Directions for a Broomstick Scarf
Broomstick lace is a crocheting technique that creates a thick, lacy pattern. Also known as peacock lace and jiffy lace, broomstick lace dates back to the late 1800s, and is still in use today. The technique has been used throughout history to create items ranging from blankets to shawls to clothing. While somewhat unorthodox in the craft of crochet, due to its use of an additional knitting needle, dowel or stick, broomstick crochet uses two very basic crochet stitches: the single crochet and the chain stitch. The simplicity of the stitches makes broomstick lace a viable project for beginning crocheters, who already know the basics, to expand their repertoire and create intricate projects without learning new skills.
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Things You'll Need
- Size H crochet hook
- Worsted weight yarn
- Size 50 knitting needle
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
Instructions
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Chain a foundation of 15 stitches using a size H or 5.0 mm crochet hook and worsted or medium weight yarn.
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Insert the crochet hook into the first stitch of the chain. Draw a loop through the chain. Widen the loop and slide it onto a size 50 knitting needle. Do this for all 15 stitches.
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Tuck the crochet hook through the first five loops closest to the point of the knitting needle. Draw a loop through all five loops and slide the loops off of the knitting needle.
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Create one chain stitch. Stitch one single crochet stitch in each of the five loops.
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Draw a loop through the next five loops on the knitting needle. Slide them off the needle and create one chain stitch. Perform five single crochet stitches over the course of the loops. Do this for the last set of five stitches on the knitting needle.
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Slide the last loop from the row onto the knitting needle. Draw the yarn through each of the single crochet stitches created in the loops. Place the resulting loops onto the knitting needle.
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Repeat the process of looping, chaining and double crocheting until the scarf reaches your desired length. End on a row of single crochet stitches. Cut the yarn, pull the tail through the last loop and weave in the loose end with a tapestry needle to keep the piece from unraveling.
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Tips & Warnings
The loops on the knitting needle need to be loose enough to work with. Do not pull the yarn tight when creating the loops.
Don't get discouraged. Creating a broomstick lace scarf requires learning a new skill set. Work slowly and patiently. Speed and precision come with time and practice.
Choose a plain, solid-colored yarn to show off the lacy nature of the stitches. Use a fluffier yarn or variegated yarn for a busier pattern and look.
Use a smaller diameter knitting needle for a less lacy appearance. The smaller the knitting needle, the more dense the finished scarf is.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit YARN BALLS image by brelsbil from Fotolia.com
