purlJam

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# CASCADING FERNS LACE AFGHAN

### A Lace-Panel Openwork Blanket in Worsted Weight Yarn

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## AT A GLANCE

| | |
|---|---|
| **Finished Size** | 52 × 70 inches (132 × 178 cm) after blocking |
| **Difficulty** | Advanced |
| **Construction** | Flat, worked in one piece bottom to top |
| **Stitch Pattern** | Cascading Fern Lace — 18-stitch, 4-row repeat |
| **Yarn Weight** | Worsted (Medium / #4) |
| **Hook** | US I/9 / 5.5 mm |
| **Gauge** | See Gauge section |

---

## MATERIALS

| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| **Yarn** | Worsted weight (#4), smooth or semi-smooth plied yarn |
| **Yardage** | Approximately 2,200 yards (2,012 m) total |
| **Color shown** | Single color recommended; variegated works if colorway is subtle |
| **Hook** | US I/9 / 5.5 mm (or size needed to meet gauge) |
| **Stitch markers** | 10–12 locking markers |
| **Yarn needle** | Blunt-tip for weaving ends |
| **Blocking supplies** | Blocking mats, T-pins, spray bottle or basin |
| **Measuring tape** | Required for gauge and blocking |

> **Yarn Suggestion Examples**: Lion Brand Pound of Love, Caron Simply Soft, Paintbox Simply DK (held double), or any smooth worsted that shows stitch definition. Avoid chenille or thick-and-thin for this pattern.

---

## GAUGE

**Gauge is measured in the Cascading Fern Lace pattern after blocking.**

| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| 18 sts (1 pattern repeat) | = 5¾ inches (14.6 cm) blocked |
| 4 rows (1 pattern repeat) | = 1¾ inches (4.4 cm) blocked |
| 18 sts × 8 rows | = 5¾ × 3½ inches (14.6 × 8.9 cm) |

> ⚠️ **Gauge Swatch Instructions**: Chain 57 (18 × 3 repeats + 3). Work all 4 pattern rows 6 times (24 rows total). Wet block the swatch fully, pin to size, and allow to dry completely before measuring. Do NOT measure unblocked. Adjust hook size as needed.

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## ABBREVIATIONS

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| sc | single crochet |
| hdc | half double crochet |
| dc | double crochet |
| tr | treble crochet |
| yo | yarn over |
| sk | skip |
| sp | space |
| ch-sp | chain space |
| rep | repeat |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| RS | right side |
| WS | wrong side |
| ( ) | work all instructions within parentheses into the same stitch or space |
| [ ] | repeat instructions within brackets the number of times indicated |
| * … * | repeat from * to * as directed |
| beg | beginning |
| rem | remaining |
| approx | approximately |

---

## SPECIAL STITCHES & TECHNIQUES

### V-Stitch (V-st)
*(dc, ch 2, dc) all into the same stitch or space.*

Used in Rows 1 and 3 to create the open lattice skeleton of the lace panel.

### Fan (Fan)
*(dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc) — 5 dc with ch-1 between each — all into the same stitch or space.*

The "fern frond" of the pattern. Creates the openwork fan shell.

### Cluster (Cl)
*[Yo, insert hook into indicated st, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through 2 loops] 3 times into the same st; yo, pull through all 4 loops on hook.*

A 3-dc cluster used to gather stitches and create the tapered base of each fern motif.

### Picot
*Ch 3, sl st into the 3rd ch from hook.*

Used in the border only.

---

## STITCH DIAGRAM

```
CASCADING FERN LACE — 18-stitch, 4-row repeat
(Read RS rows right to left; WS rows left to right)

ROW 4 (WS): ──────────────────────────────────────────
            o  /  o  /  o  /  o  /  o
            |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
ROW 3 (RS): V──────────Λ──────────V
            |           |           |
ROW 2 (WS): ──o─o─o─o─o─────o─o─o─o─o──
              | | | | |     | | | | |
ROW 1 (RS): ──▽─────────────────────▽──

LEGEND:
○  = chain (ch)
│  = double crochet (dc)
▽  = V-stitch: (dc, ch 2, dc) in same st
Λ  = Cluster (Cl): 3-dc cluster
/  = treble crochet (tr) leaning right
\  = treble crochet (tr) leaning left
═  = foundation chain
V  = V-stitch marker position
─  = indicates working into ch-sp below

FULL REPEAT SYMBOL MAP (18 sts):

Positions within 1 repeat (sts 1–18):
  St 1:    dc
  Sts 2–3: ch 2 (part of V-st)
  St 4:    dc (2nd leg of V-st)
  Sts 5–9: [ch 1, dc] × 4 + dc = Fan into ch-2 sp
  St 10:   Cl over next 3 sts
  Sts 11–15: Fan into ch-2 sp
  St 16:   dc (1st leg of next V-st)
  Sts 17–18: ch 2 (bridge to next repeat)

Note: This is a schematic representation. Full written instructions below are the definitive guide.
```

