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.

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.

Over 50 Websites to Get Free Knitting Patterns

Designed by © Knit Crush

Looking for free knitting patterns? There are thousands of legitimate patterns available online for baby clothes, sweaters, blankets, scarves, socks, hats, toys and almost every other knitting project you can imagine.

The challenge is no longer simply finding a pattern. It is finding a reliable free pattern from a legitimate source, especially when older Pinterest pins and search results may lead to discontinued pages, outdated downloads or unofficial copies.

This guide will help you find free knitting patterns more safely and efficiently, whether you are searching the Amazing Knitting archive, a designer's website, a yarn company or a large knitting-pattern database.

About This Updated Guide

This Amazing Knitting article was originally published in 2019 as a link to an external roundup of more than 50 free-pattern websites. We have expanded the page into an independent resource for finding legitimate free knitting patterns without reproducing another publisher's list.

Where Can You Find Free Knitting Patterns?

Free knitting patterns are published by many different types of websites.

Some come directly from independent designers. Others are published by yarn manufacturers, knitting magazines, craft websites or pattern databases.

The best source depends on what you are looking for, so it helps to understand the major types of free-pattern resources before beginning your search.

1. Designer Websites

One of the best places to find a knitting pattern is the designer's own website.

Independent designers frequently publish selected patterns free while selling other designs.

Going directly to the designer has several advantages. You are more likely to find the current version of the pattern, corrections, additional photographs and notes from the person who actually created it.

If a pattern has been updated since its original publication, the designer's current page is usually preferable to an old copied version circulating elsewhere.

2. Yarn Company Pattern Libraries

Major yarn companies can be excellent sources of free knitting patterns.

These companies publish patterns to demonstrate how their yarns can be used, which means their libraries often contain projects across many categories and skill levels.

You can find designs for:

• Baby sweaters and cardigans
• Baby blankets
• Adult sweaters and pullovers
• Hats
• Scarves and cowls
• Socks and slippers
• Shawls
• Home accessories
• Seasonal projects

Yarn-company libraries are especially useful because older patterns sometimes remain available long after the original printed booklet has disappeared.

3. Ravelry

Ravelry is one of the most useful resources for researching knitting patterns.

Rather than simply searching the web for a phrase such as “free baby cardigan,” you can narrow results using filters such as category, yarn weight, needle size, age, construction and availability.

Pattern records can also provide useful historical information such as the designer, publication date, suggested yarn and links to the current pattern source.

Remember that a Ravelry record does not automatically mean the pattern itself is still available. Always check the current availability shown on the pattern page.

4. Knitting Magazines and Online Publications

Online knitting magazines have published many excellent free patterns over the years.

Some older designs remain available in permanent online archives, making these publications particularly useful when searching for classic knitting projects.

These sources can also be valuable because they often preserve useful information about the designer, yarn, gauge, construction and original publication date.

5. Large Craft and Pattern Websites

Large craft websites often organize patterns by project type or skill level, which can make them useful when you are looking for inspiration rather than one particular design.

A collection might focus on beginner scarves, baby booties, knitted toys or quick gifts.

When using a roundup, however, follow the link to the original pattern source whenever possible.

6. Knitting Blogs

Knitting blogs remain another useful source of free patterns, tutorials and project inspiration.

Some bloggers are also pattern designers and publish complete original designs. Others curate projects from different designers.

The distinction matters.

When a blog is discussing somebody else's pattern, look for the designer's name and a clear link to the legitimate original source.

7. Vintage and Public-Domain Knitting Resources

Knitters interested in historical projects can also explore digitized vintage knitting books, magazines and pattern leaflets.

Older knitting publications can contain fascinating sweaters, lace, socks, mittens and household projects that differ significantly from modern designs.

However, old does not automatically mean public domain. Copyright status depends on factors including publication date, jurisdiction and publication history.

If you plan to republish rather than simply knit from a vintage pattern, verify its copyright status first.

8. Amazing Knitting

You can also browse the Amazing Knitting archive.

Our library includes hundreds of knitting discoveries covering baby clothes, blankets, sweaters, scarves, hats, socks, slippers, stitches, tutorials and other projects.

