Little Leaf Lace Scarf - Free Pattern

Photo above © bunnyknitter

Little Leaf Lace Scarf by Sivia Harding is a graceful, beginner-friendly lace scarf built around a repeating leaf motif.

The design is light enough to show the lace clearly, yet simple enough to make a practical introduction to yarn overs, decreases and basic lace-pattern rhythm.

Its narrow rectangular shape keeps the construction straightforward, so most of your attention can stay on the decorative stitches rather than shaping or garment assembly.

Best of all, the original Little Leaf Lace Scarf pattern is still officially available as a free Ravelry download.

✓ Free Pattern Availability

Little Leaf Lace Scarf by Sivia Harding is currently listed as a free Ravelry download. The designer's Ravelry store also continues to identify the pattern as free.

Little Leaf Lace Scarf at a Glance

Pattern: Little Leaf Lace Scarf

Designer: Sivia Harding

First Published: January 2004

Historical Publication: Knitting Calendar 2005

Category: Lace scarf

Yarn Weight: Fingering or laceweight

Yardage: Approx. 200 yd / 183 m

Needles: US 5 / 3.75 mm

Gauge: 20 sts × 28 rows = 4 in / 10 cm in blocked lace pattern

Finished Size: Approx. 10.5 × 41 in

Construction: One-piece rectangular scarf worked flat

Skill Focus: Beginner lace knitting

Availability: Free Ravelry download

About the Little Leaf Lace Scarf

Little Leaf Lace Scarf is a classic small lace project in which the stitch pattern provides almost all of the visual interest.

Repeating leaf shapes travel along the scarf, creating an elegant botanical texture without requiring complicated garment construction.

Sivia Harding describes the design as an easy lace project suitable for knitters beginning to explore lace.

A Good Beginner Lace Project

Large lace shawls can feel intimidating when you are still learning how yarn overs and decreases work together.

A narrow scarf gives you a much smaller number of stitches to manage, making it easier to understand the relationship between the individual lace stitches and the finished motif.

Once the repeat becomes familiar, the project can develop a comfortable rhythm.

The Leaf Motif

The main visual feature is a repeating openwork leaf.

Yarn overs create the decorative holes, while paired decreases shape the sides of the leaf and keep the overall stitch count under control.

The result is a recognizable botanical motif created entirely through changes in the knitted fabric rather than colorwork or embroidery.

Why Leaves Work So Well in Lace

Leaf motifs are especially well suited to knitted lace because increases can widen the leaf while decreases gradually narrow it again.

This creates a natural-looking shape using the same basic techniques found in many larger shawls and lace garments.

Learning a small leaf pattern can therefore prepare you for more complex lace projects later.

Original Finished Size

The published finished dimensions are approximately:

10.5 inches wide × 41 inches long

This makes Little Leaf a relatively compact scarf rather than an oversized wrap.

The length is enough to show the repeating leaf pattern clearly while keeping the total yarn requirement modest.

Only About 200 Yards of Yarn

The original pattern calls for approximately:

200 yards / 183 meters

That modest yardage makes this a useful project for a special skein of fingering or laceweight yarn that may not be large enough for a full shawl.

Fingering or Laceweight Yarn

The pattern record recommends fingering or laceweight yarn.

These lighter yarns allow the openwork to remain delicate and keep the finished scarf flexible.

The exact appearance can change considerably depending on fiber content and yarn structure.

Needles and Gauge

The listed needle size is:

US 5 / 3.75 mm

The published blocked gauge is:

20 stitches × 28 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm

This gauge is measured over the lace pattern after blocking.

Why Gauge Still Matters on a Scarf

A scarf does not need the same precision of fit as a sweater, but gauge still affects the finished width, length, drape and yarn usage.

A much looser gauge may make the scarf wider and use more yarn, while a tighter gauge can make the lace look compressed.

A small swatch is useful for checking whether the fabric opens attractively after blocking.

Worked Flat in One Piece

Little Leaf Lace Scarf is a straightforward rectangular accessory worked back and forth in rows.

There are no sleeves, armholes or garment seams to manage.

That simplicity makes it easier to focus on learning the lace motif and maintaining consistent tension.

A Garter-Stitch Border Frames the Lace

The lace panel is framed by simple garter-stitch edging.

This creates a neat visual boundary between the open center and the outer edge of the scarf.

It also gives the knitter a few predictable stitches at the beginning and end of each row.

Skills You May Practice

• Working yarn overs
• Knit-two-together decreases
• Left-leaning decreases
• Centered decreases
• Maintaining a lace repeat
• Working a garter-stitch border
• Reading your knitting
• Blocking lace

Count Your Stitches

A missing yarn over or decrease can disturb the shape of the leaf and alter the total stitch count.

Check your stitch count periodically, especially while you are still learning the repeat.

Catching an error after one row is much easier than discovering it several repeats later.

Learn to Recognize the Leaves

Try not to rely only on the written instructions.

Watch how the yarn-over holes and decreases line up from one row to the next.

As the motif becomes familiar, you may start noticing mistakes visually before they cause a larger problem.

Use a Lifeline If You Are New to Lace

After completing a repeat that you know is correct, thread a smooth contrasting strand through the live stitches.

If you later need to unravel several rows, the lifeline provides a safe place to stop.

This can make learning lace much less stressful.

Blocking Reveals the Pattern

Like most knitted lace, Little Leaf may look compressed while it is still on the needles.

Appropriate blocking opens the yarn-over holes, straightens the scarf and makes the leaf shapes more visible.

Always use a blocking method appropriate for your yarn's fiber content.

Choosing a Yarn Substitute

The pattern does not depend on one specific yarn brand.

When choosing a substitute, look for a fingering or laceweight yarn that gives you an attractive open fabric at the required gauge.

Consider:

• Yardage
• Fiber content
• Drape
• Stitch definition
• Halo
• How the yarn behaves after blocking

Solid Colors Show the Leaves Clearly

A solid or gently tonal yarn is particularly effective when you want the leaf shapes to remain the main visual feature.

Strongly variegated yarn can also be attractive, but dramatic color changes may compete with a small lace motif.

Swatching is the best way to see how your chosen yarn interacts with the pattern.

A Good One-Skein Gift Project

With a published requirement of only about 200 yards, Little Leaf Lace Scarf can be an appealing gift project.

The rectangular shape avoids complicated sizing, and the botanical lace adds considerably more visual interest than plain stockinette.

It can also be a useful way to turn a small quantity of special yarn into a finished accessory.

Is Little Leaf Lace Scarf Still Free?

Yes.

Little Leaf Lace Scarf by Sivia Harding is currently listed as a free Ravelry download.

The designer's current Ravelry store also continues to identify Little Leaf Lace Scarf as a free pattern.

Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the designer's complete copyrighted row-by-row pattern. Use the authorized source below for the full instructions.

Get the Free Little Leaf Lace Scarf Pattern

Visit the current Ravelry pattern record:

Get the Free Little Leaf Lace Scarf Pattern →

More Free Lace Scarf Patterns

If you enjoy Little Leaf Lace Scarf, continue with these patterns already restored in the Amazing Knitting archive:

• Lamina Lace Scarf - Free Knitting Pattern
• Morning Surf Scarf - Free Knitting Pattern
• Seascape Stole - Free Knitting Pattern
• June Bunnies Shawl - Free Knitting Pattern

Explore More Lace Knitting

• Free Lace Scarf Knitting Patterns
• Beginner Lace Knitting Projects
• Leaf Lace Knitting Patterns
• Free Scarf Knitting Patterns

Before You Cast On

Choose a fingering or laceweight yarn that shows the leaf motif clearly, and make sure you have approximately 200 yards available.

