7 Free Shawl Knitting Patterns You'll Want to Cast On

Looking for a beautiful shawl to cast on next? A knitted shawl can be one of the most satisfying projects on your needles: large enough to showcase a special yarn, but usually much less demanding than knitting a full sweater.

This collection brings together 7 free shawl knitting patterns from the Amazing Knitting archive. You'll find everything from an easy one-skein shawl and beginner-friendly lace to dramatic openwork designs for knitters who enjoy a challenge.

Most importantly, we have checked the availability of these patterns so you can start with an Amazing Knitting project guide and then follow its link to the legitimate free pattern source.

7 Beautiful Free Shawl Knitting Patterns

The seven patterns below offer very different knitting experiences. Some are relaxing stash projects, while others feature intricate lace, interesting shaping or traditional techniques.

1. Reyna Shawl

Reyna by Noora Backlund is a wonderfully practical one-skein shawl designed specifically to show off beautiful variegated sock yarn.

Instead of hiding changing colors beneath complicated stitchwork, Reyna alternates simple garter-stitch sections with airy mesh. The result is a light triangular shawl that lets hand-dyed yarn become the star of the project.

It uses approximately 380–420 yards of light fingering or sock yarn and is worked flat from the top down.

Why knit it: Choose Reyna when you have one special skein of sock yarn in your stash and want a project that makes the most of its colors.

See the Free Reyna Shawl Pattern →

2. Multnomah

Multnomah by Kate Flagg is a much-loved shawlette that combines a simple garter-stitch body with a decorative feather-and-fan style border.

The contrast makes it particularly appealing: much of the project offers relaxing knitting before the lace edging adds a more decorative finish.

Its shawlette proportions also make Multnomah useful when you want a lighter accessory rather than a large full-coverage shawl.

Why knit it: Multnomah is a lovely bridge between simple shawl knitting and lace, with enough plain knitting to keep the project relaxing.

See the Free Multnomah Pattern →

3. June Bunnies Shawl

June Bunnies Shawl by Inese Andzane is a customizable top-down triangular shawl that alternates straightforward knitting with decorative lace sections.

One of its best features is flexibility. The designer allows the knitter to work more or fewer lace repeats, making it possible to adapt the shawl to the yarn available and the finished size you prefer.

The pattern is particularly attractive for knitters beginning to explore lace because the entire shawl does not require constant concentration.

Why knit it: Choose June Bunnies if you want to learn lace shawl knitting without jumping immediately into an extremely complicated all-over lace design.

See the Free June Bunnies Shawl Pattern →

4. Begonia Swirl

For something considerably more dramatic, Begonia Swirl by Carfield Ma creates a sweeping asymmetric lace shawl with a distinctive swirling appearance.

Designed for lace-weight yarn, the shawl expands into an elegant curved shape while intricate openwork creates the visual movement that gives Begonia Swirl its name.

Blocking is an especially important part of this project because it opens the lace and reveals the final shape.

Why knit it: Begonia Swirl is the choice for knitters who want the knitting itself to be a showpiece and enjoy watching intricate lace emerge from fine yarn.

See the Free Begonia Swirl Pattern →

5. Birds Nest Shawl

Birds Nest Shawl by Athanasia Andritsou is a deep triangular lace shawl featuring beautiful Estonian-inspired details.

The pattern uses lace-weight yarn and includes the distinctive raised elements known as nupps, giving the fabric texture as well as openwork.

This is one of the more advanced choices in our collection and is particularly suited to knitters who enjoy charts and detailed lace work.

The designer currently provides the pattern free for personal, non-commercial use, so be sure to respect the usage conditions supplied with the pattern.

Why knit it: Pick Birds Nest when you are ready for a more absorbing lace project and would like to explore Estonian-inspired techniques.

See the Free Birds Nest Shawl Pattern →

6. Carol's Clever Little Shawl

Carol's Clever Little Shawl by Carol Sanders offers something quite different from the conventional top-down triangle.

The design was inspired by a historic 1800s shawl and uses sideways construction, short rows and lace to produce its distinctive crescent-like shape.

It also includes a practical front-fastening concept, making the finished piece interesting both as a knitting project and as a wearable accessory.

The original source is now archived, but the pattern continues to be documented as available free.

Why knit it: This is an excellent choice when you want to explore an unusual shawl construction with a little knitting history behind it.

See Carol's Clever Little Shawl →

7. Lacy Baktus

Lacy Baktus by Terhi Montonen is a light, triangular scarf-shawl that combines the famously simple Baktus concept with decorative eyelets.

It is worked sideways in fingering-weight yarn, gradually increasing toward the center before decreasing again toward the opposite point.

With thousands of documented projects, Lacy Baktus has become a classic small accessory project and works particularly well when you want the yarn color to remain highly visible.

Why knit it: Choose Lacy Baktus for a relatively simple, portable project with just enough lace to keep the knitting interesting.

See the Free Lacy Baktus Pattern →

Which Free Shawl Should You Knit First?

If you're having trouble choosing, think about the kind of knitting you enjoy most.

• For one special skein: Reyna
• For simple knitting plus a lace border: Multnomah
• For your first lace shawl: June Bunnies
• For dramatic lace: Begonia Swirl
• For an advanced lace challenge: Birds Nest Shawl
• For unusual historical-inspired construction: Carol's Clever Little Shawl
• For a lightweight scarf-shawl: Lacy Baktus

Choosing Yarn for a Knitted Shawl

Shawls are wonderful projects for experimenting with yarn because fit is usually more forgiving than it is in a sweater.

However, yarn weight still affects the finished size, drape and yardage. Start with the yarn weight recommended by the designer unless the pattern specifically encourages substitution.

For intricate lace, solid and gently tonal yarns often make the stitch pattern easier to see. Simpler shawls such as Reyna can be especially effective with variegated or hand-dyed yarn.

Don't Skip Blocking Your Shawl

Blocking can make an enormous difference to a finished knitted shawl, especially when lace is involved.

The fabric may look compressed while it is still on the needles. After appropriate washing and blocking, eyelets open, edges become more defined and the final shape becomes much easier to appreciate.

Always use a blocking method appropriate for your yarn's fiber content and follow the designer's finishing recommendations.

Free Pattern Availability

Amazing Knitting checks pattern availability when creating and updating our guides. The patterns in this collection were selected because a legitimate free route to the exact design was verified during our latest review.

Pattern availability can change over time. Designers retain ownership of their work and may update, move, discontinue or change the price of a pattern.

For that reason, each link above first takes you to the corresponding Amazing Knitting pattern guide. There you'll find project details, knitting tips and the current legitimate source for the complete pattern.

Read Our Pattern Availability Policy →

More Free Knitting Patterns

Finished choosing your shawl? Amazing Knitting has many more verified free projects to explore, from baby knits and blankets to quick one-skein accessories.

Explore 7 Free One-Skein Knitting Patterns →

Pattern ownership remains with the credited designers. Amazing Knitting provides independent project guides and links to legitimate pattern sources rather than reproducing copyrighted row-by-row instructions. Please check each designer's current terms before beginning a project.

Campfire Cozy Shawl – Oversized Triangle Shawl Knitting Pattern

Campfire Cozy Shawl. Design © Espace Tricot.

Campfire Cozy by Espace Tricot is an oversized triangular shawl designed for exactly what its name suggests: wrapping yourself in a generous layer of handknit warmth.

The design combines several classic knitted fabrics rather than relying on a single stitch pattern. Sections of lace, garter stitch and stockinette flow through the shawl before finishing with a substantial ribbed border.

Older references to Campfire Cozy described it as a free knitting pattern. However, the original free-download route is no longer generally available, so Amazing Knitting no longer classifies this design as a current free pattern.

Campfire Cozy Shawl at a Glance

• Designer: Espace Tricot
• Craft: Knitting
• Category: Shawl / Wrap
• Shape: Triangular
• Style: Oversized
• Yarn weight: Worsted
• Main fabrics: Lace, garter stitch and stockinette
• Border: Ribbing
• Languages: English and French
• Availability: The older free download is no longer generally available

An Oversized Triangle Shawl for Cozy Layering

Campfire Cozy is not intended to be a tiny decorative shawlette. Its defining feature is its generous triangular shape, creating plenty of fabric to wrap around the shoulders and upper body.

That extra coverage gives the finished piece the character of both a shawl and a warm wrap, making it especially appealing for cool evenings, relaxed indoor wear and layering during colder months.

