Beautiful Spring Scarf

There’s a fine line between a fringe that puts a swing in your step and a fringe that makes you feel like a bedraggled alley cat. A fine line maybe, but a world of difference. This fringe is certainly the fabulous kind, the kind that gives you special powers of infectious happiness!

The secret to this fringe’s sass is our new Chinese Knotting Cord, a thin nylon cord more traditionally used for hand crafted jewelry. As fringe, it is smooth and tangle-free, nimble and zippy! And using two slightly different electric pinks lends an extraordinary glow, enough to light up the night!

The fringe is exciting, but what fills me with deep satisfaction is Jade Sapphire’s new cashmere-linen blend, Sylph. Exquisite cashmere and straight-from-nature linen, together they are pure beauty. Some people remember the best sunsets of their lives, the best tiramisus, the best arias, but for knitters, it’s all about the best yarn, and this one is definitely on my list!
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!

Okay, it’s not just the fringe and the yarn, it’s the whole thing together. The contrast of the soft and rustic yarn with the galactic nylon fringe, the sumptuous feeling, the generous size, the serious fun, it all makes the Beautiful Spring Scarf one of my favorite projects ever. And the good news is you don’t have to be an expert knitter to make one. If you can cast on, knit, purl and bind off, you can make your very own Beautiful Spring Scarf! Really! -Whitney
Designed by Purl Soho designer, Whitney Van Nes.
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, #PurlSohoBeautifulSpringScarf. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials

- 4 skeins of Jade Sapphire’s Sylph, 58% Cashmere and 42% Linen. Each skein is 309 yards/ 50 grams; approximately 1236 yards required. This color is Rustle.
- 4 bobbins of Chinese Knotting Cord, 1mm, 100% Nylon: 2 bobbins of Fluorescent Pink and 2 bobbins of Neon Pink. (Note: If you want to use the same color for both ends of fringe, three bobbins will be enough.)
- US 3 (3.25 mm) knitting needles, circular or straight.
- A small crochet hook, size C, D or E.
Shop our wonderful collection of fingering-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
7 2/3 stitches = 1 inch in stockinette stitch
Size
14 inches wide x 82 inches long (not including 9-inch fringe at each end)
Pattern
Cast on 107 stitches. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Row 1 (wrong side): Purl.
Row 2 (right side): Knit.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until you’ve used all but about a yard and a half of the four skeins (or until the piece measures 82 inches from the cast on edge).
Bind off loosely on a right side row.
Fringe
Cut 36 eighteen-inch pieces of each color of Chinese Knotting Cord. Keep the two colors separated; one color is for one end of the scarf and the other is for the other end.
Starting with either color and either end of the scarf…
Fold one strand in half and grasp it firmly nearly the fold.

Starting at the corner, one stitch from the selvedge, insert the crochet hook from the back (purl) side to the front (knit) side.

With the hook, grab the Knotting Cord at its fold and pull it through to form a loop.

Hook the tails of the cord…

…and pull them through the loop. Pull the tails nice and tight. (They should stay snug, but if you ever notice them loosening, just give them a little tug!)
Make the next fringe 3 stitches away from the first.

Continue to add a fringe every three stitches all the way to the corner.

