I love shawls. They are such a versatile, spring accessory. Big, small, cabled, or lacy, they can be draped over shoulders or wrapped around necks to both ward off a chill and accent your wardrobe. This week, we explore shawl shapes and construction. For each category, shawls are shown in order of easiest to most difficult.
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Triangular Shawls
Probably the most common shawl shape, triangular shawls are generally worked from the top down, starting with just a few stitches and using increases (most often yarn-overs) to create the shape.
 This pattern is a beginner triangular lace shawl pattern with a crocheted edge.
 An advanced beginner project, it is knit from the top down in garter stitch with a cabled border. I knit this to wear for the opening night party of Chekhov's "The Seagull" when I worked Off-Broadway. This pattern is for a confident intermediate knitter with some lace experience, and is a fairly large project.
 This pattern is for the experienced lace knitter. A provisional cast on is worked with a crochet hook, creating live stitches to be used in the border. Nupps, a bobble-like feature, is used to add texture to the flower lace pattern.
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Crescent ShawlsThese popular shawls drape nicely around the shoulders and are a flattering shape. Either worked from the bottom up or top down, increases or short rows create the curved shape.
 Only using the knit stitch and yarn-overs, this shawl can be made to any size, with or without a ruffle. Wear it draped over your shoulders like a small shawl or wrapped around your neck like a scarf.
This shawl features a heart-motif border that can be accented with duplicate stitching in a contrast color. The pattern will be available this summer (if you would like to receive a free copy when it's released, click here.)
Ruth's fun, flirty shawl pattern offers two different body options to make the most out of your yarn. Worked from the top down, options are included to make it smaller or bigger, and features two different lace patterns.
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Rectangular and Square Shawls
Rectangular shawls are wonderful for wrapping around your body like a blanket on a chilly day. Squares can be folded on the diagonal and worn with the point down, like a triangular shawl, or extend down the back with the border acting as a collar.
This rectangular shawl is worked in mitered squares, creating a beautiful colorwork pattern. Knit in a silk/mohair laceweight yarn, it is both light and very warm.
Designed by NYC designer Kathleen Dames, Hap-py is a new-world homage to the Shetland Haapsalu shawls of old. Haapsalu is a town on the west coast of Estonia, and is famous for its delicate knit shawls and scarves.
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Round Shawls
Generally worked from the center out, this shape allows you to easily adapt the pattern to match the amount of yarn you have. They can be worn folded in half, like a crescent shawl, or used as a blanket or tablecloth.
 This traditional circular lace shawl pattern offers an option to work in a heavier yarn to use as a blanket. Camille, who knit the project in this photo, lives in Paris and has an online store, Le Chat Qui Tricote. Ooh La La!
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Faroese Shawls
Faroese shawls have a center back gusset with two triangular side panels and often additional shoulder shaping. Originally designed by hard-working women of the Faroe Islands, they were crafted to allow freedom of movement, as the shaping keeps the shawl on the shoulders without a need for a shawl pin. In Danish, the name translates as "the islands of sheep."
by Jackie Erickson-Schweitzer |
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Reply to this email and tell me which shawl(s) you are eager to knit!
Lisa M. Barnes
LMB Designs
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Upcoming Events
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Triangular Lace Shawl Class
Learn to knit a simple lace triangular shawl. In this class we will make the Spice Route Shawl pattern. You will learn about triangular shawl structure, introductory lace techniques, inserting a lifeline and finish with a delicate crochet edging. We will discuss blocking techniques for different fibers, and the importance of blocking lace.
Sunday May 17,
1:00 - 4:00 pm,
Lion Brand Outlet
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