Scrap Yarn Shawl Knitting Pattern

This scrap yarn shawl is an asymmetrical shawl knit in garter stitch with worsted weight yarn and 5 mm (US 8) needles.

The shawl is a great stash buster knit in stripes to use up those mini skeins or one-skein wonders in your yarn stash.

Please scroll down to view the free pattern, or grab the printable PDF in my shop here.

Scrap Yarn Shawl Knitting Pattern

Purchase the printable, ad-free printable PDF pattern in my shop here.

Notes

This shawl is a great stash buster for those scraps of yarn you have lying around.

You can knit it in stripes with leftover yarn scraps in your stash/leftover skeins or in blocks of color if you have one-skein wonders lying around.

Designed with an asymmetrical shape, the shawl can be worn in a few different ways for a relaxed fit.

Copyright Info

• Please do not copy, sell, redistribute, or republish this pattern. 
• If you wish to share this pattern, link to the pattern page only.
• You may sell items produced using this pattern.
• Do NOT use the copyrighted photos for your product listing.
• For the copyright T&C, please read my Terms of Use.

Skill Level – Easy (Advanced Beginner Knitters)

The Supplies You Need…

Yarn

• You can use any worsted weight yarn/Aran/10-Ply yarn for this pattern.
• Substitute with any yarn suitable for the needle size listed.
• I used yarn scraps, including mini skeins of hand-dyed yarns, plus Malabrigo Worsted in Pale Khaki 602 and Malabrogo Rios in Volcan 227.
• The amount of yarn needed for this shawl = Around 400-600yds; you can make it as small or large as you like, adding more and more yarn from your stash.

Needles

• 5 mm (US 8) 100 cm/40″ circular needles.
• I used my interchangeable circular needles on a 100 cm/40″ cable.
• I did not join in the round to knit the shawl.
• The shawl is worked back and forth on the needles – knit flat.
• The long cable was used to accommodate the number of stitches.

Notions

• Tape measure
• Darning needle/tapestry needle
• Scissors

Abbreviations

• CO – Cast on
• Cont – Continue
• K – Knit
• K1fbf – Knit into the front, back, front (increase)
• K2tog – Knit the next two stitches together (decrease)
• Sl1wyif – slip 1 st with yarn in front (slip 1 st as if to purl, holding the yarn at the front of the work)
• St(s) – Stitch(es)
• Rep – Repeat
• RS – Right side
• WS – Wrong side

Scrap Yarn Shawl Pattern Instructions

Worked flat knitting back and forth on two needles:

You can knit this shawl in stripes using different colors from leftover yarn scraps (as you see in the photos) or in one color.

CO 6 sts using the longtail method.

Start working the pattern repeat as follows:

• sl1wyif, K to the end of the row.
• sl1wyif, K1fbf, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. (7 sts)
• sl1wyif, K to the end of the row.
• sl1wyif, K1fbf, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. (8 sts)
• sl1wyif, K to the end of the row.
• sl1wyif, K1fbf, K to end. (10 sts)

Rep rows 1-6 until you get your desired length.

Cast off.

*The shawl in the photos was cast off when there were 195 sts on the needles.

Can You Make A Shawl With Sock Yarn?

Yes, you can absolutely make a shawl with sock yarn!

Sock yarn is a popular choice for making lightweight and versatile shawls.

It’s often used because it comes in a variety of colors and patterns, is durable, and has excellent stitch definition.

When choosing sock yarn for a shawl, consider the following:

1. Yarn Weight: Sock yarn is typically a fingering weight yarn, which is relatively thin. This weight creates a delicate and airy fabric, making it perfect for shawls.
2. Yardage: Sock yarn typically comes in smaller skeins or balls, so make sure you have enough yardage for your chosen shawl pattern. Many shawl patterns will specify the required yardage.
3. Gauge: Pay attention to the gauge recommended in your chosen pattern. While it’s not as critical in shawls as it is in garments, matching the gauge can help you achieve the desired size and drape.
4. Texture and Color: Sock yarns come in various textures and colors, from solid to variegated and self-striping. Choose a yarn that complements your style and the design you have in mind.
5. Fiber Content: Sock yarns are often made from wool or wool blends, which can provide warmth and breathability. If you have any fiber allergies or preferences, consider this when selecting your yarn.

Knit A Sock Yarn Shawl

Once you have your sock yarn, you can use it to make various shawl patterns, from simple and elegant lace shawls to intricate, textured designs.

There are many shawl patterns available, both free and for purchase, that are specifically designed for sock yarn.

When working with sock yarn for a shawl, you may want to use larger knitting needles or a larger crochet hook than you would for socks to create a more open and drapey fabric.

The specific needle or hook size will depend on your yarn and pattern, so be sure to check the pattern’s recommendations.

In summary, sock yarn is a great choice for making shawls, offering a wide range of color and texture options.

Just make sure to select a pattern that suits the characteristics of sock yarn and enjoy creating your beautiful shawl.

Related post: 17 Free Knitting Patterns To Make With Variegated Yarn

How Many Skeins Of Yarn Do I Need To Knit A Shawl?

The number of skeins of yarn you need to knit a shawl depends on several factors, including the size of the shawl, the weight of the yarn, the gauge you achieve, and the specific pattern you’re using.