Check your blocked fabric, count stitches regularly while learning the repeat, and consider adding a lifeline after successful sections.

For knitters moving from basic knitting into lace, Little Leaf Lace Scarf offers a very useful combination: a small amount of yarn, uncomplicated rectangular construction and a beautiful motif that teaches techniques used in much larger lace projects.

Pattern credit: Little Leaf Lace Scarf was designed by Sivia Harding and first published in 2004, later appearing in Knitting Calendar 2005. The existing project photograph on this Amazing Knitting page is credited to bunnyknitter. Amazing Knitting provides an independent project guide and does not reproduce the designer's complete copyrighted knitting instructions.

Best Friend Lace Scarf by Krista Werbil - Pattern Guide

Photo above © Krista

Best Friend Lace Scarf by Krista Werbil is an elegant, lightweight scarf built around a delicate repeating lace motif.

Its long, narrow proportions make the lace the main attraction, while the fingering-weight yarn creates a fabric that can be wrapped, draped or worn loosely without the bulk of a heavier winter scarf.

If this beautiful scarf brought you here, this guide will help you identify the original design, understand its yarn, size and construction, and find out what happened to the original pattern.

The original digital pattern is no longer available from its former source, but you still have options. We have included verified free lace patterns later in this guide that you can knit today.

Pattern Availability

Best Friend Lace Scarf is currently discontinued. The Ravelry pattern record states that the digital pattern is no longer available online, and its original source, the knitting buzz, is listed as out of print. Amazing Knitting therefore does not link to unofficial copies or reproduce the designer's complete instructions.

Best Friend Lace Scarf at a Glance

Pattern: Best Friend Lace Scarf

Designer: Krista Werbil

Original Source: the knitting buzz

Published: November 2011

Category: Lace scarf

Yarn Weight: Fingering / 4 ply

Yardage: Approx. 440 yd / 402 m

Needles: US 6 / 4 mm

Finished Size: Approx. 7 × 86 in, or desired length

Construction: One piece, rectangular, worked flat

Instructions: Written

Current Status: Discontinued

About the Best Friend Lace Scarf

Best Friend Lace Scarf is a classic example of how a relatively simple rectangular accessory can become visually striking through stitch pattern alone.

Instead of relying on cables, colorwork or elaborate garment shaping, the design uses open lace to create movement across a long, narrow scarf.

That makes the yarn and stitch definition particularly important to the final appearance.

A Long, Elegant Lace Scarf

The published finished dimensions are approximately:

7 inches wide × 86 inches long

The pattern also allows the scarf to be worked to the desired length.

Those proportions produce a noticeably long and narrow accessory rather than a wide rectangular wrap.

Why the Length Works So Well

An 86-inch scarf gives you considerable flexibility in how it can be worn.

It can be wrapped more than once around the neck, tied loosely, or left hanging so the lace pattern remains visible along most of its length.

If you are working from a legally obtained copy and decide to change the length, remember that the amount of yarn required will change too.

Fingering-Weight Yarn

The original pattern is listed for fingering / 4-ply yarn.

Fine yarn is a natural match for this type of scarf because it allows the openwork to remain light and flexible.

A much heavier yarn would produce a substantially different fabric and could change both the width and the appearance of the lace.

How Much Yarn?

The published requirement is approximately:

440 yards / 402 meters

If you already own the original pattern, use this as a starting point and allow extra yarn if you plan to lengthen the scarf.

Needle Size

The published needle size is:

US 6 / 4 mm

Lace is often worked on needles that create a more open fabric than you might expect for the yarn weight.

The important goal is not simply matching a needle number, but producing an attractive lace fabric with comfortable drape.

Worked Flat in One Piece

Best Friend Lace Scarf is constructed as a one-piece rectangle worked flat.

This means there is no garment assembly and no complicated sleeve or neckline shaping to manage.

The challenge comes instead from maintaining the lace pattern accurately over a long project.

Why Lace Scarves Are Great Skill Builders

A rectangular scarf gives you an opportunity to concentrate on stitch technique without also worrying about garment fit.

Depending on the original lace repeat, skills commonly useful for this style of project include:

• Working yarn overs
• Making decreases
• Recognizing lace stitches
• Maintaining an accurate stitch count
• Reading written instructions
• Keeping even tension
• Blocking lace

Count Your Stitches Regularly

Lace usually relies on increases and decreases balancing one another.

Missing a yarn over or decrease may change the stitch count and cause the motif to shift.

Checking your stitch count regularly is much easier than discovering a mistake many rows later.

Learn to Read the Lace

One of the most useful skills you can develop is recognizing what the previous row is doing rather than relying only on the written instructions.

Look for the positions of yarn-over holes and decrease columns.

Once the motif becomes visually familiar, misplaced stitches are often easier to notice before they affect several rows.

Use a Lifeline

A lifeline can make a long lace project much less stressful.

After completing a repeat that you know is correct, thread a smooth contrasting strand through the live stitches.

If you later need to unravel your knitting, the lifeline provides a safe row where you can stop and recover the stitches.

Choosing a Substitute Yarn

If you already legally own the original Best Friend Lace Scarf pattern but need a different yarn, start by looking for a suitable fingering-weight substitute.

Consider:

• Yardage per skein
• Fiber content
• Stitch definition
• Drape
• Elasticity
• Behavior after blocking

The yarn does not need to be identical to the original to produce a beautiful scarf, but changing fiber characteristics can noticeably alter the finished lace.

Solid Colors Show the Lace Clearly

A solid or gently tonal yarn is often an excellent choice for a lace scarf because the stitch pattern remains easy to see.

Strongly variegated yarn can also be attractive, but rapid color changes may compete visually with a delicate lace motif.

Swatching is the easiest way to see whether your yarn and lace pattern complement each other.

Blocking Makes a Big Difference

Lace can look compressed or uneven while it is still on the needles.

Appropriate blocking helps open the yarn-over holes, straighten the edges and reveal the intended pattern.

Always use a blocking method suitable for the fiber in your chosen yarn.

Why a Scarf Makes a Thoughtful Gift

The name Best Friend Lace Scarf naturally makes this design appealing as a handmade gift.

A scarf does not require the precise body measurements of a sweater, and the long rectangular shape makes it practical to wear in several different ways.

Choosing a yarn color that suits the recipient can make a simple accessory especially personal.

What Happened to the Original Pattern?

Best Friend Lace Scarf was originally published through the knitting buzz in November 2011.

Older knitting directories may still describe it as a free pattern because that was its historical availability.

The current Ravelry record, however, marks the source as out of print and states that the digital pattern is no longer available online.

Amazing Knitting therefore no longer describes this as a currently available free pattern.

Why We Don't Reproduce the Old Instructions

A discontinued pattern does not automatically become free to copy or redistribute.

The design remains attributed to Krista Werbil, and old copies appearing elsewhere on the web do not necessarily have permission to distribute her complete instructions.

Amazing Knitting therefore provides this independent project guide instead of reconstructing or republishing the original lace pattern.

Already Have the Pattern?

If you previously downloaded or otherwise legally obtained the original Best Friend Lace Scarf pattern, you can continue using your copy. Keep the original instructions safely stored because replacing the discontinued digital pattern may now be difficult.