We are progressively reviewing older articles to identify original designers, verify pattern availability and direct readers toward legitimate current sources whenever possible.

Browse Free Knitting Patterns →

Free Baby Knitting Patterns

Baby projects are an excellent place to explore free patterns because there are designs for many different skill levels.

You can start with baby cardigans and sweaters:

Explore Free Baby Cardigans →

Or browse baby booties:

Explore Free Baby Booties →

And baby blankets:

Explore Free Baby Blankets →

Free Sweater and Cardigan Patterns

Sweaters range from simple first-garment projects to advanced designs involving cables, lace or colorwork.

When choosing one, pay particular attention to:

• Finished measurements
• Recommended ease
• Gauge
• Yarn weight
• Construction method
• Available sizes
• Required techniques

Explore Free Sweater Patterns →

Free Blanket Knitting Patterns

Blankets are another large category of free knitting patterns.

Depending on the design, a blanket can be a simple beginner project or an advanced combination of lace, cables, colorwork or modular knitting.

Baby blankets are particularly useful for practicing new techniques on a manageable scale.

Explore Free Blanket Patterns →

Free Scarf and Cowl Patterns

Scarves and cowls are useful projects for testing unfamiliar stitches without committing to the fit requirements of a sweater.

They are also good projects for experimenting with cables, lace, texture and unusual yarn.

Explore Free Scarf Patterns →

How to Tell Whether a Pattern Is Really Free

One of the biggest problems with older knitting links is that pattern availability changes.

A pattern that was free ten years ago may now be paid, discontinued or completely unavailable.

Before calling a pattern free, check the current original source.

Look for clear wording such as:

• Free pattern
• Free download
• Download PDF
• Pattern available free on the designer's website

If the only evidence that a pattern is free comes from an old Pinterest pin or an old roundup, verify it before downloading.

Free Web Pattern vs. Free PDF

A pattern does not need to include a downloadable PDF to be genuinely free.

Some designers publish the complete pattern as a free webpage while offering an optional printable or ad-free PDF for a fee.

In that situation, describe the availability accurately: free web version with optional paid PDF.

This is more useful than simply labeling everything “free” or “paid.”

Watch for Discontinued Patterns

Older pattern databases can contain records for designs whose original downloads have disappeared.

A historical record is useful for identifying the designer and project, but it does not necessarily provide permission to download a copied PDF from another website.

If the legitimate source is gone, look for a currently available alternative instead of using an unauthorized copy.

Avoid Suspicious Pattern Downloads

Be cautious when a website offers a designer's PDF without clearly identifying itself as the designer, publisher or an authorized distributor.

A safer route is usually:

1. Identify the exact pattern name.
2. Identify the designer.
3. Find the designer or publisher's current page.
4. Check the current availability.
5. Download or follow the pattern from that legitimate source.

Check for Pattern Corrections

Another advantage of using the current source is access to corrections and updates.

Designers sometimes discover errors after publication and issue an updated PDF or an errata notice.

An old copy saved elsewhere may not include those corrections.

Check the Yarn Before You Buy It

Older patterns frequently recommend yarns that have since been discontinued.

That does not necessarily make the pattern unusable.

Instead of searching only for the exact old yarn, compare:

• Yarn weight
• Gauge
• Fiber content
• Yardage or meterage
• Fabric characteristics

Always make a gauge swatch before committing to a substitute yarn for a fitted garment.

Start with the Project You Want to Make

Searching “free knitting patterns” can return an overwhelming number of results.

A more effective approach is to begin with a specific project:

• Free newborn cardigan knitting pattern
• Free baby booties knitting pattern
• Free cable blanket knitting pattern
• Free beginner scarf knitting pattern
• Free top-down sweater knitting pattern
• Free lace shawl knitting pattern

Then narrow your choices according to yarn weight, size and skill level.

Save the Designer's Name

When you find a pattern you love, save more than the photograph.

Record the pattern name and designer.

This makes it much easier to find the legitimate pattern again if a Pinterest pin, bookmark or old website link stops working in the future.

Our Approach at Amazing Knitting

Amazing Knitting is a curated discovery library rather than the owner of every pattern featured in its archive.

