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Botanical Lace Wrap in Cattail Silk
Our free Botanical Lace Wrap pattern celebrates the enduring fascination of knitting lace… How a few simple stitches can blossom into a soft cascade of petals and curling leaves. This timeless lace design absolutely glows in our Cattail Silk, a yarn with earthy elegance, captivating texture, and rich depth in every color.
Adapted from Barbara Walker’s Treasury of Knitting Patterns, this historic lace motif is known as Frost Flowers… And it’s far simpler than it looks! Yarn overs and basic decreases grow into an airy, organic design that looks both delicate and alive. It’s the kind of pattern that feels like watching something bloom beneath your hands, rewarding a bit of effort with breathtaking beauty.
We chose Cattail Silk for its beautiful balance between rustic charm and refined grace. Spun and dyed in Japan from 100% mulberry silk noil, this fingering-weight yarn is flecked with tiny bursts of color and textured nubs that catch the light in unexpected ways. A relaxed drape and clear stitch definition perfectly complement this intricate stitch pattern.
Cattail Silk’s palette is rooted in tradition, a bouquet of 20 hues inspired by centuries-old Japanese color names, including this silvery Patina Blue. With over 600 yards per skein, you’ll need just one to make a delicate scarf or two for this generous wrap!
The most beautiful gardens take time to grow, and the Botanical Lace Wrap is no different. Though you won’t exactly whip this one up, each stitch brings you closer to a work of handmade beauty that you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
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!
Originally designed by Purl Soho designer, Jake Canton. Click here to see even more of Jake’s designs!
Story written by Andrea Lotz for Purl Soho.
Want to print this pattern? On desktop, find the “print” icon in the right margin, and on mobile, scroll to the end of the pattern for it. Use the on-screen instructions to remove anything you don’t want to print!
Materials
- 1 (2) skein(s) of Purl Soho’s Cattail Silk, 100% mulberry silk yarn. Each skein of this fingering-weight yarn is approximately 618 yards/ 100 grams; approximately 618 (1,236) total yards required. We used the color Patina Blue.
- US 2 (3 mm), straight or 24-inch circular knitting needles
GAUGE
30 stitches and 32 rows = 4 inches in stitch pattern
SIZES
Scarf (Wrap)
Finished Dimensions: 9¼ (18½) inches wide x 72 inches long
SAMPLE: We knit the Wrap size.
NOTES
STITCH MULTIPLE
This stitch pattern works over a multiple of 34 + 2 stitches.
NOTE: If you cast on 36 stitches for your swatch and work the 24-row repeat twice, your swatch should measure 4¾ inches wide x 6 inches tall.
PATTERN
Using a basic Long Tail Cast On, cast on 70 (138) stitches.
Set-Up Row (wrong side): K1, purl to last stitch, k1.
Now follow either the Written Instructions or Pattern Chart below…
BOTANICAL LACE PATTERN: WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS
Row 1 (right side): K1, *k3, knit 2 together (k2tog), k4, yarn over (yo), p2, [k2, yo, slip slip knit (ssk)] 3 times, p2, yo, k4, ssk, k3, repeat from * to last stitch, k1.
Row 2 (wrong side): K1, *p2, purl 2 together through back loop (p2tog tbl), p4, yo, p1, k2, [p2, yo, purl 2 together (p2tog)] 3 times, k2, p1, yo, p4, p2tog, p2, repeat from * to last stitch, k1.
Row 3: K1, *k1, k2tog, k4, yo, k2, p2, [k2, yo, ssk] 3 times, p2, k2, yo, k4, ssk, k1, repeat from * to last stitch, k1.
Row 4: K1, *p2tog tbl, p4, yo, p3, k2, [p2, yo, p2tog] 3 times, k2, p3, yo, p4, p2tog, repeat from * to last stitch, k1.
Rows 5-12: Repeat Rows 1-4 two more times.
Row 13: K1, *yo, ssk, k2, yo, ssk, p2, yo, k4, ssk, k6, k2tog, k4, yo, p2, k2, yo, ssk, k2, repeat from * to last stitch, k1.