View the Historical Pattern Record

Ravelry still maintains the Best Friend Lace Scarf record, which is useful for confirming the designer, original specifications and browsing completed projects.

View Best Friend Lace Scarf on Ravelry →

Love This Scarf? Try These Free Lace Patterns

The original Best Friend Lace Scarf may no longer be downloadable, but you can still start a beautiful lace project today.

These free patterns have already been verified in the Amazing Knitting archive:

• Lamina Lace Scarf - Free Knitting Pattern — an elegant free lace scarf originally published by Knitty.
• Morning Surf Scarf - Free Knitting Pattern — a lightweight openwork scarf with a flowing texture.
• Seascape Stole - Free Knitting Pattern — Kieran Foley's beautiful free lace stole.
• Begonia Swirl - Free Lace Shawl Pattern — a larger lace project if you want to move from scarves into shawls.

Explore More Free Scarf Patterns

• Free Lace Scarf Knitting Patterns
• Free Scarf Knitting Patterns
• Lace Knitting Projects
• Free Shawl Knitting Patterns

Can You Still Get Best Friend Lace Scarf?

The original digital pattern is currently discontinued and no longer available from its former source.

Ravelry retains the historical pattern record, but it should not be confused with a current pattern download.

We recommend avoiding unofficial copies whose distribution rights cannot be verified.

If Krista Werbil republishes Best Friend Lace Scarf through an authorized source in the future, this page can be updated with the new link.

A Design Still Worth Remembering

A discontinued pattern can still provide useful knitting inspiration.

Best Friend Lace Scarf shows how a fine yarn, a repeating lace motif and simple rectangular construction can produce an elegant accessory without complicated garment shaping.

Study the finished projects for color and yarn inspiration, or choose one of the verified free lace patterns above and begin a new project today.

Pattern credit: Best Friend Lace Scarf was designed by Krista Werbil and published through the knitting buzz in November 2011. The original digital pattern is currently listed as discontinued. Amazing Knitting provides an independent historical and project guide and does not reproduce or distribute the designer's copyrighted knitting instructions. Please retain the existing photograph and its original credit from the old Amazing Knitting post.

Lace Mesh Wash Cloth - Free Knitting Pattern

Photo above © Coffee & Cream

Lace Mesh Wash Cloth by Selina Kyle is a simple, practical knitting project that combines an open lace-mesh center with a neat seed-stitch border.

It is a useful small project for knitters who want to practice basic lace techniques without committing to a large shawl or garment.

The open mesh gives the cloth a light, flexible texture, while the textured border helps frame the square and gives the design a tidy finished appearance.

Free references to the original pattern are still available online, although the designer's old Coffee and Cream blog is no longer as easy to verify as it once was.

✓ Pattern Availability

Lace Mesh Wash Cloth is a free knitting pattern by Selina Kyle. The pattern has historically been associated with her Coffee and Cream blog and is still referenced by established knitting-pattern directories as a free design.

Lace Mesh Wash Cloth at a Glance

Pattern: Lace Mesh Wash Cloth

Designer: Selina Kyle

Original Blog: Coffee and Cream

Category: Washcloth / Dishcloth

Main Feature: Lace mesh center

Border: Seed stitch

Construction: Worked flat

Good For: Practicing basic lace knitting

Availability: Free pattern references remain online

Why This Wash Cloth Is a Good Learning Project

Lace knitting can look intimidating when you first encounter a large shawl covered in charts and complicated motifs.

A washcloth is a much more manageable place to begin.

Because the project is small, you can practice the relationship between yarn overs and decreases without having hundreds of stitches on your needles.

The Lace Mesh Center

The central feature of the design is a simple open mesh.

Mesh lace is created by deliberately making holes in the knitted fabric, usually through yarn overs balanced by decreases.

The result is lighter and more flexible than a completely solid knitted square.

Why Yarn Overs Matter

A yarn over creates an extra loop on the needle.

When worked correctly, that extra loop becomes the decorative opening visible in the finished lace.

The increase created by the yarn over usually needs to be balanced by a decrease elsewhere in the stitch pattern so the overall stitch count remains controlled.

Watch the Stitch Count

One of the most common mistakes in beginner lace knitting is forgetting either a yarn over or a decrease.

Because the two usually work together, a missing stitch can shift the mesh pattern and make the next row harder to understand.

Count your stitches periodically while learning the repeat.

The Seed Stitch Border

The mesh center is surrounded by a seed-stitch border.

Seed stitch alternates knit and purl stitches to create a small, pebbled texture.

It is particularly useful around washcloths because it gives the edge a visually solid frame around an open center.

Seed Stitch Also Helps Control the Edges

A textured border can help a small knitted square sit more neatly than an unbordered piece of stockinette.

It also gives the cloth additional texture around the outside, which is useful both aesthetically and practically.

A Good Introduction to Reading Your Knitting

This type of project encourages you to recognize the difference between:

• Knit stitches
• Purl stitches
• Yarn-over holes
• Decreases
• Border stitches
• Mesh-pattern stitches

Learning to identify those elements visually makes future lace projects much easier.

Worked Flat

A washcloth like this is worked back and forth in rows rather than in the round.

That makes the project convenient for knitters who are still becoming comfortable with basic needles and turning their work at the end of each row.

Choose a Practical Yarn

For washcloths and dishcloths, cotton is usually a very practical yarn choice.

It is absorbent, washable and shows textured stitches clearly.

However, because the exact original yarn specification is not reliably documented in the current sources we could verify, use the yarn recommendation from the original pattern if you have access to it.

Why We Are Not Giving an Exact Needle Size

Older copies and pattern roundups sometimes repeat specifications without making the original source clear.

Rather than turn an uncertain number into an authoritative-looking recommendation, Amazing Knitting does not list a specific needle size here unless it can be verified from the designer's own pattern record.

Use the needle size recommended by the authorized pattern source or select one that produces a flexible but useful cloth fabric with your chosen yarn.

Solid or Gradient Yarn?

Both can work well.

A solid color makes the lace holes and seed-stitch border very easy to see.

A gradient yarn can create a more decorative effect, and one surviving pattern roundup specifically highlights an ombré version of Selina Kyle's washcloth.

Keep the Mesh Relaxed

Lace usually looks better when it is not worked too tightly.

If your tension is extremely firm, the yarn-over holes may appear small and the mesh may lose some of its open character.

A small swatch can help you decide whether you like the fabric before knitting the entire cloth.

Blocking Can Improve the Lace

Washing and gently shaping the finished cloth can help the mesh settle into a more even appearance.

Always follow the care instructions for the yarn you use.

Cotton may behave quite differently from wool or synthetic fibers, so avoid assuming that every washcloth should be blocked in exactly the same way.

A Quick Skill-Building Project

Small household projects are useful because they let you practice a new technique while still producing something practical.

With Lace Mesh Wash Cloth, you can practice:

• Knit and purl stitches
• Seed stitch
• Yarn overs
• Basic lace decreases
• Maintaining a border
• Reading your knitting
• Keeping an even stitch count

Washcloth or Dishcloth?

The same basic knitted square can often be used either in the bathroom or the kitchen, depending on yarn choice and personal preference.

For face or body use, choose a yarn that feels comfortable against the skin.

For kitchen use, durability, absorbency and easy washing may be more important.

Make a Coordinated Set

Small cloths are excellent scrap-yarn projects and can also be made in coordinated colors for a handmade gift set.