If you enjoy shawls that feel closer to wearable blankets than delicate accessories, Campfire Cozy is a particularly attractive style of project.

A Combination of Classic Knitting Textures

Much of the visual interest in Campfire Cozy comes from the transition between several different knitted fabrics.

Rather than repeating a single stitch pattern across the entire shawl, the design incorporates:

• Garter stitch
• Stockinette stitch
• Lace sections
• A ribbed border

These changes create broad areas of texture across the triangular shape while keeping the finished shawl relaxed and wearable.

The Four-Row Lace Repeat

One of the notable features of Campfire Cozy is its four-row lace repeat.

A relatively short repeating lace sequence can make a large shawl more enjoyable to knit. Once the rhythm becomes familiar, the knitter can focus more on the growing fabric instead of constantly learning a new chart or stitch sequence.

Alternating those lace sections with simpler garter and stockinette areas also helps prevent such a large project from becoming visually repetitive.

Garter Stitch Sections

Garter stitch adds visible texture and structure to the shawl.

It provides a useful contrast with the smoother stockinette sections and the more open character of the lace.

On an oversized shawl, these broad changes in texture can have more visual impact than tiny decorative details, helping the design remain interesting even when seen from a distance.

Stockinette for a Smooth Contrast

Stockinette introduces a smoother surface between the more textured portions of Campfire Cozy.

This contrast is one reason the shawl can work particularly well in a solid or subtly tonal yarn. The stitch changes themselves provide visual variety without requiring complicated colorwork.

A Substantial Ribbed Border

The shawl finishes with a ribbed border, giving the lower edge a strong and cozy textural finish.

On a large triangular shawl, the final border occupies a significant visual area, so it becomes an important part of the overall design rather than simply a narrow finishing detail.

Why Worsted-Weight Yarn Suits This Design

Campfire Cozy is designed around worsted-weight yarn.

This heavier yarn contributes to the substantial, warm character of the finished shawl and distinguishes it from lightweight lace shawls intended mainly for decorative wear.

Worsted-weight yarn can also help the differences between garter, stockinette, lace and ribbing remain clearly visible.

Choosing Yarn for an Oversized Shawl

When choosing yarn for a large wrap, consider more than color.

A yarn may feel wonderful in a single skein but behave differently when several skeins are combined into one large finished garment.

Consider:

• The total weight of the finished shawl
• Softness against the neck and shoulders
• Drape
• Stitch definition
• Warmth
• Fiber elasticity
• Care requirements

A yarn that shows the different stitch textures clearly while remaining comfortable against the skin is especially suitable for this kind of shawl.

Solid or Tonal Yarn?

Because Campfire Cozy already contains several different stitch textures, a solid or gently tonal yarn can allow those details to remain visible.

Strongly variegated yarn may compete with subtle lace and texture, although the final choice depends on the effect you want.

If you are considering a highly multicolored yarn, knitting a generous swatch can help you judge how the color changes interact with the stitch pattern before committing to a large project.

A Good Balance Between Relaxing and Engaging Knitting

The design alternates more engaging lace sections with comparatively straightforward knitted fabrics.

That balance can make an oversized shawl enjoyable over a longer knitting period. Some sections require more attention, while others become rhythmic and relaxing.

This variety is one reason large shawls can remain satisfying projects even though they eventually contain many stitches.

Skills Used in Campfire Cozy

Based on the construction and stitch patterns used in the design, knitters should be comfortable with techniques associated with:

• Knitting and purling
• Garter stitch
• Stockinette stitch
• Basic lace knitting
• Following repeating stitch sequences
• Increasing a triangular shawl
• Ribbing
• Managing an increasing number of stitches
• Binding off a long shawl edge
• Blocking

Consult the current authorized pattern information for exact stitch counts, construction instructions and required techniques.

Is Campfire Cozy Suitable for Beginners?

A knitter who is already comfortable with basic knit and purl stitches may find Campfire Cozy an interesting next step into larger shawls and simple lace.

The four-row lace repeat is less intimidating than a lace pattern that changes on every row, while the garter and stockinette sections provide simpler stretches between the textured areas.

However, the generous finished size means the project eventually becomes quite wide, so knitters should also be comfortable managing a large number of stitches.

Using a Circular Needle for a Large Shawl

Large triangular shawls can eventually hold a considerable number of stitches.

Even when the piece is worked back and forth rather than joined in the round, a circular needle can make it easier to accommodate a long row of stitches and distribute the weight of the growing fabric.

Always follow the pattern's current needle recommendations and choose the needle size required to achieve the specified gauge.

Why Gauge Still Matters on a Shawl

Shawls are generally more forgiving than fitted sweaters, but gauge can still have a significant effect on the finished project.

A looser gauge can produce a larger and more open shawl while also increasing yarn requirements. A tighter gauge can create a denser, smaller fabric.

That difference becomes particularly important in a project that is intentionally oversized.

Plan Your Yarn Before Casting On

An oversized worsted-weight shawl is not usually a tiny stash-busting project.

Before beginning, check the current pattern information for the required yardage and make sure you have enough yarn for the complete shawl.

If you are using hand-dyed yarn, having sufficient yarn from compatible dye lots or alternating skeins may also help produce a more consistent finished fabric.

Running out near the wide ribbed border can be particularly frustrating, since the rows are longest near the end of a triangular shawl.

Blocking Campfire Cozy

Blocking can be especially valuable when a shawl combines lace with denser knitted textures.

It can help open the lace, settle the garter and stockinette sections, and define the finished triangular shape.

Always choose a blocking method appropriate for your yarn fiber and follow the yarn manufacturer's care instructions.

Ways to Wear an Oversized Triangle Shawl

The generous dimensions of a design like Campfire Cozy provide more styling flexibility than a small shawlette.

It can be:

• Draped traditionally across the shoulders
• Wrapped closely around the upper body
• Worn scarf-style around the neck
• Positioned with the triangular point toward the front
• Layered over a sweater or simple top

The substantial worsted-weight fabric makes this style particularly useful when warmth is as important as appearance.

Who Might Enjoy Knitting Campfire Cozy?

This shawl may be a good match if you enjoy:

• Large wearable wraps
• Worsted-weight knitting
• Projects with changing textures
• Simple repeating lace
• Garter and stockinette knitting
• Long-term projects that become relaxing once the rhythm is established

It may be less suitable if you are specifically looking for a very small, lightweight or quick one-skein shawl.

Campfire Cozy Pattern Availability

Important: older Amazing Knitting and web references described Campfire Cozy as a free knitting pattern.

That description reflects the pattern's earlier availability and should not be interpreted as a guarantee that the old free download remains available today.

Amazing Knitting has therefore updated this page and no longer labels Campfire Cozy as a current free pattern.

Pattern availability can change over time as designers and publishers move websites, retire downloads or change how their designs are distributed.

Find the Current Campfire Cozy Pattern

If you would like to knit Campfire Cozy by Espace Tricot, use the current pattern listing below to check the latest availability and purchasing information.

View Campfire Cozy on Ravelry →

Campfire Cozy was previously promoted online as a free pattern, but availability can change over time. Amazing Knitting does not host or reproduce Espace Tricot's copyrighted pattern instructions. Please use the current authorized pattern listing for the latest availability information.

Pattern Availability at Amazing Knitting

We regularly review older Amazing Knitting pages because a knitting pattern that was free when originally featured may later move, become paid or disappear from its original source.

Read Our Pattern Availability Policy →

June Bunnies Shawl - Free Knitting Pattern

Photo above © Mardunk

June Bunnies Shawl by Inese Andzane is a soft, customizable triangular lace shawl designed to be simple enough for knitters taking their first steps into lace.

The design alternates relaxing sections of simple knitting with decorative lace insertions, creating an elegant shawl without making every row demanding.

It is also wonderfully flexible: the designer encourages knitters to add as many or as few lace repeats as they like, making it possible to adapt the shawl to different yarns and finished sizes.

Best of all, the original June Bunnies Shawl pattern is still officially available for free.

✓ Free Pattern Availability

June Bunnies Shawl remains available as a free Ravelry download. The designer's original Silver Lining Knits blog post is also still online and identifies the shawl as a free pattern.

