Ready to knit a beautiful baby afghan? While the feather and fan baby afghan looks and sounds hard, it is a fairly easy stitch. Read our guide for more facts and information…
The feather and fan stitch is an old Shetland lace pattern. It is also called old shale. It creates a gently scalloped border. This border makes it a good pattern for an afghan. For those who have never knitted lace before, this stitch is a fairly easy one to start with. Do not be afraid to choose a variegated yarn, because feather and fan complements it very well.
Instructions
Things You Will Need.
• 950 to 1,000 yards of bulky-weight yarn
• 24-inch circular knitting needles, U.S. size 9
• 8 ring markers
• Scissor
• Tapestry needle
1. Cast on 136 stitches onto the circular needle.
2. Knit seven rows for a garter stitch border.
3. Knit six stitches slip marker. Begin the stitch pattern: Knit two stitches together three times. Yarn over and knit one stitch six times. Knit two stitches together three times. Place marker. Repeat the pattern between the markers six more times, placing a marker between each pattern repeat. Knit the last six stitches.
4. Knit two rows.
5. Knit six stitches and purl across to the last six stitches. Knit the last six stitches.
6. Repeat the stitch pattern, always knitting the first and last six stitches.
7. Continue in this manner until the afghan is as long as you want. The pattern is four rows: two rows knit stitches, one row of purl stitches, then the pattern row.
8. Knit six rows for a border. Cast off all the stitches. Use the tapestry needle to weave in the yarn ends.
Variations
For variations to the regular feather and fan stitch, try the following easy knitting instructions for the feather and fan stitch to your knitting capability.
This stitch pattern is divisible by 18. That means any yarn and any size needle can be used. Determine the size you want by your stitch gauge. Follow the needle recommendations on the yarn packaging. Cast on any amount (divisible by 18) plus any amount for border. Keep these border stitches in knit only and on both sides.
Work 8 rows of knit only at the beginning and ending of your piece.
Row 1: K
Row 2: P
Row 3: *K 2 tog 3 times, YO, K1 6 times, K 2 tog 3 times* repeat to border.
Row 4: K
Use the feather and fan stitch until you reach the length that you wish. End by working 8.
With a little time and patience, you will have a lovely feather and fan afghan or any other garment you desire to knit.