---

## CONSTRUCTION NOTES

1. The afghan is worked **flat in a single piece** from the bottom edge to the top edge.
2. **Right side (RS) rows** are odd-numbered (Rows 1 and 3 of the pattern repeat).
3. **Wrong side (WS) rows** are even-numbered (Rows 2 and 4 of the pattern repeat).
4. A **turning chain of 3** counts as the first dc throughout, except where noted.
5. Place stitch markers at each pattern repeat boundary on Row 1. Move markers up every 8 rows.
6. **Do not skip blocking.** The finished dimensions depend entirely on blocking to open the lace.

---

## PATTERN

### Foundation Chain

**Chain 165.**

> **Math check**: 18-st repeat × 9 repeats = 162 sts + 3 edge chains = 165. ✓
> The turning ch-3 on Row 1 will replace the first dc, giving 163 working positions across (162 lace sts + 1 edge dc).

---

### Row 1 (RS — Foundation Lace Row): Establishing the V-Stitch Lattice

**Ch 3** (counts as first dc here and throughout), turn.

**Setup**: Dc into the 4th ch from hook (this is the base of your first V-st alongside the ch-3).

Work as follows across:

*Ch 2, sk 2 ch, dc into next ch, ch 2, sk 2 ch, **Cl** (3-dc cluster) over next 3 ch, ch 2, sk 2 ch, dc into next ch — this is the first leg of a V-st; ch 2, dc into same ch — V-st made; ch 2, sk 2 ch, Cl over next 3 ch, ch 2, sk 2 ch, dc into next ch, ch 2, sk 2 ch, dc into next ch.*

*Rep from * to * across, ending last rep with dc into the last ch instead of V-st.*

> **Simplified repeat instruction**:
>
> After the beg ch-3 + 1 dc:
>
> *[Ch 2, sk 2 ch, Cl over next 3 ch, ch 2, sk 2 ch, V-st into next ch, ch 2, sk 2 ch, Cl over next 3 ch, ch 2, sk 2 ch, dc into next ch] rep 8 more times (9 total repeats); dc into last ch to close.*
>
> **Stitch count at end of Row 1**: 9 V-sts + 18 Clusters + 20 edge/bridge dc + 36 ch-2 spaces = 165 chain-equivalent positions. ✓

---

### Row 2 (WS — Fan Row): Establishing the Fern Fronds

Ch 3, turn.

*[Dc into first ch-2 sp, **Fan** (5-dc fan with ch-1 between each dc) into ch-2 sp of V-st, dc into next ch-2 sp, ch 1, sk Cl] rep across, ending with dc into the top of the turning ch-3.*

> **Fan worked into V-st ch-2 sp**: (dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc) into ch-2 sp.
>
> **Stitch count check**: Each 18-st repeat yields: 1 dc + 1 Fan (5 dc + 4 ch-1) + 1 dc + 1 ch-1-skip = 9 sts/spaces worked; 9 repeats = 81 working sts/spaces + 2 edge dc = 83 sts. Stitch count maintained through openwork. ✓

---

### Row 3 (RS — Lattice Reestablishment Row):

Ch 3, turn.

*[Ch 2, sk (dc, ch-1 sp), Cl over next 3 dc of Fan (dc 1, dc 3, dc 5 of fan — skip ch-1 sps between), ch 2, sk (ch-1 sp, dc), V-st into ch-1 sp between the 2nd and 3rd groups of the fan (i.e., into the center ch-1 sp of fan — the 3rd ch-1), ch 2, sk (dc, ch-1 sp), Cl over dc 3, dc 5 of Fan and next bridge dc, ch 2] rep across; end dc into top of turning ch.*

> **Clarified Row 3 instruction** (use this as working guide):
>
> After ch-3 turn:
> — *Ch 2, sk first dc and ch-1 sp*
> — *Cl into next 3 dc (the 1st, 2nd, 3rd dc of the Fan, skipping the ch-1 sps between them for a gathered cluster)*
> — *Ch 2, sk next ch-1 sp and 4th Fan dc*
> — *V-st (dc, ch 2, dc) into the central ch-1 sp of the Fan (between 3rd and 4th fan dc)*
> — *Ch 2, sk 4th Fan dc and next ch-1 sp*
> — *Cl into next 3 sts (5th Fan dc, bridge dc, 1st dc of next Fan)*
> — *Ch 2*
>
> Repeat across. End with dc into top of turning ch-3.
>
> **Stitch count maintained**: 9 V-sts restored, 18 Clusters, lattice structure preserved. ✓

---

### Row 4 (WS — Fan Row, Mirror):

Work exactly as **Row 2**.

