10 Lovely Knitted Shawl Patterns for Cool Days
Knit up a stack of beautiful shawls in no time!
Stay Cozy with Knitted Shawl Patterns!
Beautiful, functional, and warm, shawls are easily one of the best clothing accessories that you should have in your wardrobe.
You can find shawls in all sorts of places like the mall or in thrift shops. But sometimes they’re just not your style! That’s okay! There are many ways to achieve the look you want—knitting is one of them.
There are many knitted shawl patterns available online. Some need to be purchased, but there are some free ones too! We’ve scoured the internet and found some fantastic free shawl patterns to get you started.
Ready to fill your queue with some fantastic free knitted shawl patterns? Let’s go!
What You Need to Follow Knitted Shawl Patterns
The materials you need to complete knitted shawl patterns will depend on the pattern you choose to follow. Here’s a list of some basic go-to tools and materials you can use for any shawl pattern:
- Knitting needles – You need knitting needles to complete free shawl knitting patterns. Now, your needle size will depend on the yarn. So make sure to check your yarn band! We recommend using a circular knitting needle for shawls because you can adjust the length to match your shawl as you work! Need more room? Easy! Just put on a longer cable and you’re good to go!
- Yarn – The yarn you choose to use on your free knitted shawl patterns can greatly affect the outcome. Some yarn types are thicker and warmer, while others are thinner and lighter. The most important thing is to match the fiber type for shawls so that you get the same (or similar) results as the designer did.
- Blocking combs or pins – The MOST important step when making shawls is blocking! When a shawl comes off the needles the stitches will be tight, blocking lets the design relax and can make the shawl look totally different.
The easiest (and quickest) way to block projects, especially large shawls, are blocking combs! Each comb has multiple pins in it which makes blocking way faster. You can also use sets of individual blocking pins for fiddly edges or small areas.
- Scissors – A pair of scissors is another important tool that you will use for all of your knitting projects. You’ll need them to cut yarn tails and hide loose ends.
- Stitch markers – You’ll need stitch markers to keep track of complicated stitch patterns. If you don’t have stitch markers, you can use a strand of scrap yarn or a thin paper clip—preferably in different colors so they’re easy to see.
- Yarn/darning needle – You will need a yarn needle or darning needle to sew in the loose yarn ends.
- Free shawl knitting patterns – Finally, you’ll need a few lovely knitted shawl patterns to follow. So keep on scrolling!
10 Free Lovely Knitted Shawl Patterns
“Are shawls difficult to make for beginners?”
Don’t worry, shawls come in various difficult levels and we made sure that the knitted shawl patterns included in this list are easy and achievable for beginners!
Are you ready?
Let’s get stitching!
Disclaimer: This article contains links to external unaffiliated websites.
1. Half + Half Triangles Wrap
By: Purl Soho
YARN: Fingering [Suggested: Purl Soho Linen Quill]
SIZE: Approximately 31” wide x 31” long x 45” along the widest point
Simple, cozy, and warm. That’s what I thought the first time I saw this shawl. The Purl Soho has to be one of my top favorite pattern designers because they come up with such simple, yet beautiful patterns that I can easily incorporate into my wardrobe.
I thought you might like them too, so I made sure to include them on the list!
2. Reyna
By: Noora Backlund
YARN: Ling Fingering [Suggested: Malabrigo Yarn Sock, Hedgehog Fibers Sock, Miss Babs Cosmic Hand Painted Sock]
SIZE: Approximately 58” long x 21.5” along the widest point
This is an excellent one-skein project that you can take your time making whenever you’re free. This knitted shawl pattern results in a lacy pattern. You can choose to work with only one yarn color or combine your favorite shades to create a unique statement piece.
3. Triangle Knit Shawl
By: Yarnspirations Design Studio
YARN: Aran [Suggested: Caron Cakes]
SIZE: Approximately 60” x 32” at the widest point
Another favorite pattern designer of mine is the Yarnspirations Design Studio. This Triangle Knit Shawl pattern is perfect for beginners who want to practice their knowledge on cast ons, knit stitches, and casting off!
Your finished product should look like a simple shawl that you can drape over your shoulders or wrap around your neck to keep you warm.
4. Textured Triangle Shawl
By: Diane Moyer
YARN: Bulky [Suggested: Red Heart Soft Essentials]
SIZE: 70” x 30” at the widest point
If you want more texture into your shawls, this Textured Triangle Shawl pattern by Diane Moyer might be more your style.
