warmly,
Gianna
Thanks so much Gianna, great idea to do a practice swatch, just using that word makes me feel like a pro!!! Probably a very silly question but how long a tail do I need to weave in? I’m guessing the longer the better but also possibly more visible? Would 10-15cm do it?! Thanks so much, Sarah 🙂
Hi Sarah,
I am so glad I could help! I would say 15-20 cm is a good length for the tail, and you will only be weaving in for about an inch, just enough to secure the yarn!
Please let me know if you have any more questions!
Warmly,
Gianna
Ignore my last comment!!! I’d transferred the work onto another needle (well actually a thin plant stake as I don’t have a spare set…I’m that much of a beginner) and just made a swatch and realised I’ve put the actual work on the needle back to front! I’ve sussed out the Kitchener stitch but what I’ve now found is that I have 3 ends to weave in…does that sound right?!?
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for reaching out! Glad to hear that you figured it out! You should have two ends to weave in if you used the yarn tail for Kitchener Stitch as we do, but it is also okay to use a new strand of yarn for Kitchener stitch, you will just need to weave in 3 ends instead of 2!
Warmly,
Gianna
Hi! I’d like to use the leaf lace pattern to make a scarf for my daughter. I’m going to use a lighter weight yarn and I plan to make the whole scarf in the lace pattern, one-directional. My question is if you all know what multiple the pattern is in? I tried looking through the comments, apologies if I missed it. I want to make the scarf narrower if possible. I’m hoping for a number to cast on. I looked at it but I am notoriously bad at figuring this out and often miss something. Can you help? I hope this makes sense! Thanks!
Hi Jane,
Thanks for reaching out. It’s definitely an easy thing to miss, but the multiple for this stitch pattern is 10 + 1! To figure out your cast-on number, you will want to first knit a gauge swatch in pattern. Once you know how many stitches you are getting per inch, you can multiply that number by the width that you would like and cast on the nearest multiple of 10 + 1. I hope this helps (and helps anyone else looking through comments in the future)!
All the best,
Lili
Bellissima questa sciarpa trovata su pinterest . Non mi è chiaro il significato 1mb nell’ottavo giro e m.bss nel sedicesimo in quanto si riferiscono ad un lavoro con l’uncinetto ma la sciarpa è ai ferri. Cosa devo fare? Complimenti per la splendida sciarpa e soprattutto grazie per averla condivisa .
Hi Andreina,
Thanks for reaching out! The abbreviation “sl” means to slip that stitch. To slip a stitch, all you need to do is transfer it from the left needle to the right needle without knitting or purling it! There’s a photo demonstration of this technique in the NOTES section of the pattern if you’re curious how that looks.
All the best,
Lili
Ringrazio infinitamente. Avrei dovuto seguire le spiegazioni in inglese molto più chiare della traduzione in italiano che é fuorviante . “See notes above” è tradotto 1 mb e m.bss.