June Bunnies Shawl at a Glance

Pattern: June Bunnies Shawl

Designer: Inese Andzane

Published: July 2012

Original Source: Silver Lining Knits

Category: Shawl / Wrap

Shape: Triangle

Construction: Top-down, one piece

Suggested Yarn Weight: Fingering

Published Yardage Range: 400–600 yd / 366–549 m

Size: Customizable

Instructions: Charted and written

Difficulty: Suitable for adventurous lace beginners

Availability: Free Ravelry download

About the June Bunnies Shawl

June Bunnies began with the yarn.

Designer Inese Andzane explains that she had received an exceptionally soft angora, merino and nylon blend and wanted to cast on something immediately.

Because she wanted a project simple enough to knit while watching a movie, she chose a straightforward lace idea and developed it into this triangular shawl.

That relaxed origin is still reflected in the finished design.

Why Is It Called June Bunnies?

The playful name is connected to the yarn used for one of the original shawls.

The soft angora blend reminded the designer of the softness associated with bunnies, giving the project its memorable name.

A Customizable Triangle Shawl

One of the most useful features of June Bunnies is that the finished size is not rigidly fixed.

The designer describes it as a pattern that can be adjusted for different yarn weights and different shawl sizes.

You can add more lace repeats for a larger shawl or use fewer repeats for a smaller accessory.

How Much Yarn Do You Need?

The Ravelry record gives a general range of:

400–600 yards / 366–549 meters

For a full-size shawl in fingering-weight yarn, the designer suggests approximately:

400–500 yards

A finer yarn or a larger shawl may require more.

Fingering Weight Is a Natural Starting Point

Fingering weight is the primary yarn weight associated with the pattern, but the design was intentionally created to be adaptable.

That makes June Bunnies particularly appealing when you have a special skein and want a shawl pattern that does not force you into one exact finished size.

The Original Yarn Inspiration

One of the original versions used a fingering-weight blend of:

• 40% Angora
• 40% Merino
• 20% Nylon

This combination produces a soft fabric with a gentle halo.

Another version was made with a much finer merino, silk and cashmere blend, demonstrating how differently the same design can look when the fiber and yarn thickness change.

There Is No Need to Copy the Original Yarn Exactly

June Bunnies was designed with flexibility in mind.

When substituting yarn, think about the finished fabric you want rather than searching only for an exact discontinued or difficult-to-find yarn.

Consider:

• Yarn weight
• Total yardage
• Drape
• Fiber content
• Halo
• Stitch definition
• How the yarn behaves after blocking

What Needle Size Should You Use?

June Bunnies is designed to work with different yarn weights, so there is no single needle size that makes sense for every version.

Choose a needle that produces an open, attractive fabric with your selected yarn.

A small swatch is useful if you are unsure whether your yarn and needle combination gives the lace enough room to open after blocking.

Top-Down Construction

June Bunnies is a top-down triangular shawl.

The project begins with relatively few stitches and grows outward as you work.

This construction is especially convenient for a customizable shawl because you can watch the triangle develop and decide how large you want the finished piece to become.

Simple Sections Between the Lace

One of the reasons June Bunnies feels approachable is that the entire shawl is not densely covered in complicated lace.

Decorative lace insertions are separated by simpler sections, giving the knitter periods of more relaxed knitting between the patterned areas.

This creates visual rhythm in the finished shawl and makes the project easier to manage.

A Good First Lace Shawl

The designer specifically describes June Bunnies as well suited to lace beginners.

Experienced lace knitters may also enjoy it as a relaxing project that does not demand constant concentration.

If you already know the basic knit and purl stitches and are ready to practice yarn overs and decreases, this can be an appealing introduction to triangular lace-shawl construction.

Skills You May Practice

• Top-down shawl construction
• Yarn overs
• Lace decreases
• Reading a lace chart
• Following written lace directions
• Maintaining a center line
• Repeating lace motifs
• Stretchy binding off
• Blocking lace

Charted and Written Instructions

June Bunnies is particularly useful for knitters who are still learning how they prefer to follow lace.

The pattern provides both charted and written information, so you can work with the format that feels most comfortable.

Learning to compare the chart with the written instructions can also be a useful way to build chart-reading confidence.

Use a Lifeline While Learning Lace

A lifeline can save a great deal of frustration.

After completing a section you know is correct, thread a smooth contrasting yarn through the live stitches.

If you later make a mistake that requires unraveling several rows, the lifeline gives you a safe place to stop.

Count Your Stitches Regularly

Lace patterns rely on increases and decreases occurring in the correct places.

A forgotten yarn over can affect not only one row but the alignment of the following motif.

Periodic stitch counting helps you catch mistakes while they are still easy to repair.

Blocking Reveals the Lace

Do not judge the finished appearance while the shawl is still bunched together on the needles.

Appropriate blocking opens the lace, evens the stitches and allows the triangular shape to settle.

Always choose a blocking method suitable for the fiber content of your yarn.

Try a Slightly Variegated Yarn

The designer specifically suggests that June Bunnies could look lovely in a slightly variegated yarn.

Because the lace is separated by calmer sections, gentle color variation can add interest without necessarily overwhelming the stitch pattern.

For strongly variegated yarn, however, a swatch is useful to see whether the color changes compete with the lace.

Make It Smaller or Larger

One of June Bunnies' Best Features

The designer intentionally allows you to add as many or as few lace repeats as you like. This means the pattern can become a smaller shawlette or a more generous full-size shawl depending on your yarn supply and preference.

Keep Enough Yarn for the Finish

Customizable shawls create one important planning challenge: it is easy to keep knitting until very little yarn remains.

Remember that you still need enough yarn for the final lace section and bind-off.

If your yarn supply is limited, weighing the remaining yarn between sections can help you make a more informed decision about adding another repeat.

Is June Bunnies Shawl Still Free?

Yes.

June Bunnies Shawl by Inese Andzane remains officially available as a free Ravelry download.

The designer's original Silver Lining Knits blog post is also still online and continues to identify the pattern as free.

Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the designer's complete copyrighted chart or row-by-row instructions. Use the authorized pattern source below for the full directions.

Get the Free June Bunnies Shawl Pattern

The easiest current route is the official Ravelry pattern record:

Get the Free June Bunnies Shawl Pattern →

Visit the Designer's Original Post

You can also visit Inese Andzane's original Silver Lining Knits post introducing the shawl:

Visit the Original June Bunnies Shawl Post →

More Free Lace Shawls

If you enjoy June Bunnies, these verified free patterns in the Amazing Knitting archive are natural next projects:

• Begonia Swirl - Free Lace Shawl Pattern
• Birds Nest Shawl - Free Knitting Pattern
• Seascape Stole - Free Knitting Pattern
• Morning Surf Scarf - Free Knitting Pattern

Explore More Free Shawl Patterns

• Free Lace Shawl Knitting Patterns
• Triangle Shawl Knitting Patterns
• Beginner Lace Knitting Projects
• Free Shawl Knitting Patterns

Before You Cast On

Decide how large you want your June Bunnies Shawl to become and check how much yarn you have available.

The pattern's flexibility means you do not have to reproduce one exact sample size.

Choose a yarn and needle combination that creates a fabric you enjoy, keep track of your lace repeats, and leave enough yarn for the final section and bind-off.

For a first triangular lace shawl, June Bunnies offers a particularly appealing balance: enough lace to learn something new, but enough simple knitting to keep the project relaxing.

Pattern credit: June Bunnies Shawl was designed by Inese Andzane and published through Silver Lining Knits in July 2012. Amazing Knitting provides an independent project guide and does not reproduce the designer's complete copyrighted chart or knitting instructions. Please retain the existing photograph and its original credit from the old Amazing Knitting post.

Pfeilraupe - Free Pattern

Pfeilraupe by Alpi Alpenrose is a distinctive asymmetrical knitted shawl that combines simple garter stitch with a clever construction detail: a series of openings that let you thread one end of the shawl through the fabric.

Those slots are more than decorative. They help hold the shawl in place and make it possible to arrange the finished piece in several different ways around the neck and shoulders.

Despite its unusual finished shape, Pfeilraupe is primarily a garter-stitch project, making the construction much more approachable than the finished shawl might initially suggest.

The original Pfeilraupe knitting pattern is currently available as a free download from the designer through Ravelry.

Design: Alpi Alpenrose. Featured project photo: christa-l.

