How to knit the Fern Lace stitch pattern
Lace Stitches

How to knit the Fern Lace stitch (four rows only)

In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to knit the Fern Lace stitch; a four-row repeat pattern, uncomplicated, yet elegant.

I think it’s perfect for a rectangular shawl or throw, but I’d also use it for a seasonal top, sweater, or cardigan.

And I wanted to share it with you because the Fern Lace stitch is my way to show you how a leaves lace pattern can be made even if you identify as an unexperienced knitter 😉

Why?

Well, because it looks complex…

The good news is that as soon as you try it, you’ll find that the techniques we’ve been using for “simpler” patterns in the past are put to use here.

Actually, the odd rows are plain purl rows, and the repeat is the same in the even rows, you’ll be able to memorize it quickly.

Honestly, my only advice for you would be to use sharp tip needles #ad. They will make your work much easier!

In addition, if you struggle counting stitches when knitting lace or you tend to miss the yarn overs, don’t forget to separate the repeat by using markers 😉

Finally, block your garment, after the piece is finished. The result will look more professional, and the pattern will show in all its splendor! 

Having said that, I’m sure you want to start now…

So, grab your needles, and some yarn, and let’s get started.

This swatch was made out of a blend of 50% cotton yarn and 50% polyester (smooth and light) #ad

Fern Lace knit stitch (written instructions and video tutorial). So Woolly.

Abbreviations

CO: Cast on

st: Stitch

K: Knit

P: Purl

yo: Yarn over

sl1kw: Slip one stitch knitwise (pass it onto the right-hand needle as if to knit, but don’t knit it).

k2tog: Simple decrease (right-leaning decrease). Knit two stitches together

WS: Wrong side

BO: Bind off

N.B.:

The even rows form the right side of the work.

The edge stitches will be knitted on every even row and purled on every odd row.

Fern Lace knitting stitch pattern

CO multiples of 9 + 4 + 2 (edge stitches); i.e.: 9 * 3 = 27 + 4 = 31 + 2 = 33 stitches


Rows 1 and 3 (WS): P across


Row 2 : K1 (edge), K3, *yo, K2, sl1kw, K1, psso, k2tog, K2, yo, K1; rep from * to last 2 st, ending with K1, K1 (edge)


Row 4: K1 (edge), K2, *yo, K2, sl1kw, K1, psso, k2tog, K2, yo, K1; rep from * to last 3 st, K2, K1 (edge).

These four rows create the pattern. Repeat them until the desired length is reached.

When finished, BO purlwise after row 4 (WS).

This is the other side of the work:

Fern Lace knitting stitch pattern (four rows only). So Woolly.

Enjoy the video tutorial:

How to knit the Fern Lace stitch pattern

Thank you for watching 🙂

I hope you like it (and don’t forget to share the love).

Hugs, and happy knitting!

Carolina – So Woolly

PS: Are you willing to knit a rectangular shawl or wrap? But maybe you don’t know how to start. How many stitches to cast on, how much yarn, or the measurements? Not to worry! Click here and learn my own system 🙂

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