Delta Scarf Knitting Pattern

Can I admit that I have been sitting on this pattern for a while and have finally worked up the courage to publish it? This is my first knit pattern, I had originally set out to design something simple in knit to try out the new, at the time, Arcadia Yarn. However, as I kept iterating the pattern, it got more complex. I am very pleased with the results, but it is definitely not a simple pattern.

The delta scarf is an advanced pattern for a lace knit scarf that takes some concentration. In addition to standard increase and decrease stitches a special 3 to 2 decrease stitch is used to get symmetrical eyelets. It can seem a bit tricky at first but once you learn the technique it’s not too bad. To help I even made a short video demonstrating the stitch.

Important Links

Since this is my first knitting pattern, I have decided to publish it for free here on my blog (pattern down below) but if you would like a PDF copy of the pattern ether to have a nice downloadable copy or just to support me as a designer you can purchase one in my Ravelry Shop or on Etsy.

The Design Process

I started this design from diamonds and chevrons, but I felt like it was a design I had seen many times before.

So, I started to smooth out the diamonds to pointed ovals. I tried a lot of different ideas for the middle of the oval.

I liked the eyelets in the center oval the most, but I really wanted the eyelets to be symmetrical. After searching for an answer to symmetrical eyelets I found Jolie’s Blog describing a 3 to 2 decrease and other experiments to try and achieve a symmetrical yarn over net pattern.

Once I had the oval just right, I reworked it into a full swatch and started playing around with the edgings and start and finish. I felt like this pattern needed a special start and finish. Here the inspiration came from the name of the pattern. I had already decided to call it the Delta Scarf from the name of the color of Arcadia I had chosen so the start and finish are meant resemble a river delta.

When I started testing, one of my testers mentioned that she liked the similarity to my “In the Clouds blanket”, it had just come out. Until it was brought to my attention, I didn’t notice. Apparently, I am drawn to that particular design, those shapes are on our ottoman and one of my house plant pots.

Here is a close up of the pretty lace.

My Tips & Tricks

This pattern is tricky, even I kept getting lost in my rows and I designed this pattern. Here are some tricks that I used to stay on track.

Use the continuous wavy lines as a reference point. If you look at the scarf you will notice that there are continuous wavy lines that run between the ovals the length of the scarf. Once you get to the main section of the pattern these are good reference points and are always formed with yo, k2tog, ssk, yo. In the PDF version of the pattern, I changed the color of these instructions to a dark blue to help them stand out a little. Using stitch markers between the k2tog and ssk can be helpful.

Use a row counter. I have one of those chain row counters that you place on your needle while knitting. I find this very helpful and placed it at the beginning of my odd rows.

Materials

I designed this pattern for a single ball of Scheepjes Arcadia (75% Superwash Virgin Wool x 25% Polyamide, 100g/396m) in the color 805 Delta. If you would like a longer or wider scarf I would get a second ball.

I also knit most of my swatches in Scheepjes Metropolis (75% Extra Fine Merino Wool x 25% Nylon), so I know that it works up beautifully in that as well. I’m not sure of the yarn usage so I would recommend 2 balls just in case.

3mm knitting needles.

2 Stitch markers (atleast)

Guage and Measurements

Tension is not critical for this project, but different measurements may result in different yarn amounts needed.

Size when blocked approximately: 23cm (9in) wide, 135cm (53in) long.

Knitting Abbreviations

k knit
p purl
M1R make one right; single right-leaning knit increase
M1L make one left; single left-leaning knit increase
k2tog knit 2 stitches together, single right-leaning decrease
ssk slip 2 stitches knitwise, knit these 2 stitches together through back loops, single left-leaning decrease
cdd central double decrease: slip 2 sts tog to right needle as if to k2tog, k1, then pass 2 slipped sts tog over k
3to2dec (see special stitches)
sl1p slip 1 st pwise
yo yarn over (also known as yrn yarn round needle in some regions)
pm place stitch marker(s)
sm slip stitch marker(s)
M stitch marker(s)
RS right side
WS wrong side

Repeat Format

*…….; rep from * once more/twice more/3 more times
- Work instructions after * and then repeat that section as specified.
(…….) twice/3 times
- Work instructions between brackets the total number of times stated.

Special Stitches

3to2dec 3 to 2 decrease, this stitch decreases 3 stitches into 2 and is symmetrical. I learned this stitch from Jolie’s Blog. It’s simpler than it at first seems.

My Short Tutorial Video for this on YouTube

Begin with a normal k2tog but leave the second st on the left needle {image 2}, now ssk with that st and following st, and 3 stitches have been decreased to 2 {image 4}.