When a project belongs to another designer, our goal is to identify and credit that designer, provide useful independent information about the project and direct knitters to the legitimate pattern source.

If an old pattern that was once free has become paid or unavailable, we aim to make that clear rather than continuing to promise a free download that no longer exists.

Explore Free Knitting Patterns

Ready to find your next project? Browse the Amazing Knitting archive by project type.

• Free Baby Knitting Patterns
• Free Baby Cardigan Patterns
• Free Baby Booties Patterns
• Free Baby Blanket Patterns
• Free Sweater Knitting Patterns
• Free Scarf Knitting Patterns
• Free Hat Knitting Patterns
• Free Sock Knitting Patterns

Before Downloading a Free Pattern

Take a moment to confirm that you are using the current legitimate version.

Check the designer's name, current availability, size range, yarn requirements and whether any corrections have been published.

A few minutes of checking before casting on can prevent hours of frustration later in the project.

Editorial note: This article was originally published by Amazing Knitting in 2019 as a discovery link to a Knit Crush roundup. It has since been expanded into an original Amazing Knitting resource for finding and evaluating free knitting patterns. The original image used on this page is credited to Knit Crush.

Scarves to Throws Month 6 - Knitting Pattern Guide

Designed by © Rachel

Scarves to Throws – Month 6 by Rachel Young is a lace scarf originally created for the Jimmy Beans Wool Scarves to Throws project.

First published in 2008, the design uses a repeating diamond-style lace pattern and worsted-weight yarn to create a lightweight scarf that opens beautifully after blocking.

This pattern was originally shared free online, but the exact original pattern is no longer available from its original source. This updated Amazing Knitting page therefore preserves the verified project information without reproducing or linking to an unauthorized copy of the instructions.

Pattern Availability Update

Scarves to Throws – Month 6 was originally distributed as a free knitting pattern through Jimmy Beans Wool. Ravelry now marks the original pattern as no longer available. Amazing Knitting does not provide archived or unofficial copies of the designer's instructions.

Scarves to Throws Month 6 at a Glance

Pattern: Scarves to Throws – Month 6

Designer: Rachel Young

Publisher: Jimmy Beans Wool

First Published: April 2008

Craft: Knitting

Category: Scarf

Finished Size: Approx. 5.5 × 65 in

Original Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted Multi

Yarn Weight: Worsted / Aran

Needles: US 10 / 6 mm

Style: Lace scarf

Original Sample Color: Cedar

Current Availability: Original pattern no longer available

About Scarves to Throws

Scarves to Throws was an unusual knitting project from Jimmy Beans Wool.

Instead of treating each scarf as an unrelated project, the series was conceived around multiple scarves that could ultimately become part of a much larger knitted piece.

Different months introduced different stitch patterns, giving knitters an opportunity to explore a variety of textures while working with coordinating yarns.

About Month 6

Month 6 was designed by Rachel Young and published in April 2008.

It is a lace scarf worked in worsted-weight yarn. The repeating openwork creates a geometric, diamond-like appearance while keeping the project relatively quick to knit.

The designer described it as an easy and fast lace pattern, making it appealing to knitters who want the appearance of lace without committing to a very fine lace-weight project.

Finished Size

The published finished dimensions are approximately:

5.5 inches wide × 65 inches long

The designer noted that the lace stretches considerably during blocking, so the scarf can look significantly shorter while it is still being knitted.

The original sample required only about 15 pattern repeats to block to approximately 65 inches in length.

Original Yarn

The original design used:

Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted Multi

This is a 100% merino wool yarn with approximately 225 yards / 206 meters per 113 g skein.

The scarf pictured in the original pattern was knitted in the Cedar colorway.

Needles

The published needle size is:

US 10 / 6 mm

A relatively generous needle size for worsted-weight yarn helps produce the open fabric needed for the lace to expand during blocking.

As always, the published needle size should be treated as a starting point. Different knitters and substitute yarns can produce different fabrics on the same needle size.

A Lace Pattern Designed to Open Up

One of the most important things to understand about this scarf is that its appearance changes during finishing.

Lace can look compressed and much shorter while it is still on the needles. After appropriate blocking, the openings become more defined and the fabric can gain considerable length.

