Many top-down shawl patterns start with a garter tab cast on. Why? Because it creates a lovely seamless start of any shawl. See for example the start of my Zomer Zilt shawl, pictured above, you almost can’t see where the cast on is! Yes, it can be a bit fiddly to work, especially when working with very skinny yarn. However, don’t let that deter you from knitting patterns that use this cast on: with the below step-by-step instructions and tips you are sure to master this technique.
In this example I used the garter tab instructions as used in Zomer Zilt:
Cast on 2 sts and knit 12 rows. Turn work 90 degrees, then pick up and knit 6 sts from the garter stitch ridges along the long edge. Pick up and knit 2 sts along the cast on edge. (10 sts).
The garter tab cast on step by step
1. Cast on two stitches using your preferred cast-on method. In this example, I’m using the knitted on cast-on.
2. Place markers in each of every CO stitch, this will make it easier to pick them up later on.
3. Work twelve rows in garter stitch (knit every row). This will give you 6 ridges to work into in the following steps. Then turn your work – still on the right-hand needle – 90 degrees clockwise.
4. Using your left-hand needle pick up one stitch in each of the garter ridges along the edge, for a total of 6 stitches. In the picture the purl bumps are picked up, but you could also pick up from the legs of the knit stitches instead. You now have 8 stitches on your right hand needle.
5. Turn your work 90 degrees clockwise again and pick up the two marked stitches along the cast-on edge. These stitches can be a tad hard to see, but because we marked them in step 2 this really isn’t an issue.
There you have it: a garter tab cast on! There are now 10 stitches: 2 stitches on either end which will become the garter edge stitches, and 6 stitches in the middle which will become the body of your shawl. You are now ready to start the rest of your pattern!
Inspired by the Dutch seafarers of old, this shawlette owes its distinct asymmetrical shape to the “bezaan” sail of the boats which sail the Zuiderzee. The waters of the Zuiderzee are often treacherous during stormy weather with the winds blowing its waves into dark gray ridges before breaking into heavy froth on the Dutch shores.
The textures of the moving waters are translated into the ridged body pattern and simple lace edging and border. Bezaan: a very different one skein shawl.
Pay what you want: (minimum €6.50)
€
Difficulty level
Stitches used include knit, purl, kfb, M1, yo, p2tog, k2tog tbl. The pattern is suitable for the advanced beginner.
Pattern details
Knit sideways from tip to tip
One size – easily adjustable
Written for a gauge of approx. 18.5 sts / 24 rows = 10 cm (4 inches) over body pattern
Pattern languages included: English and Dutch (Dit patroon omvat zowel een Nederlandse als een Engelse versie)
Digital PDF has 3 pages (A4 size)
Materials needed for Bezaan
400-420 m (437 – 459 yds) / 100 g fingering weight yarn.
A circular needle size 4 mm (US #6), 80 cm (32 inches) long.
Duplicate stitch is a very versatile way of adding a colored decoration to an otherwise plain piece of knitting. For example, as I did with the Sweet as Pi cardigan pictured above. This is done by embroidering a contrast color over the V’s of the knit side of stockinette stitch knitted fabric. In a way, duplicating the stitches that are already there. You can apply a design freehand, or use a charted design. When using a chart, every box represents a stitch.
Working duplicate stitch step by step
To start, thread the yarn through your darning needle and determine where to start the duplicate stitching for optimal placement of the design.
1. Pull the needle through the bottom of the first stitch, from the back of the fabric to the front. Make sure you leave a yarn tail long enough to weave in the ends later on.
2. Insert the needle from the right to left through both loops of the stitch above.
3. Insert the needle down through the bottom of the stitch again, this time from the front of the fabric to the back. This step completes your first duplicate stitch.
4. Repeat steps 1 – 3 as required. Try to keep the tension the same as in the knitted stitches underneath, otherwise, the fabric may pull.
Below, you can see a sweater I made for my youngest. He wanted a Marshmello picture on the front of it, and using duplicate stitch was for me a better option than intarsia. I’ve embroidered the picture in vertical lines, going from left to right. In the right picture, you can see how it looks on the wrong side of the work. Cool, right?
And that’s how you work duplicate stitch! Did you know it’s also a great way of covering little mistakes in knitting when found after binding off? A good trick to have in your knitter’s toolkit!
