Several eons ago Joelle designed her Lovely Leaf Lace Scarf, still one of the most popular projects from our archives. It struck me then and it strikes me today as a beautiful and modern use of knitted lace.

Lovely Leaf Lace Scarf in Lanecardate Feltro | Purl Soho

This new version follows the same basic pattern as the original, but this time we used Purl Soho’s Lanecardate Feltro, a thoroughly sumptuous wool-angora blend. And at a big 2 1/2 stitches to the inch, the lace pattern is oversized and fresh, the scarf is warm and toasty, and the knitting is fun and quick!

Lovely Leaf Lace Scarf in Lanecardate Feltro | Purl Soho

All these years later, our Lovely Leaf Lace Scarf still resonates with originality and beauty. In bold Lanecardate Feltro, it’s a true classic! -Whitney

Lovely Leaf Lace Scarf in Lanecardate Feltro | Purl Soho

Originally designed by Purl Soho founder and co-owner, Joelle Hoverson, updated by Purl Soho designer Whitney Van Nes.

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

Lovely Leaf Lace Scarf in Lanecardate Feltro | Purl Soho

  • 4 skeins of Purl Soho’s Lanecardate Feltro, 75% superfine wool, 25% Caregora angora. Each skein is 98 yards/ 100 grams; approximately 360 yards required. This color is Very Light Gray (Amur). (NOTE: We no longer offer Lanecardate Feltro, but choose from one of our other super bulky weight yarns.)
  • US 15 (10mm) straight or circular knitting needles
  • A spare knitting needle, US 15 or smaller

Gauge

10 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (unblocked)

Size

12½ inches wide x 70 inches long (unblocked)

12 inches wide x 80 inches long (blocked)

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. Two stitches are decreased. The original Lovely Leaf Lace Scarf pattern includes step-by-step photos that show how to work this technique.

Pattern

Cast on 31 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 three times more. The piece should measure approximately 18 inches at this point.

Next Row (wrong side): Purl.

Next Row (right side): Knit.

Repeat last two rows until you have used two whole skeins of Feltro, or for approximately 17 inches.

Place these 31 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. (Because this yarn is heavier than the original yarn we used and the knitting is a bit looser, you shouldn’t expect this version to be quite as textural, but it does have quite a bit of body!)

Lovely Leaf Lace Scarf in Lanecardate Feltro | Purl Soho