Mermaids in the Waves

Mermaids in the Waves Knitted Shawl by Lena Mathisson

What is Being Made

Mermaids in the Waves is a crescent-shaped knitted shawl designed by Lena Mathisson. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a flowing, curved garment with generous dimensions suitable for wrapping and layering. The finished shawl measures approximately 58 inches (145 cm) along the inside curved edge and 80 inches (200 cm) along the outside curved edge, with a lace end edge of 32 inches (80 cm) after blocking.

Craft and Project Type

This is a knitting project classified as a shawl. The design falls into the beginner difficulty category, making it accessible to knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to explore lace and shaping. The pattern is provided as a downloadable PDF format, allowing crafters to work at their own pace with digital reference materials.

Knitting Techniques Used

The shawl incorporates several foundational knitting techniques that create its characteristic light and airy appearance. The construction includes stockinette stitch as the primary fabric base, combined with yarn-overs that create decorative openwork and lace elements throughout the design. The crescent shaping is achieved through strategic increases and decreases worked into the pattern, allowing the shawl to curve gracefully from the center outward.

The pattern requires knitters to understand how to work wrapped stitches and manage yarn-overs effectively to maintain pattern integrity. Blocking plays an important role in finishing this shawl, as the final dimensions and drape are achieved through gentle, non-aggressive blocking of the completed knitted fabric.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

• Stockinette Stitch: Forms the foundation fabric and creates a smooth, classic knitted surface
• Yarn-overs: Create lace holes and decorative openwork elements throughout the design
• Wrapped Stitches: Add textural interest and help shape the shawl's curves
• Increases and Decreases: Used strategically to create the crescent shawl shape and control the fabric's expansion

Yarn and Materials

This pattern is designed for 4-ply yarn weight, which provides the ideal balance of drape and structure for the shawl's lace elements. The gauge is set at 22 stitches and 26 rows to 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch before blocking. Knitters should note that gauge is flexible for this project—variations in personal gauge will affect both the finished shawl size and total yarn yardage required.

Needles and Tools

The pattern calls for US #9 (5.5 mm) needles, or the size needed to achieve the specified gauge. Knitters can begin the shawl using straight needles or a circular needle of any length, but as the stitch count increases toward the end of the project, a circular needle of at least 48 inches (120 cm) in length becomes essential for comfortably accommodating and spreading out the stitches.

The choice between metal needles and wood or bamboo needles is left to individual preference, though the pattern notes that certain stitches—particularly those involving yarn-overs and wrapped stitches—may benefit from specific needle material properties. Knitters who prefer a tighter, more compact fabric appearance may consider starting with a needle one size smaller than recommended, adjusting as needed to achieve their desired fabric hand.

Pattern Characteristics

The finished shawl produces a light and airy knitted fabric ideal for layering or wearing as a decorative wrap. The combination of stockinette stitch and lace elements creates visual interest while maintaining the beginner-friendly construction. The crescent shape and generous dimensions make this shawl versatile for various styling options and body types.