It’s summer, and it’s a wonderful time to knit summer tops, and other light weight items. One of my favorite things to knit this summer (and throughout the year) has always been a shawl. Now, I’m not particular to the shape of the shawl. I love my shawls from stoles, to wraps, to triangles! I have yet to knit a half circle, but that is on my to-do list!
I just completed the very first part of blanket I’m working on, and I needed something that is like a mindless knit, but still engaging. For this, I take out my favorite yarn. It’s Lionbrand Shawl in a Ball yarn in the color way: Mindful Mauve. First of all this is my favorite yarn to work with, and second, they discontinued it. I do have a lot of it, so I can keep myself happy until I find something suitable.
If you’re looking to work with something similar, the thread on the yarn is a finger weight yarn. The only difference is that there are colorful acrylic fibers that is spun into it. The effect is that the yarn has multiple colors or hues of purple and grey.
It’s a beautiful yarn with shades of purple, grey and white. This pattern is one of my go-to patterns for an easy shawl. You just cast on 3 stitches, knit the first row. On row 2 increase at the beginning by using kfb. If you want the increases to be hidden, kfb on the fist stitch, if you like a garter stitch border on one side, then knit the first stitch, then kfb the second stitch. On row 3 and all odd rows, just knit. The increases are done on one side of the shawl, the other is a straight edge.
I decided to use a 6.0mm knitting needle for this effect. If you want closer garter stitches you may want to go down a needle size to like 5.5 or 5.0. The band on the yarn calls for a 5.0. I’ve worked pattern using that needle size, and I just like a tad more drape for my knitting, since I know I knit somewhat tight.
In the picture below I started it off. I even used a handy stitch marker to remind me which side is the front, or increasing side.
This is a no brainer, beginner pattern to just work up while watching tv or just relaxing after a long day. My favorite part about working this yarn and pattern is looking forward to the color changes as I continue. In the end, I’m going to have a beautiful summer shawl that I’m able to just take out when the air conditioning is too much for me.
Easy Garter Stitch Shawl Pattern
You will need the following tools:
• a stitch marker
• knitting needles (6.0mm or 5.0mm)
•finger weight yarn
• scissors or something to cut the yarn when done
• a darning needle to weave in your ends
Instructions
1. Cast on 3 stitches.
2. Knit the first row.
3. Work increase on first stitch (if you want the increases to be hidden) OR work on the second stitch if you want a garter ridge (instead of kfb, use yO increase for the ridge). Place mark to note increase side
4. Row 3, and ever odd row knit across.
5. Increase row every even row.
That’s it, that’s all you have to do. Just keep knitting until you have enough yarn for a bind off, and then bind off.
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