Pfeilraupe Shawl Pattern Overview

• Pattern: Pfeilraupe
• Designer: Alpi Alpenrose
• Publisher: Alpenrose Designs
• Published: August 2015
• Project type: Shawl / wrap
• Shape: Elongated asymmetrical triangle
• Yarn weight: Sport
• Yardage: Approximately 571 yd / 522 m
• Needles: US 4 / 3.5 mm
• Gauge: 21 stitches × 48 rows = 4 in / 10 cm
• Finished size: Approximately 160 × 45 cm
• Size: One size
• Main fabric: Garter stitch
• Pattern availability: Free

What Makes Pfeilraupe Different?

At first glance, Pfeilraupe looks like an unusual asymmetrical shawl, but its most recognizable feature becomes clearer when you look at the openings worked into the wider section of the fabric.

These knitted slots allow the narrow end of the shawl to pass through the fabric.

That simple idea gives the shawl a practical advantage: it can stay wrapped around the wearer without relying entirely on a shawl pin or constant readjustment.

A Versatile Asymmetrical Shawl

Pfeilraupe is shaped as a long, stretched triangle rather than a traditional symmetrical triangular shawl.

The unusual proportions and strategically placed openings provide several possibilities for draping the finished piece.

It can be worn loosely over the shoulders, wrapped more closely around the neck, or arranged with the narrow end passing through one of the openings.

This versatility is one of the characteristics that made the design stand out among garter-stitch shawls.

Mostly Garter Stitch

The visual shape of Pfeilraupe may look complicated, but the basic knitted fabric is refreshingly simple.

The designer describes the shawl as essentially simple garter-stitch knitting with a few clever details.

Because garter stitch is created by knitting every row when working flat, much of the project has a comfortable repetitive rhythm.

The construction details and shaping provide the interest while the basic fabric remains straightforward.

Yarn and Yardage

The published pattern information lists approximately:

571 yards / 522 meters of sport-weight yarn.

The designer's original version was made using handspun yarn, which helps explain the organic texture and character of the original shawl.

A yarn with good stitch definition can help emphasize the horizontal garter ridges and the distinctive openings.

As with any shawl substitution, differences in fiber, elasticity and gauge may change the final dimensions and drape.

Needle Size

The published pattern calls for:

US 4 / 3.5 mm knitting needles.

Choose a needle type that is comfortable for holding the growing number of stitches. A circular needle can be convenient even though the shawl itself is worked flat.

Gauge

The listed gauge is:

21 stitches × 48 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm.

For a shawl, exact gauge is generally less critical than it would be for a fitted sweater, but it still affects the finished dimensions, fabric density and amount of yarn required.

If your gauge is substantially looser than the designer's, you may need more yarn than the amount listed in the pattern.

Finished Size

Using the designer's handspun yarn, the approximate finished dimensions after washing, without blocking, were:

• Length: approximately 160 cm
• Width: approximately 45 cm

Treat these measurements as a useful reference rather than a guarantee. Different yarns and individual knitting tension can produce different final dimensions.

The Signature Slots

The openings are the feature that transforms Pfeilraupe from a simple garter-stitch triangle into a highly recognizable shawl.

They are incorporated into the knitting rather than cut into the fabric afterward.

Once the shawl is finished, the narrow end can be threaded through a chosen opening to create different wrapped arrangements.

This means the openings serve both a decorative and functional purpose.

Shaping the Shawl

The elongated triangular shape develops through increases and shaping as the shawl progresses.

The design also uses short-row techniques to help create its distinctive geometry.

Although the main fabric is garter stitch, it is important to follow the designer's instructions carefully when you reach the shaping and slot sections.

Useful Skills for Pfeilraupe

It is helpful to be comfortable with:

• Casting on
• Knit stitches
• Garter stitch
• Increasing stitches
• Short-row shaping
• Binding off and casting on stitches within a row
• Following repeated shaping instructions
• Binding off
• Weaving in yarn ends

Choosing Yarn for Pfeilraupe

Because the pattern creates a long shawl with several openings, yarn choice affects both appearance and function.

A yarn that produces a very loose or extremely slippery fabric may behave differently when the narrow end is passed through one of the slots.

A sport-weight yarn that creates a comfortable but reasonably stable garter-stitch fabric is a good starting point.

Before beginning, check that you have enough yarn to complete the full shawl, especially if you plan to alter the size.

Blocking and Finishing

After knitting, weave in the yarn ends securely and wash or block the shawl according to the care requirements of your chosen yarn.

Blocking can help settle the garter-stitch fabric and improve the overall shape, but avoid stretching the piece more aggressively than your yarn can comfortably tolerate.

The designer's published measurements were taken after washing without blocking, so your finished dimensions may differ depending on your finishing method.

Why Pfeilraupe Is Worth Knitting

Pfeilraupe is a good example of how a relatively simple knitted fabric can become an unusual finished accessory through thoughtful construction.

The garter stitch provides relaxed knitting, while the asymmetrical shaping, short rows and signature openings keep the project interesting.

The result is not simply another triangular shawl. The built-in slots give the finished piece multiple styling possibilities and help keep it securely wrapped.

Get the Free Pfeilraupe Knitting Pattern

The original Pfeilraupe pattern by Alpi Alpenrose is currently available as a free Ravelry download.

Use the designer's original pattern for the complete stitch counts, short-row sequence, slot construction and finishing instructions.

Get the Free Pfeilraupe Pattern →

More Free Shawl Knitting Patterns

Looking for another shawl project? Explore our collection of free shawl knitting patterns:

Explore 7 Free Shawl Knitting Patterns →

Pattern Availability

Amazing Knitting links readers to legitimate designer or publisher sources whenever possible. Pattern prices, download locations and availability can change after an article is published.

Read Our Pattern Availability Policy →

Amazing Knitting is an independent pattern discovery and project-guide site. Pfeilraupe and its original knitting instructions remain the intellectual property of Alpi Alpenrose. This guide provides project information and directs knitters to the designer's authorized pattern source rather than reproducing the complete pattern.

Birds Nest Shawl - Free Pattern

Photo above © Athanasia Andritsou

Birds Nest Shawl by Athanasia Andritsou is a beautiful deep triangular lace shawl that brings together delicate lace knitting and traditional Estonian-inspired stitches.

Designed for lace-weight yarn, the shawl features intricate texture, elegant openwork and the distinctive raised details created by nupps. Best of all, the designer still offers the pattern as a free Ravelry download.

✓ Free Pattern Availability

Birds Nest Shawl is currently available as a free download directly from the designer's Ravelry store. The designer specifies that the pattern is offered for personal, non-commercial use, so please read and respect the usage terms included with the pattern.

Birds Nest Shawl at a Glance

Pattern: Birds Nest Shawl

Designer: Athanasia Andritsou

First Published: February 2015

Craft: Knitting

Category: Shawl / Wrap

Shape: Deep triangle

Yarn Weight: Lace

Suggested Yarn: Posh Yarn Miranda Lace

Yardage: 766–875 yards / 700–800 m

Needle Size: US 2 / 2.75 mm

Notable Techniques: Estonian-inspired lace and nupps

Sizing: Modular / adjustable

Current Availability: Free Ravelry download

About the Birds Nest Shawl

Designed by Athanasia Andritsou, Birds Nest Shawl is a lace project intended for knitters who want to explore something beyond basic triangular shawl construction.

The designer describes it as a deep triangular shawl featuring some of the beautiful stitches associated with Estonian knitting, including the characteristic raised details known as nupps.

The combination of open lace and dimensional texture gives the finished shawl an intricate appearance that can look especially striking after careful blocking.

The Inspiration Behind Birds Nest

The name has a lovely connection to the designer's surroundings. Athanasia Andritsou originally introduced the design while observing the birds nesting in the trees around her home.

That natural inspiration suits the pattern particularly well: the lace has an organic appearance, with repeating motifs and textured details that create movement across the triangular fabric.

Yarn and Yardage

The original shawl was designed using Posh Yarn Miranda Lace, a luxurious lace-weight yarn.

The published yardage is approximately:

766–875 yards / 700–800 metres

The original Miranda Lace yarn combines fine fibres that produce a soft fabric with a gentle halo.

If you substitute another lace yarn, consider both stitch definition and drape. Highly textured lace details can appear quite different in a very fuzzy yarn compared with a smooth, tightly spun yarn.

Needle Size

The published needle size is:

US 2 / 2.75 mm

Treat the recommended needle size as a starting point. Lace knitters often adjust needle size depending on the yarn and the amount of openness or drape they want in the finished fabric.

A Modular Shawl

One particularly useful feature of Birds Nest Shawl is that its size is modular.

