Unravelling the Mysteries of Triangular Shawl Knitting
Triangular shawls are perfect for any of the lovely variegated yarns that are around at the moment. From the finest 2 ply lace weight to compliment a summer top to a super chunky to keep you warm and cosy in winter.
Once you have perfected the technique you can knit any weight yarn to any size. Always use a slightly larger needle than you would normally use as you want your shawl to drape beautifully when you wear it. e.g. for 4ply try a 4mm Needle and DK works well on 5mm Needles
You begin at the centre back and the increases are normally made using yarn overs in the centre and end of each alternate rows, although this seems quite strange to start with and you will wonder whether it will ever lay flat.
For my shawl I’m using Schjeepies Secret Garden, it is a beautiful combination of cotton, silk and polyester and comes in a range of stunning colours.
You will also need a circular needle at least 100cm long and 2 stitch markers.
Setting up your shawl in the following way gives it a good firm edge that will wear well and not sag over time.
The set up rows are as follows: -
- Cast on 2 stitches, knit 6 rows of garter stitch, do not turn work, instead rotate 45 degrees to the right. Pick up 3 stitches along the side of your garter stitch rows (5 stitches).
- Rotate another 45 degrees right and pick up 2 stitches along your cast on edge.
You should now have 7 stitches on your needle.
1st Row
Right Side
Knit 2, yarn over needle knit into the front and back of next stitch, yarn over needle, place marker, knit 1 (centre stitch) yarn over needle (third increase) knit into the front and back of next stitch, yarn over needle (fourth increase) knit 2. 13 stitches.
2nd Row
Wrong Side
Knit 2, purl to last 2 stitches, knit 2.
Body of Shawl
1st Row
Knit 2, yarn over needle (first increase), knit to marker, yarn over needle (second increase) . Slip marker from left hand needle to right hand needle, Knit 1 (centre stitch), slip marker, yarn over needle (third increase) knit to last 2 stitches, yarn over needle (fourth increase), knit 2.
2nd Row
Knit 2, purl to last 2 stitches, knit 2.
Continue in this way until your shawl is the correct size.
Cast off very loosely.
You can see all the lovely Scheepjes Secret Garden Yarn colours here.