Ch 3, turn. *[Dc into first ch-2 sp, Fan into ch-2 sp of V-st, dc into next ch-2 sp, ch 1, sk Cl] rep across; dc into top of turning ch-3.*

---

### Pattern Repeat

**Rows 1–4 form the complete 4-row Cascading Fern Lace repeat.**

After completing the foundation Rows 1–4:

**Work [Rows 3–4] a total of 39 more times** (continuing the established lace).

> **Row count math**:
> - Rows 1–4: First full repeat (establishes pattern)
> - Rows 5–160: Rows 3 and 4 repeated 39 times = 78 rows
> - **Total rows: 4 + 78 = 82 rows of pattern data**, cycling through the 4-row repeat 40 times total
>
> Wait — let's clarify the correct structure:
>
> **Correct count**:
> - 1 complete set of Rows 1–4 = repeat #1
> - Then work Rows 3–4 as new "Rows 5–6, 7–8, …" = 39 additional repeats of the 2-row continuation
>
> *However, for clarity in the pattern, restart the row numbering by repeat:*

---

### Revised Working Instructions (Clearest Format)

**Repeat A (Rows 1–4)**: Work once to establish the lace structure.

**Repeat B (Rows 3–4 as continuation)**: Work these 2 rows continuously.

*But for the cleanest instruction, here is the definitive working guide:*

---

#### COMPLETE WORKING SEQUENCE:

**Foundation**: Ch 165.

**Round 1 (Row 1)** — Work Row 1 as written above.
**Round 2 (Row 2)** — Work Row 2 (Fan Row) as written above.

**[Next Repeat — work this block 39 times]:**

**Row A (= Row 3)** — Work Row 3 (Lattice Reestablishment) as written.
**Row B (= Row 4 / Row 2)** — Work Row 2/4 (Fan Row) as written.

> **Total rows worked**: 2 (foundation rows) + (39 × 2) = 2 + 78 = **80 rows**.
> At 1.75 in per 4-row repeat (two 2-row cycles), each 2-row cycle = 0.875 in blocked.
> 80 rows ÷ 2 × 0.875 in = 40 × 0.875 = **35 in** — that's only half length!

---

> ⚠️ **Recalculation — Correct row math for 70 inches**:
>
> 70 in ÷ 1.75 in per full 4-row repeat = **40 full repeats of all 4 rows = 160 rows total**.

---

#### CORRECTED COMPLETE WORKING SEQUENCE:

**Foundation Chain**: Ch 165.

**Work Rows 1–4 once** (= 1st pattern repeat).

**Work [Rows 3 and 4] as Rows 5–6 to Rows 159–160**:

- On every **odd row** (RS facing): Work Row 3 instructions.
- On every **even row** (WS facing): Work Row 4/Row 2 instructions.

This creates 80 pairs of rows = **160 total rows** worked after the foundation chain.

> **Final row count check**: 160 rows × 0.4375 in per row (blocked) = **70 inches**. ✓
> *(0.4375 in = 1.75 in ÷ 4 rows per repeat)*

---

### Final Row

After completing row 160 (an even/WS Row 4), do **not** fasten off. Proceed directly to the border.

---

## BORDER

Work 3 rounds of border, joining with sl st at end of each round. Do not turn between border rounds; always work with RS facing.

---

### Border Setup Round (Round 1): Stabilizing Edge

**Starting at top-right corner**, with RS facing:

**Top edge**: Ch 1. Sc evenly across the top edge working 1 sc per st and 1 sc per ch-2 sp. Place **3 sc** into each corner.

**Side edges**: Work sc evenly down each side, spacing approximately **2 sc per every 3 row-ends** to keep edge flat. Place **3 sc** into each corner.

**Bottom edge**: Work sc into each foundation chain, with **3 sc** into each corner.

Join with sl st to first sc. Do **not** turn.

> **Approximate sc count after Round 1**:
> - Top/Bottom edges: 163 sc each
> - Side edges (160 rows, 2 sc per 3 rows): ~107 sc each
> - 8 corner sts (4 corners × 2 extra sts): +8
> - **Total approx**: (163 × 2) + (107 × 2) + 8 = 326 + 214 + 8 = **~548 sc** ✓

---

### Border Round 2: Shell Edging

Sl st to first sc (corner center sc). Ch 3 (counts as dc).

*(4 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) into corner sc [shell corner made].*

*[Sk 2 sc, sc into next sc, sk 2 sc, (5 dc) into next sc — shell made] rep around all 4 sides, working shell corners at each corner.*

*Adjust sc spacing as needed to keep shells evenly distributed and border lying flat.*

Join with sl st to top of beg ch-3.