The designer also notes that gauge is not particularly important for this project. That gives the knitter more flexibility than a fitted garment, where a small gauge difference can significantly affect the final size.

Yarn quantity still matters, however. If you plan to make a larger shawl, allow additional yarn rather than relying only on the quantity used for the original project.

What Are Nupps?

Nupps are small raised decorative elements strongly associated with Estonian lace knitting.

They create tiny dimensional points within the lace rather than remaining completely flat like ordinary openwork stitches.

They can require more attention than basic yarn-over lace, particularly when several loops must be handled together. If this is your first project using nupps, practicing the technique on a small swatch before beginning the shawl can make the main project more comfortable.

Charts and Written Support

Birds Nest Shawl is primarily a chart-based lace pattern.

The designer also provides written instructions after the charts, but explains that these are intended as support for the charts rather than a complete replacement for them because the chart repeat boxes need to be taken into account.

For that reason, this pattern is best approached by a knitter who is comfortable reading knitting charts or is willing to learn how chart repeats work.

Skills That Help

Useful skills for Birds Nest Shawl include:

• Knit and purl stitches
• Working yarn overs
• Working decreases
• Reading lace charts
• Following chart repeat boxes
• Working Estonian-style lace techniques
• Making nupps
• Managing fine lace-weight yarn
• Blocking a lace shawl

Blocking the Finished Shawl

Blocking is particularly important for lace knitting.

Freshly knitted lace can look compressed because the stitches have not yet opened into their intended shapes. Careful blocking helps reveal the openwork, defines the triangular shape and allows the decorative motifs to become much easier to see.

Always follow the care instructions appropriate for the yarn you choose.

Pattern Corrections and Updates

Because Birds Nest Shawl has been available for many years, it is worth downloading the current version rather than relying on an old saved copy.

The designer uploaded a corrected version in 2018 addressing specific chart rows. Using the current Ravelry download helps ensure that you are working from the latest version provided by the designer.

Is Birds Nest Shawl Still Free?

Yes. Birds Nest Shawl is currently available as a free Ravelry download from Athanasia Andritsou.

There is an important condition: the designer states that the pattern is provided for personal, non-commercial use.

Please check the designer's complete current terms when downloading the pattern. “Free pattern” means there is no purchase price for the download; it does not mean the designer has given up copyright or usage conditions.

Get the Free Birds Nest Shawl Pattern

Download the current version directly from the designer's Ravelry listing.

Get the Free Birds Nest Shawl Pattern →

More Free Lace Shawls

If you enjoy this style of project, Amazing Knitting has more shawl and lace knitting ideas in the archive.

Explore Free Lace Shawl Patterns →

You can also browse free knitted shawls, lace knitting patterns, and triangular knitted shawls.

Before You Start

Download the latest version of the pattern first and read through the charts before casting on. If nupps are new to you, make a small practice swatch so you can become comfortable with the technique before reaching the more intricate sections of the shawl.

Also check that you have enough yarn for the size you intend to make, particularly if you plan to enlarge the modular design.

Pattern credit: Birds Nest Shawl was designed by Athanasia Andritsou. The existing project photograph on this Amazing Knitting page is credited to Athanasia Andritsou. The pattern remains the designer's copyrighted work and is currently offered free under the designer's stated personal, non-commercial usage terms. Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the designer's charts or row-by-row instructions.

Kindness KAL Shawl – Free One-Skein Lace Shawl Knitting Pattern

Kindness KAL Shawl. Photo © Salamanderknits

Kindness KAL Shawl by Jaala Spiro is a free crescent shawl knitting pattern designed to make beautiful use of a single skein of fingering-weight yarn.

Combining simple shaping with sections of airy mesh and decorative lace, the shawl is especially lovely in gradient or slowly changing yarn. The original version uses approximately 435 yards (398 m) and finishes at about 18 inches deep with a 52-inch wingspan.

Kindness KAL Shawl Pattern Details

• Designer: Jaala Spiro
• Published: 2017
• Craft: Knitting
• Category: Shawl / Wrap
• Pattern availability: Free from the designer
• Shape: Crescent
• Size: One size
• Finished measurements: Approximately 18 inches deep × 52-inch wingspan
• Yarn weight: Fingering / CYC #1
• Original yarn: Knitcircus Yarns Fairy Dust
• Yardage: Approximately 435 yards (398 m)
• Needles: US 6 (4 mm) circular needle
• Gauge: 18 stitches × 30 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in blocked stockinette stitch
• Construction: Worked flat
• Features: Mesh, lace and crescent shaping
• Language: English

A Beautiful One-Skein Shawl

Kindness KAL Shawl is an excellent project when you have one special skein of fingering-weight yarn and want to turn it into something more substantial than a small accessory.

The original design uses approximately 435 yards, making a standard 100-gram skein of suitable fingering yarn a natural starting point for the project.

Gradient yarn is particularly effective because the simple sections allow changing colors to flow across the shawl while the lace adds texture and visual interest.

Crescent-Shaped Shawl Construction

Unlike a traditional triangular shawl with a pronounced center point, the original Kindness Shawl has a curved crescent shape.

The shaping is created through increases as the shawl grows, producing a wide wingspan that can wrap comfortably around the shoulders and neck.

The finished dimensions are approximately 18 inches deep and 52 inches across the wingspan.

Mesh and Lace in One Shawl

The design combines relatively open mesh sections with decorative lace.

These changing textures keep the knitting interesting without requiring complicated garment construction or multiple pieces.

The airy stitches also help a single skein create a shawl with a useful wingspan while maintaining a lightweight finished fabric.

A Lovely Pattern for Gradient Yarn

Kindness KAL Shawl has become particularly popular with knitters using gradient fingering yarn.

The broad curved shape provides plenty of space for gradual color changes to develop, while the lace sections add detail without overwhelming the yarn.

You can also knit the shawl in a solid, tonal or lightly speckled yarn if you prefer to emphasize the stitch pattern rather than color changes.

The Original Yarn

Jaala Spiro's original pattern calls for one skein of Knitcircus Yarns Fairy Dust in the colorway Peace, Love and Understanding.

The yarn is a fingering-weight blend of 75% superwash merino, 20% nylon and 5% Stellina, with approximately 435 yards per 100 grams.

The subtle sparkle of Stellina adds another dimension to the lace, but a sparkling yarn is not necessary to make the pattern successfully.

Choosing a Substitute Yarn

When substituting yarn, look for a fingering-weight yarn with enough yardage for the complete shawl.

A yarn with good stitch definition will help the lace remain visible, while a softer yarn with pleasant drape can make the finished shawl comfortable around the neck and shoulders.

If you are using a gradient skein, consider how the colors will travel through the shawl before deciding which end of the skein to begin with.

Needles and Gauge

The original pattern uses a US 6 (4 mm) 24-inch circular needle.

Although the shawl is worked flat, a circular needle is convenient because its cable can comfortably hold the increasing number of stitches as the shawl becomes wider.

The listed gauge is 18 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in blocked stockinette stitch.

Why Blocking Matters

Blocking is an important finishing step for this shawl.

Lace often looks compressed or uneven while it is still on the needles. Washing and carefully blocking the finished shawl allows the mesh and lace openings to relax and become more clearly defined.

The pattern's gauge and finished measurements are based on the blocked fabric, so keep that in mind while your project is still in progress.

Skills Used in the Kindness KAL Shawl

The original pattern calls on a useful set of basic lace-knitting techniques:

• Casting on
• Knitting
• Yarn overs
• SSK decreases
• K2tog decreases
• Picking up and knitting stitches
• Working increases for crescent shaping
• Following mesh and lace stitch patterns
• Binding off
• Blocking lace

Looks More Complicated Than It Is

One of the appealing things about Kindness is the contrast between its intricate finished appearance and its relatively approachable construction.

The shaping uses straightforward increases, while familiar lace techniques such as yarn overs and decreases create the open decorative sections.

Keeping track of stitch counts and lace repeats is still important, but you don't need complicated garment construction skills to make the shawl.

Tips for Knitting the Lace Sections

When working lace, check your stitch count regularly. Finding a missed yarn over immediately is much easier than discovering it several rows later.

Stitch markers can also be useful for separating repeats if that helps you identify mistakes more quickly.

If you are using a gradient yarn, pay attention to both your lace repeat and the developing color transition so you can enjoy watching the two elements come together.

A Shawl Designed Around Kindness

The name of the pattern is an important part of its story.

