My goal with Fish Lips is to bring out a bold, modern side of Love Knot stitches (a.k.a. Lover’s Knots, Solomon’s Knots). I started with a scarf, then also liked it worn sideways like a pullover shrug; so I joined two shorter scarves with a “rosebud bridge” seam. The wide seam also softens the bateau neckline for a comfortable fit.

In addition to the scarf and shrug projects, Fish Lips is also about a cool method I’ve been using to sculpt the size and shape of Love Knots. I developed the method while designing with this unique stitch. More experienced crocheters can use the scalable method to substitute any yarn, thread, or hook size. Once you know how to scale the size of Love Knots yourself, it’s easier to add them anywhere, and “sculpt” their shape in a freeform manner. 

Stitch pattern multiples, a stitch diagram, schematics, and other information for customizing the width and height of your rows are included. I’ve also included some yarn and swatch talk, because different yarns add their own effects to Love Knots. The alpaca content of the pictured yarn adds just enough warmth and fleecy luster to this striking lace. Many other yarns would be great too.

Skill Level: Advanced Intermediate due to the scalable approach to making Love Knots. Complete and in-depth information on how to crochet the Love Knot stitch for all skill levels is provided. I’ve also blogged a basic love knot how-to.

You can see all of my love knot patterns here.

After using this pattern, you will know (if you didn’t already): 

• How to crochet a standard Love Knot Stitch (a.k.a. Solomon’s Knot, Lover’s Knot).
• How to customize the size and shape of your Love Knots.
• How to add Love Knots of any size anywhere in a crochet pattern for unique lacy effects.
• How to construct a pullover shrug with a scarf pattern.
• How to crochet two scarves together with a decorative Rosebud Bridge seam.

Finished Dimensions of Project Shown (after light blocking): 
Pattern includes options for customizing the dimensions, and information for using thicker or thinner yarns with the Fish Lips stitch pattern.
Fish Lips Lace Scarf: 60” X 7-7.25” wide {152.4 cm X  17.75-18.4 cm}.
Fish Lips Lace Shrug: One size fits Small to Large. Schematic and assembly diagram on page 8.
Head opening: 12.5” {31.5 cm}. 
Bust: 42” {106.7 cm}. Designed for roomy fit. Easy to adjust during seaming.
Sleeve opening: 8” {20.3 cm}. Bust opening/hem adds extra ease to armhole drop.
Sleeve length from shoulder point to cuff: 15” {38 cm}. Sleeve length is easy to adjust.

About Yarns for Fish Lips: Look for a Standard Medium Weight #4 Yarn that has some bounce, and that is at least 50% natural fiber so that damp blocking will bring out some drape. (Steam blocking, such as for “killing” acrylic to create drape, is not recommended for this pattern because it could cause the “fish lips” to collapse.) This yarn weight usually pairs well with a hook size in the range of US7/G/4.5mm to US9/I/5.5mm. These yarns may also be referred to as DK (Double Knitting), Light Worsted, or Worsted weight.  

International English equivalents to American measurements, yarn weights, and stitch terms are provided in brackets { }.