1,380 Cashmere Picots Scarf

Click on any larger photo to enlarge it further.

My goal in designing this scarf was to make lavish, extravagant use of one skein of lace weight pure undyed cashmere yarn. I normally avoid using a lot of picot stitches when I crochet for fun, yet the yarn looked and felt like it wanted to be crocheted into picots. It became a personal challenge: what if I packed in the maximum amount of picots I could muster? The result is an exquisite gift (and a deep sense of satisfaction).

Pattern includes a special foundation stitch (aka 'chainless foundation') with the picots built in. This gives the scarf a more professional drape and makes it feel even more elegant to wear. (One of my pet peeves is feeling the tight foundation chain row where one shouldn’t.)

I’ve heard many crocheters say that they don’t like the look of their picots. No matter how many picots one has under their belt, the next one may look clumsy or unsatisfying for a number of reasons that are easy to fix. Pattern includes tips for making picots to love.

After using this pattern you will know (if you didn’t already):

• How to begin with a picot foundation 
• How to create pretty picots
• The delights of crocheting fine cashmere yarn

Finished Dimensions: 4.5"/12cm X 60"/153cm.

Supplies Needed

• Crochet Hook: US E-4 (3.5mm) or size required for gauge
• Yarn: 350yds/324m of a "#0 Lace Weight" yarn (see yarn swatch info below)
• Yarn used for pictured project: Plymouth Earth™  Ecco Cashmere (1.75oz/50g, 354yds/324m per skein, 100% cashmere). Color: 100 (natural undyed). There are many other wonderful laceweight yarns available nowadays in all price ranges in yarn shops, but I don't know of a comparable yarn in a craft chain store, unless you try a cotton crochet thread.

Yarn Swatches shown from left to right across the top of photo:

1. Dark blue=Malabrigo laceweight (highly recommend, soft, drapey, pretty)

2. Aqua=Red Heart Lustersheen (stiff; you could try a larger crochet hook like a G-4mm or G-4.5mm)

3. Cream=Coats Royale crochet thread, Size #3 (stiff, pretty; try a larger hook)

4. Pink=America's Best Perle Cotton #5 (soft, lacy in a stringy way, summery.)

Fifth swatch at bottom front of photo is the laceweight cashmere version for comparison.