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Inspired by the lovely texture and color of almost-ripe moerbei or mulberry fruit, the Moerbei shawl is juicy and sweet and exactly what you need.
Knitted sideways from tip to tip with only 100 g or 420 m (460 yds) of fingering weight yarn, it’s the perfect project for that special skein of yarn. This shawl features both an appealing textured body achieved by working bobbles, as well as a delicate looking and easy to work border. Once the body of the shawl is complete, stitches are picked up for the border and dropped to create the ruffle effect.
Pay what you want: (minimum €6.50)
€
Skills required
This pattern features bobbles, a slipped stitch edge, as well as picking up and knitting stitches for the drop-stitch border. Stitches used include knit, purl, k2tog, kfb, M1 and yo. This pattern is suitable for the intermediate knitter.
Pattern details
Top-down
One size – easily adjustable
Written for gauge of approx. 17 sts / 25 rows = 10 cm (4 inches) over stockinette
Pattern languages included: English and Dutch (Dit patroon omvat zowel een Nederlandse als een Engelse versie)
Digital PDF has 3 pages (A4 size)
Materials for Moerbei
420 m (460 yds) / 100 g fingering weight yarn
A circular needle size 4 mm (US #6), 80 cm (32 inches) long.
Kimono Wrap Revisited: a highly customizable crochet wrap pattern with sizes ranging from 3 months to 10 years and multiple options for finishing and closures. Make it in a camouflage variegated yarn or make a very girly version in pink with a picot or shell edging. Anything is possible!
This kimono wrap is worked back and forth from the top down in one piece, with either single crochet, reverse single crochet, picot or shell neck and hem finishing. You can add cute ties, or loops and buttons, to fasten. You can make it sleeveless, or with long sleeves.
This pattern is written in American English crochet terminology.
Pay what you want: (minimum €7.10)
€
Sizing
Kimono Wrap Revisited includes the following baby, toddler and children’s sizes: 3M (6M, 12M, 18M), 2, 3, 4, {6, 8, 10}. The pattern includes approx. 8 to 9 cm (3 ¼ to 3 ½ inches) of positive ease.
Difficulty
Techniques used consist of half double crochet foundation row, hdc, hdc increases and hdc decreases. Because of this the pattern is suitable for the advanced beginner.
Pattern details
Top-down
Gauge: 15.6 stitches and 12.7 rows = 4 inches in hdc
Pattern languages included: English and Dutch (Dit patroon omvat zowel een Nederlandse als een Engelse versie)
Digital PDF has 4 pages (A4 size)
Yarn
Yarn in DK weight in the following quantities:
MC short sleeve version: 255 (285, 300, 350), 385, 420, 475, {550, 660, 795} m or 280 (310, 330, 385), 420, 460, 520, {600, 720, 870} yds.
MC long sleeve version: 325 (365, 405, 455), 505, 550, 620, {715, 855, 1020} m or 355 (400, 445, 385), 500, 550, 600, {680, 935, 1115} yds.
CC both versions: 65 (70, 70, 75), 80, 80, 85, {90, 95, 105} m or 70 (75, 75, 80), 85, 85, 95, {95, 105, 115} yds.
Sometimes when I think of summer, I get this picture of a turquoise sea, rolling gently over a white sandy beach. Imagine the heat of the sun and the cool breeze carrying the scent of salt. This image of summer bliss is what inspired me to design the Zomer Zilt shawl, which is just right to throw on when the sun goes down and the air becomes a tad chilly. Knitted from the top down, with only 100 g of fingering weight yarn, it’s the perfect summer project.
This design features broomstick lace, so called because it is similar to lace created with a broomstick and crochet hook. It is worked over two rows: on the first row, the yarn is wrapped twice around the needle between each knit stitch. On the next row, the wraps are dropped to create elongated stitches, which are worked in groups of four.
Pay what you want: (minimum €6.50)
€
Skills required
Zomer Zilt features knitted broomstick lace as well as various increases and decreases. Stitches used include knit, purl, k2tog tbl, kfb, M1R, M1L, yo and double yo. This pattern is suitable for the intermediate knitter.
Pattern details
Top-down
No sewing
One size – easily adjustable
Pattern languages included: English, German and Dutch (Dit patroon omvat zowel een Nederlandse, Duitse als een Engelse versie)
Digital PDF has 4 pages (letter size) for the English version (updated pattern format per August 2023), and 3 pages (A4 size) for the other versions.