{1} k2tog before any stitches have been slipped off left needle, {2} 1 st remaining on left needle from k2tog, {3} making ssk, {4} completed stitch.

Stretchy Bind off k2, return stitches to left needle, k these two stitches together through back loop, * k1, return stitch to left needle, k two stitches together through back loop; repeat from * to end.

Instructions

Set up

Cast On 77 stitches, border repeat begins as 24 +1, 2 edge st on either side.

Garter stitch Row knit across. [77 sts]

Repeat garter stitch row once more (total of 2 rows).

Beginning Border Pattern

Row 1 (RS) k1, sl1p, pm, * k1, (yo, ssk) 5 times, yo, cdd, yo, (k2tog, yo) 5 times; repeat from * twice more, k1, pm, sl1p, k1. [77 sts]

Row 2 (and every following WS row) k1, p1, sm, purl to , sm, p1, k1.

Row 3 (RS) k1, sl1p, sm, * k2, (yo, ssk) 5 times, k1, (k2tog, yo) 5 times, k1; repeat from * twice more, k1, sm, sl1p, k1.

Row 5 (RS) k1, sl1p, sm, * k3, (yo, ssk) 4 times, yo, cdd, yo, (k2tog, yo) 4 times, k2; repeat from * twice more, k1, sm, sl1p, k1.

Row 7 (RS) k1, sl1p, sm, * k1, yo, ssk, k1, (yo, ssk) 4 times, k1, (k2tog, yo) 4 times, k1, k2tog, yo; repeat from * twice more, k1, sm, sl1p, k1.

Row 9 (RS) k1, sl1p, sm, * k1, M1R, yo, k2tog, ssk, (yo, ssk) 3 times, yo, cdd, yo, (k2tog, yo) 3 times, k2tog, ssk, yo, M1L; repeat from * twice more, k1, sm, sl1p, k1.

Row 11 (RS) k1, sl1p, sm, * k1, M1R, k1, yo, k2tog, ssk, (yo, ssk) 3 times, k1, (k2tog, yo) 3 times, k2tog, ssk, yo, k1, M1L; repeat from * twice more, k1, sm, sl1p, k1.

Row 13 (RS) k1, sl1p, sm, * k1, M1R, k2, yo, k2tog, ssk, (yo, ssk) 2 times, yo, cdd, yo, (k2tog, yo) 2 times, k2tog, ssk, yo, k2, M1L; repeat from * twice more, k1, sm, sl1p, k1. [75 sts]

Row 15 (RS) k1, sl1p, sm, k2, *yo, k2, yo, k2tog, ssk, (yo, ssk) 2 times, k1, (k2tog, yo) 2 times, k2tog, ssk, yo, k2, yo, 3to2dec; repeat from * once more, yo, k2, yo, k2tog, ssk, (yo, ssk) 2 times, k1, (k2tog, yo) 2 times, k2tog, ssk, yo, k2, yo, k2, sm, sl1p, k1.

Row 17 (RS) k1, sl1p, sm, k3, *M1R, k2, yo, k2tog, (ssk, yo) 2 times, cdd, (yo, k2tog) 2 times, ssk, yo, k2, M1L, k2, yo, k2; repeat from * once more, M1R, k2, yo, k2tog, (ssk, yo) 2 times, cdd, (yo, k2tog) 2 times, ssk, yo, k2, M1L, k3, sm, sl1p, k1. [77 sts]

Row 19 (RS) k1, sl1p, sm, k2, *yo, k4, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k4, yo, 3to2dec; repeat from * once more, yo, k4, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k4, yo, k2, sm, sl1p, k1. [75 sts]

Row 21 (RS) k1, sl1p, sm, k1, *3to2dec, yo, k3, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, cdd, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k3, yo, 3to2dec, yo; repeat from * once more, 3to2dec, yo, k3, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, cdd, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k3, yo, 3to2dec, k1, sm, sl1p, k1. [71 sts]

Row 22 (WS) k1, p1, sm, purl to M, sm, p1, k1.

Main Pattern

Row 1 (RS) k1, sl1p, sm, k2, yo, * 3to2dec, k2, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k1, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k2, (3to2dec, yo) twice; repeat from * once more, 3to2dec, k2, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k1, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k2, 3to2dec, yo, k2, sm, sl1p, k1. [69 sts]

Row 2 (and every following WS row) k1, p1, sm, purl to M, sm, p1, k1.