This is why judging the final scarf solely from its unblocked length can be misleading.

Why Worsted-Weight Lace?

Lace knitting does not require lace-weight yarn.

Using worsted-weight yarn makes the individual stitches easier to see and creates a more substantial scarf while still allowing yarn overs and decreases to form decorative openings.

For knitters beginning to explore lace, a project using larger needles and thicker yarn can also be easier to read than very fine lace.

Choosing a Substitute Yarn

If you want to create a similar scarf today, look for a smooth worsted-weight yarn with enough stitch definition to show the lace.

Wool and wool blends can work particularly well because appropriate blocking helps the lace settle into shape.

Variegated yarn can also suit this style nicely, reflecting the multicolor character of the original Lorna's Laces yarn.

Skills Used in This Style of Scarf

A lace scarf of this type typically calls on skills such as:

• Casting on and binding off
• Knitting and purling
• Working yarn overs
• Working decreases
• Following a repeating lace pattern
• Keeping an accurate stitch count
• Recognizing pattern repeats
• Blocking knitted lace

Keep Track of Pattern Repeats

Repeating lace patterns become easier once their visual rhythm begins to make sense.

Until that happens, use a row counter or checklist so you always know which row you have just completed.

It is also useful to count your stitches periodically. A missed yarn over or decrease can affect the alignment of the following repeats.

Blocking Is Part of the Project

Blocking is especially important for this design because the original designer specifically noted how much the scarf stretches after blocking.

Before deciding that your scarf is too short, finish a representative swatch and block it using a method appropriate for your chosen fiber.

That will give you a much better idea of how the final fabric behaves.

The Larger Scarves to Throws Idea

Month 6 was not the only design in the original series.

Jimmy Beans Wool published a collection of different monthly scarf designs using a variety of techniques, including lace, cables, drop stitches, entrelac and other textured patterns.

The broader project allowed the individual scarves to work as separate accessories or as components of a larger throw.

Joining Knitted Panels

Jimmy Beans Wool also published guidance about joining the completed Scarves to Throws pieces.

Their later tutorial discusses using a modified mattress-stitch method to sew the long knitted sections together.

This is useful inspiration even if you are creating your own modern version of the concept using different verified scarf or panel patterns.

Is Scarves to Throws Month 6 Still Free?

The pattern was originally free, but the original pattern is no longer available.

Ravelry maintains the historical pattern record for Scarves to Throws – Month 6 by Rachel Young, but currently states that the pattern is no longer available.

For that reason, Amazing Knitting does not provide an unofficial PDF, archived copy or transcription of the original instructions.

This page instead preserves the verified information about the project and helps knitters understand the yarn, construction concept and lace style.

View the Historical Pattern Record

Ravelry still maintains the pattern record, project photographs and basic specifications for the original design.

View Scarves to Throws Month 6 on Ravelry →

Looking for a Free Alternative?

Since the original Month 6 instructions are no longer available, the safest option is to choose a currently available free lace scarf rather than downloading an unofficial copy of the discontinued pattern.

Amazing Knitting already has an excellent verified free option: Lamina by Karen S. Lauger.

Lamina is a free lace scarf with a large leaf motif. Its updated Ravelry version includes both written instructions and charts, while the original pattern is also available free from Knitty.

See the Free Lamina Scarf Pattern →

More Free Scarf Knitting Patterns

You can also explore more currently available scarf projects from the Amazing Knitting archive.

Explore Free Scarf Knitting Patterns →

You can also browse lace scarf patterns, worsted-weight scarves, and free lace knitting patterns.

Before You Start

If your goal is to reproduce the exact original Month 6 scarf, be aware that the designer's pattern is currently unavailable. Avoid websites offering copied PDFs or transcribed instructions without permission.

For a new project, choose a currently available pattern, make a swatch with your chosen worsted-weight yarn and remember that lace dimensions can change considerably after blocking.

Pattern credit: Scarves to Throws – Month 6 was designed by Rachel Young and originally published through Jimmy Beans Wool in April 2008. The original pattern is currently listed as no longer available. Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the designer's copyrighted knitting instructions or provide unauthorized pattern copies.