Jaala Spiro created the original Kindness shawl in 2017 around the idea of kindness and generosity, and the designer continues to make the pattern available free.

The project can be knitted for yourself, given to someone who could use a little comfort, or simply enjoyed as a reminder of the idea behind the design.

Don't Confuse the Three Kindness Shawls

Jaala Spiro has published more than one pattern connected with the Kindness KAL, so similarly named designs can easily be confused.

This page is about the original 2017 Kindness KAL Shawl: the fingering-weight crescent shawl with lace edging.

It is different from Kindness is Everything, published in 2018 as a top-down triangular shawl, and Kindness KAL 2019, a later DK-weight asymmetrical shawl.

Why Knit the Kindness KAL Shawl?

This pattern brings together several features that make a satisfying shawl project: a manageable one-skein yarn requirement, crescent shaping, lace and mesh texture, and plenty of opportunity to showcase beautiful fingering-weight yarn.

It is especially attractive if you have a gradient skein of around 435 yards waiting for the right project.

And because the original pattern remains free from Jaala Spiro, you can get the complete instructions directly from the designer.

Get the Free Kindness KAL Shawl Pattern

The complete Original Kindness Shawl by Jaala Spiro is currently available as a free digital knitting pattern from the designer's official website.

Get the Free Kindness KAL Shawl Knitting Pattern

Pattern availability was checked when this article was updated. Availability on external websites may change over time.

Pearled Frost Shawl – Textured Triangle Shawl Knitting Pattern

Pearled Frost Shawl. Photo © Melanie Rice

Pearled Frost by Melanie Rice is a striking triangular shawl knitting pattern featuring an unusual textured stitch motif that creates a beautifully sculpted surface.

Worked in worsted-weight yarn, this is a substantial shawl with plenty of texture and visual interest. The pattern includes both charted and fully written instructions, allowing knitters to choose the format they prefer.

Availability update: Pearled Frost has previously been shared online as a free-pattern recommendation, including on this older Amazing Knitting page. The pattern is currently listed as a paid pattern, so we have updated this guide to reflect its present availability.

Pearled Frost Shawl Pattern Details

• Designer: Melanie Rice
• Craft: Knitting
• Category: Shawl / wrap
• Shape: Triangle
• Yarn weight: Worsted
• Yardage: Approximately 700 yards
• Needles: US 8 (5 mm)
• Gauge: Approximately 20 stitches per 4 inches
• Construction: Worked flat
• Main feature: Highly textured stitch pattern
• Instructions: Written and charted
• Current status: Paid pattern

A Dramatic Textured Triangle Shawl

The defining feature of Pearled Frost is its distinctive texture. Rather than relying primarily on color changes, the design creates visual interest through the knitted fabric itself.

Repeating raised motifs form strong lines across the triangular shawl, giving the finished piece a sculptural appearance that is especially effective in a solid or gently tonal yarn.

This makes Pearled Frost a good example of how stitch manipulation can transform a relatively simple yarn into a highly decorative fabric.

Worsted-Weight Yarn

Pearled Frost is designed for worsted-weight yarn, making it heavier and cozier than many shawls worked with traditional fingering-weight yarn.

Approximately 700 yards are listed for the design. When choosing a substitute yarn, compare both yarn weight and total yardage rather than relying only on the number of skeins.

A smooth yarn can be particularly useful for this pattern because it allows the distinctive surface texture to remain clearly visible.

Choosing Yarn for Pearled Frost

Because texture is the star of this shawl, yarn choice can make a noticeable difference to the finished result.

Solid and tonal colors are excellent choices when you want the stitch pattern to stand out strongly. Very busy variegated yarns may compete visually with the textured motifs.

Wool and wool-blend worsted yarns can also provide useful stitch definition while producing a warm finished shawl.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern lists US 8 (5 mm) needles and a gauge of approximately 20 stitches per 4 inches (10 cm).

As with most shawls, achieving a fabric you like is important. However, gauge still affects the finished dimensions and the amount of yarn you will need.

Melanie Rice includes a gauge-swatch section in the pattern, which is particularly useful for becoming familiar with the stitch pattern before beginning the full shawl.

Written and Charted Instructions

Pearled Frost provides the stitch pattern in both charted and fully written form.

This is helpful for knitters who strongly prefer one method of following a pattern over the other.

Charts provide a visual representation of how the motifs develop across the fabric, while written instructions allow each row to be followed step by step.

Working the Textured Stitch Pattern

Pearled Frost is more involved than a basic garter-stitch shawl. Its appeal comes from the repeated textured motifs that build across the fabric.

Wrong-side rows still contain some patterning, so this is a project that rewards paying attention to your place in the repeat rather than assuming every wrong-side row is simply purled or knitted.

A row counter can be useful for keeping track of progress through the repeating sections.

Skills Used in Pearled Frost

Knitters working this design should be comfortable with, or ready to practice:

• Knitting and purling
• Working flat
• Following stitch repeats
• Reading written knitting instructions
• Reading knitting charts
• Working increases and decreases
• Slipped-stitch techniques
• Keeping track of patterned rows
• Blocking textured knitting

Is Pearled Frost Beginner Friendly?

Pearled Frost is better suited to a knitter who already feels comfortable with the basic knit and purl stitches and is ready for a project that requires more concentration.

The shawl's textured motifs are the main attraction, but they also mean that careful row tracking is more important than it would be in a plain stockinette or garter-stitch shawl.

The included gauge-swatch instructions provide a useful opportunity to practice the stitch pattern on a smaller piece before committing to the full project.

Use a Row Counter

A simple row counter is particularly useful for a patterned shawl such as Pearled Frost.

Marking completed rows as you work can make it much easier to return to the project after a break without losing your position in the repeat.

You may also find it helpful to highlight or mark each completed row on the written instructions or chart.

Consider Adding Lifelines

Lifelines can provide extra security when working unfamiliar textured stitch patterns.

After completing a section correctly, thread a contrasting strand through the live stitches without disturbing them. If a mistake appears later, the lifeline gives you a known safe row to return to.

This can be especially helpful as the shawl grows and the rows become longer.

Why Swatching Is Useful Here

A swatch does more than check gauge for Pearled Frost.

It also lets you learn how the textured motif is formed, see whether your chosen yarn provides enough stitch definition, and observe how the fabric changes after washing.

If the motif disappears in a very fuzzy or highly variegated yarn, you can change yarn or needle size before investing many hours in the full shawl.

Blocking the Finished Shawl

Blocking helps settle the stitches and reveal the structure of the finished fabric.

Follow a blocking method appropriate for the fiber content of your yarn, and avoid stretching the texture so aggressively that the raised motifs become flattened.

Allow the shawl to dry completely before removing pins or moving it from the blocking surface.

Pearled Frost and Sand Frost

Melanie Rice later designed another shawl called Sand Frost in response to knitters who liked the stitch pattern used in Pearled Frost.

Sand Frost is a separate design. It uses the related stitch motif but was created with greater flexibility in yarn weight and sizing and uses a different construction.

If you encounter both names while searching, remember that Pearled Frost and Sand Frost are not the same pattern.

A Statement Shawl in a Single Color

Pearled Frost demonstrates that a shawl does not need elaborate colorwork to make a strong visual statement.

Using a single color allows light and shadow across the raised stitch pattern to create much of the visual effect.

This can make the design particularly attractive when you have a beautiful worsted-weight yarn whose texture and color you want to showcase.

Why Knit the Pearled Frost Shawl?

Pearled Frost is a good choice for knitters who enjoy projects where the knitting process itself creates the decoration.

The combination of worsted-weight yarn, triangular shaping and strong textured motifs produces a substantial shawl that can be both practical and visually distinctive.

Written and charted instructions also make it possible to follow the stitch pattern using whichever format works best for you.

Get the Pearled Frost Shawl Pattern

Pearled Frost by Melanie Rice is currently available as a paid digital knitting pattern.

View the Pearled Frost Shawl Pattern →

Pattern availability and pricing can change over time. Amazing Knitting does not reproduce or distribute the designer's copyrighted pattern instructions.

Textured Shawl Recipe – Free Knitting Pattern

Textured Shawl Recipe designed by © Orlane Sucche

The Textured Shawl Recipe by Orlane Sucche is a free triangular shawl knitting pattern that combines simple texture changes into a beautifully wearable design.

Worked from the top down, the shawl lets you move through different textured sections as it grows. The result is an interesting project that showcases stitch texture without relying on an elaborate construction.

