How To Knit A Triangle Shawl

Standard triangle shawls are shaped by increasing 4 stitch on each right side row. One at the beginning, two on either side of the center stitch, and one at the end.

The instructions below are for the most basic triangle shawl knit in stockinette stitch (knit on the right side and purled on the wrong side). You can also work the shawl in garter stitch by knitting every row (still following where the yarn overs are placed) or by alternating between stockinette and garter stitch for more textural interest.

There are a few “set up” rows to establish the increase pattern. You will cast on 3 stitches. The first increase row (right side) will only add 2 stitches. The next RS row (Row 3) begins the 4-stitch increase pattern. On row 5 you will place stitch markers and you should be able to see the layout of the increases.

Getting Gauge

For this project gauge isn’t critical. A basic shawl like this is one of the few times you can get away from the gauge police since you will be working until your piece is the desired size without any patterning. That being said, there are a few considerations when working a shawl. You will usually want to work slightly looser than you might for a garment. This lets the shawl block out (stretch) to a larger size and increases the drape and flow of the material. The example shawl is worked in a DK weight yarn on size US 8 needles (the recommended needle size for the yarn is US 6).

Materials

Notions: 2 stitch markers

Sample Shawl Specs

Yarn: Lion Brand Cotton Bamboo [52% cotton / 48% rayon; 245 yards (224 meters); 3.5 ounces (100 grams)]
Color: Snapdragon
Needles: US 8 (5mm) 32” circular needles
Gauge
16 sts & 21 rows = 4 inches in stockinette before blocking
12.5 sts & 26 rows = 4 inches in stockinette after blocking
Finished Size: Finished size will vary based on yarn, needles, and how many rows are worked. The sample shown measures 52″ wingspan x 19″ center depth.

Instructions

Cast on 3 stitches
Row 1 (RS): [K1, yo] twice, k1 ¬– 5 sts (2 sts increased)
Row 2 (WS): k1, p3, k1
Row 3: [k1, yo] 4 times, k1 – 9 sts (4 sts increased)
Row 4: k1, p7, k2
Row 5: k1, yo, k3, yo, place marker, k1, place marker, yo, k3, yo, k1 – 13 sts (4 sts increased)
Row 6: k1, p11, k1

Increase Pattern Established

You are now all set to continue with the basic increase pattern as follows.
Increase Row: k1, yo, knit to next marker, yo, slip marker, k1, slip marker, yo, knit to last st, yo, k1 – 4 sts increase
Even Row: k1, purl to the last st, k1
Continue working these two rows until your shawl measures the desired size.

The Border

To end the shawl you have a few options. You could simply bind off now, but this isn’t ideal if you’ve worked the entire shawl in stockinette. Ending now will result in a curled edge, which isn’t generally the look we’re aiming for.

The simplest ending border would be to work the last few rows in garter stitch (knitting every row, no purls). If you want a wider garter border you should continue the increases during this section. If you only want a very narrow border (for example, 4 rows) you can get away without additional increases.

For a little more pizazz you can search stitch dictionaries or the Lion Brand Stitch Finder for edge options. Knitted on borders are a great option that will prevent you having to bind off your longest row.

Finishing

The magic of knitting a shawl comes at the end with blocking. Following the directions for your chosen yarn, give the shawl a nice wash or soak. Pat or squeeze out (again, mind your yarn!) the excess water and block the shawl out flat to dry.

Abbreviations

CO = Cast On
K = Knit
P = Purl
RS = Right side
ST(S) = Stitch(es)
WS = Wrong side
YO = Yarn over