Valley Yarns Rhea Lace Scarf Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Rhea Lace Scarf

Project Overview

The Valley Yarns Rhea Lace Scarf is a beginner-friendly knitted lace accessory designed by Kirsten Hipsky. This scarf adapts the stitch patterns from the popular Rhea Lace Stole into a narrower, more wearable format. The finished scarf measures approximately 12 inches wide by 66 inches long, making it an elegant layering piece or lightweight wrap.

Construction Method

This scarf is worked flat on straight needles using a unique construction technique. The project begins with two decorative end pieces that are knitted separately, then the main body is picked up from one end piece and worked in rows. The main body and remaining end piece are joined using a three-needle bind-off method, where stitches from the main body are knitted together with loops from the edge of the second end piece while binding off. This seamless approach eliminates the need for seaming and creates a polished, professional finish.

Lace Techniques and Stitches

The Rhea Lace Scarf features classic lace construction using fundamental lace-making techniques suitable for beginners:

• Yarn overs (yo): These create the characteristic openwork and decorative holes that define the lace pattern
• Decreases: The pattern uses multiple decrease methods to balance yarn overs and maintain stitch count. These include knit two together (k2tog), slip-slip-knit (ssk), and slip one-knit two together-pass slipped stitch over (sl1-k2tog-psso)
• Purl two together (p2tog): Used strategically in the end pieces to shape the lace motifs
• Increase techniques: The pattern incorporates increases by working multiple stitches into a single stitch, creating decorative fan or shell-like elements

Pattern Structure

The scarf consists of three main components:

• End Pieces (make 2): Each end piece is constructed over 6 rows that are repeated 12 times total. These pieces begin with 10 cast-on stitches and expand through increases to 17 stitches, then decrease back to 10 stitches before binding off. The end pieces create decorative terminal elements that frame the scarf
• Main Body: Worked from a picked-up edge of 57 stitches, the main body consists of a two-row repeat. Row 1 contains the lace pattern with yarn overs and decreases, while Row 2 is worked as knit across, allowing the lace to develop and set

Yarn and Materials

The Rhea Lace Scarf is designed to showcase Valley Yarns Northfield, a supple and luxurious blend consisting of 70% Merino wool, 20% baby alpaca, and 10% silk. This fiber combination provides softness, breathability, and a subtle sheen. The project requires 5 skeins of Northfield, with each skein containing 50 grams and 124 yards of yarn. The recommended color is shade 11 Balsam, a sophisticated green tone. Size 5 needles are used to work the pattern, creating an appropriate gauge for the delicate lace construction.

Finishing and Care

After completing the knitting, all loose ends are sewn in for a neat appearance. The scarf is then soaked in Eucalan wool wash according to package directions, which gently cleanses the fibers without harsh agitation. Blocking is optional and allows the crafter to customize the final appearance: rigorous blocking opens up the lace pattern for an airy, delicate look, while light blocking preserves a thicker, more textured aesthetic. This flexibility makes the scarf adaptable to personal preference and styling needs.

Skill Level

Rated as a beginner project, the Rhea Lace Scarf introduces fundamental lace-knitting concepts in an accessible format. The two-row repeat in the main body is straightforward, and the end pieces, while more complex, provide a contained practice area for learning various increase and decrease techniques before committing to the longer main section.