Textured Shawl Recipe Pattern Details

• Designer: Orlane Sucche
• Design: Tête Bêche Designs
• Craft: Knitting
• Category: Shawl / Wrap
• Pattern availability: Free download
• Shape: Triangle
• Construction: Top down and worked flat
• Suggested yarn weight: DK
• Needles: 5.5 mm (US 9)
• Suggested yardage: 328–492 yards (300–450 m)
• Languages: English, German and Italian

About the Textured Shawl

Rather than using one stitch pattern throughout, this shawl changes texture as the knitting progresses. Those contrasting sections create visible bands across the triangular shape and give the finished shawl much of its character.

The shawl is worked flat from the top down, so the piece gradually becomes larger as you knit. A solid or softly tonal yarn is especially useful when you want the changing stitch textures to remain clearly visible.

Yarn and Needles

The original pattern information recommends DK-weight yarn and 5.5 mm (US 9) needles, with approximately 328–492 yards (300–450 m) of yarn.

The original project used Blue Sky Fibers Suri Merino. You do not necessarily need to use the original yarn, but choosing a yarn with good stitch definition can help emphasize the textured sections of the shawl.

A Pattern Recipe Rather Than a Strict Pattern

One important thing to know before starting is that the designer describes this design as a shawl recipe. It consists of knitting notes rather than the kind of highly detailed, step-by-step instructions you may expect from a conventional pattern.

For that reason, it may be particularly appealing to knitters who are comfortable reading basic knitting instructions and enjoy having some flexibility while working.

Why This Shawl Is Worth Trying

The changing textures keep a relatively simple triangular shawl visually interesting. It is also a useful project for exploring how different stitch patterns look when worked in the same yarn.

Once finished, the triangular shape makes it easy to wear traditionally around the shoulders or wrapped more casually around the neck as a scarf.

Get the Free Textured Shawl Recipe

The original Textured Shawl Recipe by Orlane Sucche is currently available as a free download through Ravelry.

Get the Free Textured Shawl Recipe on Ravelry

Pattern availability was checked when this article was updated. Availability on external websites may change over time.

Multnomah Shawl – Free Garter Stitch & Feather and Fan Shawl Pattern

Multnomah Shawl. Photo © Kate Ray / Hello Knitty

Multnomah by Kate Ray is a classic triangular shawl knitting pattern that combines a simple garter-stitch body with a beautiful Feather and Fan lace border.

Originally published in 2009 through Hello Knitty, Multnomah has become an enduring favorite among shawl knitters. It uses fingering-weight yarn and approximately 412 yards (377 m) for the original size, making it a lovely project for a special skein of sock yarn.

Availability update: the original Hello Knitty source is now out of print, but the free pattern has been preserved in an archived copy. More information and the archived pattern source are available through the pattern's current Ravelry record.

Multnomah Shawl Pattern Details

• Designer: Kate Ray
• Originally published: August 2009
• Original publication: Hello Knitty
• Craft: Knitting
• Category: Shawl / wrap
• Shape: Triangular
• Current availability: Free archived pattern
• Yarn weight: Fingering
• Yardage: Approximately 412 yards (377 m)
• Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) circular needle, 24 inches / 60 cm or longer
• Gauge: 24 stitches and 21 garter ridges = 4 inches (10 cm) in garter stitch
• Original finished size: Approximately 44 × 19 inches
• Construction: One-piece triangular shawl
• Main stitches: Garter stitch and Feather and Fan lace
• Notions: Four stitch markers
• Language: English, with translations also documented

A Classic Garter Stitch and Lace Shawl

Multnomah has a wonderfully effective construction: the majority of the upper shawl is worked in relaxing garter stitch, while the lower section changes into a flowing Feather and Fan lace border.

The contrast between the simple body and decorative edge gives the shawl much of its character without requiring lace knitting throughout the entire project.

This also makes Multnomah an appealing introduction to knitted shawls for someone who wants a project with both straightforward knitting and a more decorative finishing section.

The Garter-Stitch Body

The shawl begins with a small number of stitches and gradually expands into its triangular shape.

Most of this first section is garter stitch, with increases used to create the growing shawl.

Garter stitch is particularly effective with hand-dyed and variegated fingering yarns because the simple texture allows the yarn's color changes to remain visible.

Feather and Fan Lace Border

The lower portion introduces the classic Feather and Fan motif.

This traditional combination of increases and decreases creates the distinctive waves and openwork along the bottom of the shawl.

Once blocked, the Feather and Fan section opens beautifully and provides a decorative contrast to the dense garter-stitch body.

A One-Skein Fingering-Weight Shawl

The original Multnomah was designed around approximately 412 yards (377 m) of fingering-weight yarn.

That makes the original size particularly attractive for the special skeins of sock yarn that many knitters have in their stash.

If your skein contains significantly less yarn, you may need to make a smaller version. If you have more yarn, the design can also be expanded.

The Original Yarn

Kate Ray's original sample used The Sanguine Gryphon Bugga! in the Rainbow Scarab colorway.

The original project used essentially the entire skein, approximately 412 yards.

You do not need the original yarn to make Multnomah. A fingering-weight yarn that produces a fabric and gauge you enjoy can be substituted.

Choosing Yarn for Multnomah

Multnomah works especially well with yarns where you want both the color and stitch pattern to remain visible.

Solid and tonal yarns can emphasize the Feather and Fan texture, while gently variegated or long-color-repeat yarns can create dramatic color movement across the growing triangular shape.

When substituting yarn, pay attention to total yardage rather than simply comparing the number of skeins.

Needles and Gauge

The original pattern specifies a US 3 (3.25 mm) circular needle at least 24 inches (60 cm) long.

The documented gauge is:

24 stitches and 21 garter ridges = 4 inches (10 cm)
in garter stitch

A circular needle is useful because the shawl eventually contains many stitches, even though the work itself is knitted flat rather than joined in the round.

Finished Size

The original Multnomah measures approximately:

44 inches across × 19 inches deep

This places the original design in the shawlette-to-small-shawl range, making it easy to wear around the neck as well as across the shoulders.

Multnomah Is Easy to Resize

One of the most useful characteristics of the design is that the size can be adjusted.

Kate Ray documented alternative points for beginning the Feather and Fan border, allowing knitters to create smaller or larger versions of the original shawl.

You can also extend the lace section with additional repeats when you have enough yarn.

Making a Larger Multnomah

If you want a larger shawl, the garter-stitch section can be extended before beginning the lace border.

Because the Feather and Fan motif has a predictable stitch repeat, the designer documented several larger starting points for the lace section.

Keep in mind that every additional row becomes longer as the shawl grows, so larger versions can consume yarn much faster near the end of the project.

Making a Smaller Version

Multnomah can also be reduced if you have less than the original 412-yard recommendation.

Starting the Feather and Fan section earlier creates a smaller shawlette while retaining the defining combination of garter stitch and lace.

This flexibility makes the design useful when you want to work with a specific amount of treasured fingering-weight yarn.

Skills Used in the Multnomah Shawl

Useful techniques for this project include:

• Garter stitch
• Working flat on circular needles
• Basic increases
• Yarn overs
• Basic decreases
• Using stitch markers
• Following a repeating lace motif
• Binding off a large number of stitches
• Wet blocking lace

Is Multnomah Beginner Friendly?

Multnomah can be a very approachable first shawl for a knitter who already knows the basic knit stitch and is ready to learn simple increases, decreases and yarn overs.

The long garter-stitch section gives you time to become comfortable with the shawl's shaping before reaching the Feather and Fan border.

The lace section requires more attention, but it is based on a repeating motif rather than a large collection of unrelated lace patterns.

A Good First Lace Shawl

If full lace shawls feel intimidating, Multnomah provides a gentler introduction.

Only the border uses the Feather and Fan lace motif, so a mistake does not mean navigating lace across the entire shawl.

Using stitch markers and checking your stitch counts regularly can make the transition into the lace section much easier.

Use a Lifeline in the Lace Section

A lifeline can be particularly helpful when knitting the Feather and Fan border.

Threading a contrasting strand through the stitches after a correct repeat gives you a safe point to return to if you discover a mistake later.

This simple precaution can save a great deal of time when working long lace rows.

Blocking Makes a Big Difference

Don't judge the Feather and Fan border completely while it is still on the needles.

Lace often looks compressed before blocking. Washing the finished shawl and gently pinning it to shape allows the openwork and waves to become much more visible.

