Tag: shawl patterns

Crescent-shaped Shawls to Knit

One of the first things I knit was a shawl. A shawl can be a very easy project and might be perfect for a beginner knitter to make.

Shawls can be knit in various ways to make a variety of shapes. Most are triangular, rectangular, or crescent shaped. They can be knit from the top down, end to end, or a combination.

Crescent, or Half Moon Shawl Patterns

Because I live in the sub-tropics, I never wear any type of shawl. They can be fun to knit though. My favorite shape is the crescent. A crescent shawl can also be called a “half moon” or “half pi” or “pi shawl”.

Occasionally I come across a nice crescent shawl that I might want to knit one day. A smaller size shawl can often be knit using one (decent size) skein of yarn. That makes them cheap to knit, as opposed to a sweater project. It also gives a beginner knitter some practice on easier stitches, as well as practice reading a pattern.

I have not yet knit any of these patterns, but they are in my list of faves. Choose a wool yarn of some type and use the shawl like a scarf. All links go to the designers Ravelry page where the pattern is sold.

  • Interisland Shawl, by Donna Smith. Knit in fingering weight yarn, this one has a lace edge that is knit first. Very pretty. Yardage: 437-470 yds / 400 – 430 m
  • Dutch Tulips, by Alina Appasova is listed as “crescent” but it is kinda triangular too. I like it, so I am including it here. This one is done in various stitches including slipped stitches. Sounds interesting. 2 colors, 800 yards?
  • The Lone Skein Shawl, by Joji Locatelli, needs 440 yards (402m) so takes one large skein. It is crescent, but asymmetrical (one side is longer).
  • Slumber Shawl, by West Knits, has been a long time favorite. It is listed as a triangle, but is basically rounded with a wavy edge. It is listed in Stephen West’s Beginner Friendly Patterns.

Shawls I Have Knit – Mostly NOT Crescents

The Spindrift Shawl, by Helen Stewart – link is to her pattern page at Ravelry – was a free pattern (and still is if you sign up for the workshop) and the first shawl I made. It happened to be crescent shaped.

When I began knitting I went for yarn colors that seemed fun to use. Now I am more discerning about yarn type, and colors that I would actually wear! The shape is more important too.

All of the shawls pictured here (except for Vine Pops) were very simple to knit. Vine Pops was a MKAL (mystery knit-along) and I can’t even believe I stuck it out and finished. I was new to knitting, and the shawl had lots of lace. I’ve since decided that I do not like KALs.

Spindrift shawl and Meadow Moon sweater
Spindrift pattern (see link above)
Hidden Gems shawl knitting
Hidden Gems
no fuss shade loving shawl
No-fuss Shade Loving Shawl
Moon sisters shawl knitting
Moon Sisters
Knitting Bay's Edge shawl
Bay’s Edge pattern
MKAL finished shawl
MKAL – had no name – ended up Vine Pops
Dewdrops shawl
Dewdrops pattern
knitting sun-kissed shawl
Sun Kissed shawl
colorful scrappy bias shawl
Scrappy Bias shawl

The block of photos above shows all my finished shawls. I have worn exactly NONE of them!

All, except for Spindrift, are angular. When I was ready to take a trip to New Hampshire, I wanted a little wrap for my neck, and knitted the Railings pattern by Janina Kallio. It was a little crescent-shaped shawl and I added some mohair. Using mohair was a mistake, because the fuzz near my face was not good. But, I did wear it during my trip and it provided nice warmth, as intended. It’s a sweet little shawl pattern.

Knitting the Railings crescent shawl
Railings crescent shaped scarf tied around my neck
Railings crescent scarf in gray showing the pattern

Maybe I need to write a page about knitting little travel scarves.

ball of yarn divider
Keep reading all the knitting stories…

Loads of Wonderful Patterns by Espace Tricot

As I was searching for help knitting the Turtle Dove pullover, I discovered that the designer, Espace Tricot. They used to offer all their pattern for free. They now charge for many of them. Some are still free.

I am attempting to update this page, but be aware that things change, and I can’t always keep up with what yarn shops and designers over time.

I am knitting the Turtle Dove sweater – even though I swore I would not knit another sweater this year – I lie to myself a lot. After having trouble figuring out the pattern in the beginning, I am now zipping along with the knitting. I have a page with helpful info about that pattern here.

Shawl and Scarf Patterns

I also have decided that shawls are a waste of time right now because I live in a hot, humid climate where I would never wear one. But shawls and scarves are perfect for knitting practice.

Espace Tricot has many very pretty shawls that seem to cover the spectrum from simple to more advanced.

The Eveil shawl looks quite simple with knits and purls. It’s a triangle shape so it’s easy to wear like a pointy scarf. Nearly any type or color of yarn would work.

If you feel like upping your game a bit, Fleur is a pretty triangle shawl that contains bobbles – I’ve never tried that – and is worked holding two yarns together.

What I really like is that the designers offer more difficult patterns (IMO) as well. That way you get to learn new things and expand upon your knitting abilities. The Fast Track scarf is one that looks very simple, yet because you carry a contrast stripe up the side of the scarf, which for me would be a new technique.

