Feather and Fan Wrap Knitting Pattern (Melpomene | Muses Collection)

In this post, you will see the Feather and Fan Wrap Knitting Pattern (Melpomene Wrap).

This elegant wrap features the classic feather and fan lace stitch, which creates soft waves across the fabric.

The repeating lace pattern gives the wrap a light, flowing texture that works beautifully for layering in warmer weather.

The Melpomene Wrap is part of the Muses Collection, a series of timeless knit designs inspired by the ancient Greek Muses.

Scroll down to view the free pattern, or grab your printer-friendly, ad-free PDF here.

Before You Get Started

Skill Level – Easy (Advanced Beginner)
This wrap is worked flat on straight needles, knitting back and forth to create a wide rectangular shape.
The pattern uses the feather and fan stitch, a traditional lace stitch that creates a gentle wave effect across the fabric.
The lace pattern is created with yarn overs and decreases, which form the openwork sections of the design.
If you are new to this stitch, you may want to practice the feather and fan pattern on a small swatch first.
This project is suitable for advanced beginners and intermediate knitters who are comfortable working yarn overs and decreases.
You can see the tutorial here: How To Knit The Feather And Fan Stitch

Materials

Yarn

The Pima Cotton from We Are Knitters in Sunrise (This cotton is 100% Pima Cotton) 100g/3.05oz/232 yds/212m.
This is an Aran/Worsted/10 Ply yarn.
You will need 3 balls = (300g/696yds/636m).

Needles

5.5 mm (US 9) 100 cm/40″ circular needles.
I used my interchangeable circular needles on a 100cm/40″ cable.
I did not join in the round to knit the shawl.
The shawl is worked back and forth on the needles – knit flat.
The long cable was used to accommodate the number of stitches.

Notions

Scissors.
Darning needle/yarn needle.
Tape measure.

Size Information

Length end to end = 66 inches/168 cm.

Width at the widest point = 20 inches/50 cm.

Gauge

16 sts/20 rows in 4 inches/10 cm in the pattern.

Abbreviations

CO – Cast on
Cont – Continue
K – Knit
P2tog – Purl the next two stitches together (decrease)
P – Purl
St(s) – Stitch(es)
Rep – Repeat
RS – Right side
WS – Wrong side
YO – Yarn over

Chart

This stitch pattern has a multiple of 24 stitches.

Pattern Instructions

Worked flat knitting back and forth on two needles:

Cast on 96 sts.

Row 1 (RS): Knit.
Row 2 (WS): Purl
Row 3: (P2tog) 4 times, *(YO, K1) 8 times, (P2tog) 8 times: rep from * to the last 8 sts, (P2tog) 4 times.
Row 4: Purl.

Rep rows 1 – 4 until the wrap measures = 66 inches/168 cm from the cast on edge or until you have your desired length; you can add more yarn for a longer wrap.

Cast off.

Weave in all loose ends.

Finishing and blocking

You may wish to block your shawl; you can do that as follows:

Ensure all ends are woven using a tapestry needle or method of choice.
Gently block by filling a sink or water basin with lukewarm water, add a small amount of rinse less wool wash.
Place the items in the water and gently massage out any air bubbles.
Drain water, gently squeezing out any excess water from the item, then roll in a towel, and stomp on the towel roll to remove any more excess water.
Lay the item out on a towel to approx. finished wingspan measurements and allow to dry completely.
Blocking Tutorial – Blocking Knits – How To Block Knitting Guide

Video Tutorial

If you would like to see how the feather and fan stitch is worked, you can watch the step-by-step tutorial below.

Watch the Feather and Fan Stitch Tutorial

FAQ

Is this wrap beginner-friendly?

This pattern is suitable for advanced beginners who are comfortable working yarn overs and simple decreases.

What yarn works best for this wrap?

Yarns with good drape work best for lace patterns.

Cotton, bamboo, linen blends, or lightweight wool are all good options.

Do I need to block the wrap?

Yes. Blocking is highly recommended for lace knitting because it helps open the stitch pattern and makes the feather and fan waves more visible.

Can I adjust the width of the wrap?

Yes. You can make the wrap wider or narrower by adjusting the number of pattern repeats when casting on.

What other projects use the feather and fan stitch?

The feather and fan stitch is commonly used for shawls, wraps, scarves, blankets, and lightweight garments because it creates a flowing, decorative lace fabric.

What is the difference between feather and fan and old shale?

Feather and fan and old shale are very similar lace patterns, but they differ slightly in how the increases and decreases are arranged.

Old shale is the traditional version with a more defined wave, while feather and fan is a variation that creates a softer, more flowing shape.

I love seeing your finished projects on social media.

If you enjoyed the pattern, I’d love to see your work on Instagram, tag me @handylittleme.

If you are on Facebook, stop over to the Handylittleme Facebook Group and share a photo.

You can also check out my Facebook page here.

Happy Knitting!

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Feather and Fan Wrap Knitting Pattern (Melpomene | Muses Collection)

Before You Get Started

Materials