Hand knitted teal fabric with occasional orange speckles and pussy willows on the left

Softyarn Designs:

Knit with confidence, create with joy.

You’re invited!

The edge of the water on a pink sand beach with a few seashells provides a background for the words "Mermaid Dance mystery knitalong"

Join the Mermaid Dance Mystery Knitalong for knitting fun, a warm and friendly chat group, prizes, and a beautiful shawl when all is said and done!

The chat group opens October 8, 2025, and the first clue will be released Oct. 15. Purchase the pattern now and get your yarn and needles ready for the fun.

See all of the info and join the MKAL on the Mermaid Dance Shawl page.

Knit with confidence using detailed, thoughtfully-crafted patterns for knitters at every level, tech edited and test knitted so your knitting experience is smooth and error-free.

Create with joy using patterns that spark creativity and let you have fun making beautiful things with yarn: Easy or intricate shawls with themes of the seaside, mermaids, and fairies; size-inclusive sweaters that will make you feel great; fun hats for everyone; and my specialty ponytail hats.

Gray knitted fabric with bamboo knitting needles against smooth gray stones background.
Turquoise and beige knitted lace shawl with scissors and pebbles on a wooden surface.
Woman wearing a speckled knit hoodie standing near a stone fireplace with a starfish decoration.
Two knitted hats in green and blue shades on a light wooden surface with pinecones at the bottom.
a knitted infinity scarf of white and rainbow stripes in a rumpled circle on a pale wooden table with a starfish in the middle

Kind words

  • I may have knit over 50 projects this year, but this one will really stand out in my mind. A perfect knit with a beautiful design.

    - Abby, shawl knitter

  • I’m a relatively new knitter and love your patterns.

    - Kate, hat and sweater knitter

  • Love the FO and received many compliments on the design.

    - Kim, shawl knitter

  • This impressed the family more than anything else I’ve knit which is funny because it’s so much easier than anything I’ve knit lately.

    - Erlinda, headband knitter

  • Pattern was clear and easy to use. Love all of the helpful hints on altering to fit.

    - Anne, sweater knitter

  • Lena, I loved this pattern. It was so well written and easy to understand. Not to mention the stitch pattern is beautiful.”

    - Imène, shawl knitter

  • Great pattern. I will definitely be back to shop here again!

    - Marianne, hat knitter