Valley Yarns Palette Scarf Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Palette Scarf

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Palette Scarf is a colorful lace scarf designed by Vickie Howell that showcases nine distinct colors from the Vickie Howell palette. This finished scarf measures 9 inches wide by 64 inches long (23 cm x 162.5 cm), making it an ideal accessory for adding vibrant color blocking to any wardrobe. The scarf is worked in horizontal stripes, with each color section allowing crafters to display the full range of the coordinated palette in a single, cohesive project.

Techniques Used

This scarf employs lace knitting as its primary decorative technique, creating an open, airy fabric through strategic yarn overs and decreases. The design is seamless, meaning all pieces are created in one continuous piece without requiring seaming. The scarf is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, making it accessible to knitters who prefer traditional flat construction. The lace pattern repeats every four rows, creating a consistent rhythm that becomes meditative once established. Color changes are incorporated throughout the project by cutting yarn and joining new colors, allowing each stripe to stand independently while contributing to the overall striped effect.

Stitches Used

The Palette Scarf utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined in a lace pattern:

• Knit (K): The basic knit stitch forms the foundation of the fabric
• Purl (P): Purl stitches create texture and are used strategically throughout the pattern
• Yarn Over (Yo): This stitch creates the characteristic eyelets and openness of the lace pattern
• Knit 2 Together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease that balances the yarn overs
• Slip, Slip, Knit (Ssk): A left-leaning decrease used to create symmetrical lace motifs
• Purl 2 Together (P2tog): A decrease worked on the wrong side
• Purl 2 Together Through Back Loop (P2togtbl): A specialized decrease that maintains the lace pattern's integrity

Materials and Specifications

The Palette Scarf is knit using Valley Yarns Valley Superwash Super Bulky, a 100% Superwash Wool yarn that provides durability and easy care. Each color requires one skein of 55 yards per 100 grams. The nine colors included in this project are: (A) 203 Gray Gardens, (B) 208 Pink Flamingo, (C) 205 Boss Byzamthium, (D) 200 Castaway Coral, (E) 202 Moontower Mustard, (F) 207 Astroturf, (G) 206 Peacock, (H) 204 Tiki Turquoise, and (I) 201 Aqua Oasis.

Needles required: US size 13 (9.00mm) needles, or the size needed to achieve proper gauge. The pattern specifies a gauge of 10 stitches by 12 rows equals 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. Additional materials include a large-eyed tapestry needle for weaving in ends during finishing.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is classified as advanced beginner, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to explore lace techniques. While the lace pattern may appear complex, the four-row repeat becomes intuitive with practice. The use of super bulky yarn means stitches are large and easy to work with, reducing the frustration often associated with lace projects. The straightforward color-change structure and seamless, flat construction add to the project's approachability for those expanding their skill set.