Feather and Fan Stitch for Beginners

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.

The reverse side of Feather and Fan is also pretty.

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)

This is the gorgeous Old Shale Shawl designed by Amanda Clark

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)