Fabulous Feather and Fan

By Jen Lucas

There are so many fun and unique stitch patterns to explore in knitting. Feather and fan patterns are particularly intriguing because a natural wave is created in the fabric due of the placement of the increases and decreases. There are hundreds of variations on this classic stitch pattern, and it can be easily adapted to be incorporated into just about any knitting project.

Feather and Fan in Rows

Let’s take a look at working a feather and fan pattern in rows. For this particular variation, the stitch pattern is worked over a multiple of 17 stitches. If you simply want to add this stitch pattern into a project, the instructions will look like this: Worked over a multiple of 17 stitches. Row 1 (RS): Knit all sts. Row 2 (WS): Knit all sts. Row 3: *K2tog 3 times, (yo, k1) 5 times, yo, ssk 3 times; rep from * to end. Row 4: Purl all sts. Rep Rows 1–4 for pattern. But what about if you want to add a garter stitch border to each side edge? Adding this border will prevent the fabric from curling and will make it great for a feather and fan scarf or dishcloth. To add the garter stitch border, you’ll work over a multiple over 17 plus 4 stitches as follows: Worked over a multiple of 17 plus 4 stitches. Row 1 (RS): Knit all sts. Row 2 (WS): Knit all sts. Row 3: K2, *k2tog 3 times, (yo, k1) 5 times, yo, ssk 3 times; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2. Row 4: K2, purl to the last 2 sts, k2. Rep Rows 1–4 for pattern. For a dishcloth, try casting on 38 stitches. For a scarf, you could also cast on 38 stitches, or even try 55 stitches for a wider, cozy scarf.

Feather and Fan in the Round

Working feather and fan patterns in the round is just as easy as working them back and forth in rows. Once again, for this variation of feather and fan, you’ll need a multiple of 17 stitches. Worked over a multiple of 17 stitches in the round. Round 1: Knit all sts. Round 2: Purl all sts. Round 3: *K2tog 3 times, (yo, k1) 5 times, yo, ssk 3 times; rep from * to end. Round 4: Knit all sts. Rep Rounds 1–4 for pattern. Feather and fan in the round is great for projects like cowls, hats, and sweaters. No matter how you choose to knit this stunning stitch pattern, you’re sure to have a project that will “wow” all your family and friends!

Abbreviations

k: knit k2tog: knit two stitches together p: purl rep: repeat RS: Right Side ssk: slip a stitch as if to knit to right needle, slip a second stitch as if to knit to right needle, slip both stitches back to left needle and knit together through the back loops st(s): stitch(es) WS: Wrong Side yo: yarn over Related Videos: Working a Slip, Slip, Knit Stitch, Knitting Two Stitches Together, How to Work a Yarn Over

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24 Responses to “Fabulous Feather and Fan”

  1. Tania

    Hi 👋

  2. Amy

    Loved this, will make a scarf. How do I copy and save this?

  3. Mary Ann Johnson

    I found your description and directions clearly written and the chart helpful.

  4. Carolyne Oyoo

    Thank you. Just came at the right time when I want to make a cute new born sweater

  5. Maryellen Pancotti

    Could you do a video on how to P3 on 3 please?

  6. Diane K Baumert

    Nice pattern

  7. Sharon Smyth

    Need to learn how to knit this patter in the round

  8. Robin Kay

    Is there a special method to cast off?

  9. Sandra Bilbrey

    Gold membership have a lengthier demo on feather fan stitch then the very brief intro. How to access please.

  10. Linda Johnson

    One of my favorite stitch designs!