Using the second color, make the fringe at the other end in exactly the same way.
NOTE: The ends of Chinese Knotting Cord can be sealed with a flame. To put fears of unraveling to rest just give each end a quick flick of the flame! If you go fast, the heat won’t discolor the cord. Longer exposure to the flame will turn the end a bit darker, although not black.
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!
love this! what other lace yarn would you suggest?
I love this scarf! I wish it were easier to buy yarn from purl bee from here in Norway…I'm a big fan of your knitting projects and yarn, and I would love to visit your shop one day. Very inspiring:)
Do you need to seal the ends of the fringe? If so, do the ends change color after sealing them? Thanks!
This is a beautiful scarf and I had noticed the cording on the website last week, I'm glad this post gives more of an idea about how it is sold, because there is absolutely no length information that I could see. But it is really great idea to use different types of strings, ribbons or cords in knitting. I should look through my box of knick-knacks with a different outlook!
I've just placed my order with you for the Chinese knotting thread. My question: Will the fringe unravel if I don't heat the cut ends of the cord? Can something other than a thread burner be used?
HI Jennifer,
Very good question! This scarf hasn't been in existence long enough for the Knotting Cord to show any signs of unraveling, but I just did a few tests and found that sealing the ends with a flame works great! I added a detailed note at the end of the pattern to let everyone know.
Thanks so much for such an instructive question!
Whitney
Hi Laurence,
Thank you so much for pointing out that omission! We've now added the yardage to the product's description, thanks to you! FYI, each bobbin comes with 10 yards of cord.
Thanks again!
Whitney
Hi Beth Z,
Anzula's new Milky Way would be a gorgeous option with a little shine and a beautiful drape. It's right here: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/9132-Anzula-Milky-Way
Some other really lovely options would be…
Anzula's Sebastion: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/8197-Anzula-Sebastian
Or for a similar but looser knit, Anzula's Mermaid: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/8321-Anzula-Mermaid
Anzula's Cloud: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/8152-Anzula-Cloud
Swan's Island Fingering: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/6281-Swans-Island-Fingering
Habu's Dyed or 20/12 Bamboo: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/3-knitting-crochet-yarn?filters%5B%5D=19
or
Habu's Dyed or Natural Linen: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/3-knitting-crochet-yarn?company=62&filters%5B%5D=28
Please let me know if you have any questions about these options. I'd be happy to answer! And thanks for asking!
Whitney
Hi Tracey,
Honestly, I haven't had my scarf for long enough to notice any unraveling. So far, so good! But if it does start to fray, I plan to use a regular old lighter to quickly seal each end. I've already done some experimenting on this and have added a note to the end of the pattern that gives more details on this subject!
Thanks for asking!
Whitney
Thanks so much. Thinking about the anzula cloud. What do you think?
How do you keep the scarf from curling, since it is knit in stockinette?
I love this idea and went to check the items to purchase and don't see the colors available to purchase. No neon pink! Did I check too soon or get there too late?
Thanks, Colleen
Hi Colleen-
It looks like the neon pink has sold out! We can let you know when it comes back in stock if you email us at customerservice AT purlsoho DOT com.
Thank you!
Molly
Whitney, I have started knitting with some Findley I had on hand. The blue I have will be perfect with the peach and orange cord I ordered. Could you please link the pattern to Ravelry! Thank you for a great idea!
HI Diana,
You don't! The scarf is meant to roll up a bit; that's why it's knit nice and wide!
Thanks for asking!
Whitney
Hi again Beth Z,
I think it will be beautiful! The Cloud is really soft and light and will feel great around your neck. I also love the choice of colors!
Two skeins of Cloud would yield just about 85 yards less than the 4 skeins of Sylph. So if you're content with a scarf that is about 75 inches long (rather than 82), just get 2 skeins!
Can't wait to see it!
Whitney
OK now the color choice! Thanks for all your help!
No one has dared to ask how long it took you to knit this scarf! I am an inch in at this point!
sorry for so many ? but what about Anzula Wash My Lace?
I absolutely adore this pattern! I have to get over to the city and say hello!
What a wonderful idea. Great inspiration.
http://littleemptyroom.blogspot.de/
Hi There!
I was thinking of trying this with Milky Way. Would I have to alter anything?
Hi Tracey,
I can't say exactly… maybe 15 hours? 20? But, true, this one isn't exactly a "quick knit"! The good news is it's easy enough for movie time, commutes and any old time your hands are free. Consider enjoying the process of this project while working on a more quickly gratifying project on the side!
Thanks for asking!
Whitney
HI Beth Z,