June Bunnies Shawl - Free Knitting Pattern

Photo above © Mardunk

June Bunnies Shawl by Inese Andzane is a soft, customizable triangular lace shawl designed to be simple enough for knitters taking their first steps into lace.

The design alternates relaxing sections of simple knitting with decorative lace insertions, creating an elegant shawl without making every row demanding.

It is also wonderfully flexible: the designer encourages knitters to add as many or as few lace repeats as they like, making it possible to adapt the shawl to different yarns and finished sizes.

Best of all, the original June Bunnies Shawl pattern is still officially available for free.

✓ Free Pattern Availability

June Bunnies Shawl remains available as a free Ravelry download. The designer's original Silver Lining Knits blog post is also still online and identifies the shawl as a free pattern.

June Bunnies Shawl at a Glance

Pattern: June Bunnies Shawl

Designer: Inese Andzane

Published: July 2012

Original Source: Silver Lining Knits

Category: Shawl / Wrap

Shape: Triangle

Construction: Top-down, one piece

Suggested Yarn Weight: Fingering

Published Yardage Range: 400–600 yd / 366–549 m

Size: Customizable

Instructions: Charted and written

Difficulty: Suitable for adventurous lace beginners

Availability: Free Ravelry download

About the June Bunnies Shawl

June Bunnies began with the yarn.

Designer Inese Andzane explains that she had received an exceptionally soft angora, merino and nylon blend and wanted to cast on something immediately.

Because she wanted a project simple enough to knit while watching a movie, she chose a straightforward lace idea and developed it into this triangular shawl.

That relaxed origin is still reflected in the finished design.

Why Is It Called June Bunnies?

The playful name is connected to the yarn used for one of the original shawls.

The soft angora blend reminded the designer of the softness associated with bunnies, giving the project its memorable name.

A Customizable Triangle Shawl

One of the most useful features of June Bunnies is that the finished size is not rigidly fixed.

The designer describes it as a pattern that can be adjusted for different yarn weights and different shawl sizes.

You can add more lace repeats for a larger shawl or use fewer repeats for a smaller accessory.

How Much Yarn Do You Need?

The Ravelry record gives a general range of:

400–600 yards / 366–549 meters

For a full-size shawl in fingering-weight yarn, the designer suggests approximately:

400–500 yards

A finer yarn or a larger shawl may require more.

Fingering Weight Is a Natural Starting Point

Fingering weight is the primary yarn weight associated with the pattern, but the design was intentionally created to be adaptable.

That makes June Bunnies particularly appealing when you have a special skein and want a shawl pattern that does not force you into one exact finished size.

The Original Yarn Inspiration

One of the original versions used a fingering-weight blend of:

• 40% Angora
• 40% Merino
• 20% Nylon

This combination produces a soft fabric with a gentle halo.

Another version was made with a much finer merino, silk and cashmere blend, demonstrating how differently the same design can look when the fiber and yarn thickness change.

There Is No Need to Copy the Original Yarn Exactly

June Bunnies was designed with flexibility in mind.

When substituting yarn, think about the finished fabric you want rather than searching only for an exact discontinued or difficult-to-find yarn.

Consider:

• Yarn weight
• Total yardage
• Drape
• Fiber content
• Halo
• Stitch definition
• How the yarn behaves after blocking

What Needle Size Should You Use?

June Bunnies is designed to work with different yarn weights, so there is no single needle size that makes sense for every version.

Choose a needle that produces an open, attractive fabric with your selected yarn.

A small swatch is useful if you are unsure whether your yarn and needle combination gives the lace enough room to open after blocking.

Top-Down Construction

June Bunnies is a top-down triangular shawl.

The project begins with relatively few stitches and grows outward as you work.

This construction is especially convenient for a customizable shawl because you can watch the triangle develop and decide how large you want the finished piece to become.

Simple Sections Between the Lace

One of the reasons June Bunnies feels approachable is that the entire shawl is not densely covered in complicated lace.

Decorative lace insertions are separated by simpler sections, giving the knitter periods of more relaxed knitting between the patterned areas.

This creates visual rhythm in the finished shawl and makes the project easier to manage.

A Good First Lace Shawl

The designer specifically describes June Bunnies as well suited to lace beginners.

