Garter Stitch Lace Knit Scarf Pattern

Back in 2013 Love of Knitting published my Shangri-La Scarf / Shawl Pattern. This garter stitch lace knit scarf pattern is designed so that you can easily adapt into a shawl if you desire a warmer wrap. The pattern is now available for sale directly through Ravelry.

What Is a Garter Stitch Lace Knit Scarf?

As you know, garter stitch is one of the simplest knitting techniques. As soon as you learn to knit stitch, you learn garter stitch. After all, it's just rows of repeating the knit stitch. This pattern is designed to have a garter stitch border all the way around the edges.

The center that makes up the design detail of the scarf is lace knit. I've created a repeating openwork pattern that has a very pretty geometric design. The bold angles of the design combined with the soft beauty of the yarn work together for strong visual impact.

In this case, then, a garter stitch lace knit scarf refers to a pattern that is primarily lace knit with a garter stitch frame around it.

Use Your Luxury Yarns On This Pattern

This garter stitch lace knit scarf pattern is named after the yarn originally used in the design. Unfortunately, Bijou Bison Ranch has closed its doors in the time since I designed this pattern for them. The owners retired, and their website now goes to a different yarn seller. However, the pattern still stands strong on its own merit. I recommend that you find a comparable luxury yarn to use in the design.

The original yarn was a yak/silk yarn blend. It was 50% of each, making for a very soft, warm yarn that also had lightness and sheen. MYak has a blend that looks very similar, although admittedly I haven't had a chance to try it out myself. Similarly, Expression Fiber Arts has a blend like this that they describe as “amazing, SOFT, lustrous, luxurious, creamy, rich, vibrant yarn that is hard to ignore.” That's exactly the type of yarn that you want for this project!

Learn why it is good for you to use your luxury yarns!

A Scarf/ Shawl in 3 Sizes

Oftentimes we write knit scarf patterns for one size only. However, it's a lot more interesting if we make them more versatile, isn't it? Some people enjoy skinnier scarves whereas others really want to be wrapped in a cozy shawl-size scarf instead. In fact, you might prefer one over the other at different times depending on the season and what you're styling it with.

That's why I've designed this pattern for three different sizes:

• The small size is 14 3/4″ wide x 61″ long.
• The medium size is 20 1/2″ wide x 71″ long.
• The large size is 25 1/4″ wide x 81″ long.

Of course, once you get the hang of the pattern repeat, you could make your shawl even wider if you wanted to! Have fun with this pattern.

You Might Also Like:

• Super Simple Rib and Lace Knit Scarf Cowl Free Pattern
• Knit Lace Scarf: 3 Ball Project
• Asymmetrical Lace Knit Shawl

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this into a shawl?

Yes! So glad you asked… This garter stitch lace knit scarf pattern was designed so that you can easily adapt it into a shawl if you desire a warmer wrap. It’s super versatile that way!

What exactly is a garter stitch lace knit scarf?

Honestly… it's a scarf pattern that's primarily lace knitting in the center, but it has a garter stitch border all the way around the edges. Garter stitch is just rows of repeating the knit stitch, so it's nice and simple!

What kind of yarn should I use for this pattern?

Well, the original yarn was a yak/silk blend, which is super soft and luxurious. You'll want to find a comparable luxury yarn… something with a lovely softness, warmth, and sheen!

Does this pattern come in different sizes?

Yes! This pattern is designed for three different sizes… a small, a medium, and a large. This way, you can make a skinnier scarf or a cozy shawl-size wrap, depending on what you like!

Is this pattern difficult to knit?

This pattern is designed as an advanced beginner project. Since garter stitch is one of the simplest knitting techniques, and the lace is a repeating pattern, it's totally manageable for those looking to stretch their skills a bit!

What Yarn Weight Is Best for a Lace Knit Scarf?

For lace knitting, you'll want to use lace weight (size 0) or fingering weight (size 1) yarn. These thinner threads allow the openwork holes to breathe and show off the intricate lace stitch detail beautifully.

For the Shangri-La scarf, the original design used a luxury yak/silk lace weight blend — the silk gives the finished scarf a gorgeous sheen and fluid drape, while the yak fiber adds surprising warmth without bulk. When substituting yarn, look for:

• Fiber content: At least 20% silk, alpaca, or mohair for best drape and stitch definition
• Weight: Lace (0) or fingering (1) — not heavier, as bulkier yarn will obscure the openwork
• Twist: Loosely plied yarns show off lace beautifully; tightly spun yarns can close up the holes
• Avoid: Superwash wool alone — the stretchy treatment can cause open stitches to lose their definition over time

Is the Shangri-La Lace Knit Scarf Good for Beginners?

This pattern is designed as an advanced beginner project — perfect for knitters who have the basics mastered and are ready to try their first lace pattern. The two key techniques you'll need are:

• Yarn over (YO): Creates the openwork holes that form the lace design
• K2tog (knit two together): A basic right-leaning decrease used throughout the pattern

Because the design uses a repeating lace pattern, once you memorize the repeat, the rhythm becomes very natural. A few tips for your first lace project:

• Use a lifeline — a smooth piece of scrap yarn threaded through your live stitches every few rows as a safety net if you need to rip back
• Count your stitches at the end of every row — lace can get away from you if you miss a yarn over
• Don't judge the finished knitting until it's blocked — off-the-needles lace always looks crumpled

New to knitting? Start with Marly's complete guide to knitting basics before diving in.

How Do You Block a Lace Knit Scarf?

Blocking is essential for lace knitting — it's the step that transforms crumpled knitting into open, airy lace. Here's how to block the Shangri-La scarf:

1. Soak the finished scarf in cool water with a small amount of wool wash for 15–20 minutes
2. Remove from water and gently squeeze out excess moisture — do not wring or twist the fiber
3. Roll in a clean dry towel and press to absorb remaining water
4. Pin to blocking mats at your target finished dimensions using rust-proof T-pins or blocking wires
5. Dry completely — allow 24–48 hours depending on your fiber and humidity level

The lace pattern will open up beautifully as it dries. For silk/yak blends, a light misting with a spray bottle rather than full submersion may better preserve the fiber's natural drape properties.