Here are some general guidelines to help you estimate the amount of yarn you’ll need:

1. Shawl Size: The size of your shawl will greatly influence the amount of yarn required. A small, triangular shawlette will need less yarn than a large, full-sized shawl.
2. Yarn Weight: Different yarn weights (e.g., lace, fingering, sport, worsted) have varying yardage per skein. Lace and fingering weight yarns typically require less yardage, while heavier weights like worsted or bulky will need more. Learn everything about the different yarn weights here – Yarn Weight Guide (+ Conversion Chart).
3. Gauge: The gauge you achieve can affect how much yarn you use. If your stitches are larger or smaller than the pattern’s recommended gauge, you may need more or less yarn. Learn how to measure gauge here – How To Measure Gauge In Knitting
4. Pattern Design: The complexity of the pattern and the type of stitches used can impact the yardage needed. Lace or openwork patterns tend to use less yarn than solid or textured designs.
5. Yarn Skein Size: The yardage in a skein or ball of yarn varies depending on the manufacturer and brand. Be sure to check the label for the exact yardage in each skein. Learn how to read a yarn label here – How To Read A Yarn Label (Step By Step)

How many skeins you will need…

To estimate the number of skeins needed, you should consult the specific pattern you plan to use.

Most knitting patterns will include information on the recommended yarn type, yardage, and the number of skeins required for various sizes.

If you’re creating a shawl without a pattern, a rough estimate for a small to medium-sized triangular shawl in fingering weight yarn might be around 400-600 yards (approximately 1 to 2 skeins).

For larger shawls, you might need 2-4 skeins or more, depending on the factors mentioned above.

Keep in mind that it’s always a good idea to buy an extra skein or two of yarn to ensure you have enough to complete your project.

If you end up not needing them, you can use the extra yarn for other projects or incorporate it into the design.

This way, you won’t risk running out of yarn in the middle of your project.

What Can You Do With Scrap Yarn Knitting?

Scrap yarn knitting can be a fun and creative way to use up leftover bits of yarn from previous projects.

There are many exciting and practical projects you can tackle with scrap yarn, including:

1. Striped or Multicolored Accessories: Combine different colors and textures of scrap yarn to create colorful and unique scarves, cowls, hats, mittens, or socks. Mixing and matching colors can result in beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces. Check out a free knitting pattern here – Striped Socks Knitting Pattern
2. Blankets and Afghans: Use scrap yarn to knit blocks or squares, which you can later join to make a patchwork blanket or afghan. The variety of colors and textures can add character to your cozy creation.
3. Stash Buster Projects: Many patterns are designed specifically for using up scrap yarn. These projects often incorporate various colors and might include items like dishcloths, coasters, or small bags. Check out a round up here – 20 Patterns To Use Up Your Yarn Stash
4. Toys and Amigurumi: Small stuffed animals, dolls, or amigurumi creatures can be knitted with scrap yarn. The different colors can give your toys a playful and quirky appearance.
5. Sock Yarn Blanket: If you have leftover sock yarn, consider making a sock yarn blanket. You knit small squares or hexagons with each leftover bit of yarn and join them together into a unique and colorful blanket.
6. Stranded Colorwork: Stranded colorwork patterns (such as Fair Isle) are a great way to incorporate scrap yarn. You can use the different colors to create intricate patterns in sweaters, hats, or mittens.
7. Edgings and Trims: Add colorful or contrasting edges to plain garments or home decor items like towels, pillowcases, or tablecloths to give them a customized look.
8. Mixed Fiber Projects: If you have various types of scrap yarn, you can experiment with combining different fibers to create unique textures in your projects.
9. Yarn Bombing: If you enjoy public art and want to add a pop of color to your neighborhood, consider creating yarn-bombed items like tree cozies, street sign covers, or public sculptures. Check out this post – 8 Tips For A Successful Yarn Bomb
10. Practice and Experimentation: Scrap yarn is perfect for practicing new stitches, techniques, and stitch patterns. You can create swatches or small samples to refine your skills before using your favorite yarn.
11. Gifts: Use your scrap yarn to make thoughtful handmade gifts for friends and family. Customized, multi-colored items can be quite special.

The key to successful scrap yarn knitting is to embrace the randomness and creativity it offers.

You can let your imagination run wild and create projects that reflect your unique style.

Additionally, organizing your scrap yarn by color or weight can make it easier to find the right scraps for your projects.

Finishing and Blocking

You may wish to block your shawl; you can do that as follows:

• Make sure all ends are woven in using a tapestry needle or method of choice.
• Gently block by filling a sink or basin with lukewarm water, and add a small amount of rinseless wool wash.
• Place the items in the water and gently massage out any air bubbles.
• Drain the water, gently squeezing out any excess water from the item. Then, roll the item in a towel and stomp on the towel roll to remove any more excess water.
• Lay the item out on a towel to approx. Finished wingspan measurements and allowed to dry completely.

Blocking Tutorial: Blocking Knits – How To Block Knitting Guide.

More Free Knitting Patterns

You may also enjoy these patterns…

• 57 Stash Busting Knitting Patterns
• 50 Stash Busting Crochet Patterns (Quick Projects)
• Knitted Bow Tie (Stash Busting Pattern)
• Easy Top-Down Crescent Shawl Knitting Pattern
• Hellebore Circle Shawl Knitting Pattern
• 37 Free Shawl Knitting Patterns To Make For Fall 

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Happy Knitting!