Lacy Baktus by Terhi Montonen. Photo © Terhi Montonen.
Lacy Baktus by Terhi Montonen is a beautifully simple triangular scarf that combines the easy-to-wear Baktus shape with delicate rows of eyelet lace.
Worked sideways in fingering-weight yarn, the scarf gradually grows wider and then narrows again, creating a long triangular shape that is easy to wrap around the neck.
Best of all, Lacy Baktus is still available as a free knitting pattern, making this classic design an excellent choice for using a beautiful skein of sock or fingering-weight yarn.
Lacy Baktus at a Glance
- Designer: Terhi Montonen
- Published: June 2009
- Craft: Knitting
- Category: Scarf
- Shape: Long triangular scarf
- Construction: Worked sideways and flat
- Yarn weight: Fingering
- Suggested yarn: Sterling Ridge Studio Super Squish Sock
- Suggested needle: US 2½ / 3.0 mm
- Techniques: Garter stitch, eyelets, increases and decreases
- Pattern format: Written
- Language: English
- Availability: Free
What Is a Baktus Scarf?
A Baktus is a long, narrow triangular scarf that is generally worked sideways rather than from the top down like many traditional triangular shawls.
The basic idea is wonderfully practical: begin at one narrow point, gradually increase until the scarf reaches its widest point, then decrease toward the opposite point.
The result is a scarf with long tapered ends that can be wrapped comfortably around the neck without the bulk of a large shawl.
A Lacy Variation of the Classic Baktus
Terhi Montonen's design is a lace variation of the original Baktus Scarf by Strikkelise.
The Lacy Baktus version was published with permission from Strikkelise and adds decorative eyelets to the familiar sideways triangular shape.
This small change gives the scarf a lighter and more decorative appearance while preserving the simple construction that made the original Baktus style so popular.
Sideways Scarf Construction
One of the most appealing features of Lacy Baktus is its sideways construction.
Instead of casting on the entire long edge of a triangular shawl, you begin with only a few stitches at one end.
Increases gradually make the scarf wider. After reaching the desired midpoint, corresponding decreases narrow the fabric toward the second point.
This construction creates the characteristic elongated triangle without requiring a huge cast-on.
Why Sideways Knitting Is Useful
Sideways construction has another practical advantage: it can make yarn management easier.
Because the scarf grows from one point toward the center, you can monitor how much yarn you are using as the project progresses.
For projects where you want to make efficient use of a special skein, this style of construction can be particularly attractive.
Simple Lace and Eyelets
Lacy Baktus gets its decorative character from rows of eyelets.
The lace does not turn the scarf into an extremely delicate formal shawl. Instead, the eyelets provide an open accent against the simple knitted fabric.
This makes the pattern a useful introduction for knitters who want to move beyond basic garter stitch and begin experimenting with simple lace.
Why Garter Stitch Works So Well
Garter stitch is particularly suitable for a scarf because it creates a reversible fabric that naturally lies relatively flat.
It also provides a strong textural contrast with the open eyelet rows.
For a long scarf that may twist and turn while being worn, having an attractive fabric on both sides is a practical advantage.
Fingering-Weight Yarn
The pattern is listed for fingering-weight yarn, making it a natural project for sock yarn and other lightweight yarns.
The suggested yarn is Sterling Ridge Studio Super Squish Sock, a 100% Merino fingering-weight yarn with approximately 440 yards per 100 grams.
You do not necessarily need to use the original yarn. A suitable fingering-weight substitute can give the scarf its own character.
A Great Project for Beautiful Sock Yarn
Lacy Baktus can be especially appealing when you have a skein of sock yarn that is too beautiful to hide inside shoes.
Hand-dyed, tonal and gently variegated yarns can all work well in a simple scarf because the uncomplicated construction gives the yarn room to become part of the design.
If your yarn has very dramatic color changes, consider how they will interact with the eyelet sections before starting.