Anzula's Wash My Lace is very thin, thinner even than the Sylph. It would work if you don't mind having a lighter and narrower scarf (if you cast on the same number of stitches as this one), but I think some of your other options would probably be better.
Let me know what you decide!
Whitney
This is beautiful! I am wondering if pashmina would work for this scarf? I am a beginner knitter and would love to try this.
Thanks
Hi Vivian-
Any lace weight yarn would work for this scarf!
Thank you for your question!
Molly
Hi Kate,
Yes, I love that idea! You may want to experiment a little with different needle sizes to get the knit you want, but the Milky Way will definitely be really beautiful! Please let us know how it turns out!
Thanks for asking,
Whitney
Hi – I saw this and had to start one as soon as possible! I am using Anzula Cloud in Juniper. It's looks beautiful. One question, the bottom is rolling up a lot, I'm assuming that once the fringe is put on it will help to flatten it out? Do I need to do any blocking? Thanks!!
Hi Sandy,
Sounds gorgeous! Yes, the fringe will hold the end flat, as will the scarf's desire to roll the other way, i.e. lengthwise.
It'll probably be a good idea to lightly block your scarf anyway, just to even out the stitches, but blocking doesn't cure stockinette's nature to curl.
Thanks for asking!
Whitney
Hi-
I'm 40" in (using Jade Sapphire Sylph and #2 addi lace needles), and know that stockinette curls inward, but mine is curled in so much that it's only 3" wide.
Will gently blocking restore any of the width? I'm reluctant to continue as I know I won't use the scarf as it is.
Any suggestions are greatly appreciated as I love this yarn and the cord.
Many thanks-
Cindi
If I make the scarf in Milky Way, would I need 3 skeins of yarn or could I make the scarf using 2 skeins ?
Hi Cindi.
Blocking will flatten your scarf out but only temporarily because it is truly stockinette's nature to curl, although I am surprised that yours is curling to such an extent! Are you getting 7 2/3 stitches to the inch? Or is your knitting maybe a bit tight?
It is the intention of the design that the finished piece be a tube, but not a tiny little tight one, so maybe double checking your gauge will resolve the problem!
Let us know how it's going and thanks so much for your question!
Whitney
Hi Alice,
The Sylph version uses about 1200 yards and a skein of Milky Way is 500 yards. So with two, your scarf would be about 14 inches shorter than this one (provided you knit at the same gauge). So, I guess, it's up to you! Either 2 or 3 would work!
Thanks for your question!
Whitney
Hi again, Whitney-
I just checked my gauge and it looks like I'm closer to 8 per inch. If I unravel it and go up a needle, might it not be as curled?
As much as I hate the idea of starting over, dedicating the time then not wearing the scarf is even more bothersome!
Thanks for your help
Cindi
This is super cute! I especially love the touch of pink added on! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Cindi,
Really, even if you knit at the looser gauge, your scarf is going to curl up into a tube. It's just the stubborn nature of stockinette!
You can see from our photos what the scarf looks like when it has been recently blocked. So, you could block your scarf every couple of weeks, but maybe more practically, you could make your scarf with a simple stitch pattern whose tendency it is to lie flat, like garter stitch or seed stitch or rib (a 1 x 1 rib would look most like stockinette).
Please let us know if we can give you any more guidance. I hope you end up with something that you love!
Whitney
Hi Cindi,
Really, even if you knit at the looser gauge, your scarf is going to curl up into a tube. It's just the stubborn nature of stockinette!
You can see from our photos what the scarf looks like when it has been recently blocked. So, you could block your scarf every couple of weeks, but maybe more practically, you could make your scarf with a simple stitch pattern whose tendency it is to lie flat, like garter stitch or seed stitch or rib (a 1 x 1 rib would look most like stockinette).
Please let us know if we can give you any more guidance. I hope you end up with something that you love!
Whitney
Thank you so much for this!!! I am putting together my Christmas list (Yes…in JULY no less lol!) And this was at the tip top for my Sister in Law, a good friend and Niece! I think Matching fringes for my Sister In Law and Niece would be adorable!
I was thinking.. perhaps using a clear nail polish would be another option for the sealing process? Just a thought.. maybe I'll try it myself and see how well it works. 🙂 You're an inspiration!
I just saw this scarf and love it!!! Would it help the curl if I added 2 purl stitches at the end or maybe just one purl stitch?
HI Margaret,
No, purl stitches on either side won't stop the curl. Stockinette stitch is a very powerful thing! If you don't like the curling, you should use a different stitch pattern, one that has the same number of knits and purls on each side. A 1 x 1 rib would be the choice that would most closely resemble stockinette stitch.
Please let us know if you have any more questions and good luck!
Whitney
https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/8321-Anzula-Mermaid in coco
I am using this for my scarf, but I am having a difficult time picking out a color for the knotting cord.