Row 3 (RS) k1, sl1p, sm, k1, * 3to2dec, yo, k3, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k1, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k3, yo, 3to2dec, yo; repeat from * once more, 3to2dec, yo, k3, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k1, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k3, yo, 3to2dec, k1, sm, sl1p, k1. [71 sts]

Row 5 (RS) k1, sl1p, sm, k2, yo, * 3to2dec, k2, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, M1R, k1, M1L, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k2, (3to2dec, yo) twice; repeat from * once more, 3to2dec, k2, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, M1R, k1, M1L, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k2, 3to2dec, yo, k2, sm, sl1p, k1. [75 sts]

Row 7 (RS) k1, sl1p, sm, k1, * 3to2dec, k2tog, k1, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k1, M1R, k1, M1L, k1, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k1, ssk, 3to2dec, yo; repeat from * once more, 3to2dec, k2tog, k1, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k1, M1R, k1, M1L, k1, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k1, ssk, 3to2dec, k1, sm, sl1p, k1. [71 sts]

Row 9 (RS) k1, sl1p, sm, ssk, * yo, k2tog, k1, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k2, M1R, k1, M1L, k2, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k1, ssk, yo, cdd; repeat from * once more, yo, k2tog, k1, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k2, M1R, k1, M1L, k2, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k1, ssk, yo, k2tog, sm, sl1p, k1. [71 sts]

Row 11 (RS) k1, sl1p, sm, * k1, k2tog, k1, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k2, yo, 3to2dec, yo, k2, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k1, ssk; repeat from * twice more, k1, sm, sl1p, k1. [68 sts]

Row 13 (RS) k1, sl1p, sm, ssk, * k1, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k2, M1L, k2, yo, k2, M1R, k2, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k1, cdd; repeat from * once more, k1, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k2, M1L, k2, yo, k2, M1R, k2, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k1, k2tog, sm, sl1p, k1. [71 sts]

Row 15 (RS) k1, sl1p, sm, ssk, * yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k4, yo, 3to2dec, yo, k4, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, cdd; repeat from * once more, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k4, yo, 3to2dec, yo, k4, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k2tog, sm, sl1p, k1. [68 sts]

Row 17 (RS) k1, sl1p, sm, * k1, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k3, yo, (3to2dec, yo) twice, k3, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo; repeat from * twice more, k1, sm, sl1p, k1. [71 sts]

Row 19 (RS) k1, sl1p, sm, * k1, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k2, (3to2dec, yo) twice, 3to2dec, k2, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo; repeat from * twice more, k1, sm, sl1p, k1. [68 sts]

Row 21 (RS) as row 17. [71 sts]

Row 23 (RS) k1, sl1p, sm, * k1, M1L, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k2, (3to2dec, yo) twice, 3to2dec, k2, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, M1R; repeat from * twice more, k1, sm, sl1p, k1. [73 sts]

Row 25 (RS) k1, sl1p, sm, * k1, M1L, k1, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k1, ssk, 3to2dec, yo, 3to2dec, k2tog, k1, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k1, M1R; repeat from * twice more, k1, sm, sl1p, k1. [71 sts]

Row 27 (RS) k1, sl1p, sm, * k1, M1L, k2, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k1, ssk, yo, cdd, yo, k2tog, k1, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k2, M1R; repeat from * twice more, k1, sm, sl1p, k1. [71 sts]

Row 29 (RS) k1, sl1p, sm, k2, * yo, k2, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k1, ssk, k1, k2tog, k1, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k2, yo, 3to2dec; repeat from * once more, yo, k2, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k1, ssk, k1, k2tog, k1, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k2, yo, k2, sm, sl1p, k1.[69 sts]

Row 31 (RS) k1, sl1p, sm, k3, * M1R, k2, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k1, cdd, k1, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k2, M1L, k2, yo, k2; repeat from * once more, M1R, k2, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k1, cdd, k1, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k2, M1L, k3, sm, sl1p, k1. [71 sts]

Row 33 (RS) k1, sl1p, sm, k2, * yo, k4, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, cdd, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k4, yo, 3to2dec; repeat from * once more, yo, k4, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, cdd, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k4, yo, k2, sm, sl1p, k1. [69 sts]

Row 35 (RS) as row 3. [71 sts]

End each main pattern repeat with a WS row.

Repeat main pattern rows 1-36 a further 8 times (or to desired length)

Ending Border Pattern

Row 1 (RS) k1, sl1p, sm, K2, yo, * 3to2dec, k2, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k1, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k2, (3to2dec, yo) twice; repeat from * once more, 3to2dec, k2, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k1, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k2, 3to2dec, yo, k2, sm, sl1p, k1. [69 sts]

Row 2 (and every following WS row) k1, p1, sm, purl to M, sm, p1, k1.