Materials
100 g fingering (sock) weight yarn. Yarn used in sample: Hand dyed sock yarn by “Atelier Kleurrijk Vilt” [75% wool, 25% polyamide; 333 m (364 yds) / 100 g skein]. Substitute any fingering weight yarn for a similar result.
Circular needle size 4 mm (US 6), 80 cm (32 inches)
Sweet as Pi is a sweet little baby cardigan for that special little baby in your life. Worked back and forth from the top down in one piece, with i-cord neck and hem finishing and either a cute tie or loop and button closure. As a finishing touch, an applique of either the Pi symbol, a rabbit or a sheep is applied with duplicate stitching. If desired, the picture could also be made using intarsia instead.
Pay what you want: (minimum €7.10)
€
Sizing
This pattern includes 4 baby and toddler sizes: Newborn (3 – 6 months, 12 – 18 months, 24 months). Written with 2.5 – 5 cm (1-2 inches) of positive ease.
Skills required
Techniques used consist of provisional cast on, i-cord bind off, regular i-cord and duplicate stitching. For duplicate stitching, a photo tutorial is included. Stitches used: k, p, kfb, and slipped stitches. Therefore, the pattern for the Sweet as Pi baby cardigan is suitable for the beginning knitter, who is ready to learn new finishing techniques.
Pattern details
Top-down
No sewing
Gauge: 20 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches in stockinette
Pattern languages included: English and Dutch (Dit patroon omvat zowel een Nederlandse als een Engelse versie)
Digital PDF has 6 pages (A4 size)
Materials
Yarn in DK weight in the following quantities: Main color: 150 (220, 290, 360) m (164 (241, 317, 394) yds) Contrast color: 65 (70, 80, 95) m (71 (77, 87, 104) yds)
Circular needles in sizes 3.5 mm (US 4) and 4.0 mm (US 6), with a length of 80 cm (32 inches)
Yarn needle for duplicate stitching
Waste yarn for provisional CO and to hold sleeve stitches
Sometimes you just want to get warm and make a statement. With the Frost Giant Cowl, you can achieve both. The cowl is worked flat and has two finishing options, choose the one you feel most comfortable with. The finishing options consist of either plain seaming or a three-needle-bind-off.
Materials
Yarn The sample cowl was knit using 270 m (297 yards) / 450 g Wibra Myrna [80% acrylic, 20% wool; 60 m (66 yds) per 100 g skein] held double. Substitute any (extra) bulky weight yarn for a similar result. Using a thinner yarn will result in a less humongous cowl.
Recommended needles Needles in your preferred style in the following sizes (or to match gauge):
Size 14 mm (US #18)
1 extra needle in size 14 mm (US #18) or slightly smaller (only needed with the three-needle bind-off finishing option)
Adjust needle size appropriately when using a less bulky yarn for a smaller cowl.
Other
Yarn needle
Waste yarn (optional) – only needed with the three-needle bind- off finishing option, worsted or aran weight yarn held double or triple can be used
Gauge
Gauge is not critical in this design. For the sample cowl: 5.5 sts / 8 rows = 10 cm (4 inches) measured over 2×2 rib.
Sizes and Finished Measurements
27 cm (11 inch) wide (unstretched), 70 cm (27 ½ inch) long.
Skills required
The plain seaming finishing option in this pattern is suitable for the beginning knitter. The three-needle bind-off finishing option requires a provisional cast on. Because this is a more advanced knitting technique, this version is suitable for the intermediate knitter. Stitches used include knit, purl and slipping stitches.
Abbreviations
BO – bind off CO – cast on k – knit p – purl rep – repeat sl – slip st(s) – stitch(es) wyib – with yarn in back
Pattern notes
Yarn is held double throughout.
Always slip the first stitch of the row purl-wise with the yarn held to the back.
When you run out of yarn, a new skein will be attached by knitting a few stitches with both the new and old yarn held double. The ends can be woven in later.
Instructions
Seamed finishing option: CO 18 sts with the yarn held double. Row 1: Sl1wyib, k2, [p2, k2] 3 times, p3.
Three-needle bind-off finishing option: CO 18 sts with waste yarn held double or triple. Row 1: Knit. Switch to working yarn held double. Row 2: K3, [p2, k2] 3 times, p3.
Both finishing options: Next: Sl1wyib, k2, [p2, k2] 3 times, p3. Rep this row until length of piece is 148 cm (58 inches) or desired length.