Row 14: K1, *yo, p2tog, p2, yo, p2tog, k2, p1, yo, p4, p2tog, p4, p2tog tbl, p4, yo, p1, k2, p2, yo, p2tog, p2, repeat from * to last stitch, k1.
Row 15: K1, *yo, ssk, k2, yo, ssk, p2, k2, yo, k4, ssk, k2, k2tog, k4, yo, k2, p2, k2, yo, ssk, k2, repeat from * to last stitch, k1.
Row 16: K1, *yo, p2tog, p2, yo, p2tog, k2, p3, yo, p4, p2tog, p2tog tbl, p4, yo, p3, k2, p2, yo, p2tog, p2, repeat from * to last stitch k1.
Rows 17-24: Repeat Rows 13-16 two more times.
Repeat Rows 1-24 until piece measures approximately 72 inches long.
Go on to Finishing section below.
BOTANICAL LACE PATTERN: PATTERN CHART
NOTE: New to reading charts? Unravel the mysteries with our Reading A Chart Tutorial!
Begin this chart in the bottom right corner. Right-side rows are odd numbered and read right to left. Wrong-side rows are even numbered and read left to right. Work your way up the chart to the top line.
Repeat Rows 1-24 until piece measures approximately 72 inches long.
KEY
CHART
NOTE: Want to see it bigger? Download this chart (and key) as a PDF!
FINISHING
With right side facing you, loosely bind off knitwise.
Weave in all ends and gently wet block.
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho. We can’t wait to see what you make!
LEARN ABOUT CATTAIL SILK + ALL OUR BEAUTIFUL YARNS
We used Cattail Silk for this pattern because its earthy, natural beauty brings a light drape and offhanded elegance to your knitting. A 100% mulberry silk yarn, Cattail Silk has a rustic spin with bitty nubs and very subtle variations in texture. Choose from a lovely bouquet of colors, and cast on with this fingering-weight yarn for a truly compelling knit!
More Knitting Patterns
- Be sure to explore our vast collection of (mostly free!) Cattail Silk knitting patterns and cast on!
More Fingering-Weight Yarns
- Shop our entire collection of fingering-weight yarns (What does fingering-weight yarn mean, really? Our guide to fingering-weight yarn will answer your questions and more!)
- If you want to use a different yarn, be sure to take the time to get the correct gauge. Need help? Check our All About Gauge Tutorial and our Yarn Substitution article for lots of helpful information.
More Yarns With Similar Fibers
- Shop silk yarn
Looking for more inspiration? Explore all of our knitting patterns (including tons of 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!
J’adore les patrons PURL Soho simple élégant
Bit confused by your needle size suggestion; all my needle gauge things say that a US2 is a 2.75mm, not 3.0mm?? should I therefore use a 2.75?
Hi Lalla,
Thanks for writing in! We used 3mm needles for this pattern. The metric sizes we indicate in our patterns might differ from what you’re used to since different needle companies sometimes assign the millimeter measurements to different US sizes. These inconsistencies, while frustrating, are very common when comparing needles, so when in doubt, rely on metric sizes…they’re standardized! And as long as you find needles with which you can achieve the correct gauge, those will work for the pattern!
Happy knitting,
Gavriella
Would this pattern work well in your Santolina? How many skeins would be needed?
Hi Mobi,
You could definitely use Santolina for this pattern! You would need 2 skeins for the scarf and 4 skeins for the wrap!
Happy knitting!
Gavriella
Good morning. I have done yarn overs in knit patterns before. If ever I need help with a pattern, may I get assistance from you, and what is the timeline in obtaining help?
Hi Gloria!
We are here to help every step of the way and we know you can do it! You can check out our full list of knitting help options to see which works best for you!
All the best,
Gavriella
Hello Purl Soho!
I have a small question. Can I use cotton pure for this pattern?
Thank-you very much!
