Shawl Shapes Series: How to Knit a Crescent Shawl
🎉 Ready to knit this week’s shape, the Crescent Shawl?
The Crescent Shawl
The crescent shawl is a beloved shape among knitters for its simplicity, wearability, and elegant drape. If you’re looking for a project that’s easier than a triangular shawl but just as rewarding, this is it! With increases worked every row and minimal stitch markers, it’s a great choice for beginners and seasoned knitters alike.
Construction Breakdown
The crescent shawl’s unique shape is created through a combination of increases worked on every row. These increases are strategically placed to create the gentle curve that makes this shawl so wearable. Here’s a closer look at how it works:
Right Side (RS) Rows
On the right side rows, you’ll work a double increase at the beginning and end of the shawl body.
The double increase is worked as (k1, yo, k1) into one stitch.
This adds 2 stitches at each end of the row, for a total of 4 stitches increased on the RS row.
The double increase creates the necessary width and stretch for the shawl to curve gracefully.
Wrong Side (WS) Rows
On the wrong side rows, you’ll work a single increase at the beginning and end of the shawl body.
The single increase is a yarn over (yo).
This adds 1 stitch at each end of the row, for a total of 2 stitches increased on the WS row.
The yarn overs maintain the shawl’s stretch and drape, ensuring it curves beautifully when worn.
Can You Use Other Increases?
While you can substitute other types of increases in shawl knitting, the (k1, yo, k1) and yarn over increases are particularly well-suited for crescent shawls. Here’s why:
Other increases (like knit-front-and-back or make-one) don’t create the same stretchiness as yarn overs, which are essential for the crescent shape.
Sticking with these increases ensures the shawl maintains its signature curve and drape.
Special Techniques for the Crescent Shawl
The crescent shawl uses a few key techniques to create its signature shape and stretch. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced knitter, mastering these techniques will make your shawl knitting smoother and more enjoyable. Let’s break them down:
1. (k1, yo, k1) Double Increase
This double increase is worked into a single stitch and is essential for shaping the crescent shawl. Here’s how to do it:
Why It’s Used:
Adds 2 stitches in a single stitch, creating the width needed for the crescent shape.
The yarn over (yo) within the increase ensures the shawl has the stretch it needs to curve gracefully.
When to Use It:
Use the (k1, yo, k1) double increase on the right side (RS) rows of your shawl.
It’s typically worked at the beginning and end of the shawl body (after the garter stitch border) to create even growth on both sides.
Steps:
Knit 1 (k1): Insert your needle into the stitch as if to knit and complete the knit stitch.
Yarn Over (yo): Bring the yarn to the front of your work, then over the needle to create a new stitch.
Knit 1 (k1): Knit into the same stitch again.
2. Twisted Yarn Over
The twisted yarn over is a subtle but important technique, especially for stockinette-based shawls. It ensures that the yardage used for yarn overs is consistent on both sides of the shawl.
Why It’s Used:
Keeps the yardage used for yarn overs equal on both sides of the shawl.
Prevents uneven stretching or distortion in the fabric.
When to Use It:
On the wrong side (WS) rows, where yarn overs are placed:
Between a knit and purl stitch: Use a regular yarn over (yarn wraps around needle counter-clockwise).
Between a purl and knit stitch: Use a twisted yarn over (yarn wraps around the needle clockwise).
Steps for a Twisted Yarn Over:
Bring the yarn to the front of your work (as if to purl).
Wrap the yarn around the needle clockwise: (rather than just over it) to create the new stitch.
Knit the next stitch.
Shape Instructions
Abbreviations:
CO: Cast On
K: Knit
P: Purl
Pm: Place Marker
Sm: Slip Marker
Yo: Yarn Over
RS: Right Side
WS: Wrong Side
Set-Up:
Cast On: CO 3 stitches.
Knit Rows: Knit 8 rows in garter stitch.
Pick Up Stitches:
Turn your work 90 degrees and pick up 4 stitches along the edge.
Turn your work 90 degrees again and pick up 3 stitches from the cast-on edge.
You’ll now have 10 stitches on your needle.
Place Markers: K3, place marker (pm), p4, pm, k3.
Working the Body of the Shawl:
The body of the shawl is worked with increases on every row to create the crescent shape.
Row 1 (Right Side - RS):
K3, slip marker (sm).
(K1, yo, k1) in 1 stitch (this increases 2 stitches).
Knit until 1 stitch before the next marker.
(K1, yo, k1) in 1 stitch, sm, k3.
Total Increase: 4 stitches.
Row 2 (Wrong Side - WS):
K3, sm, yarn over (yo).
Purl until the next marker, yarn over (twisted yo), sm, k3.
Total Increase: 2 stitches.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until the shawl reaches your desired depth.
Bind off stitches on a RS row.
Block the swatch and weave in ends.
Crescent Shawl Knitting Patterns for You to Try
