The Feather and Fan stitch is a well-known Shetland pattern. It’s sometimes called “Old Shell” or “Old Shale” because the stitch resembles the ocean waves rolling onto sand shales.
With its four-row repeat, Feather and Fan is a great introduction to lace knitting. For such a gorgeous pattern, it’s deceptively easy to knit up.
The stitch pattern lays flat and has a scalloped edge that extends from the cast on edge to the cast off edge. It looks pretty on the reverse side as well.
This swatch is knit using Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK in the color 455 Peach Orange. This is an affordable cotton yarn that’s great for washcloths, rugs, coasters, sun hats and more. This yarn also comes in tons of colors!
To explore more stitches for beginners, check out the 10 Best Beginner Stitches series.
Feather and Fan Stitch:
Cast on a multiple of 18 sts
Row 1 (RS): knit all sts
Row 2: purl all sts
Row 3: *(K2tog) 3 times, (YO, K1) 6 times, (K2tog) 3 times; repeat from * to end of row
Row 4: knit all sts
Repeat Rows 1-4 for Feather and Fan knit flat
Feather and Fan Stitch in the Round:
Cast on a multiple of 18 sts
Round 1-2: knit all sts
Round 3: *(K2tog) 3 times, (YO, K1) 6 times, (K2tog) 3 times; repeat from * to end of row
Round 4: purl all sts
Repeat Rounds 1-4 for Feather and Fan in the Round
Abbreviations:
* *: Repeat instructions between the asterisks the number of time indicated
K: knit
K2tog: Knit two stitches together
RS: Right side
St(s): Stitches
YO: yarn over
Feather and Fan Knitting Chart
What Can You Knit with Feather and Fan?
Feather and Fan is a great stitch for blankets, shawls, scarves and decorative edges. Here are a few of my favourite patterns that use Feather and Fan:
This beautiful hat by Kali Berg uses Feather and Fan instead of traditional ribbing. It’s so unique and pretty! (Free pattern)
This gorgeous shawl alternates panels of Feather and Fan with stockinette stitch, making it a great beginner shawl pattern. (Free pattern)
Knitting a blanket or afghan with Feather and Fan is an excellent idea! This simple blanket pattern uses leftover yarn to showcase the pretty waves of Feather and Fan. (Free pattern)
This cosy hap blanket uses Feather and Fan edging. It has an old world feel that makes you feel like you’re in the Highlands. (Premium pattern)
If you were wanting to make a shawl, whether triangle or rectangle, how many cast one stitches would you start with?
Hi…what length needles did you use in the Feather and Fan tutorial? Do I need really long needles for this? Thanks