Bind-off Seamed finishing option: BO using your BO of choice, for example, the knit bind-off.
Next: Hold the ends of the piece together and use the yarn needle to sew both ends together and form a loop. Be careful not to twist the loop before seaming the ends together.
Three-needle bind-off finishing option: Transfer the stitches from the waste yarn to the extra needle, be careful not to twist the loop when holding the beginning and end of the piece together.
Step 1: Hold both needles holding sts next to each other. Step 2: With the third needle, knit each st through both the first st on the needle closest to you as well as through the first st on the back needle at the same time. Wrap as for a knit st and complete the stitch as usual. Step 3: Rep step 2 one time. Step 4: There are now 2 sts on your right hand needle. Lift the first st worked over the second st worked, using the tip of your left hand needle. Step 5: Rep steps 3-4 until all sts are BO.
Tip: Use a crochet hook to weave yarn ends in, when the yarn is to thick to use regular yarn needles. Just grab the yarn with the hook, pull it through the fabric and repeat.
Stormy Seas is a half circle shawl, featuring Sea Foam lace. It shows off variegated and self striping yarns with long to medium lengths of color wonderfully. Combined with the all-over garter stitch, it gives an airy, textured, reversible fabric. While my version is in a hand spun yarn, it can, of course, also be knit with a commercial yarn. Make the shawl as small or large as you like, just knit until your yarn runs out!
The instructions for the lace are, of course, both charted and fully written out.
Pay what you want: (minimum €6.50)
€
Difficulty level
This pattern features the Sea Foam stitch, which requires multiple yarn overs, that are dropped on the following row. This takes some getting used to, but is quite easy to execute. Stitches used include knit, kfb, k2tog tbl, yo and multiple yo’s. This pattern is suitable for the beginning to intermediate lace knitter
The Sea Foam lace pattern is both charted and written out
One size (wingspan of 148 cm (58 inches) measured from tip to tip)– easily adjustable
Pattern languages included: English and Dutch (Dit patroon omvat zowel een Nederlandse als een Engelse versie)
Digital PDF has 4 pages (letter size)
Materials
420 – 630 m (460 – 690 yds) of fingering or sport weight yarn. The sample shawl features a hand spun yarn.
Size 4.5 mm (US 7) / 100 cm (40 inches) circular needles were used for the sample shawl. Use needles appropriate for the yarn chosen.
The Autumn Leaves Shawl features a simple stockinette body knit sideways in a shallow triangle shape. The leafy border is knitted on at the same time. Made in a loose gauge, Autumn Leaves is an airy layering piece, just enough for when there’s a chill in the air.
This design works great with that special skein of fingering weight yarn. The Autumn Leaves Shawl can, however, be made in any size, using any weight of yarn. Just knit until you have reached half of your yarn or half the size you want the shawl or shawlette to be. Since the body is in plain stockinette this pattern is also very suited to use with hand dyed yarns. Instructions for the lace border are both written and charted.
Materials
Yarn 360 m (393 yds) / 100 g Knitcola Alpaca Hand-dyed Yarn [100 % alpaca] in light blue. Substitute any fingering weight yarn in a solid or semi-solid color for a similar result.
Recommended needles Size 4.5 mm (US 7), 80 cm (32 inches) circular needles were used for the sample shawl.
Other
Yarn needle
2 stitch markers
Gauge
Gauge is not critical in this design. For the sample shawl measured after blocking: 14 sts / 22 rows = 10 cm (4 inches) over stockinette.
Size and finished measurements
Finished dimensions of the sample shawl: 140 cm (55 inches) along the upper edge and a depth of 32 cm (12 ½ inches), measured after blocking. The sample shawl has a total of 16 leaves.
This shawl can easily be made larger by using heavier yarn and/or working more repeats. This will, of course, increase the amount of yarn needed.
Skills required
This pattern features lace knitted on both right and wrong side rows. Stitches used include knit, purl, k2tog, p2tog, kfb, m1, skp, yo, and sl2-k-p2sso. Therefore, this pattern is suitable for the intermediate or lace knitter.
