Scarf, Shawl Pattern Quick, Easy To Follow

We’d like to share with you a letter from a NeedleWorks reader: “Several years ago you shared a simple pattern for a shawl. I have knitted at least 10 of these and am working on another one right now. I have also given the pattern to several friends. Many, many thanks. This pattern helped pass many hours of sitting in doctors’ offices and hospitals waiting for my mom. I would appreciate a new idea - one that doesn’t require carrying along a pattern to read or follow.” - Martha Blanks, Williamsburg, Va.

After receiving Martha’s letter, we began to think about simple projects, such as the washcloth pattern we offered a while ago. With the recent cold weather in much of the country, a shawl/scarf pattern to make rather quickly would be a good project, and the washcloth pattern gave us inspiration. What about using the same idea, but make a triangle instead of a square? It can either be a scarf or a shawl, depending on the depth of the piece.

This is a very easy pattern because it has only one row that you keep repeating over and over again.

To make this a quick project, use two strands of yarn held together and work on large needles, such as size 10 or 11 (6 or 7mm). You might even go to a larger needle, depending on the yarns used. This project is ideal for one strand of a worsted-weight yarn mixed with a strand of lightweight brushed acrylic or mohair. This will keep the shawl light and lofty and very drapable. If you choose to make it in doubled worsted, be sure to increase your needle size to prevent the shawl from becoming too stiff.

Nancy made a scarf version that was 24 inches deep by 52 inches wide at the bound-off edge. It is wonderful to wear wrapped over a coat or around the neck for extra warmth. In the springtime she will use it as a cover-up for chilly evenings.

Hers was made from a strand of blended mohair mixed with a strand of a 50 percent angora blend. These yarns are especially soft and warm.

Here’s the easy pattern: Cast on 4 stitches. Knit 1 row.

Pattern row: Knit 2, yarnover, knit to the end.

Keep repeating this row until you have reached the desired length. Bind off very loosely using a larger needle.

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: CROPPED CARDIGAN DIRECTIONS The cropped cardigan sweater featured today is crocheted in two colors of soft, velvety chenille yarn. The buttons are handmade, and bobbles add an interesting texture to this fashion-forward top. Finished chest measurements are 38, 40 and 42 inches., To obtain directions for making the Cropped Cardigan, send your request for Leaflet No. 012896 with $2 and a long, stamped, self-addressed envelope to: The NeedleWorks, The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 419148, Kansas City, MO 64141. Or you may order Kit No. 012896 by sending a check or money order for $39.95 to The NeedleWorks at the same address. Kit price includes shipping charges, full instructions and chenille yarn in your choice of black with sand, mulberry with sand or denim blue with sand.

We have put together some very special grab bags for knitting shawls. For only $14.95 (including postage and handling), you will receive four skeins of an acrylic/ mohair blend yarn and three skeins of a soft 100 percent acrylic yarn in two colors. Knitting instructions for the shawl are included. This is a $20.95 value. Please specify light or dark tones and let us choose color combinations for you. Send your request for the shawl grab bags to The NeedleWorks, P.O. Box 419148, Kansas City, MO 64141; or call (800) 873-9537 to order by phone. For kit orders only, you may call 7 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays: (800) 873-9537.