Last updated: 31 October 2025

Shetland Lace Scarf – Free Knitting Pattern

If you enjoy a light and relaxing knit that still gives stunning results, you’re going to love this one. The Shetland Lace Scarf is one of my older designs, first released back in 2018, but I’ve given it a little makeover with updated yarn recommendations and clearer instructions.

This beautiful lace pattern is ideal for an adventurous beginner wanting to try lace knitting for the first time, or anyone who enjoys a simple, meditative project. The gentle waves of this variation of Old Shale stitch, create a lovely flowing fabric that drapes beautifully, and the ombré yarn does all the hard work in bringing out those delicate lace details.

Get the PDF!

The Shetland Lace Scarf knitting pattern is also available as an ad-free PDF, making it easy to print and follow along anywhere without distractions.

Why I Love Traditional Lace Knitting

There’s something so satisfying about a pattern that’s easy to knit but looks much more complicated than it really is. The Shetland Lace Scarf fits that perfectly. Once you’ve memorised the four-row repeat, it becomes a peaceful, rhythmic knit — perfect for unwinding at the end of the day with a cup of tea.

It’s also a great project to use up those pretty yarns in your stash that have soft gradients or gentle colour changes. The simple lace really lets the yarn shine.

What Makes This Scarf so Beautiful

This design uses a variation of the Old Shale stitch, a traditional Shetland lace pattern that creates a lovely wave effect. It’s made with simple increases and decreases, so even if you’ve never tried lace knitting before, you’ll find it surprisingly easy to master.

Yarn Choice and Substitutes

For this updated version, I used Paintbox Yarns Ombre Aran Wool Touch in the shade Sandy Beach. It’s a beautifully soft yarn made with 75% acrylic and 25% wool, giving a cosy drape and easy care. Each 100g ball has around 190 metres, so it works up quickly too.

If you’d like to try something different, Sirdar Jewelspun Aran, Lion Brand Ferris Wheel, or Chroma Worsted are great alternatives that still give that lovely colour-shifting effect.

Size and Fit

The pattern includes two adult sizes. The shorter version is perfect for tucking neatly inside a coat, while the longer version gives you more length to wrap and style however you like.

Adult Short: 31 cm x 168 cm (12" x 66") – 2 balls

Adult Long: 31 cm x 252 cm (12" x 99") – 3 balls

Gauge: 16 sts x 26 rows = 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 inches) in pattern.

Shetland Lace Scarf Free Knitting Pattern

What You’ll Need

Yarn: Paintbox Yarns Ombre Aran

Needles: 5.00 mm (US 8)

Other items: Yarn needle, scissors

Abbreviations:

k – knit

p – purl

k2tog – knit 2 together

yo – yarn over

st(s) – stitch(es)

Pattern Details

The Shetland Lace Scarf is worked back and forth on straight needles and is comprised of a variation of the Old Shale stitch. The lace is created by simple increases and decreases on a 4-row repeat, making this a perfect introduction to lace knitting. An adventurous beginner could easily master this pattern.

Pattern Notes

• Read the pattern all the way through before starting.
• We recommend using the cable cast on.
• This scarf is worked back and forth on straight needles.
• The lace pattern is created by simple increases and decreases on a 4-row repeat.
• When casting off, do so loosely to maintain the scarf’s drape.

Pattern Instructions

Cast on 54 sts.

Row 1 knit.

Row 2 purl.

Row 3 [k2tog] 3 times, [yo, k1] 6 times, [k2tog] 6 times repeat from to once more, [yo, k1] 6 times, [k2tog] 3 times.

Row 4 purl.

These 4 rows form pattern. Continue in pattern until piece measures desired length, ending on a row 4. If using recommended yarn this will be approx. 2 [3] full balls.

Cast off loosely.

Blocking and Finishing

Blocking makes a huge difference to lace knitting. It helps open up the stitches, improves drape, and gives the scarf a lovely professional finish.

To block your finished scarf, soak it in lukewarm water with a gentle wool wash for about 15–30 minutes. Gently squeeze out excess water (don’t wring it), roll it in a towel, then lay it flat on a blocking mat. Pin it to shape and let it dry completely.

Once it’s dry, remove the pins and admire your work. Your scarf should now have a soft, even texture and beautiful flowing lace.

Shetland Lace Beanie & Gloves

If you enjoy making matching sets, you’ll be happy to know there are coordinating patterns to go with this scarf. The Shetland Lace Beanie and Shetland Lace Fingerless Gloves both use the same beautiful stitch pattern, so you can create a complete matching set. They make wonderful gifts and are perfect for keeping warm in style through the colder months. 

Closing Thoughts

I hope you enjoy knitting this classic lace design as much as I enjoyed bringing it back to life with a little refresh. It’s a lovely, timeless piece that’s perfect for gifting or keeping for yourself.

If you loved making this scarf, you’ll find more cosy patterns in my shop — from baby blankets to stylish accessories and garments — all designed to be simple, relaxing, and fun to make.

Thanks so much for stopping by...

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