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!
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 8-ply cashmere. This scarf was made with Lobster Pot’s Worsted Weight Cashmere, which we no longer carry. A perfect substitute is Jade Sapphire’s equally beautiful 8-Ply Cashmere, 100% Mongolian Cashmere. This scarf would also be beautiful in just about any of our other worsted weight yarns (you’ll need 600 yards to complete the project).
- US 9 (5.5 mm) straight or circular knitting needles
- A spare knitting needle, size 9 or smaller
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.
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.