Sincerely, Annie
Hi Annie,
You can totally use Cotton Pure for this pattern! Cotton Pure is a sport weight yarn though, so it’s thicker than Cattail Silk, and you’ll need to cast on fewer stitches so that the wrap doesn’t come out too wide.
To figure out your new 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 34 + 2 stitches. Then you can follow the pattern as written!
All the best,
Lili
Hi Purl Soho!
Thanks for the reply! I will do that!
Sincerely, Annie
Hi! I bought 1 skein for this pattern, and originally was going to make the scarf, however, am thinking of ordering the second skein, not sure which style to make. Is the wrap doable with one skein, perhaps making it a little shorter? Which is the more popular style? I am thinking the wrap is a little more versatile?? Your thoughts!
Hi Marilyn,
Thanks for writing in! I’m afraid that the Scarf size requires the entire skein, so you won’t be able to make a larger wrap with just one skein. The Scarf size is plenty long though (72 inches!), so you could redistribute the length and width to make a shorter and wider garment. Some possible options would be: 11 x 60.5 inches, 12 x 55.5 inches, 13 x 51.25 inches.
We’ve seen lots of knitters make both versions (as well as make some completely different sizes), so I wouldn’t say one is more popular than the other! But perhaps the Scarf size is actually a bit more versatile since it’s less bulky, but you can also wrap it around your neck many times, adding more fabric if you want that.
All the best,
Lili
This is so pretty- I’d love to make this some day! Curious which other yarns you could use. Of your fingering weights, which would you recommend?
Hi Natalie,
Glad you like this pattern so much! Of our fingering weight yarns, I think this pattern would look great in Linen Quill, Quartz, and Nigh Fine (which leans towards lace weight)!
All the best,
Lili
I purchased 1 skein of this Cattail Silk in the Midori Green, and want to know if the wrap could be done in one skein, obviously shorter? I was originally going for the scarf, but am thinking now of the wrap. I assume the wrap would be practical in a warmer climate? I can’t decide which way to go with this!!
Also I am tight knitter, so would a size 3 need be the size I would most likely need? Your thoughts.
Thanks.
Hi Marilyn,
It looks like I replied to an earlier comment of yours, so I want to make sure you’ve seen that! Here’s what I wrote previously:
Thanks for writing in! I’m afraid that the Scarf size requires the entire skein, so you won’t be able to make a larger wrap with just one skein. The Scarf size is plenty long though (72 inches!), so you could redistribute the length and width to make a shorter and wider garment. Some possible options would be: 11 x 60.5 inches, 12 x 55.5 inches, 13 x 51.25 inches.
We’ve seen lots of knitters make both versions (as well as make some completely different sizes), so I wouldn’t say one is more popular than the other! But perhaps the Scarf size is actually a bit more versatile since it’s less bulky, but you can also wrap it around your neck many times, adding more fabric if you want that.
In answer to your question about needle size, you may need to go down a size if you tend to knit tightly! The very best way to figure out what needle size to use is to knit up a gauge swatch. That way you can determine exactly what needle size will allow you to achieve the gauge of the pattern!
Al the best,
Lili
Hi again! If I used the 13×51.25 size, how may stitches would I cast on? I am not really good at adjusting sizes. I am thinking perhaps adding the 36 stitches to the original 70 as per the scarf instructions, would I get the dimensions as noted above doing this? I don’t think that I would want a wrap to be as long as the pattern states anyway. Maybe I should just get the other skein and go with it!!!! Thanks for any advice.
Hi Marilyn,
The best way to get a 13-inch width will actually be to adjust your gauge a little bit. That’s because this stitch has a large stitch multiple (34 + 2 stitches), so the width can be a bit tricky to modify. Since you mentioned previously that you knit on the tighter side, I’d recommend aiming for a gauge of 32 stitches = 4 inches. Then you can cast on 104 stitches (which works perfectly with the stitch multiple) and end up with a wrap that measures 13 inches in width!