Some of my favorite patterns from Espace Tricot, added to my list of “things to knit” would be:

  • Flying Solo cowl – knit holding two fingering yarns together to create a gradient. This cowl splits at the bottom to fit on the shoulders! Would make a nice gift.
  • Ombre Tank – Here’s one I might be able to actually wear.
  • Petits Pins – baby blanket with lace. I have no babies to knit for, but I do like this blanket. There is a matching Baby Bonnet as well.
  • Gateway to Rustic – lined cowl with colorwork.

Have you knit any Espace Tricot patterns?

Where to Find Free Knitting Patterns

Pinterest is one of the best online places to find free knitting patterns for everything from hats and scarves to shawls and blankets. For the beginner knitter, this is a wonderful thing.  Many links will take you to the Ravelry site, a place where serious knitters show off their projects. Join for free to see everything.

Please be aware that some previously free patterns may no longer be free. I try to update, but may overlook something.

When we are not sure of our knitting skills and mainly need practice, starting a free, simple project is less stressful. I feel that I can make mistakes and learn from them. Free offerings are usually pretty basic. Pattern designers will often pull you in with something free from them. They hope you will enjoy their free design so much that you will come back and perhaps purchase one of their patterns.  And that would be a nice thing to do.

free knitting mitten pattern
The World’s Simplest Mittens
spindrift shawl
Spindrift Shawl
Perfect Newborn socks pattern knitting
Perfect Newborn socks
hand-knit mitts fingerless colorwork Fair Isle
Fair Isle Mitts
Classic ribbed hat
Classic ribbed hat

A free pattern download also gives you an idea of how that designer presents the pattern. Is it written well with helpful advice along the way? Are there written directions as well as a graph to follow? Are photos, or images of the finished item included?

Once I felt more comfortable with my knitting, I began to gather some projects to purchase.  Patterns are affordable, and I don’t mind paying for some designer’s hard work.  I will end up with a beautiful and unique item.

Free Patterns For Shawls

At the present time I am working on three different shawls. Two are free patterns, and one is a MKAL (Mystery Knit-Along) pattern which I purchased. I learned to use stitch markers for sections – something the more experienced knitters taught me. Try doing that if your shawl has a repeating pattern.

The Spindrift shawl was a free pattern and is nearly finished. It is very easy to knit, with good directions.  I can recommend this one.

Chic and Strong Crescent Shawl at Ravelry
Onete Scarf at NobleKnits
Reyna Triangle Shawl at Ravelry
Larch (small shawl) at Ravelry
Boneyard Shawl at Ravelry
Wrapped in Elegance at Ravelry

Also, see two more free, beginner shawl suggestions on this post. And… I am working on a fun, free triangle shawl in gradient colors called the Scrappy Bias Shawl. Another shawl which knits from skinny to fat and back to skinny again, is the Baktus. At this link you will see many ways to knit this easy shaw. I love the stripes so many knitters chose.

Free Patterns For Socks

I have never knit socks, and I really can’t understand why so many people knit them. One day I may decide to knit a pair, and I’ll choose one of these free patterns to try. **Update: I have knit some socks, but don’t see the thrill. Maybe because in Florida I seldom wear socks at all. It also bores me to have to knit the same thing over immediately once I finish one sock!

Sock yarn is so pretty that it is used for much more than socks. But if socks are the project, look for quality yarn with nylon added for strength. Also look for washable wool, or “superwash” in the title.

Basic Socks
Hermione’s Everyday Socks
Vanilla Latte Socks
Espresso Shot Shortie Socks

Free Patterns For Hats

If you can knit in the round, you may fall in love with knitting hats. I love to knit hats! They can be super simple and fast to knit – especially with thick wool yarn. Or, they can have cables and color work and take weeks to finish. Start with easy patterns or simple knits and purls (this can make a cool hat too.) The decreases at the top will require using DPN’s (double-pointed needles) and that can be tricky, but once you get the hang of it, it’s not so bad!

Classic Cuffed Hat at PurlSoho
Snow Day Hat (link takes you to the hat I knit, with link to PurlSoho)
Sockhead Slouch Hat
Top-Down Earflap Hat at PurlSoho

plates of plotulopi wool yarn
Plotulopi plates of yarn

Knit Small Items to Try New Stitches

Once you have knitting and purling down, stretch that knowledge by learning yarn-overs, knit 2 together, more types of increases and decreases, and other stitches that may show up in more advanced patterns. Get to know your yarn types and what to choose for each project. Cotton for washcloths and such, merino wool is softer than plain wool, and combining yarn by knitting two colors or types together give you a whole other realm of creativity.

One great way to build up your knitting skills is to try various stitches, or a combination pattern to create a lace look. The Bromefields site has written patterns and videos for the Top 34 Lace Knit Stitches. You will probably have to rip projects out, but don’t be afraid to do so. It’s how we all learn.

Maybe you will find a stitch you love and convert that into a scarf or wrap. When I began doing the Fisherman’s rib, I fell in love. I’m now making my second scarf in this stitch, using the chunky Rasta yarn by Malabrigo.

I have scoured YouTube and pulled together some of the best basic knitting tutorials for various stitches you will probably need to know at some point.

See more of my collection of How To Knit videos at my Pinterest Knitting Boards.