One of innumerable variations of the classic Old Shale pattern, this textured lace suggests the ripples seen in ribbon chert rock formations. When left unblocked, the yarn-overs create “knuckles” that balance the bumps formed by the P2tog stitches, resulting in an undulating ridge across the fabric. This lace looks better without hard blocking, so it’s great for synthetic yarns.

This beginner-friendly scarf can be made as wide and as long as you want, by adjusting the number of stitches and rows. Gauge is not important, but swatching is always a good idea to find a needle size that works with your yarn.

Slipped stitches at the beginning of every row create a smooth chain-like selvedge, and a narrow column of garter stitch controls curling at the edges and sets off the lace pattern.

The fabric wants to fold lengthwise along the columns of yarn-overs, making a tidy narrow section to wrap around your neck. Note that if you add more repeats to make a wider scarf, the folding may not lie as neatly when worn.

Recommended materials

Yarn: Soft Baby Steps from Red Heart, or other aran or worsted weight yarn. Example scarf used 185 grams (307 meters), or 1.3 balls, of this yarn. Synthetic yarns are fine since you don’t really need to block this lace.

Needles: 5.0 mm (US size 8) needles, plus 2 or 3 sizes smaller for binding off. Of course, use whatever needle sizes work best for you

Stitch markers, removable, such as coil-less safety pins. Optional but a great sanity-saver!

Crochet hook (optional but highly recommended) for casting on using Double Chain CO method. Size is not important but it should be suitable for your yarn.

Tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends

Stitches used:

Knit

Purl

Slip

Purl 2 together

Yarn over

Double Chain (“Chinese Waitress”) cast-on and bind-off are recommended but you can use whatever methods you prefer

Here are my favorite video tutorials for these methods.

Chinese Waitress Cast-on with Crochet Hook:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ragBNdHwjg8

Chinese Waitress Bind-off:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-4ZVoIabaA

There are two PDFs provided, long and short. The long version contains more details and the short version is pared down to the essentials, for people who like to print their patterns without using too much paper or toner. Even if you prefer to print your patterns, I suggest looking at the long version on your computer just to get all the information before you begin.

Thanks for your interest and I hope you enjoy this pattern!