Shawl Shapes Series: How to Knit a Triangular Shawl
Triangular Shawl: A Classic Shape
The triangular shawl is a timeless favorite in the knitting world. Its simple yet elegant structure makes it a perfect project for knitters of all skill levels.
Understanding the Structure
A triangular shawl is elegantly simple in its construction: I view it as a large triangle split into two smaller triangles, with a center spine stitch running down the middle. The symmetry of this design is what makes it both visually striking and easy to execute:
Once you chart one half of the shawl,
The other half is simply a mirrored repeat!
Increases are the key to shaping this triangular form. Referring to the schematic:
Increases are worked at the beginning of the row,
The end of the row, and
On either side of the center spine stitch.
This method adds 4 stitches every right-side row, giving the shawl its characteristic growth and balanced symmetry.
Cast-On Method: The Garter Tab
The garter tab cast-on is a foundational technique for many shawl patterns, creating a smooth, seamless edge that blends beautifully into the design for a polished look. While it may feel tricky at first, it’s straightforward and highly effective once mastered.
Why Use the Garter Tab Cast-On?
Ensures a consistent, tidy edge that integrates seamlessly into the shawl.
Provides a balanced starting point for triangular, crescent, and other shawl shapes.
Suitable for a variety of shawl styles and constructions.
How It Works
This method begins with a small strip of garter stitch, transitioning into picking up stitches along its edges to form the shawl’s base.
For triangular shawls:
The shawl starts at the center top with the garter tab cast-on (see the topmost section of the schematic).
From there, the shawl fans out diagonally as you add stitches through consistent increases.
This technique not only provides a seamless foundation but also ensures the shawl is secure and visually cohesive.
What to Expect
In this post, we’ll dive into the foundational techniques for knitting a triangular shawl. We will:
Walk you through the step-by-step instructions
Offer mindful practices to help you deepen your understanding of the shawl shape.
Shape Instructions
Abbreviations:
CO: Cast On
K: Knit
P: Purl
Pm: Place Marker
Sm: Slip Marker
Yo: Yarn Over
RS: Right Side
WS: Wrong Side
Set-Up:
Cast On: Cast on 3 stitches.
Knit the Garter Strip: Knit 6 rows. This creates a small rectangular strip of garter stitch.
Pick Up Stitches Along the Edges:
Turn your work 90 degrees to the right
OR Turn the tip of your right knitting needle up.
Pick up and knit 3 stitches along the long edge of the garter strip.
Turn your work 90 degrees to the right again and pick up 3 more stitches along the cast-on edge.
You’ll now have 9 stitches on your needle.
Set Up Markers for the Shawl: Arrange your stitches and place markers as follows: K3, pm, p1, pm, p1, pm, p1, pm, k3. (4 stitch markers total).
Working the Body of the Shawl:
Row 1 (RS): K3, sm, yo, k until next marker, yo, sm, k1, sm, yo, k until next marker, yo, sm, k3. (4 sts increased)
Row 2 (WS): K3, sm, p until last marker, sm, k3.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until the shawl reaches a depth of 4 inches.
Bind off stitches on a RS row.
Block the swatch and weave in ends.
Mindful Knitting Practice
Consistency in Edges: Always Start and End with K3
Every row of the shawl begins and ends with knit 3 stitches (k3). This is from the garter tab cast-on originally. This creates a neat, uniform edge that provides structure and makes blocking easier. Think of these edge stitches as the “frame” for your shawl.
Observe the Chart and Written Instructions
Take a moment to carefully examine both the chart and the written instructions.
Look for Patterns: Can you see how the increases (yarn overs) are shaping the fabric?
Symmetry and Mirroring: Notice how one side mirrors the other, with the spine stitch acting as the dividing line.
Get a Feel for the Rhythm of Increases
As you knit, try to focus on the rhythm of the increases.
Increases happen at the edges and around the spine stitch on every right-side (RS) row.
As the shawl grows, you’ll find the increases create a natural flow, making it easier to predict and follow the pattern without constantly referring to the instructions.
Triangular Shawl Knitting Patterns for You to Try
