Knitting patterns for shawls

A knitted shawl is a popular, cosy and warm project that many knitters try their hand at. And we can understand why. 

Both experienced knitters and beginners can knit a shawl, and knitted shawls can be worn no matter the season or outfit. What's more, a homemade shawl can last for years - even generations. That's why knitting a shawl is worth it.

Free knitting patterns for shawls.

See all our knitting patterns here.

The great thing about our knitted shawl patterns is that the shawls can also be used as scarves. Knitting a shawl gives you the opportunity to have something warm over your shoulders for the cool summer evenings and for autumn and winter days, and to wrap it around your neck to keep warm. When knitting such a shawl scarf, it is therefore a good idea to think about what yarn colours you are knitting in and whether they match your coat or jacket.

We have a large selection of patterns for both knitted and crocheted shawls. The patterns are completely free and can be downloaded directly from the website.

All the patterns are cosy and warm, but they are also really elegant, each with their own fine details. The different shawls are knitted with different techniques and in different colours, so there is sure to be a shawl that matches your taste. The patterns also come in different sizes and shapes, and while some invite you to use them as scarves, others invite you to use them as smaller blankets, for example for use on the beach. So a shawl is often not just a shawl - it can have many different functions.

See more patterns for knitted scarves here.

By knitting a shawl, you can learn different knitting techniques. For example, you can knit a shawl in garter stitch and lace, dropped stitches, cables, cable, patent, rib or leaf pattern. You can also choose to knit a beautiful striped or patterned shawl. It's entirely up to you what you choose. One thing's for sure: there's plenty to choose from in our selection of free patterns.

When choosing a shawl to knit, you should also consider what you want to use it for. Will it be used indoors or outdoors? Will it serve as a warm and cosy shawl blanket on the sofa? Do you want to wear it with your everyday outfit? Do you want it to be a beautiful and elegant element for festive occasions? Or something completely different? Depending on what you're looking for, you're likely to find just the right shawl to suit your needs.

One of our favourite shawls is this beautiful shawl, worked from the top down in lace and garter stitch. Find the free pattern here. The shawl is knitted in the comfortable and gorgeous DROPS Alpaca, which consists of 100% superfine alpaca.

Once you've chosen a pattern you'd like to get started with, the pattern will tell you which yarn to use for your shawl project. Many of our shawls are knitted in warm and soft yarns such as wool, alpaca, merino and mohair. In particular, we offer many beautiful shawl patterns from DROPS, using yarns from our huge DROPS yarn selection. Explore the selection and discover the many beautiful yarn colours.

DROPS Shawl & Poncho - See patterns here.

When you click on the pattern, you will also find information on which needles to knit with. Circular needles are often suggested, as they are perfect for knitting shawls. With a circular needle, you can easily keep track of all the stitches and make sure there is room for all of them. You can see our full range of circular needles here.

Among our shawl patterns, you'll also find free poncho patterns. With one of these patterns, you can start a wonderful knitting project that will result in a warm, beautiful and practical garment - either for yourself or for a loved one.

We also offer a wide range of crochet shawl patterns. So if you'd rather crochet a shawl or scarf than knit it, no problem. As well as our selection of knitted shawl patterns, we have crochet shawl patterns that are perfect as cosy shawls for evenings on the sofa, as warm scarves or as elegant shawls for nights out.

Crochet shawls - check out the range of patterns here.

If you're a fan of home-knitted shawls, then homemade blankets are definitely for you too. We have lots of great free patterns for baby and adult blankets, as well as beautiful rugs. You can read more about them right here.

We hope you are now well equipped to start knitting a beautiful shawl.

Have fun with your knitting project :-)