From Knitting Needles to Knitting Machine: The Fern Lace Scarf

Have you ever hand-knit the CashSilk Fern Lace Scarf? It is a beautifully simple pattern, with easy-to-memorize repeats and shaping that creates a stunning lace design. But did you know that it can also be made on a knitting machine?

Design by Barb Barone Machine Knit in Merino DK Camellia, 2 skeins
The Fern Lace Scarf, knit in SweetGeorgia Merino DK in Camelia.

CashSilk Fern Lace Scarf

The original scarf was designed by Felicia while travelling. She wanted something simple enough to pick up and set down at a moment’s notice, while still being engaging enough for long stretches on a plane. The result is a thoughtful and striking lace design that feels both relaxing and rewarding to knit.

CashSilk Fern Lace
The CashSilk Fern Lace scarf (free pattern).
CashSilk Fern Lace
Originally knit in the Lakeshore Drive colourway.

We actually love this pattern so much that last year we knit it again, updating it from a lace-weight yarn to a fingering-weight! Shown below is the SweetGeorgia Trifecta in our Apple Picking Secret Stash limited colourway.

Design by Felicia Lo Knit in September 2025 Club 'Apple Picking' in Trifecta Fine
Read more about this in our Secret Stash Club Knitting: CashSilk Fern Scarf post.

Machine Knitting: Lace

Barb Barone has been developing a growing collection of machine knitting courses in the School of SweetGeorgia, beginning with the basics, then moving into hat design, and now exploring lace. Lace is more than just creating eyelets in fabric. The choice of decreases creates direction and shapes the fabric, making pronounced lines and adding movement to the finished piece.

Fern Lace Scarf before COL_ RC12 workbook
Machine Knitting: Lace; in-course swatch.

Fern Lace Scarf

Using Felicia’s original design as a starting point, Barb has thoughtfully adapted the scarf for machine knitting, which is why the name has shifted slightly. She also works with a different yarn weight, making the pattern more flexible across a wider range of yarns. In this course, Barb uses the scarf pattern to demonstrate how lace patterns can be translated for the LK 150, opening the door to many more possibilities on your knitting machine.

Design by Barb Barone Machine Knit in Merino DK Camellia, 2 skeins
The Fern Lace Scarf, knit in SweetGeorgia Merino DK in Camelia.

School of SweetGeorgia

At the School of SweetGeorgia, we continue to expand our machine knitting courses, with a socks course coming later this year. Alongside these, there are over 120 courses across the fibre arts, including knitting, spinning, weaving, dyeing, and more.

Members also enjoy access to a growing library of patterns, including both the hand-knit and machine-knit versions of this scarf. As part of your membership, you are also welcomed into SweetGeorgia + Co, where we host make-alongs, gather virtually, and connect with a community of fibre artists from around the world.

We would love to have you join us.

You can also purchase the pattern from the SweetGeorgia shop!

Print

Fern Lace Scarf

Equipment

Materials

Instructions

Setup

  • Download the pattern from the School of SweetGeorgia.
  • Knit a gauge swatch using your chosen yarn.
  • Adjust your cariage stitch size as needed to achieve gauge, and swatch again if necessary.
    Design by Barb Barone Machine Knit in Merino DK Camellia, 2 skeins

Knitting

  • Cast on using the e-wrap cast on.
  • Follow the 12-row repeat to create the fern lace pattern.
  • Continue until you reach your desired length.
  • Bind off using the latch hook bind off.
    Design by Barb Barone Machine Knit in Merino DK Camellia, 2 skeins

Finishing

  • Hand wash in cool water with a gentle wool wash.
  • Roll in a towel to remove excess moisture, then lay flat to dry.
  • Lightly block if desired to open the eyelets.
  • Once dry, weave in your ends and enjoy wearing your new Fern Lace Scarf.

Join Our Community!

  • At the School of SweetGeorgia, we’ve built a vibrant and welcoming community of fibre-loving makers, passionate instructors, and dedicated staff. Whether you’re looking for guidance on a new technique or just need a little creative encouragement, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
  • Not yet a member of the School? We invite you to come and see what it is all about! Use the code: EXPLORETHESCHOOL to save 15% on an All-Access monthly membership!
  • We welcome you to join us at SweetGeorgia + Co. This is where we share projects that inspire, have fibre-filled conversations, host make-alongs, and participate in a variety of virtual meetings! We discuss all things knitting, crocheting, spinning, weaving, machine knitting, and more! 
  • Want to stay in the loop? Subscribe to our newsletter! It’s a simple way to stay updated on what’s new at SweetGeorgia and the School of SweetGeorgia, catch up on the latest articles, watch new SweetGeorgia YouTube videos, and be a part of our community without any pressure to post. We value your presence, no matter how you choose to connect with us!

The post From Knitting Needles to Knitting Machine: The Fern Lace Scarf appeared first on SweetGeorgia Yarns.



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