The color on the screen is a bit darker that my skein, and does not show the pale pinkish undertones of the dye.
Do you have any suggestions?
Hi Samara,
I'm sorry to take so long answering you! To get some eyes on the actual situation, I had to enlist the help of our retail team. Here's what they reported:
For a more fall, golden look we think that Champagne looks awesome. For a richer and sophisticated look, Dark Brown looks great. Pink would work and pick up the pinkish undertones and make it really sweet and springy. Those are our 3 best recommendations!
I hope this helps steer you in the right direction. Please let us know if you have more questions and thanks for this one!
Whitney
I notice many people having trouble with the curling of the stockinette knitted fabric, but couldn't a slipped stitch at the beginning and end of each row help with the curling a bit? Before I start this, I will wait for your reply, because I tend to knit tightly too. Also, did the nail polish end up sealing the ends of the fringe for one commenter?
Jessica
Thank you for the suggestions. I liked the brown as well, but since I have long dark brown hair, I thought it would just get lost in all the brown.
I ordered a dark grape color and also a cranberry to be able to see. I think the cranberry looks great, but I am going to wait till I have more of the scarf knit before I commit to the cord color. 🙂
HI Jessica,
No, a slip stitch at the beginning of the row will not stop the scarf from curling into a tube. Nothing will because that is the stubborn nature of stockinette stitch!
I don't know how the nail polish turned out for our other reader, but burning the ends turned out very nicely!
Thanks for your questions and please let us know if you have any others!
Whitney
Is the yarn color for this scarf surely Rustle? I ask b/c I just ordered the yarn in that colorway and it appears so much lighter than the pics online and more grey-tan. I like the darker grey in the scarf pics.
Thanks! TIna
Hi Tina,
I did definitely use the Rustle color. Since computer monitors can be pretty unreliable, you may prefer to have a pair of eyes on your color options. If so, give our shop a call at (212) 420-8796, and we'll be very happy to help you find exactly what you're looking for!
Please let us know if you have any other questions and thanks for this one!
Whitney
I notice that the very ends of your scarf don't curl. Which makes it very easy to put the knotting cord through! I'm just wondering how you stopped that from happening because mine is pretty well curled?
Hi Holly,
Try blocking your scarf before you add the fringe!
Thanks for asking and please let us know if you have any more questions!
Whitney
Hi,
Beautiful! One problem – the chinese knotting cord does not stay secure and I am constantly having to tug on the fringes to secure them in place. Is there an alternative way to secure the fringes?
Thanks,
Emma
Hi Emma,
Hmmm… Did you definitely use the thinner Knotting Cord, the 1mm instead of the 1.4mm? If so and you’re still experiencing this problem, maybe you’d have better luck tying each fringe in a square knot. It is Knotting Cord, after all!
I’m sorry you’ve had this frustration and I hope an actual knot solves the problem. Please let us know if you need more help and we’ll find a solution!
Whitney
I am planning to use the anzula mermaid and use a 1×1 rib so it stays flat. Since it won’t be curling, would you recommend casting on fewer stitches to get the same approximate width, and if so, how many?
Hi Sarah-
You will actually have to cast on more stitches since the ribbing pulls together. We would recommend that you do a gauge swatch in the ribbing pattern. Then from there you can measure how many stitches per inch you will be getting to determine how many to cast on.
Good luck with the project and please let us know if you have any more questions!
Molly
Love Love Love this scarf. Thank you for the beautiful pattern. Tried looking for the jade sapphire sylph yarn……but it looks like it has been discontinued? Can you please recommend a similar yarn?
Thank you so much!
PS I’ll be coming to NYC next month and look forward to visiting your store 😉
Hello Robyn!
The yarn is still available here: https://www.purlsoho.com/sylph.html
We’re so glad that you enjoy this elegant scarf! We’ll be so glad to see you in NYC as well! -Alyson
I LOVE all your patterns! I only wish I could download a PDF of the free ones right into my Ravelry account. Is there any way to do this? Thank you for sharing such beautiful patters!!
Hi Michelle!
Thank you so much for writing in and thank you for your kind words! Unfortunately, we don’t have a way to download a PDF of our free patterns to Ravelry accounts. You can definitely download a PDF to your computer, tablet and phone! 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. I hope that helps!
Best,
Kumeko
I love this scarf. What would be a good yarn substitute for this scarf?
Thanks for your help, much appreciated.
Hi Pam,
This pattern was designed for a fingering weight yarn, so another one of our fingering weight yarns would be a great choice! In particular, I think Cygnet or Quartz would be great options since they have a really good drape.
All the best,
Lili
Those are great choices Lili.
Thanks so much for your help,
I appreciate it. I love the colors of fringe on this yarn and cant wait to make one. Thanks again.