Thread Bare — Lightweight Lace Scarf / Shawlette (Knitting + Crochet options)

Designer: Purl Jam (@#purljam). Website: https://purljam.verde.uk. Support: team@verde.uk.

Overview

Thread Bare is an airy, minimalist lace piece that reads delicate at a distance and reveals texture up close. Worked in lace or fingering yarn on slightly oversized needles/hook, it’s perfect as a light scarf, shawlette or layered accessory. The pattern includes a knitting version (primary) and a crochet alternative for the same finished dimensions.

Finished measurements

Length (blocked): 66” / 168 cm
Width (center) after blocking: 10” / 25 cm
Adjustable: cast on or chain more/less repeats to change length.

Skill level

Advanced-Beginner to Intermediate: simple lace repeats, yarnovers, decreases, and basic crochet lace for the alternate version.

Materials

Yarn: 1 skein (approx) 400–450 yards / 366–411 metres of lace or fingering weight (about 100g skein). Example: single-ply merino-silk lace; use a smooth yarn to show lace.
Notions: tapestry needle, blocking pins, measuring tape, scrap yarn for lifeline (knitting).

Needles & Hook (recommended)

Please choose a needle or hook that gives the stated gauge and an open fabric. Suggested options:

Knitting needles (straight or circular): US 6 — UK 8 (old) — 4.0 mm
Smaller alternative for tighter fabric: US 4 — UK 9 (old) — 3.5 mm
Crochet hook (for crochet version): US G/6 — UK 8 (old) — 4.0 mm

Note: UK (old) conversions vary by chart; the mm (metric) size is the reliable reference.

Gauge

Knitting: 20 sts x 28 rows = 4” / 10 cm in stockinette when blocked on 4.0 mm needles. Gauge is flexible for lace: if you match the fabric drape and width after blocking you’re fine.

Abbreviations (US knitting)

k — knit
p — purl
yo — yarn over
k2tog — knit 2 together (right-leaning decrease)
ssk — slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
RS — right side
WS — wrong side

Notes

Pattern is written for one size: simply work more or fewer pattern repeats for a narrower/wider scarf.
Use lifelines every 8–10 rows if you’re new to lace shaping.
Block gently to open the lace and even the edges.

Knitting version (primary)

Cast-on & setup

Cast on 41 sts using a stretchy cast-on (long-tail or tubular). This gives a balanced edge for the lace repeat below. If you want a wider scarf, cast on multiples of 8 + 1.

Edge setup (optional)

Work 4 rows garter stitch (knit every row) to create a soft edge. Then begin lace pattern. You can omit the garter rows and begin lace immediately for a softer, more sheer edge.

Main lace pattern (8-row repeat)

Multiple: 8 sts + 1 edge st on each side Row 1 (RS): k1, *yo, k2tog, k3, ssk, yo, k1*; repeat from * to * across, end k1. Row 2 (WS) and all even rows: k the knit sts and purl the purls as they present (or purl all sts for a smoother reverse). Recommended: purl all sts on WS for a clear lace fabric. Row 3: k1, *k2, yo, k2tog, k1, ssk, yo, k1*; repeat to last st, k1. Row 4: purl across. Row 5: repeat Row 1. Row 6: purl across. Row 7: repeat Row 3. Row 8: purl across. Repeat Rows 1–8 until piece measures about 64” / 163 cm or desired length, ending after a Row 8 (WS row) to keep selvage consistent.

Bind-off

Work 4 rows garter stitch if you began with garter. Then bind off loosely in pattern (knit the k sts and slip the yos/purl stitches knitwise carefully) or use a stretchy bind-off such as Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off to preserve drape.

Finishing

Weave in ends. Block to final measurements: pin gently along edges, steam or wet-block to open lace. Let dry completely.

Row-by-row knitting sample (first 16 rows)

Setup: CO 41.
Rows 1–8: work pattern as written (see Main lace pattern).
Rows 9–16: repeat Rows 1–8.
Continue until desired length.

Crochet alternative (simple lace panel)

The crochet version keeps the light, open quality with a repeating mesh and fan-style cluster. Chain a multiple of 8 + 1 to match the knitted width; here we suggest ch 65 for the same width.

Crochet abbreviations (US crochet)

ch — chain
sc — single crochet
dc — double crochet
tr — treble (UK tr = US dc)
sk — skip
st(s) — stitch(es)

Crochet Pattern (4-row repeat)

Row 1 (RS): dc in 4th ch from hook (counts as dc2), ch1, sk1, dc in next st; *ch4, sk3, dc in next 2 sts; repeat from * across to last 2 sts, ch1, dc in last st. Row 2: ch3 (counts as dc), turn, dc in same st, ch1, dc in next dc; *in ch4 space: (dc, ch2, dc) as a fan, ch1, dc in next 2 dc; repeat from *; finish with ch1, dc in top of turning ch. Row 3: ch1, turn, sc across, placing 1 sc in each dc and 1 sc in each ch1 space. Row 4: ch3, turn, repeat Row 2. Repeat Rows 1–4 until desired length. Finish with 3 rows of sc for a neat edge or a picot edge if you prefer.

Blocking & care

Soak piece in lukewarm water with a touch of wool wash for 15–30 minutes, gently squeeze excess water (do not wring).
Pin to measurements on flat surface with rust-proof pins, stretching to open lace evenly.
Let dry fully before unpinning.
Hand wash and dry flat to preserve shape. Light steaming between wears is fine on many fibres.

Customization tips

Make it narrower: cast on fewer repeats (multiples of 8 + 1 for knitting; multiples of 8 + 1 for crochet).
Make it longer: work more pattern repeats until you reach desired drape.
Use a silk blend for sheen, or a single-ply for a halo effect. Keep in mind blocking behavior differs by fibre.

Troubleshooting

Missing yarnovers or accidental increases: drop a lifeline and unpick to the lifeline to correct without losing stitches.
Uneven selvages: add or remove garter edge rows, or slip first stitch purlwise for a neater edge.

Copyright & support

This pattern © Purl Jam. For personal use only; do not reproduce or distribute for sale. If you need help with the pattern or an error report, contact team@verde.uk. More patterns and support at https://purljam.verde.uk. Share finished pieces with #purljam on socials.

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