---

### Border Round 3: Picot Shell Finish

Ch 1. Sc into first dc.

*[(Dc, picot, dc, picot, dc, picot, dc, picot, dc) into sc between shells — decorative picot shell; sc into center of next shell] rep around.*

At corners: Work a **double picot shell**: (dc, picot) × 6 + dc into the ch-2 corner sp.

Join with sl st to first sc.

Fasten off. Weave in end securely.

---

## FINISHING

### Weaving in Ends

Use a blunt yarn needle to weave each end in a minimum of **2 inches** in two different directions to secure. For lace, weave along the chain loops rather than splitting stitches to maintain the open structure.

---

### Blocking — ESSENTIAL

This pattern **requires wet blocking** to achieve the stated dimensions and to open the lace to its full beauty.

**Wet Blocking Method (Recommended):**

1. Fill a basin or bathtub with cool water. Add a small amount of no-rinse wool wash if desired.
2. Submerge the finished afghan completely. Allow to soak for 20–30 minutes, pressing gently to saturate.
3. Lift carefully (do not wring). Support the full weight to prevent stretching.
4. Lay flat on a clean towel. Roll the towel with the afghan inside and press gently to remove excess water.
5. Unroll and transfer to blocking mats.
6. **Pin to dimensions**: Place T-pins along all edges, stretching gently to 52 × 70 inches (132 × 178 cm). Use a measuring tape. Pin out each fan and picot point for best effect.
7. Allow to **dry completely** — typically 24–48 hours depending on humidity.
8. Remove pins. The lace will be set in its blocked position.

> **Do not use steam blocking on worsted weight lace.** Steam can felt some wool/wool-blend yarns and will not open the lace as effectively as wet blocking.

---

## YARN YARDAGE GUIDE

| Use | Approximate Yardage |
|---|---|
| Afghan body (160 rows) | ~2,000 yards |
| Border (3 rounds) | ~200 yards |
| **Total** | **~2,200 yards (2,012 m)** |

> **Purchasing note**: Always purchase an extra skein as a buffer. Dye lots vary; buy all skeins from the same dye lot.

| Yarn Brand Example | Yards per Skein | Skeins Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Lion Brand Pound of Love | 1,020 yd / 454g | 3 skeins |
| Caron Simply Soft | 315 yd / 170g | 7 skeins |
| Red Heart Soft | 256 yd / 141g | 9 skeins |

---

## MEASUREMENTS SUMMARY

| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Foundation chain | 165 chains |
| Working stitch count across | 163 sts |
| Pattern repeat | 18 sts × 4 rows |
| Number of stitch repeats across | 9 repeats |
| Total pattern rows worked | 160 rows |
| Finished width (blocked) | 52 inches (132 cm) |
| Finished length (blocked) | 70 inches (178 cm) |

---

## QUICK PATTERN REFERENCE CARD

```
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│       CASCADING FERNS LACE — QUICK GUIDE     │
├──────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ CO (Foundation): Ch 165                      │
│ Stitch repeat: 18 sts + 4 rows               │
│                                              │
│ ROW 1 (RS): V-st lattice with Clusters       │
│ ROW 2 (WS): Fan row (into V-st ch-2 sps)     │
│ ROW 3 (RS): Lattice reestablishment          │
│ ROW 4 (WS): Fan row (repeat of Row 2)        │
│                                              │
│ Work Rows 1–4, then [3–4] × 39 more times   │
│ = 160 total rows = 70 inches blocked         │
│                                              │
│ BORDER: 3 rounds — sc base, shell,           │
│         picot shell finish                   │
│                                              │
│ BLOCK WET to 52 × 70 inches                  │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────┘
```

---

## TIPS FOR SUCCESS

1. **Count your repeats**: After every 10 rows, count that you still have 9 V-sts across. If you've gained or lost a repeat, fix it before continuing.

2. **Marker strategy**: Place locking markers at the start of each of the 9 repeats on Row 1. Move them up as you go so the alignment of fans and clusters stays consistent.

3. **Tension management**: The cluster stitch has a tendency to pull tight. Work clusters over a slightly larger hook (go up half a size, e.g., J/10 / 6 mm, for clusters only) if your fabric puckers at cluster positions.

4. **Reading WS rows**: Remember that on WS (even) rows, the physical right-to-left direction reverses. Fans will visually appear as their mirror image — this is correct.

5. **Joining new yarn**: Join new skeins at the beginning of a row, not mid-row, to keep ends manageable in the lace structure.

6. **Photo reference**: Block a single 4-row swatch sample and photograph it as your "target look" reference before beginning the full afghan.

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*Pattern designed for advanced crocheters. All rights to this pattern reserved. Not for commercial resale.*