Hazel Scarf

Hazel Scarf by Jo Allport

What is Being Made

The Hazel Scarf is a knitted scarf designed by Jo Allport using Debbie Bliss Riva yarn. This project creates a finished accessory that combines decorative lace elements with practical construction techniques to minimize curling and ensure a polished, wearable garment.

Yarn and Materials

This scarf is constructed using 4 balls of Debbie Bliss Riva, a chunky soft luxury yarn available in 16 shaded colors. The pattern features the shade Candy 06, though any of the available shades work beautifully with the design. The yarn is characterized as warm and cosy, making it ideal for a comfortable accessory. For those seeking alternatives, any bulky or chunky weight yarn with approximately 350 yards (320 meters) total yardage will work for this project.

You will also need 1 pair of 7mm (UK size 3) single-pointed needles, a darning needle for weaving in ends, and a tape measure for checking dimensions as you work.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Hazel Scarf employs several key knitting techniques to create both visual interest and structural integrity. The scarf is constructed with a picot cast on at the beginning, which creates a decorative, finished edge. The picot technique involves casting on a small number of stitches using a cable cast-on method, creating an elegant, delicate border.

The body of the scarf features a lace pattern that adds visual texture and interest to the finished piece. This eyelet design allows the chunky yarn to showcase openwork details while maintaining the scarf's warmth and drape.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch – used for the panels flanking the lace pattern and for edging all round the scarf to minimize curling, a common issue with lace knitting
• Lace stitches – eyelets that form the decorative center pattern
• Cable cast-on – used for the picot edge construction

Difficulty Level and Project Benefits

This is a beginner-friendly knitting project that introduces knitters to lace patterning and decorative edge techniques without overwhelming complexity. The use of chunky yarn means the scarf grows quickly, providing satisfying progress and faster completion. The garter stitch edging serves a practical purpose by preventing the common problem of curl edges, making this an excellent learning project for understanding how different stitch patterns affect fabric behavior.

The combination of straightforward garter stitch sections with the more intricate eyelet lace pattern creates visual interest while remaining accessible to knitters developing their skills.