All the best,
Lili
Will every row have 70 stitches (scarf)? If not, I’m in trouble here! lol
Hi Dana,
Thank you for asking. That is correct that you will start and end with the same stitch count throughout the pattern. Each increase will always be paired with a decrease throughout the pattern to keep the stitch count at 70 stitches. We’d always be happy to go over this together in one of our free 1-on-1 zoom sessions if you ever feel you need a little help along the way!
All the best,
Gavriella
May I ask, is Cattail Silk an S or Z twist, and how many plies does it have?
Hi Sally,
Thank you for asking! Cattail Silk has an S twist with a total of 3 plies! Please let us know if there is anything else we can answer for you.
Warmly,
Gavriella
Hi from Italy,
I purchased 2 skeins of Cattail Silk as I want to knit the wrap version, I really love how the model is wearing it. However, I’d like to be sure that the version photographed on the website actually has 138 stitches for the wrap version. I’am using 3mm needles as suggested, but the wrap shown on the website looks wider then mine, also comparing the leafs motifs.
Would you please confirm? Thank you.
Hi Daniela,
That is a great question! For our sample shown here, we knit the wrap size beginning with 138 stitches. One thing to keep in mind is that since this is a lace pattern, you won’t get an idea of the full width until you fully block your project. To be safe, we always recommend making a gauge swatch to ensure you are able to match the same tension as the pattern. I hope this helps but please don’t hesitate to let us know if you have any other questions!
All the best,
Gavriella
Hi
Could this be knit in your spun silk? I purchased it quite a while ago, and have been looking for a good pattern
Hi Elizabeth,
I’m afraid Spun Silk would be a bit too thick for this project but I’d recommend checking out our wonderful Sport-weight yarn projects for some great pattern ideas. I’d suggest the Laurel Wrap as a wonderful option!
All the best,
Gavriella
Hi,
I’d like to make this in a super soft yarn for my daughter’s wedding. Wondering if the Nigh Fine or Cygnet would work better with this pattern, or other suggestions? Is the nigh fine too fine?
Hi Mary,
That sounds like a beautiful idea! I’m afraid Nigh Fine might be a bit too thing so I’d recommend going with Cygnet!
Happy knitting,
Gavriella
I am making the shawl pattern on the Botanical lace wrap I am having trouble with the pattern and matching the number of stitches the pattern requires. After several tries I always end up with extra stitches? Can you tell me what I might be doing wrong? Is the pattern correct because it calls for 138 cast on but the shawl requires a repeat of the pattern of 70 stitches and 138/70 is not an even number.
Hi Deborah!
Thank you for writing in! This stitch pattern actually works over a multiple of 34 stitches + 2. So with a cast on of 138 stitches, you’ll have 4 full repeats (34 x 4 = 136) plus 2 edge stitches, which is exactly what the pattern calls for.
If you’re ending up with extra stitches, it’s usually from an accidental yarn over or a missed decrease. I’d suggest placing stitch markers every 34 stitches to clearly separate each repeat. That way, if something goes off, you’ll know exactly where it happened. If you’re still having trouble, you can always email us at [email protected] and we’ll get you back on track!
Warmly,
Megan
I am thinking of doing this in Cotton Pure. Will you be getting any more of the “Blue Gale” or “Waterdrop Blue” in stock? Also, how many skeins should I order to make the wrap? Should I make my (hopefully initial gauge with size 2 needle or larger? Many thanks!
Hi Jane!
Thank you for writing in! We’re expecting Cotton Pure to be restocked by the end of April. I’d recommend signing up for restock notifications on the Cotton Pure product page so you’ll be alerted as soon as Blue Gale or Waterdrop Blue are back in stock.
For yardage, since Cattail Silk has 618 yards per skein and Cotton Pure has 279 yards per skein, you’ll need about 3 skeins for the Scarf size or 5 skeins for the Wrap size.
For gauge, you’re on the right track to start with the needle size listed in the pattern, then adjust up or down as needed to get gauge. Once you’re there, you’ll be good to go!
Happy knitting!
Megan