By using thicker yarn, knitted textures are more visible and “pop” more in a simple shawl. The pattern looks more complicated but it’s actually perfect for beginners!
So why not give it a go?
5. The Van Gogh Shawl
By: Cathy Lewis, Tall Tree Designs
YARN: DK Weight [Suggested: Northbound Knitting Merino Silk DK]
SIZE: 65” x 18” at the widest point
Taking inspiration from Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night”, this shawl highlights the colors of variegated yarns with simple knits, purls, and drop stitches.
If you are a beginner, you might need to make a few practice swatches just to get used to the stitches. But that’s fine! This is not a race. So take your time to get to know these stitches.
6. Scrappy Knit Shawl
By: Regina Weiss
YARN: Any scrap yarn
SIZE: 90” x 20” at the widest point [Customizable]
Have you ever had scrap yarn that was too short for a new project but too long to throw out? This Scrappy Knit shawl is the perfect scrap-yarn project for you.
It doesn’t matter what type of scrap yarn you have with you, any combination of yarns will work well with this fun shawl project.
No matter how many times you use this pattern, you will always come out with unique shawls that you can rock during chilly days!
7. Switchback Shawl
By: Bonnie Dean
YARN: Fingering Weight [Suggested: Phydeaux Yarn Down, BonnieD Hand Knits and Fiber Mile High, BonnieD Hand Knits and Fiber String]
SIZE: 82.5″ x 21″ at the widest point
Up for a little challenge? This Switchback Shawl by Bonnie Dean might be what you’re after.
This is a simple-looking shawl that you can easily add a personal touch to. You can be as loud as you want with the colors or stick to muted and soft tones!
8. Sourwood Shawl
By: Erika Flory
YARN: Fingering Weight [Suggested: Cascade Yarns Heritage Wave, Purl Soho Linen Quill]
SIZE: 54″ x 23.5″ at the widest point
Another unique piece you should give a try is the Sourwood Shawl by Erika Flory.
This one might be a bit tricky for beginner knitters. BUT! It’s always good to have a project in your queue to work towards. With a little practice and patience even a beginner knitter can finish this stunning shawl.
9. Juniper Berry Shawl
By: Rachel Brockman
YARN: DK Weight [Universal Yarn Colorburst]
SIZE: 68.5″ x 34.25″ at the widest point
Went on a yarn-buying spree and now you have gradient yarns you have no idea how to use?
Give this Juniper Berry Shawl a fair shot! Enjoy as the colors of change from one gradient to another to create a completely unique look.
10. Aimee’s Simple Shawl
By: Aimee Pelletier
YARN: Sport Weight [Suggested: Queensland Collection Dungarees Pain, Juniper Moon Farm Summer Solstice]
SIZES: 72″ x 23″ at the widest point
Aimee’s Simple Shawl pattern has a textured finish that is both minimal and interesting to see.
This is a great first project for beginners or anyone who wants a quick and simple shawl to add to their collection.
Quick Tips About Knitting Shawls
Because shawls can practically be as big as you want them to be, there can be many mishaps that happen along the way. Well, I don’t want that to get in the way of you rocking a brand new shawl that you knitted for yourself!
So here are some helpful tidbits in knitting shawls:
Tip #1: Block Your Shawls!
Sometimes, even though you followed a knitted shawl pattern word-for-word, your final project still looks a bit lopsided. That’s normal!
All you have to do is to block your shawls using blocking combs or blocking pins.
Tip #2: Knit Slow and Steady
While some of these free knitted shawl patterns are beginner-friendly, the sheer size of the project itself can feel overwhelming.
So don’t be scared to take your time with each row!
Tip #3: Learn How to Deal with Dropped Stitches
Making mistakes on big projects like these knitted shawl patterns is normal. What’s important is you know how to deal with the most frequent mishap: dropped stitches!
Don’t worry, we have a step-by-step tutorial for that!
Final Thoughts On Knitted Shawl Patterns
Shawls are beautiful, aren’t they?
Shawls are great wardrobe accessories that you can rock in almost any season. Yes, even in the summertime! The Reyna shawl, for example, is wearable in any season including spring, summer, and even the chilly autumn days.
While knitted shawl patterns like the Textured Triangle Shawl and the Scrappy Knit Shawl are perfect for fall and winter!
The awesome part about shawls that you don’t really have to follow any specific color palettes for your project. You can mix-and-match all your favorite colors to create a completely unique look!
Looking for something to pair with your free knitted shawl patterns? Check out our round-ups of 12 FREE Beginner Knitting Hats and 10 FREE Knit Tote Bag Patterns!