Experienced lace knitters may also enjoy it as a relaxing project that does not demand constant concentration.

If you already know the basic knit and purl stitches and are ready to practice yarn overs and decreases, this can be an appealing introduction to triangular lace-shawl construction.

Skills You May Practice

• Top-down shawl construction
• Yarn overs
• Lace decreases
• Reading a lace chart
• Following written lace directions
• Maintaining a center line
• Repeating lace motifs
• Stretchy binding off
• Blocking lace

Charted and Written Instructions

June Bunnies is particularly useful for knitters who are still learning how they prefer to follow lace.

The pattern provides both charted and written information, so you can work with the format that feels most comfortable.

Learning to compare the chart with the written instructions can also be a useful way to build chart-reading confidence.

Use a Lifeline While Learning Lace

A lifeline can save a great deal of frustration.

After completing a section you know is correct, thread a smooth contrasting yarn through the live stitches.

If you later make a mistake that requires unraveling several rows, the lifeline gives you a safe place to stop.

Count Your Stitches Regularly

Lace patterns rely on increases and decreases occurring in the correct places.

A forgotten yarn over can affect not only one row but the alignment of the following motif.

Periodic stitch counting helps you catch mistakes while they are still easy to repair.

Blocking Reveals the Lace

Do not judge the finished appearance while the shawl is still bunched together on the needles.

Appropriate blocking opens the lace, evens the stitches and allows the triangular shape to settle.

Always choose a blocking method suitable for the fiber content of your yarn.

Try a Slightly Variegated Yarn

The designer specifically suggests that June Bunnies could look lovely in a slightly variegated yarn.

Because the lace is separated by calmer sections, gentle color variation can add interest without necessarily overwhelming the stitch pattern.

For strongly variegated yarn, however, a swatch is useful to see whether the color changes compete with the lace.

Make It Smaller or Larger

One of June Bunnies' Best Features

The designer intentionally allows you to add as many or as few lace repeats as you like. This means the pattern can become a smaller shawlette or a more generous full-size shawl depending on your yarn supply and preference.

Keep Enough Yarn for the Finish

Customizable shawls create one important planning challenge: it is easy to keep knitting until very little yarn remains.

Remember that you still need enough yarn for the final lace section and bind-off.

If your yarn supply is limited, weighing the remaining yarn between sections can help you make a more informed decision about adding another repeat.

Is June Bunnies Shawl Still Free?

Yes.

June Bunnies Shawl by Inese Andzane remains officially available as a free Ravelry download.

The designer's original Silver Lining Knits blog post is also still online and continues to identify the pattern as free.

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

Get the Free June Bunnies Shawl Pattern

The easiest current route is the official Ravelry pattern record:

Get the Free June Bunnies Shawl Pattern →

Visit the Designer's Original Post

You can also visit Inese Andzane's original Silver Lining Knits post introducing the shawl:

Visit the Original June Bunnies Shawl Post →

More Free Lace Shawls

If you enjoy June Bunnies, these verified free patterns in the Amazing Knitting archive are natural next projects:

• Begonia Swirl - Free Lace Shawl Pattern
• Birds Nest Shawl - Free Knitting Pattern
• Seascape Stole - Free Knitting Pattern
• Morning Surf Scarf - Free Knitting Pattern

Explore More Free Shawl Patterns

• Free Lace Shawl Knitting Patterns
• Triangle Shawl Knitting Patterns
• Beginner Lace Knitting Projects
• Free Shawl Knitting Patterns

Before You Cast On

Decide how large you want your June Bunnies Shawl to become and check how much yarn you have available.

The pattern's flexibility means you do not have to reproduce one exact sample size.

Choose a yarn and needle combination that creates a fabric you enjoy, keep track of your lace repeats, and leave enough yarn for the final section and bind-off.

For a first triangular lace shawl, June Bunnies offers a particularly appealing balance: enough lace to learn something new, but enough simple knitting to keep the project relaxing.

Pattern credit: June Bunnies Shawl was designed by Inese Andzane and published through Silver Lining Knits in July 2012. Amazing Knitting provides an independent project guide and does not reproduce the designer's complete copyrighted chart or 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.

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.