Choosing a Yarn Substitute
When substituting yarn, begin with the recommended fingering weight, but do not rely on the yarn label alone.
Also consider:
- Yardage available
- Fiber content
- Drape
- Stitch definition
- Softness against the neck
- How the colors behave in garter stitch
Since a scarf is worn directly against the neck, softness can be just as important as appearance.
Needle Size
The listed needle size is approximately US 2½ / 3.0 mm.
Treat this as a starting point rather than an absolute rule. Your own knitting tension and yarn substitution can affect the fabric you produce.
For a scarf, you generally want a fabric with enough flexibility to wrap comfortably rather than one that feels overly stiff.
Is Lacy Baktus Beginner Friendly?
Lacy Baktus can be a very approachable first lace project for a knitter who already knows the basic knit stitch and is ready to learn simple shaping and eyelets.
The construction is considerably less intimidating than many elaborate lace shawls because the overall scarf shape remains straightforward.
The main challenge is keeping the increases, decreases and eyelet placement consistent as the scarf changes width.
Skills to Know Before Starting
It helps to be comfortable with:
- Casting on
- Knit stitches
- Garter stitch
- Basic increases
- Basic decreases
- Yarn overs for eyelets
- Counting rows
- Binding off
If yarn overs are new to you, practice a few on a small swatch before starting the scarf.
Keep Track of Your Rows
Consistent shaping is important in a sideways triangular scarf.
A row counter, removable marker or simple note on paper can help you keep track of when increases, decreases and eyelet rows should occur.
This is especially useful once the knitting becomes relaxing and it is easy to lose track of where you are in the repeat.
Watch the Midpoint
The midpoint is an important stage in any Baktus-style scarf because this is where the project changes from becoming wider to becoming narrower.
Before beginning the decreasing half, make sure you are satisfied with the size and have enough yarn to complete the second half.
Following the original pattern carefully will help preserve the intended proportions.
Using Variegated Yarn
Variegated sock yarn can create striking effects in a sideways scarf.
Because the rows become progressively longer and then shorter, the way colors pool and stripe may change across the scarf.
That variation can become part of the charm of the finished project, particularly with hand-dyed yarn.
Solid and Tonal Yarn
Solid and tonal yarns are excellent choices when you want the lace eyelets to remain especially visible.
Without strong color changes competing for attention, the simple geometry of the scarf and the open lace details can become the main visual features.
Blocking Lacy Baktus
Blocking can help the finished scarf settle into its triangular shape and make the eyelet details more visible.
The amount of blocking required depends on the yarn fiber. Wool and other animal fibers often respond particularly well, while other fibers may require different treatment.
Always follow the care instructions for your chosen yarn.
How to Wear a Lacy Baktus Scarf
The elongated triangular shape offers several styling options.
- Wrap the long ends around the neck like a traditional scarf.
- Wear the triangular point toward the front.
- Drape the scarf loosely over the shoulders.
- Tie the tapered ends for a closer fit.
- Layer it over a sweater or simple top.
Because it is narrower than many full-sized triangular shawls, it can be particularly convenient for everyday wear.
A Classic Free Knitting Pattern
Lacy Baktus was published in 2009 and has remained popular with knitters for many years.
Thousands of projects have been associated with the design, showing how effectively a simple construction can be transformed through different yarns and color choices.
It is a good reminder that an enjoyable knitting pattern does not need complicated construction to produce an attractive finished accessory.
Get the Free Lacy Baktus Pattern
Lacy Baktus by Terhi Montonen is currently listed as a free knitting pattern.
The pattern is written in English and the current Ravelry record provides access to the designer's original pattern information.
Get the Free Lacy Baktus Pattern →
Lacy Baktus is designed by Terhi Montonen and is a lacy variation of the Baktus Scarf by Strikkelise, published with permission. Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the copyrighted pattern instructions. Pattern availability is controlled by the designer or current pattern host.
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