Pair several washcloths with handmade soap or other bath items for a simple practical gift.

Is Lace Mesh Wash Cloth Still Free?

Current knitting directories still identify Selina Kyle's cloth pattern as a free design.

The exact original Coffee and Cream blog source is old and not as easy to verify today, but Selina Kyle remains identified as the designer and established knitting sites continue to point knitters toward the free pattern.

Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the designer's complete row-by-row instructions here.

Find the Free Pattern

A reliable current route is the Ravelry ecosystem and knitting directories that still identify the original Selina Kyle design.

View Selina Kyle's Knitting Designs →

More Free Washcloth Patterns

If you enjoy quick household knits, you can also explore:

• Daisy Stitch Knit Washcloth
• Free Washcloth Knitting Patterns
• Dishcloth Knitting Patterns
• Beginner Lace Knitting Projects

Why This Small Pattern Is Still Useful

Lace Mesh Wash Cloth is not a dramatic garment or a huge heirloom project.

Its value is exactly the opposite: it gives you a small, forgiving project where you can concentrate on the mechanics of lace.

The combination of an open mesh center and textured seed-stitch border makes it a useful bridge between beginner knit-and-purl projects and more elaborate lace knitting.

Pattern credit: Lace Mesh Wash Cloth is attributed to Selina Kyle / Coffee and Cream. Amazing Knitting provides an independent project guide and does not reproduce the designer's complete copyrighted knitting instructions. Please retain the existing photograph and its original credit from the old Amazing Knitting post.

Little Moons Lace Wrap – Free Lace Knitting Pattern

Little Moons Lace Wrap. Photo © Purl Soho

Little Moons Lace Wrap, designed by Jake Canton for Purl Soho, is a free rectangular lace wrap knitting pattern featuring striking diagonal ridges and delicate crescent-shaped eyelets.

Although the finished lace looks intricate, the design is built around a repeating 10-row lace pattern using increases and decreases. The wrap is worked flat in one piece, making it an elegant project for knitters ready to explore lace knitting.

Little Moons Lace Wrap Pattern Details

• Designer: Jake Canton for Purl Soho
• Published: June 2019
• Craft: Knitting
• Category: Shawl / Wrap
• Pattern availability: Free on Purl Soho
• Shape: Rectangle
• Finished size: Approximately 18 × 78 inches (46 × 198 cm)
• Yarn weight: Fingering for the current Santolina version
• Current yarn requirement: Approximately 1,110 yards (1,015 m)
• Needles: US 6 (4 mm) straight or circular needles
• Gauge: 22 stitches × 34 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stitch pattern
• Construction: One piece, worked flat
• Lace repeat: 10 rows
• Instructions: Written and charted
• Language: English

A Beautiful Rectangular Lace Wrap

Little Moons is a long rectangular wrap with an airy lace fabric and strong diagonal movement.

Rows of small crescent-shaped openings appear between the diagonal ridges, creating the “little moons” that inspired the pattern's name. The result is delicate without losing the graphic structure of the stitch pattern.

Its simple rectangular shape also means the visual interest comes primarily from the lace rather than complicated garment construction.

A 10-Row Lace Repeat

The most important feature of this pattern is its 10-row lace repeat.

The flowing design is created through a sequence of basic increases, decreases and yarn overs. As the sequence repeats, the stitches form diagonal ridges separated by rows of lacy crescents.

This makes Little Moons a good example of how a relatively compact repeating sequence can produce a much more elaborate-looking finished fabric.

Written Instructions and a Lace Chart

Purl Soho provides the Little Moons stitch pattern in both written and charted formats.

If you prefer following lace line by line, you can use the written instructions. If you find it easier to visualize how the stitches move across the fabric, you can follow the chart instead.

Having both options is especially useful for knitters who are learning to read lace charts and want to compare the chart symbols with written directions.

Worked Flat in One Piece

Little Moons Lace Wrap is worked flat from one short end of the rectangle to the other.

There are no separate motifs to assemble and no garment pieces to seam together. You simply continue repeating the lace pattern until the wrap reaches the required length.

After the knitting is complete, the ends are woven in and the wrap is blocked to its finished dimensions.

Finished Size

The finished Little Moons Lace Wrap measures approximately 18 inches wide × 78 inches long (about 46 × 198 cm) after blocking.

This generous length gives you several styling options. It can be draped loosely over the shoulders as a wrap or worn more like a long, lightweight scarf.

The Current Santolina Version

Purl Soho revisited Little Moons in 2022 using Santolina, a fingering-weight yarn made from 70% organically grown cotton, 20% rayon from bamboo and 10% hemp.

The current Santolina sample requires approximately 1,110 yards (1,015 metres), or four skeins of the original Santolina put-up used for the project.

The plant-fiber blend creates a lightweight fabric with the drape and gentle sheen that work particularly well with this open lace design.

The Original Burnish Version

When Little Moons was first published in 2019, Purl Soho knitted the wrap in Burnish, a 100% rayon-from-bamboo yarn.

The original version used approximately 1,242 yards and the same US 6 (4 mm) needle size.

Purl Soho's later Santolina version gives knitters another useful reference for choosing a yarn with enough drape and stitch definition for the lace.

Choosing Yarn for Little Moons

The lace pattern benefits from a yarn that allows the diagonal ridges and crescent eyelets to remain clearly visible.

A smooth yarn with good stitch definition will generally show the pattern more clearly than a very fuzzy yarn.

Drape is also important for a long wrap. When substituting yarn, use the pattern gauge as your guide and consider how the finished fabric behaves after washing and blocking.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern calls for US 6 (4 mm) straight or circular knitting needles.

The specified gauge is: 22 stitches and 34 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in the lace stitch pattern.

A circular needle can be convenient even though the wrap is worked flat, since the flexible cable can comfortably hold the width of the project.

Blocking Makes a Big Difference

Blocking is especially important for lace knitting.

Before blocking, the fabric may look narrower and the eyelets may not appear as open or defined as they do in the finished photographs. Blocking allows the lace to relax and helps reveal the repeating crescent shapes and diagonal lines.

Purl Soho's finished dimensions are measured after blocking, so keep this transformation in mind while you are knitting.

Skills Used in the Little Moons Lace Wrap

Useful techniques for this project include:

• Knitting and purling
• Working flat
• Yarn overs
• Knit-two-together decreases
• Purl-two-together decreases
• Lifted increases
• Purlwise increases
• Following a 10-row lace repeat
• Reading written lace instructions or a chart
• Blocking lace

Is Little Moons a Good First Lace Project?

The finished fabric may look complex, but the underlying structure is surprisingly approachable for a lace design.

Purl Soho describes the pattern as deceptively simple: the repeating design is created with increases and decreases over just ten rows.

You should still be comfortable keeping track of your row and stitch counts, particularly because increases, decreases and yarn overs need to remain correctly aligned for the pattern to develop.

Tips for Knitting the Lace Repeat

When working a repeating lace pattern, it can help to check your stitch count regularly rather than waiting until several rows later to discover a missed yarn over or decrease.

A row counter or simple written note can also help you keep track of where you are within the 10-row repeat.

If you are new to charted lace, Purl Soho also provides supporting tutorials alongside the original pattern.

An Elegant Three-Season Wrap

The open lace fabric and plant-fiber yarn used in the current version make Little Moons especially attractive as a lightweight accessory.

It can provide a little extra coverage without the bulk of a heavy winter shawl, making it suitable for transitional weather, cool summer evenings and special occasions.

