Knitting a shawl is one of the most beginner-friendly projects. An all season-favorite project, shawls can be knitted with any knitting needles and yarn. For yarn you can knit with any lightweight lace yarns to chunky wool and any fiber or shade. It is simply constructed in back and forth knitting (flat) with a pair of classic single pointed needles or circulars. Single pointed knitting are an ideal fit as long as you cast the width of the project and then go knitting lengthwise. Circular knitting needles are a better fit as the ergonomic make allows to divide the weight of the project and not strain your hands and wrists. For scarves, you can go ahead with a knitting pattern or plan one without one. It is very easy to knit a length of around 100 – 150 cm and a width of 15 – 20cm. This can also be customized according to your need. Asymmetrical shawls such as triangular.
So, let’s get started. For a shawl you can go ahead with any new yarn of any weight according to your preference or even use scraps from your stash. Leftover yarns from previous projects are particularly wonderful as you can truly express your creativity.
Garter Stitch
The most basic of all stitch patterns, garter is made by knitting every row (when you are knitting in rows which you will be basically doing to make a shawl). It is a handy stitch if you want something flat, reversible in a ridged fabric. The stitch pattern will create a solid fabric that works for most shawls, especially if you are looking for a dense and warm knitted fabric. If you looking for something light for summer or spring, make the project in lightweight yarn. Lively spring and summery colours will work best for the garter shawl.
Stocking Stitch (Stockinette)
The stocking stitch pattern, known as stockinette is another basic stitch pattern that lends itself beautiful to many knitting projects. The pattern is made by alternating one row of knit stitches followed by a row of purl stitches. Stockinette is a mix of both knit and purls but has a tendency to curl at the edges. Follow the yarn suggestions for the stitch pattern too. Work with multiple yarn colours in lightweight fibers and vibrant shades. Finish up the shawl with pom poms on all four ends or tassels of same or a contrasting shade of colour. You can also try out a beautiful edge of seed stitch or work a patter or picots or ruffles. Blocking you knitted shawl is a step you must not miss out.
Reverse Stocking Stitch
Working the reverse stocking stitch is also a good option. Instead of alternative rows of knit and purl, work on alternate rows of purl and knit stitches. The knitted fabric still curls but the sticth pattern will have a different look that regular Stockinette.
Multi-coloured shawl
Knitting with multiple colours is one of the easiest ways to dress up your knitted shawl. Choose two or three colours that complement each other. You can go for knitting with stripes or make colour changes after 3-5 rows for bold lines. If you are a fan of colourwork and have a pattern and requires skills, it is one of the best options of knitting a shawl for the spring season. Even if you not yet gained the colourwork knitting skills, you can simply thread your darning needle with a contrasting shade of yarn than the knitted fabric and cerate interesting designs on your finished piece.
Lace Knitting Patterns
Lace knitting is an art. You create holes in your knitted baric with a variety of techniques. A knitting pattern is the best bet if you are a beginner and you’ll find many advanced makers searching out patterns for their projects. A lace shawl is perfect for spring and summer seasons. Choose knitting needles, a size bigger than mentioned on the yarn label or pattern. With lace patterns, create motifs of leaves, flowers and more. Stainless steel knitting needles works best for lace patterns. Interchangeable circular needles are also perfect for the task as they assist with smooth knitting and have a lifeline hole that works for the knitting pattern.
Get ready for shawl knitting! Besides the above you can make interesting shawls with any more stitch patterns. Textured stitch patterns work beautifully. If you have worked on a seed stitch or a moss stitch pattern you just have to follow the pattern in changed dimension. A knitting trend from the 1970s, Condo knitting is also making a comeback. You work in the garter stitch pattern with two knitting needle sizes. The effect is an open weave that looks beautiful for a spring or summer-inspired shawl.
With the Mindful Collection explore the range of stainless steel needles for single pointed, double pointed, fixed circular or interchangeable circulars and sets of multiple sizes. With mindful knitting needles enjoy the meditative process of knitting.
Source: https://medium.com/@mindfulknitpro/how-to-knit-a-shawl-7fc2bd30cdad
