This Simple Beginner Knitted Shawl pattern is an elegant and timeless design, perfect for knitters of all skill levels. Crafted with modern light fingering yarn or size 10 crochet thread, the lightweight texture makes it ideal for year-round wear. Its minimalist yet beautiful pattern offers a classic look that pairs well with any outfit.
The shawl features a straightforward repeat of knit, purl, yarn-over, and decrease stitches, making it an excellent project for beginners or anyone seeking a relaxing knit. With an adjustable width and length, it’s easy to customize this piece to your preferred dimensions or yarn choice.
Whether you’re wrapping it around your shoulders for warmth or draping it as a chic accessory, this versatile shawl is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy creating this beautiful piece and adding a touch of elegance to your wardrobe.
About the Images
To help bring this design to life, we’ve included an AI-generated image of the finished pattern alongside the original vintage illustration. The original image highlights the charm and craftsmanship of the vintage design, while the AI rendering provides a detailed and colorized view of how the completed sweater will look. This combination ensures you have both a historical reference and a modern interpretation to guide you in your crafting journey.
This pattern is transformed, adapted, and expanded from a public domain design originally published in Easy to Make Hats, Scarves and Accessories by The Spool Cotton Company Book No. 192 (1943). While the original design is in the public domain, the rewritten instructions and supplementary content on this site are © Tiffany Bliss Mullins, 2025. All rights reserved. Have questions about this pattern, public domain, or copyright? Visit the FAQ page for answers and resources.
Simple Beginner Knitted Shawl Pattern
Materials
- Original Yarn: J. & P. Coats Knit-Cro-Sheen, 4 balls of any color.
- Modern Equivalent: Size 10 crochet thread or light fingering weight yarn (#1), approximately 800–1000 yards.
- Knitting Needles: US Size 6 (4 mm).
Instructions
- Cast On:
- Cast on 155 stitches.
- Row 1 (Setup Row):
- Knit 1, (k2tog) 3 times; (yo, k1) 5 times; yo, (k2tog) 6 times.
- Repeat from * across, ending with (k2tog) 3 times; k1.
- Row 2:
- Purl across.
- Row 3:
- Knit across.
- Row 4:
- Purl across.
- Repeat Rows 1–4 until the shawl measures 45 inches or desired length.
- Bind Off:
- Bind off all stitches loosely.
Finishing
- Blocking: Gently block the shawl by wetting it and pinning it to the desired shape. Use a warm iron and damp cloth for a smooth finish if using mercerized thread.
- Customization: Adjust the cast-on stitches or the number of repeats to modify the width or length of the shawl.
This classic knitted shawl is lightweight, elegant, and perfect for layering.