The long rectangular shape also makes it easy to style in different ways depending on how much coverage you want.

Why Knit the Little Moons Lace Wrap?

Little Moons combines an uncomplicated rectangular construction with a lace pattern that looks much more intricate than its repeating structure suggests.

The combination of crescent eyelets, diagonal ridges, a 10-row repeat and generous 18 × 78-inch dimensions creates an elegant finished wrap while keeping the focus on the pleasure of knitting lace.

With both written and charted instructions available from the original designer, you can follow the format that works best for you.

Get the Free Little Moons Lace Wrap Pattern

The complete Little Moons Lace Wrap by Jake Canton for Purl Soho, including the written lace instructions and chart, is available free from Purl Soho.

Get the Free Little Moons Lace Wrap Knitting Pattern

Pattern availability was checked when this article was updated. Availability on external websites may change over time.

7 Free Shawl Knitting Patterns You'll Want to Cast On

Looking for a beautiful shawl to cast on next? A knitted shawl can be one of the most satisfying projects on your needles: large enough to showcase a special yarn, but usually much less demanding than knitting a full sweater.

This collection brings together 7 free shawl knitting patterns from the Amazing Knitting archive. You'll find everything from an easy one-skein shawl and beginner-friendly lace to dramatic openwork designs for knitters who enjoy a challenge.

Most importantly, we have checked the availability of these patterns so you can start with an Amazing Knitting project guide and then follow its link to the legitimate free pattern source.

7 Beautiful Free Shawl Knitting Patterns

The seven patterns below offer very different knitting experiences. Some are relaxing stash projects, while others feature intricate lace, interesting shaping or traditional techniques.

1. Reyna Shawl

Reyna by Noora Backlund is a wonderfully practical one-skein shawl designed specifically to show off beautiful variegated sock yarn.

Instead of hiding changing colors beneath complicated stitchwork, Reyna alternates simple garter-stitch sections with airy mesh. The result is a light triangular shawl that lets hand-dyed yarn become the star of the project.

It uses approximately 380–420 yards of light fingering or sock yarn and is worked flat from the top down.

Why knit it: Choose Reyna when you have one special skein of sock yarn in your stash and want a project that makes the most of its colors.

See the Free Reyna Shawl Pattern →

2. Multnomah

Multnomah by Kate Flagg is a much-loved shawlette that combines a simple garter-stitch body with a decorative feather-and-fan style border.

The contrast makes it particularly appealing: much of the project offers relaxing knitting before the lace edging adds a more decorative finish.

Its shawlette proportions also make Multnomah useful when you want a lighter accessory rather than a large full-coverage shawl.

Why knit it: Multnomah is a lovely bridge between simple shawl knitting and lace, with enough plain knitting to keep the project relaxing.

See the Free Multnomah Pattern →

3. June Bunnies Shawl

June Bunnies Shawl by Inese Andzane is a customizable top-down triangular shawl that alternates straightforward knitting with decorative lace sections.

One of its best features is flexibility. The designer allows the knitter to work more or fewer lace repeats, making it possible to adapt the shawl to the yarn available and the finished size you prefer.

The pattern is particularly attractive for knitters beginning to explore lace because the entire shawl does not require constant concentration.

Why knit it: Choose June Bunnies if you want to learn lace shawl knitting without jumping immediately into an extremely complicated all-over lace design.

See the Free June Bunnies Shawl Pattern →

4. Begonia Swirl

For something considerably more dramatic, Begonia Swirl by Carfield Ma creates a sweeping asymmetric lace shawl with a distinctive swirling appearance.

Designed for lace-weight yarn, the shawl expands into an elegant curved shape while intricate openwork creates the visual movement that gives Begonia Swirl its name.

Blocking is an especially important part of this project because it opens the lace and reveals the final shape.

Why knit it: Begonia Swirl is the choice for knitters who want the knitting itself to be a showpiece and enjoy watching intricate lace emerge from fine yarn.

See the Free Begonia Swirl Pattern →

5. Birds Nest Shawl

Birds Nest Shawl by Athanasia Andritsou is a deep triangular lace shawl featuring beautiful Estonian-inspired details.

The pattern uses lace-weight yarn and includes the distinctive raised elements known as nupps, giving the fabric texture as well as openwork.

This is one of the more advanced choices in our collection and is particularly suited to knitters who enjoy charts and detailed lace work.

The designer currently provides the pattern free for personal, non-commercial use, so be sure to respect the usage conditions supplied with the pattern.

Why knit it: Pick Birds Nest when you are ready for a more absorbing lace project and would like to explore Estonian-inspired techniques.

See the Free Birds Nest Shawl Pattern →

6. Carol's Clever Little Shawl

Carol's Clever Little Shawl by Carol Sanders offers something quite different from the conventional top-down triangle.

The design was inspired by a historic 1800s shawl and uses sideways construction, short rows and lace to produce its distinctive crescent-like shape.

It also includes a practical front-fastening concept, making the finished piece interesting both as a knitting project and as a wearable accessory.

The original source is now archived, but the pattern continues to be documented as available free.

Why knit it: This is an excellent choice when you want to explore an unusual shawl construction with a little knitting history behind it.

See Carol's Clever Little Shawl →

7. Lacy Baktus

Lacy Baktus by Terhi Montonen is a light, triangular scarf-shawl that combines the famously simple Baktus concept with decorative eyelets.

It is worked sideways in fingering-weight yarn, gradually increasing toward the center before decreasing again toward the opposite point.

With thousands of documented projects, Lacy Baktus has become a classic small accessory project and works particularly well when you want the yarn color to remain highly visible.

Why knit it: Choose Lacy Baktus for a relatively simple, portable project with just enough lace to keep the knitting interesting.

See the Free Lacy Baktus Pattern →

Which Free Shawl Should You Knit First?

If you're having trouble choosing, think about the kind of knitting you enjoy most.

• For one special skein: Reyna
• For simple knitting plus a lace border: Multnomah
• For your first lace shawl: June Bunnies
• For dramatic lace: Begonia Swirl
• For an advanced lace challenge: Birds Nest Shawl
• For unusual historical-inspired construction: Carol's Clever Little Shawl
• For a lightweight scarf-shawl: Lacy Baktus

Choosing Yarn for a Knitted Shawl

Shawls are wonderful projects for experimenting with yarn because fit is usually more forgiving than it is in a sweater.

However, yarn weight still affects the finished size, drape and yardage. Start with the yarn weight recommended by the designer unless the pattern specifically encourages substitution.

For intricate lace, solid and gently tonal yarns often make the stitch pattern easier to see. Simpler shawls such as Reyna can be especially effective with variegated or hand-dyed yarn.

Don't Skip Blocking Your Shawl

Blocking can make an enormous difference to a finished knitted shawl, especially when lace is involved.

The fabric may look compressed while it is still on the needles. After appropriate washing and blocking, eyelets open, edges become more defined and the final shape becomes much easier to appreciate.

Always use a blocking method appropriate for your yarn's fiber content and follow the designer's finishing recommendations.

Free Pattern Availability

Amazing Knitting checks pattern availability when creating and updating our guides. The patterns in this collection were selected because a legitimate free route to the exact design was verified during our latest review.

Pattern availability can change over time. Designers retain ownership of their work and may update, move, discontinue or change the price of a pattern.

For that reason, each link above first takes you to the corresponding Amazing Knitting pattern guide. There you'll find project details, knitting tips and the current legitimate source for the complete pattern.

