The iridescence of fish scales is pure magic. The subtly shifting colors, the soft reflection and play of light – it’s an unparalleled beauty unique to aquatic beings.

But that’s no reason not to try to achieve it on land. Combining a fish-scale motif and the subtly shifting colors of a gradient, this shawl is at the very least mermaid-worthy.

Worked outwards and up from the center back, each row of scales builds on the row before. Knit entirely in garter stitch, the curved shaping of the scales is formed by simple decreases. The crochet cast on technique is used to add motifs as the shawl grows.

About this Pattern

Skill Level: Beginner/Intermediate

Skills Needed: Knit, decrease (k2tog, ssk), pick up and knit stitches, crochet cast-on.

Finished Size: 13 inches / 33 cm deep, measured vertically from center bottom scale; 96 inches / 244 cm long, measured along upper edge.

Yarn: Infinite Twist Helix Giant Gradient, 240 g x 700 y / 650 m for MC; 100 g x 300 y / 275 m for CC; 1000 y / 915 m in total. You will not use all of the Giant Gradient – about 75 y / 70 m will remain.

Needles: U.S. size 5 / 3.75 mm needles (7 inches or longer, straight, circular, or dpns), or any size yielding correct gauge.

Gauge: 18 stitches / 24 rows over 4 inches / 10 cm in garter stitch.
Notions: 3.75 mm crochet hook (or size to match needles), yarn needle.

Please note this design involves weaving in a lot of ends. A lot. You have been warned. Thanks for considering this pattern!