Abbreviations
BO – bind off CO – cast on k – knit k2tog – knit two together kfb – knit in the front and in the back of the stitch m1 – increase by lifting the loop between the stitch just knit and the next one from the front with your left needle, then knit into the back of the loop p – purl p2tog – purl two together PM – place marker rep – repeat RM – remove marker RS/WS – right side/wrong side skp – slip, knit, pass the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch sl2-k1-p2sso – slip two together, knit one, pass two stitches over (2 stitches decreased) sl1 wyif – slip 1 stitch as if to purl, with yarn in front SM – slip marker st(s) – stitch(es) yo – yarn over
Pattern notes
Work the Autumn Leaves shawl sideways from tip to tip, with increases and then decreases worked on one side every other row. The lace border is worked simultaneously.
The pattern has a garter stitch border of 4 stitches on the upper edge, with a decorative slipped stitch edge finishing.
Always slip markers as you come to them.
Instead of the skp decrease ssk can be used if desired.
Stitch guide
Slipped stitch edge: Slip the last stitch on each WS row as if to purl, with yarn in front.
Wrap and Turn (w&t): Bring your yarn to the front between the needles, slip the next stitch purl-wise, bring your yarn between the needles to the back again, slip the stitch back to the left needle, and turn work.
Rows 13-22: Rep row 11-12 five more times (13 sts).
Body – increase section
Both the written out and charted instructions for the leafy border can be found at the bottom of this page. Please note, stitch counts given here are only applicable to the body stitches.
Row 1 (RS): K4, SM, k1, m1, PM, work row 1 of Leafy border. (6 sts – 1 st increased in body) Row 2 (WS): Work row 2 of Leafy border, SM, p to marker, SM, k3, sl1 wyif. Row 3: K4, SM, k to 1 st before marker, M1, K1, SM, work row 3 of Leafy border. (7 sts – 1 st increased in body) Row 4: Work row 4 of Leafy border, SM, p to marker, SM, k3, sl1 wyif. Row 5: K4, SM, k to 1 st before marker, M1, K1, SM, work row 5 of Leafy border. (8 sts – 1 st increased in body) Row 6: Work row 6 of Leafy border, SM, p to marker, SM, k3, sl1 wyif.
Continue in this manner until all 18 rows of the border pattern have been worked. (14 sts in body)
Next: Repeat last 18 rows until 8 leaves or almost half of the yarn has been used. (77 sts in body)
Next: Rep rows 1-16 once again. (85 sts in body)
Tip: Weigh your project in between pattern repeats to get an idea the amount of yarn needed for each repeat. This way, a better estimate can be made whether another repeat is possible with your available amount of yarn.
Easing the border around the center point
Row 17: K4, SM, k to 1 st before marker, m1, K1, SM, work row 17 of Leafy border. (78 sts – 1 st increased in body) Row 18: Work row 18 of Leafy border, RM, w&t. Row 19: PM, work row 1 of Leafy border. Row 20: Work row 2 of Leafy border, SM, pick up and purl wrap together with corresponding st, p to marker, SM, k3, sl1 wyif.
Body – decrease section
Row 1 (RS): K4, SM, k to 2 sts before marker, k2tog, SM, work row 3 of Leafy border. (77 sts – 1 st decreased in body) Row 2 (WS): Work row 4 of Leafy border, SM, p to marker, SM, k3, sl1 wyif. Row 3: K4, SM, k to 2 sts before marker, k2tog, SM, work row 5 of Leafy border. (76 sts – 1 st decreased in body) Row 4: Work row 6 of Leafy border, SM, p to marker, SM, k3, sl1 wyif.
Continue in this manner until the same number of leaves as on the increase section have been completed (14 sts).
Next row (RS): K4, SM, k1, k2tog, k to end, removing marker. (13 sts – 1 st decreased in body) Next row (WS): P to marker, SM, k3, sl1 wyif. Rep these last 2 rows 9 more times, removing marker after final rep (4 sts).
Next row: K1, k2tog, k1. (3 sts) Next row: K2, sl1 wyif. Next row: K1, k2tog. (2 sts) Next row: K1, sl1 wyif. Next row: K2tog and fasten off.
Finishing
Finally, weave in ends and block your Autumn Leaves Shawl to shape.
Thanks to my Patreon supporters for bringing you this freebie! Creating quality patterns and tutorials is a lot of work and resource-intensive. However, I find it important to give you free content like this tutorial. Thanks to the generous support of my Patreon supporters, I can make it happen. Thank you, patrons! Click here to join, or click here to read more about La Visch Designs on Patreon.