Read Our Pattern Availability Policy →

More Free Knitting Patterns

Finished choosing your shawl? Amazing Knitting has many more verified free projects to explore, from baby knits and blankets to quick one-skein accessories.

Explore 7 Free One-Skein Knitting Patterns →

Pattern ownership remains with the credited designers. Amazing Knitting provides independent project guides and links to legitimate pattern sources rather than reproducing copyrighted row-by-row instructions. Please check each designer's current terms before beginning a project.

Begonia Swirl - Free Pattern

Photos above © jane510 & © Sylkre

Begonia Swirl by Carfield Ma is a dramatic lace shawl with a flowing asymmetric shape and a beautiful swirling floral effect.

Designed for lace-weight yarn, the shawl gradually expands into a sweeping curved edge that makes the lace motif particularly striking after blocking.

The original pattern remains available as a free Ravelry download and has been translated into many languages.

✓ Free Pattern Availability

Begonia Swirl by Carfield Ma is currently available as a free Ravelry download. Because the designer has published pattern clarifications over time, use the current Ravelry version rather than an older copied PDF.

Begonia Swirl at a Glance

Pattern: Begonia Swirl

Designer: Carfield Ma

Published: August 2013

Category: Shawl / Wrap

Yarn Weight: Lace

Suggested Yarn: Fischer Wolle Merino Lace

Needles: US 4 / 3.5 mm

Yardage: Approx. 822 yd / 752 m

Construction: Worked flat

Shape: Asymmetric lace shawl

Instructions: Written pattern and chart

Availability: Free Ravelry download

About Begonia Swirl

Begonia Swirl was designed by Carfield Ma and first published in August 2013.

It is an asymmetric lace shawl whose expanding construction creates the distinctive swirling appearance suggested by its name.

The open lace becomes increasingly dramatic as the shawl grows, and careful blocking at the end helps reveal the full shape of the design.

A Lace-Weight Shawl

Begonia Swirl was designed for lace-weight yarn.

The suggested yarn is Fischer Wolle Merino Lace, a fine blend of merino wool and cashmere.

A fine yarn allows the openwork to remain light and helps emphasize the curved lines of the lace.

Published Yardage

The pattern lists approximately:

822 yards / 752 meters

Actual yarn use can vary with your yarn choice, tension and any modifications you make.

For a lace project, it is sensible to leave yourself some extra yarn rather than planning to use every last meter.

Needles

The suggested needle size is:

US 4 / 3.5 mm

Needle size should be treated as a starting point. Lace fabric is strongly affected by the combination of yarn, needle and blocking, so choose the needle that gives you the fabric you want.

Gauge and Shawl Knitting

Ravelry does not list a conventional gauge requirement for Begonia Swirl.

That does not mean tension is irrelevant.

A looser or tighter fabric can change the finished dimensions and the amount of yarn required, so a small lace swatch is still useful when substituting yarn.

The Swirling Lace Effect

The most distinctive feature of Begonia Swirl is the way the lace appears to sweep outward as the shawl expands.

Increases and decreases shape both the openwork and the overall form of the shawl.

This makes stitch-count accuracy particularly important. A missing increase or decrease may affect not only one lace motif but the alignment of later sections.

Use Stitch Markers

Stitch markers can make a large lace project much easier to manage.

Where appropriate, use them to identify repeating sections so that you can check smaller groups of stitches instead of recounting an entire long row.

If one section has the wrong count, investigate it immediately before continuing.

Use Lifelines

Begonia Swirl is also a good project for using lifelines.

Run a contrasting thread through a known-correct row periodically. If you later discover a serious mistake, the lifeline provides a safe point to return to.

This becomes increasingly valuable as the shawl grows and the rows contain many more stitches.

Reading the Lace

Try to understand what the increases and decreases are creating rather than treating every row as an isolated sequence of symbols.

As the motif becomes established, the knitted fabric itself can help you recognize whether the next increase or decrease is correctly positioned.

Learning to read lace this way makes it much easier to catch errors early.

Written Instructions and Charts

Ravelry identifies Begonia Swirl as having both charted and written instructions.

Some knitters find charts much easier for visualizing the developing lace, while others prefer written directions.

If both formats are available in your chosen language, use whichever makes it easiest for you to track your place accurately.

Pattern Corrections and Clarifications

Important Pattern Note

The designer has posted corrections and clarifications to Begonia Swirl over time. For this reason, download the current pattern from the designer's Ravelry page rather than relying on an old copy from another website.

Amazing Knitting intentionally does not reproduce those corrected rows here. The designer's current pattern page should remain the reference for the knitting instructions.

Available in Multiple Languages

One particularly useful feature of Begonia Swirl is the number of translations that have been contributed over the years.

Ravelry currently lists the pattern in numerous languages, including English, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Polish, Spanish and Turkish, among others.

Check the current Ravelry download options to see which language versions are presently available.

Choosing Yarn for Begonia Swirl

Lace shawls benefit from yarn with enough stitch definition to show the openwork clearly.

When choosing a substitute, consider:

• Lace-weight or a similarly fine yarn
• Good stitch definition
• Comfortable drape
• Fiber that responds well to blocking
• Enough yardage to finish without changing dye lots

Wool and wool blends are popular choices because blocking can help open the lace and establish the final shape.

Solid or Variegated Yarn?

A solid or gently tonal yarn makes it easy to see the intricate lace structure.

Gradient yarn can also work beautifully because the expanding shawl gives the changing color room to develop.

With strongly variegated yarn, make a swatch first. Very rapid color changes can sometimes compete visually with detailed lace motifs.

Worked Flat

Begonia Swirl is worked flat.

As the shawl expands, a circular needle can still be convenient because its cable can accommodate the growing number of stitches even though you are knitting back and forth rather than in the round.

The Rows Become Much Longer

One thing to expect with an expanding lace shawl is that later rows can take considerably longer than the early rows.

Do not judge your total project time from how quickly the first section grows.

As the stitch count increases, careful counting becomes more important and each completed row represents substantially more knitting.

Binding Off a Lace Shawl

The final edge of a lace shawl needs enough flexibility to open during blocking.

A bind-off that is too tight can prevent the outer edge from reaching its intended shape.

Follow the current designer instructions for the recommended finishing method rather than substituting a tight standard bind-off automatically.

Blocking Begonia Swirl

Blocking is one of the most important finishing steps for this project.

Freshly knitted lace can look compressed and the motifs may be difficult to appreciate before blocking.

After washing according to your yarn's care instructions, arrange the shawl carefully to reveal its sweeping shape and open the lace evenly.

Allow it to dry completely before removing pins or blocking wires.

Skills Used in Begonia Swirl

• Knitting and purling
• Yarn overs
• Lace increases and decreases
• Following repeating lace motifs
• Reading written lace instructions
• Reading charts
• Maintaining accurate stitch counts
• Working increasingly long rows
• Flexible lace finishing
• Blocking lace

Is Begonia Swirl Still Free?

Yes.

Begonia Swirl by Carfield Ma is currently available as a free Ravelry download.

Amazing Knitting does not reproduce Carfield Ma's complete copyrighted knitting instructions. Use the designer's Ravelry page for the current pattern and its latest corrections.

Get the Free Begonia Swirl Pattern

Visit Carfield Ma's Ravelry pattern page for the current free download:

Get the Free Begonia Swirl Pattern →

More Free Lace Shawl Patterns

If you enjoy intricate lace shawls, another verified free pattern already restored in the Amazing Knitting archive is Birds Nest Shawl by Athanasia Andritsou.