Always use a blocking method appropriate for the fiber content of your chosen yarn.

Why Multnomah Works With Variegated Yarn

Multnomah became especially popular as a project for colorful sock yarn.

The garter-stitch body provides a relatively simple background for changing colors, while the Feather and Fan border adds texture without overwhelming the yarn.

This combination can be particularly effective with hand-dyed yarns and long color repeats.

A Popular Modern Shawl Classic

Multnomah has remained remarkably popular since its original publication in 2009.

Thousands of knitters have made versions in different yarns, colors and sizes, demonstrating how adaptable the basic garter-and-lace structure can be.

Its enduring appeal comes from a useful balance: enough simple knitting to make the project relaxing, followed by enough lace to make the finished shawl feel special.

Why Knit the Multnomah Shawl?

Multnomah is an excellent choice if you have a beautiful skein of fingering yarn and want something more decorative than a plain garter-stitch shawl without committing to complicated lace from beginning to end.

The triangular shape is practical to wear, the size is adjustable, and the Feather and Fan border gives the finished piece a classic wavy edge.

It is also a useful bridge between basic knitting and more advanced lace shawls.

Get the Free Archived Multnomah Shawl Pattern

Multnomah by Kate Ray was originally published free through Hello Knitty. That original website source is now out of print, but the pattern has been preserved in an archived copy.

The current Ravelry pattern record provides the pattern information and points knitters to the archived free version.

View the Multnomah Pattern & Archived Free Source →

The original Hello Knitty source is no longer active. Amazing Knitting does not host or reproduce the designer's complete pattern. Pattern availability was checked when this article was updated.

Secession Shawl – Asymmetric Knitting Pattern

Secession by Kristina Vilimaite is an elegant asymmetric shawl inspired by the decorative style of the Viennese Secession movement. The design combines a sweeping curved triangular shape with delicate textured details and optional beads.

The shawl is worked sideways in one piece, creating its distinctive asymmetric silhouette without requiring separate sections to be sewn together.

Secession can be knitted in fingering or DK-weight yarn, and the pattern includes guidance for petite, regular, large and custom-sized versions.

Design and original pattern © Kristina Vilimaite / AnimaKnits.

Secession Shawl Pattern Overview

• Designer: Kristina Vilimaite
• Pattern: Secession
• Craft: Knitting
• Category: Shawl / wrap
• Published: April 2016
• Construction: One piece
• Direction: Worked sideways
• Shape: Asymmetric curved triangle
• Sizes: S, M and custom sizing instructions
• Yarn options: Fingering or DK weight
• Suggested yarns: Malabrigo Silky Merino and madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light
• Yardage: Approximately 416–995 yd / 380–910 m
• Needles: US 2½ / 3.0 mm
• Gauge: 26 stitches × 31 rows = 4 in / 10 cm in stockinette stitch
• Beads: Optional
• Instructions: Written instructions and charts
• Language: English
• Pattern availability: Paid pattern

An Asymmetric Curved Triangle Shawl

Secession does not follow the familiar symmetrical triangle construction used for many traditional shawls.

Instead, the fabric grows sideways into an asymmetric curved triangular shape.

This gives the finished shawl a flowing silhouette that can be wrapped around the shoulders or styled more loosely around the neck.

Inspired by the Viennese Secession Movement

The name Secession refers to the Viennese Secession, the Austrian Art Nouveau movement associated with artists such as Gustav Klimt.

The designer describes the shawl as combining simplicity with decorative detail, including the option of adding beads for extra contrast and sparkle.

That balance between a clean silhouette and ornamental detail is one of the features that gives the design its distinctive character.

Worked Sideways in One Piece

The shawl is knitted sideways as a single piece.

This means the shaping develops gradually across the work rather than beginning at the center or lower point of a traditional triangular shawl.

There are no separate panels to assemble afterward, which keeps the basic construction cohesive even though the finished shape is unusual.

Fingering or DK Yarn

One of the most useful features of Secession is that the pattern can be worked with either fingering-weight or DK-weight yarn.

The different yarn weights allow the same design to produce shawls with different scale and drape.

Fingering yarn creates a lighter, more delicate fabric, while DK yarn can give the shawl more substance and warmth.

Suggested Yarns

The pattern lists two suggested yarns:

• Malabrigo Silky Merino
• madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light

These represent two different yarn-weight options for the design.

You can substitute another suitable yarn if desired, but consider drape, yardage and stitch definition when choosing an alternative.

Yardage

The published yarn requirement ranges from approximately:

416–995 yards / 380–910 meters.

The amount required depends on the chosen size, yarn weight and customization.

If you plan to enlarge the shawl beyond one of the standard options, allow additional yarn rather than purchasing only the minimum amount.

Custom Sizing

Secession includes instructions for adjusting the shawl beyond the two standard pattern sizes.

This is particularly useful because the same design can be adapted for a petite shawl, a regular wrap or a larger statement piece.

Custom sizing also gives knitters more flexibility when working with a specific amount of yarn.

Optional Beads

Beads are optional, but they are an important decorative possibility in this design.

They can highlight the ornamental sections of the shawl and add small flashes of light against the knitted fabric.

If you prefer a simpler look, the shawl can also be knitted without beads.

Using Beads in a Shawl

If you choose to add beads, make sure the bead size works comfortably with your chosen yarn.

Beads that are too small may be difficult to place, while very large beads can add unnecessary weight to a lightweight shawl.

It is worth testing a few beads with your yarn before beginning the full project.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern lists US 2½ / 3.0 mm needles.

The published gauge is approximately:

26 stitches × 31 rows = 4 in / 10 cm in stockinette stitch.

Because this is a shawl rather than a fitted sweater, drape is especially important. Use the published gauge as a guide while also checking that your fabric feels fluid rather than overly stiff.

Skills You'll Use

• Casting on
• Knit and purl stitches
• Working flat
• Sideways shawl construction
• Increasing and decreasing
• Twisted stitches
• Reading knitting charts
• Following written instructions
• Optional bead placement
• Blocking a shaped shawl

Is Secession Beginner Friendly?

Secession is better suited to an intermediate knitter or a confident advanced beginner who already feels comfortable following shaping instructions and charts.

The shawl is worked in one piece, but its asymmetric shaping and decorative details require more attention than a basic garter-stitch shawl.

Adding beads introduces another technique, although they are optional.

Charts and Written Instructions

The pattern provides both charted and written information for the design.

This gives knitters some flexibility depending on whether they prefer to follow visual stitch charts or line-by-line written directions.

Keeping a row counter or progress marker nearby can be helpful when working through longer decorative sections.

Blocking the Finished Shawl

Blocking is an important finishing step for a shaped shawl like Secession.

It helps smooth the fabric, open decorative sections and define the curved asymmetric outline.

Always follow the washing and blocking recommendations for your chosen yarn, especially when using silk, merino or other delicate fibers.

Styling Secession

The asymmetric shape allows the shawl to be worn in several ways.

• Draped traditionally over the shoulders
• Wrapped around the neck like a scarf
• Worn with the long point to one side
• Layered over a simple top or dress

The optional beads make the design especially suitable for dressier styling, while an unbeaded version can feel more understated.

Is the Secession Shawl Pattern Free?

No. Secession by Kristina Vilimaite is currently a paid knitting pattern.

The pattern is presently listed at $7.00 USD in the designer's AnimaKnits Ravelry Store.

Amazing Knitting previously linked readers to the design as a pattern discovery page, but pattern prices and availability can change over time. We therefore identify the current paid status clearly rather than describing the design as free.

View the Secession Shawl Pattern →

Related Secession Designs

Kristina Vilimaite later expanded the Secession concept into additional accessories.

The designer also created Secession Mitts and the Secession Cowl, both inspired by the same decorative style.

These related designs may appeal to knitters who enjoy the look of the shawl but prefer a smaller accessory project.

Why This Shawl Is Worth Considering

Secession stands out because it combines an unusual asymmetric silhouette with decorative details that remain optional.

The ability to choose fingering or DK yarn, adjust the overall size and add or omit beads gives knitters considerable control over the finished result.

Its sideways one-piece construction also offers a different experience from traditional center-out triangular shawls.

Pattern Availability

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Amazing Knitting is an independent pattern discovery and project-guide site. The Secession design and knitting pattern remain the intellectual property of Kristina Vilimaite / AnimaKnits. This guide does not reproduce the designer's complete row-by-row instructions or charts.