My Favourite Shawl Patterns
My Favourite Shawl Patterns
I love a good shawl as they are so versatile. You can wear them as scarves, head & neck warmers, wrap around skirts, lap blankets etc. I am obsessed with Stephen West's patterns so he features heavily on this list, as go garter stitch shawls as I find them so calming to knit (and there's very little counting involved!)
1. Vertices Unite - Stephen West
My ultimate favourite. Hands down! I have knitted 8 of these in various sizes and colour combos. Yes, it's designed for fingering weight yarn but don't restrict yourself, go for sport or DK and make a huuuuuuuge snuggley shawl/blanket.
https://www.westknits.com/collections/shawls-wraps/products/vertices-unite
2. Stripeometry - Stephen West
Another glorious pattern that really isn't gauge critical. As you can see from the photos, go with whatever yarn you want and choose needles according to how much drape you want. Great for using up oddments too as you don't have to stick to the colour mapping either.
https://www.westknits.com/collections/shawls-wraps/products/stripeometry-shawl
3. Waxing Moon - Emily O’Brien
Such a mindful knit and a large comfy cosy shawl when it's done. Clear instructions and an opportunity to use a fading colour palette. It is a fun way to experiment with new skills and colour theory.
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/waxing-moon-shawl
4. Textured Wrap - Plymouth Yarn Design Studio
A great basic stole or wrap which can also be used as a lap blanket. Great for that huge ball of aran/worsted yarn that you bought in Aldi on a whim!
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/f823-textured-wrap
5. Bunard Shawl - Skeindeer Knits
You don't need to own a traditional Norwegian bunard (national dress) to knit this shawl as it's such a versatile piece and a relaxing knit. Skeindeer Knits patterns are beautifully styled and Ellie is marvellous at explaining things in multiple ways.
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bunad-shawl
6. Norwood Shawl - Laura Miller
A great project if you have a single skein of a light fingering weight yarn. The edging isn't complicated but it is addictive & you will need to keep count. It gives a finished garment that you can be proud of and people will comment on it, trust me!
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/norwood-shawl
7. Shimmer Shawl - Michele Meadows
A lovely pattern with clear instructions. It knits up best with a yarn that has some drape to it as it's more of a light weigh summer evening shawl.Some eyelets give the shawl a bit of complexity but the pattern is very forgiving if you make a mistake (or “design feature”)
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/s-h-i-m-m-e-r--s-h-a-w-l
8. Solverv Shawl - Skeindeer Knits
Another lovely shawl from Skeindeer. The edging is well charted and explained in a way that even I can understand. The 3 charts are easy to read and large enough so that you don't get lost or cross-eyed!
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/solverv-shawl
9. Flying Dutchman - Ambah O’Brien
A fun way to play with stripes and contrasts. The instructions are super simple to follow and the way Ambah writes the pattern enables you to cross off rows as you go which is very helpful when working lace.
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/flying-duchess
10. Rayna - Noora Backlund
I love love love the way this pattern is written as it has boxes you tick off as you go through so you never lose your place. Such a pretty shawl that makes a fab gift. Have a look through all the projects to see just how many ways you can knit this.
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/reyna
11. The PPS - Large Version - Louise Tilbrook Designs
Louise's patterns are very accessible and neatly written. She also has a wonderful blog and an incredible community on Facebook where people are engaged and so helpful with any issues. The pattern support is second to none.
https://www.louisetilbrookdesigns.net/everyday-knitter/2019/7/18/the-pps-larger-version
12. Holey Chevrons - Stephen West
Another Stephen West extravaganza! This one turns heads if you want to go wild with contrasts. I knitted mine in an alpaca yarn in pinks and blacks! The way he writes his patterns is incredible. The details, the pictures, the explanations are so worth the purchase price. He is so annoyingly talented, lol!