See the Free Birds Nest Shawl →

You can also explore:

• Free Lace Shawl Knitting Patterns
• Free Shawl Knitting Patterns
• More Lace Knitting Patterns

Before You Start

Download the current pattern directly from Carfield Ma's Ravelry page so that you have access to the latest corrections and clarifications.

Prepare enough lace-weight yarn, use stitch markers where helpful and consider adding regular lifelines as the shawl grows.

Most importantly, check your stitch count frequently. Correcting one lace repeat immediately is much easier than discovering the same error after several increasingly long rows.

Pattern credit: Begonia Swirl was designed by Carfield Ma and first published in 2013. The existing project photographs on this Amazing Knitting page are credited to jane510 and Sylkre. Amazing Knitting provides an independent project guide and does not reproduce the designer's complete copyrighted knitting instructions.

Birch Trees Scarf - Free Pattern

Photo above © EIGHT-BY-SIX

Birch Trees Scarf by Julia Marsh is a beautiful free lace knitting pattern featuring five panels of branching motifs framed by a neat moss-stitch border.

The repeating lace creates the impression of slender tree branches, giving the scarf an elegant woodland-inspired appearance without requiring lace-weight yarn.

Originally published in 2014, the pattern remains available today as a free Ravelry download from the designer.

✓ Free Pattern Availability

Birch Trees Scarf by Julia Marsh is currently available as a free Ravelry download. Use the official pattern link below to obtain the designer's current version.

Birch Trees Scarf at a Glance

Pattern: Birch Trees Scarf

Designer: Julia Marsh

First Published: April 2014

Craft: Knitting

Category: Scarf

Yarn Weight: DK / 8 ply

Yardage: Approx. 416–437 yd / 380–400 m

Needles: US 7 / 4.5 mm

Gauge: 20 stitches × 30 rows = 4 in / 10 cm in stockinette

Finished Size: Approx. 64 × 10 in / 160 × 26 cm

Construction: Worked flat

Main Features: Branching lace panels and moss-stitch edging

Availability: Free Ravelry download

About the Birch Trees Scarf

Birch Trees Scarf is a lace scarf designed by Julia Marsh.

Its main feature is a series of branching lace motifs arranged into five vertical panels. These openwork sections are surrounded by a textured moss-stitch border that helps frame the lace.

The result is decorative without being overly complicated, making the design particularly appealing to knitters who want to move beyond basic scarves and begin exploring simple lace.

A Simple Branching Lace Design

The visual interest in Birch Trees comes from the repeated branching motif.

Rather than using cables or colorwork to create the tree-like effect, the design relies on lace techniques to form lines and openings in the knitted fabric.

Repeating the motif across five panels creates a strong vertical structure that becomes especially clear after blocking.

Finished Size

Julia Marsh gives the approximate finished dimensions as:

160 cm long × 26 cm wide
approximately 64 × 10 inches

These measurements provide a generously sized scarf that can be worn in several ways.

Remember that lace dimensions can change during blocking, so evaluate the finished size after the scarf has been washed and blocked appropriately for your yarn.

Yarn Requirements

The pattern calls for approximately:

380–400 meters / 416–437 yards of DK-weight yarn

DK is a practical choice for this project because it creates visible lace without producing an extremely delicate fabric.

The thicker yarn also makes individual stitches easier to see than they might be in a very fine lace-weight scarf.

Needles

The designer specifies:

4.5 mm / US 7 straight knitting needles

The scarf is worked flat, so straight needles are sufficient.

You can also use another needle style appropriate for flat knitting if that is more comfortable for you, provided you obtain a suitable fabric and gauge.

Gauge

The published gauge is:

20 stitches × 30 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm in stockinette stitch

For a scarf, exact fit is less critical than it would be for a sweater, but gauge still affects the width, length, drape and amount of yarn required.

If your gauge differs substantially, your finished scarf may use more or less yarn than the designer's estimate.

Moss Stitch Edging

The lace panels are bordered by moss stitch.

This provides a textured contrast to the open lace while creating a visually defined edge around the scarf.

When working the project, pay attention to the transition between the border stitches and the lace panels. Keeping those sections clearly separated can make the repeating structure easier to follow.

Skills You'll Need

According to the designer, the main knitting skills required include:

• Casting on
• Binding off
• Knit stitches
• Working decreases such as knit two together
• Bringing the yarn forward to create lace openings
• Knitting through the back loop
• Following repeating stitch sequences
• Weaving in yarn ends

You do not need an extensive collection of advanced lace techniques to begin this project.

A Good Introduction to Lace Knitting

Birch Trees Scarf can be an attractive next project for a knitter who is comfortable with basic knit stitches and wants to begin working decorative openwork.

The repeating nature of the branching pattern helps establish a visual rhythm.

Once you understand how each repeat should look, the knitted fabric itself can help you notice mistakes.

Five Lace Panels

The scarf contains five panels of the branching pattern.

This repetition is an important part of the design. Instead of one oversized motif, several narrow vertical sections create the appearance of a small stand of delicate trees.

As the scarf grows, those repeated lines become one of its strongest visual features.

Keep Your Stitch Count Under Control

Lace patterns depend on a balance between increases and decreases.

If a yarn over is forgotten or an extra stitch is accidentally added, the error may affect the alignment of the next repeat.

Count your stitches periodically rather than waiting until the end of a long section.

Finding a mistake quickly is usually much easier than correcting it many rows later.

Use a Row Counter

Even a relatively simple repeating lace design becomes easier when you always know which row you have completed.

A row counter, paper checklist or digital counter can help prevent losing your place when you put the project down.

This is particularly useful when you are still learning to recognize the branching motif by sight.

Add a Lifeline

If lace knitting is new to you, consider adding an occasional lifeline.

A smooth contrasting thread passed through a correctly completed row provides a safe point to return to if you later need to unravel part of the scarf.

It is a simple precaution that can make learning lace much less stressful.

Choosing Yarn for Birch Trees

The designer calls for DK-weight yarn, but fiber and color can have a significant effect on the appearance of the finished scarf.

A relatively smooth yarn can make the branching stitches easy to see. Wool and wool blends can also respond nicely to blocking.

If showing the tree motif clearly is your priority, consider how much visual competition the yarn itself creates.

Solid and gently tonal colors often emphasize stitch structure, while strongly variegated yarns can produce a busier appearance.

Can You Use a Different DK Yarn?

Yes. You do not need one specific brand of yarn to knit the pattern.

Look for a DK-weight substitute that gives you a fabric you like on approximately the recommended needle size.

Compare fiber content, yardage, drape and washing requirements before making your choice.

A swatch is especially useful if you are substituting a yarn with very different fiber characteristics.

Blocking the Scarf

Blocking is an important finishing step for lace.

Before blocking, the branching openings may appear smaller or less defined than expected. Appropriate blocking allows the stitches to settle and the lace structure to become clearer.

Use a method suitable for your yarn's fiber content and avoid excessive stretching.

Allow the scarf to dry completely before removing pins or other blocking aids.

Project Inspiration

Birch Trees Scarf has been knitted in many different yarns and colors. Project examples show how strongly yarn choice can change the personality of the same pattern.

Neutral shades emphasize the woodland character, while brighter colors turn the branching motif into a more graphic lace design.

