Where I used to live in southern California, the few ferns growing there were in areas sheltered from the sun and the cruel Santa Ana winds, seldom thriving except in the yards of expert gardeners who spent a fortune on water to keep them moist and happy. Here in the Pacific Northwest ferns grow everywhere. They are considered weeds by some, and can be found in shady corners everywhere. They grow happily, freely, prolifically in every corner of my garden… including on the branch of an apple tree right outside the window.

Work begins with a long, loose cast on. The lacy fern leaves are knit, then shawl is shaped into a crescent using the kind of short rows often used to shape the heel on top-down socks.

Finished size: Outside length: 99”; Inside length: 79”; Ends: 8”;
Maximum height: 12”.

Yarn: 4 hanks Louet Gems Fingering.

Skills: k2tog, ssk, YO, sl2-k1-p2sso, short rows.

Notions: stitch markers (optional), yarn needle.

Stitch instructions, printed pattern distributed by Louet: Charted only.

Stitch instructions, PDF only: Charted and written.

Designer’s note: I was asked about the stitch instructions in this design. When Louet did the layout, they decided not to include the written stitch instructions, just the chart. The chart in this design is a relatively simple, straight-forward affair, good for beginning chart readers and up. Including the blank square for each knit stitch, there are only 5 chart symbols used in the whole chart. There is the same number of stitches on every row, which also simplifies knitting this lovely old lace stitch. Make this year the year you tackle knitting from charts, and use this design as one of the patterns to make it happen. You can do it!