Fern Lace is a pretty 4-row lace knitting pattern that creates vertical columns resembling delicate fern leaves. Yarn overs form the open eyelets along the sides of each leaf, while paired decreases shape the centre and give the fabric its distinctive leafy appearance.
This fern knitting stitch is worked over a multiple of 9 stitches plus 4. With only four rows to repeat, it is relatively easy to memorise once established. Try it for scarves, shawls, wraps, lightweight garments or decorative knitted panels.
Pattern Details
Stitch multiple: multiple of 9 + 4 stitches
Row repeat: 4 rows
Abbreviations
k – knit
p – purl
st(s) – stitch(es)
yo – yarn over
sl 1 – slip 1 stitch
psso – pass slipped stitch over
k2tog – knit 2 stitches together
Fern Lace Written Pattern
Cast on a multiple of 9 stitches + 4.
Row 1 (WS): purl.
Row 2: k3, *yo, k2, sl 1, k1, psso, k2tog, k2, yo, k1; repeat from * to last st, k1.
Row 3: purl.
Row 4: k2, *yo, k2, sl 1, k1, psso, k2tog, k2, yo, k1; repeat from * to last 2 sts, k2.
Repeat Rows 1–4 for the pattern.
Helpful Knitting Notes
The lace repeat itself uses 9 stitches. The additional 4 stitches allow the placement of the fern motifs to shift between Rows 2 and 4 while maintaining the edges of the fabric.
Each pattern repeat contains two yarn overs and two decreases, so the stitch count remains unchanged. If you finish a patterned row with the wrong number of stitches, check that you haven’t missed a yarn over or decrease.
The two decreases work together to shape the fern leaves. sl 1, k1, psso creates a left-leaning decrease, while k2tog creates a right-leaning decrease. Together they draw the stitches inward and help form the characteristic leaf shape.
Rows 1 and 3 are simply purled, making this an approachable lace stitch for knitters wanting to try a repeating leaf or fern knitting pattern.
Choosing Your Cast-On Number
Use the formula:
9 × number of repeats + 4 stitches
1 repeat: 13 sts
2 repeats: 22 sts
3 repeats: 31 sts
4 repeats: 40 sts
5 repeats: 49 sts
Finishing Tip
Blocking will make a noticeable difference to this lace pattern. Gently blocking the finished knitting helps open the yarn-over eyelets and makes the fern and leaf shapes much more defined.