This makes the pattern useful both as a classic everyday scarf and as a way to experiment with a special DK yarn.

Is Birch Trees Scarf Still Free?

Yes.

Birch Trees Scarf by Julia Marsh is currently available as a free download on Ravelry.

Amazing Knitting does not reproduce Julia Marsh's complete copyrighted knitting instructions. Use the official designer pattern page to obtain the current pattern.

Get the Free Birch Trees Scarf Pattern

Visit Julia Marsh's pattern page on Ravelry for the free download:

Get the Free Birch Trees Scarf Pattern →

More Free Scarf Knitting Patterns

If you enjoy this project, Amazing Knitting has more free scarf and lace-pattern discoveries to explore.

You may especially like Lamina by Karen S. Lauger, another free lace scarf pattern that we have verified and reviewed.

See the Free Lamina Scarf Pattern →

You can also browse:

• Free Scarf Knitting Patterns
• Lace Scarf Knitting Patterns
• Free Lace Knitting Patterns

Before You Start

Download the current pattern from Julia Marsh's Ravelry page, choose approximately 380–400 meters of suitable DK yarn and check that you are comfortable with the basic lace techniques used in the design.

Keep track of your rows and stitch count as you work, and remember that blocking is an important part of revealing the finished branching lace.

Pattern credit: Birch Trees Scarf was designed by Julia Marsh and first published in April 2014. The existing project photograph on this Amazing Knitting page is credited to EIGHT-BY-SIX. Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the designer's copyrighted pattern instructions.

Birds Nest Shawl - Free Pattern

Photo above © Athanasia Andritsou

Birds Nest Shawl by Athanasia Andritsou is a beautiful deep triangular lace shawl that brings together delicate lace knitting and traditional Estonian-inspired stitches.

Designed for lace-weight yarn, the shawl features intricate texture, elegant openwork and the distinctive raised details created by nupps. Best of all, the designer still offers the pattern as a free Ravelry download.

✓ Free Pattern Availability

Birds Nest Shawl is currently available as a free download directly from the designer's Ravelry store. The designer specifies that the pattern is offered for personal, non-commercial use, so please read and respect the usage terms included with the pattern.

Birds Nest Shawl at a Glance

Pattern: Birds Nest Shawl

Designer: Athanasia Andritsou

First Published: February 2015

Craft: Knitting

Category: Shawl / Wrap

Shape: Deep triangle

Yarn Weight: Lace

Suggested Yarn: Posh Yarn Miranda Lace

Yardage: 766–875 yards / 700–800 m

Needle Size: US 2 / 2.75 mm

Notable Techniques: Estonian-inspired lace and nupps

Sizing: Modular / adjustable

Current Availability: Free Ravelry download

About the Birds Nest Shawl

Designed by Athanasia Andritsou, Birds Nest Shawl is a lace project intended for knitters who want to explore something beyond basic triangular shawl construction.

The designer describes it as a deep triangular shawl featuring some of the beautiful stitches associated with Estonian knitting, including the characteristic raised details known as nupps.

The combination of open lace and dimensional texture gives the finished shawl an intricate appearance that can look especially striking after careful blocking.

The Inspiration Behind Birds Nest

The name has a lovely connection to the designer's surroundings. Athanasia Andritsou originally introduced the design while observing the birds nesting in the trees around her home.

That natural inspiration suits the pattern particularly well: the lace has an organic appearance, with repeating motifs and textured details that create movement across the triangular fabric.

Yarn and Yardage

The original shawl was designed using Posh Yarn Miranda Lace, a luxurious lace-weight yarn.

The published yardage is approximately:

766–875 yards / 700–800 metres

The original Miranda Lace yarn combines fine fibres that produce a soft fabric with a gentle halo.

If you substitute another lace yarn, consider both stitch definition and drape. Highly textured lace details can appear quite different in a very fuzzy yarn compared with a smooth, tightly spun yarn.

Needle Size

The published needle size is:

US 2 / 2.75 mm

Treat the recommended needle size as a starting point. Lace knitters often adjust needle size depending on the yarn and the amount of openness or drape they want in the finished fabric.

A Modular Shawl

One particularly useful feature of Birds Nest Shawl is that its size is modular.

The designer also notes that gauge is not particularly important for this project. That gives the knitter more flexibility than a fitted garment, where a small gauge difference can significantly affect the final size.

Yarn quantity still matters, however. If you plan to make a larger shawl, allow additional yarn rather than relying only on the quantity used for the original project.

What Are Nupps?

Nupps are small raised decorative elements strongly associated with Estonian lace knitting.

They create tiny dimensional points within the lace rather than remaining completely flat like ordinary openwork stitches.

They can require more attention than basic yarn-over lace, particularly when several loops must be handled together. If this is your first project using nupps, practicing the technique on a small swatch before beginning the shawl can make the main project more comfortable.

Charts and Written Support

Birds Nest Shawl is primarily a chart-based lace pattern.

The designer also provides written instructions after the charts, but explains that these are intended as support for the charts rather than a complete replacement for them because the chart repeat boxes need to be taken into account.

For that reason, this pattern is best approached by a knitter who is comfortable reading knitting charts or is willing to learn how chart repeats work.

Skills That Help

Useful skills for Birds Nest Shawl include:

• Knit and purl stitches
• Working yarn overs
• Working decreases
• Reading lace charts
• Following chart repeat boxes
• Working Estonian-style lace techniques
• Making nupps
• Managing fine lace-weight yarn
• Blocking a lace shawl

Blocking the Finished Shawl

Blocking is particularly important for lace knitting.

Freshly knitted lace can look compressed because the stitches have not yet opened into their intended shapes. Careful blocking helps reveal the openwork, defines the triangular shape and allows the decorative motifs to become much easier to see.

Always follow the care instructions appropriate for the yarn you choose.

Pattern Corrections and Updates

Because Birds Nest Shawl has been available for many years, it is worth downloading the current version rather than relying on an old saved copy.

The designer uploaded a corrected version in 2018 addressing specific chart rows. Using the current Ravelry download helps ensure that you are working from the latest version provided by the designer.

Is Birds Nest Shawl Still Free?

Yes. Birds Nest Shawl is currently available as a free Ravelry download from Athanasia Andritsou.

There is an important condition: the designer states that the pattern is provided for personal, non-commercial use.

Please check the designer's complete current terms when downloading the pattern. “Free pattern” means there is no purchase price for the download; it does not mean the designer has given up copyright or usage conditions.

Get the Free Birds Nest Shawl Pattern

Download the current version directly from the designer's Ravelry listing.

Get the Free Birds Nest Shawl Pattern →

More Free Lace Shawls

If you enjoy this style of project, Amazing Knitting has more shawl and lace knitting ideas in the archive.

Explore Free Lace Shawl Patterns →

You can also browse free knitted shawls, lace knitting patterns, and triangular knitted shawls.

Before You Start

Download the latest version of the pattern first and read through the charts before casting on. If nupps are new to you, make a small practice swatch so you can become comfortable with the technique before reaching the more intricate sections of the shawl.

Also check that you have enough yarn for the size you intend to make, particularly if you plan to enlarge the modular design.

Pattern credit: Birds Nest Shawl was designed by Athanasia Andritsou. The existing project photograph on this Amazing Knitting page is credited to Athanasia Andritsou. The pattern remains the designer's copyrighted work and is currently offered free under the designer's stated personal, non-commercial usage terms. Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the designer's charts or row-by-row instructions.