This sequel to the Catching a Mermaid Shawl will take you on another trip under the sea - perfect for beach knitting, or wherever summer takes you. And if you love the mermaid theme, The Mermaids’ Garden Shawl is the third in the series :slightly_smiling_face:

Worked with two colors of fingering/ sock yarn, this crescent-shaped shawl keeps things fun, switching stitch patterns every few inches.

Why you will relish knitting this shawl:

• It gives you the opportunity to learn some new knitting stitches which combine to create a beautiful shawl.

• There are closeups of each stitch pattern, and photo tutorials of two of the stitches are included. They’re not hard to learn; it’s just nicer to have a lot of pictures, as if you had a knitting friend sitting with you to demonstrate.

Stitch counts are provided any time there is a change so you’ll know you’re on track every step of the way.

• Originally designed for a mystery knitalong, some of the MKAL fun remains - the shawl pattern is accompanied by a story which takes you on a mermaid’s journey

Knitter’s note: The beginning section of this pattern was updated in January 2019 to make it stretchier and easier to block. Photos were taken with the original sample; your shawl will have a flatter edge across the top.

Finished dimensions
Approximately 72” x 18” (180 x 45 cm)

Difficulty level
This is an intermediate-level pattern. The stitch patterns are all described row by row, with additional tips and pictures where helpful. A couple of the stitch patterns involve yarn overs. These are not complicated lace patterns where you have to pay attention every second, but I wouldn’t recommend it for knitting in the dark at the movies, either. With the yarn-over stitches, as with the others, you will find that you catch on very quickly to the pattern and after not too long, you won’t have to look down at the instructions very often.

Yarn selection
The shawl calls for two colorways of fingering/ sock yarn, about 400 yards per skein. A smooth wool, a sock yarn, or many fiber blends will work well.
The pattern was designed with two colorways in mind: one tonal or semisolid, and a coordinating variegated or handpaint. It can certainly work with a single colorway or a gradient if you prefer.

Pattern support
Designer email is provided in the pattern if you run into any problems or questions.

For subscriber-only discounts, test knitting opportunities, and more, join the Softyarn Designs newsletter.