For subscriber-only promotions, test knitting opportunities, and connections to the fiber community, sign up for the Softyarn Designs newsletter.

/Get this pattern 25% off with code mermaidglowup through Aug. 28, 2025./

Take a trip under the sea with the Mermaids’ Garden shawl!
Dive beneath the waves to knit lace patterns and textured stitches that evoke different aspects of the mermaids’ garden: tendrils of seaweed, shells on the ocean floor, and rippling waves above.

The detailed pattern guides you every step of the way. Instructions are written out row by row and there are charts showing every stitch pattern. You’ll also find closeups of every stitch pattern and stitch counts any time there is a change. The pattern includes tips for success with links included where it would be helpful.

Splash into the sea and frolic in the mermaids’ garden! You’ll surface with a shawl that will become a fond memory of your ocean journey.

Originally a mystery knitalong, this pattern was revised in August 2025 to make it even easier and more enjoyable to knit. The MKAL was accompanied by a mermaid story, which is included here as a separate file.

Finished dimensions: Approximately 70”/175cm (long edge) x 32”/90 cm (short edge) after blocking for the standard size. There are also instructions for making a larger or smaller shawl.

Yarn: Approximately 150 grams/650 yards/600 meters fingering/sock-weight yarn for the standard size shawl; the smaller and larger versions will have different yarn requirements. The yarn used for the sample was Wild Violet Fibers Silky Sock in “Gemini.” This yarn is 75% extra fine superwash merino wool/25% mulberry silk. Other wool or wool blend yarn would also work well for this pattern.

Skills to have (or enjoy learning) for this shawl: Knit, purl, k2tog/ p2tog, ssk, kfb/pfb, yo. The stitch patterns are clearly explained, with row-by-row instructions, charts, stitch counts any time there is a change, and close-up photos of every stitch pattern.

Gauge: 20 stitches and 26 rows to 4”/10 cm in stockinette stitch

Needles: US 8/5.0 mm needle, or size to obtain gauge. You can start with straight needles or a smaller circular needle, but towards the end of the shawl, if you want to be able to spread your stitches out, you will want a circular needle of at least 48”/120 cm length.

Thank you to the test knitters and to my tech editor who helped find any errors and ensure that this pattern is clearly written. Any residual errors are definitely not their fault but are entirely my own; if you find an error, or have questions about this pattern, please do not hesitate to email me at info@softyarndesigns.com.

Explore more of my patterns and find helpful knitting tips at softyarndesigns.com.