Row 3 (RS) k1, sl1p, sm, K1, * 3to2dec, yo, k3, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k1, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k3, yo, 3to2dec, yo; repeat from * once more, 3to2dec, yo, k3, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k1, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k3, yo, 3to2dec, k1, sm, sl1p, k1. [71 sts]

Row 5 (RS) k1, sl1p, sm, k2, yo, * 3to2dec, k2, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, M1R, k1, M1L, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k2, (3to2dec, yo) twice; repeat from * once more, 3to2dec, k2, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, M1R, k1, M1L, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k2, 3to2dec, yo, k2, sm, sl1p, k1. [75 sts]

Row 7 (RS) k1, sl1p, sm, k1, * 3to2dec, k2tog, k1, yo, k2tog, ssk, (yo, k1) 3 times, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k1, ssk, 3to2dec, yo; repeat from * once more, 3to2dec, k2tog, k1, yo, k2tog, ssk, (yo, k1) 3 times, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k1, ssk, 3to2dec, k1, sm, sl1p, k1. [71 sts]

Row 9 (RS) k1, sl1p, sm, ssk, * yo, k2tog, k1, yo, k2tog, (ssk, yo) twice, M1R, k1, M1L, (yo, k2tog) twice, ssk, yo, k1, ssk, yo, cdd; repeat from * once more, yo, k2tog, k1, yo, k2tog, (ssk, yo) twice, M1R, k1, M1L, (yo, k2tog) twice, ssk, yo, k1, ssk, yo, k2tog, sm, sl1p, k1. [71 sts]

Row 11 (RS) k1, sl1p, sm, * k1, k2tog, k1, yo, k2tog, (ssk, yo) twice, (k1, yo) twice, k1, (yo, k2tog) twice, ssk, yo, k1, ssk; repeat from * twice more, k1, sm, sl1p, k1. [71 sts]

Row 13 (RS) k1, sl1p, sm, ssk, * k1, yo, k2tog, (ssk, yo) 3 times, M1R, k1, M1L, (yo, k2tog) 3 times, ssk, yo, k1, cdd; repeat from * once more, k1, yo, k2tog, (ssk, yo) 3 times, M1R, k1, M1L, (yo, k2tog) 3 times, ssk, yo, k1, ssk, sm, sl1p, k1. [71 sts]

Row 15 (RS) k1, sl1p, sm, ssk, * yo, k2tog, (ssk, yo) 3 times, (k1, yo) twice, k1, (yo, k2tog) 3 times, ssk, yo, cdd; repeat from * once more, yo, k2tog, (ssk, yo) 3 times, (k1, yo) twice, k1, (yo, k2tog) 3 times, ssk, yo, k2tog, sm, sl1p, k1. [71 sts]

Row 17 (RS) k1, sl1p, sm, * k1, k2tog, (ssk, yo) 4 times, M1R, k1, M1L, (yo, k2tog) 4 times, ssk; repeat from * twice more, k1, sm, sl1p, k1. [71 sts]

Row 19 (RS) k1, sl1p, sm, ssk, * (ssk, yo) 4 times, (k1, yo) twice, k1, (yo, k2tog) 4 times, cdd; repeat from * once more, (ssk, yo) 4 times, (k1, yo) twice, k1, (yo, k2tog) 4 times, k2tog, sm, sl1p, k1. [71 sts]

Row 21 (RS) k1, sl1p, sm, ssk, * yo, k1, (ssk, yo) 4 times, M1R, k1, M1L, (yo, k2tog) 4 times, k1, yo, cdd; repeat from * once more, yo, k1, (ssk, yo) 4 times, M1R, k1, M1L, (yo, k2tog) 4 times, k1, yo, k2tog, sm, sl1p, k1.[77 sts]

Row 22 (WS) knit across. [77 sts]

Row 23 (RS) knit across. [77 sts]

Stretchy Bind off and break yarn.

Weave in all ends and block robustly to open lace pattern.

Notes for making a Cowl Version

If you would like to make a cowl version of this scarf on circular needles without the starting and ending pattern you will need to cast on multiples of 22.

For the sample I am working in Scheepjes Woolwise, I cast on 132 stitches to 4mm, 24in circular needles.

Work a couple rounds of garter stitch or edging of your choice to start.

Then you will need to work the pattern between the * starting with “ssk, yo” and ending with “yo, k2tog”.

Let me know if you would like a fully written out pattern for the cowl version. If there is enough interest, I will publish a PDF for the cowl version too.

Photo Gallery

Happy Crafting!

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Copyright

Please do not sell, redistribute, or edit this pattern in any way. You may sell the finished products but please credit me as the designer of the pattern.