Feather and Fan Stitch: An Easy Lace Knitting Pattern
The Feather and Fan Stitch is a classic lace knitting pattern known for its flowing, wavy design and soft scalloped edges. So named due to the resemblance of the stitch to the fanned feathers of a peacock. This timeless stitch combines simple increases and decreases to create a rhythmic, undulating pattern that looks far more intricate than it actually is.
The stitch is another one given to the world by the hardy Shetlanders (people from the Shetland Islands in Scotland). It should be noted that this stitch is often erroneously given or interchanged with the Old Shale stitch which seems to have come about in the early part of the last century when the stitch arrived on American shores.
So, what is the Feather & Fan Stitch? The stitch is distinct for its series of holes running alongside a spine that resembles the shaft of a feather. The design is created by a series of yarnovers and knits, bordered by knitting four together on either side (one normally and one through the back loop); which is alternated every other row with a full row of knit stitches. Once you understand the repeat, the pattern becomes easy to memorize, making it a relaxing and satisfying stitch to knit.
For the most defined wave pattern, use a smooth, light-colored yarn and maintain even tension throughout your knitting. Blocking your finished piece will also help open up the lace and enhance the scalloped edges. Because of its airy structure and natural drape, this stitch is especially popular for blankets, shawls, and lightweight garments where movement and texture are key. The stitch is commonly found in cardigan and afghan designs and works well with both fine and chunkier yarns. Although, we recommend using garter stitch as the background stitch (as in the instructions below) when using thinner yarns and stockinette stitch when using chunkier yarns.
Difficulty Level
Cast On
Cast on multiples of 14 stitches.
Techniques Used in this Stitch:
- k – knit
- p – purl
- yo – yarn over
- k4tog – knit four stitches together
- k4togtbl – knit four stitches together through the back loop
Instructions
Cast on multiples of 14 stitches for your project.
Begin the first row by knitting four together, then continue with a yarnover and follow with five repetitions of knitting one and then yarn over before knitting four together (through the back loop) and finish on a purl. The second row is entirely knitted with knit stitches. The pattern is created by simply repeating these two rows.
Further finishing touches can be added like adding a further border as we have done in the example swatch.
NOTE: the example swatch in the photos is a double repeat (28 stitches across) of the stitch and is cast on and cast on with multiple rows of the garter stitch before the Feather & Fan Stitch begins proper.
Traditional Instructions
- Row 1: *k4tog, yo, [k1, yo] five times, k4togtbl, p1; repeat from * to the end of the row.
- Row 2: k all stitches.
Repeat rows 1–2 to desired length.
The Feather and Fan Stitch Chart
Feather and Fan Stitch Swatch Examples
We do not have any swatch examples! If you do, please feel free to share them with us on Facebook or Instagram and we can feature you here!
