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37 Free Shawl Knitting Patterns To Make For Fall 

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In this post, you will find a massive list of 37 free shawl knitting patterns to make for fall.  

If you’re a knitting enthusiast, shawls are a great way to showcase your skills in a practical and beautiful project. 

With fall approaching, it’s the perfect time to knit your shawl to keep you warm and stylish. 

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced knitter, plenty of free shawl patterns are available online to suit any skill level and taste. 

So grab your needles and yarn and create a cozy and stylish shawl for fall.

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37 Free Shawl Knitting Patterns To Make For Fall 

37 Shawl Knitting Patterns

The shawl knitting patterns in this list are the most beautiful, versatile, and intriguing all around.

 Here are some of the most interesting and gorgeous shawls for you to make. 

A Shawl For Every Season

If there is one accessory that we can say can be worn all year long, it is shawls…..

You can have a shawl for every season. 

It just depends on the material of the shawl.

An openwork lace shawl is ideal for summer, but a chunky blanket shawl is perfect for the winter. 

knitted shawl patterns including triangle shawls

Knitted Shawl Patterns

There are so many shawl patterns to choose from. 

There are large but light shawls you can wear in the summer, at the beach, and even use as a bathing suit cover-up, plus smaller light shawls that barely cover your shoulders. 

Or you can knit chunky shawls that you can wrap around you and keep you warm in the winter and Sontag shawls that wrap around your waist and tie behind your back. 

journeycake knitted shawl patterns

A Little History of Shawls

Throughout fashion history, the shawl has been a statement piece. 

They originated in India and made their appearance in Europe in the late 1700s, especially in France and Britain. 

Shawls were originally worn by the upper classes as they were very expensive, were passed down, and were considered an heirloom.

It wasn’t until the early 19th Century that more inexpensive pieces were being produced, and the shawls finally reached the middle class.

Shawls for the masses

As the 1800s progressed, so did the shawls and their manufacturing towards the end of the Century; even working-class women would wear shawls of lesser quality.

However, as the 20th century rolled around and women’s fashion was introduced, more fitted shawls faded away.

They made a small comeback in the late ’90s and early 2000s in the form of pashminas, a cashmere shawl that would accompany the strapless and sleeveless dress.

And if you want to learn all about Sontag shawls, check out this post The Sontag Shawl {History and Patterns}

bosom friend sontag shawl
Image Source

The Best Shawl Is The Knitted Shawl

If you are a knitter and there will never ever be a better shawl than the one you can make on your own… 

Knitted shawls are better because if you make them, you will adore them, and you can make the shawl of your dreams and needs. 

You can consider all your likes (different colors, shapes, etc) and needs and find the best pattern that suits you and make little changes here and there to make it fit you exactly as you want. 

knitted shawl patterns Outlander shawl

All kinds of knitted shawls

And before anyone says that knitted shawls are only for winter. 

That’s absolutely not true! 

The season to wear your shawl really depends on two things. 

The yarn weight you choose and the knitting stitches of your choice. 

Claire's rent shawl from Outlander

The right yarn for shawls 

The yarn weight you will choose to use for your shawl will determine how warm it will keep you. 

If you choose a light yarn, like lace weight yarn (what is lace weight yarn?), fingering weight yarn (what is fingering yarn? your ultimate guide), fine weight yarn (what is fine weight yarn? (sport weights guide)), or DK weight yarn (what is DK weight yarn? (your guide to double knitting yarn)) your shawl will be light and airy and perfect to wear in spring and summer, 

But if you go for a worsted weight yarn (what is worsted weight yarn?), bulky weight yarn (what is bulky weight yarn?), or super bulky weight yarn (what is super bulky weight yarn?) your shawl will be quite warm for summer and spring but perfect for autumn and winter. 

Learn everything about the different yarn weights here – Yarn Weight Guide (+ Conversion Chart)

shawl knitting pattern

And the right stitch…

Another factor is also the knitting stitch pattern you will choose. 

If you go for an open work stitch, dropped stitch, or something similar, your shawl will be quite light and airy. 

You can see shawl video tutorials on my YouTube channel here.

knitted shawl

Why Knit A Shawl 

Shawls are very fun to make, and they can be an ideal project for beginners as they can introduce light shaping.

An easy-to-make triangular shawl is ideal for a newbie. – Triangular Shawl Knitting Pattern (Claire’s Strength)

And shawls made with the basic knit stitches, like the knit stitch, the simple garter stitch (how to knit garter stitch), and the stockinette stitch (how to knit stockinette stitch (for beginners)).

And if you are a more intermediate knitter, you can choose a more complex pattern that includes textured or asymmetrical designs.

Related Post: 12 Simple Knitting Stitches For Beginners

Shawl pattern stash buster

Knitting Lessons

If you are a new knitter and need help with the knitting basics, check out these posts here and be your own knitting instructor – Knitting Lessons (With Video Tutorials).

There, you will find step-by-step tutorials for all the different knitting techniques a newbie needs to know.

Including how to cast on, how to bind off, how to knit the basic stitches, how to knit the knit stitch, how to knit the purl stitch, the stockinette stitch, the rib stitch, the garter stitch, the mattress stitch, short rows, how to yarn over, how to measure gauge, how to fix knitting mistakes, and a list of knitting abbreviations (UK + US terms), and more. 

For easier projects, check out this pattern category, here, you will find a range of knitting patterns- Beginner Knitters

And if you need more video tutorials to help you practice your basic knitting skills, check out my YouTube channel here Handy Little Me – YouTube.

Could you share your work with us?

I love seeing your finished projects on social media.

If you enjoyed the shawl patterns, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, be sure to tag me @handylittleme.

If you are on Facebook, stop over to the Handylittleme Facebook Group and share a photo.

You can also check out my Facebook page here.

You can also find us on Pinterest, Ravelry, and Twitter.

I’d love to see your work.

Happy Knitting!

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