How to Knit a Swirl Shawl: A Step-by-Step Guide

Shawl Shapes Series
Written By Francoise Danoy
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Welcome to my new shawl construction series! I created this series for new and experienced knitters alike. Here, you'll break down the art and science behind different shawl shapes. Each post focuses on how to create mini prototypes.

We'll look at how shawl shapes are built. Increases and decreases play a big role in their structure. By understanding these basics, you'll feel more confident experimenting within the confines of the shapes.

This series is hands-on. I encourage you to knit mini prototypes for each shape. This gives you practical experience with key techniques. Whether you're trying new ideas or enjoying the process, these projects make concepts come alive.

What You’ll Need to Knit-Along

To follow along with the series, gather the following materials:

  • Yarn: One skein of DK weight yarn.

  • Needles: A pair of US 7 knitting needles.

  • Stitch Markers: At least four to mark key points in your shawl.

So, grab your needles and yarn. Let's demystify shawl construction together, one shape at a time!

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The Swirl Shawl: A Whirlwind of Seamless Texture

Moving beyond traditional spines and straight lines, the Swirl Shawl is a dynamic, hypnotic shape that seems to ripple outward from its center.

Knit seamlessly in the round, its magic lies in what’s missing: there is no central spine stitch. Instead, eight distinct sections grow simultaneously, their increases strategically offset to create a fabric that flows with a captivating wave-like motion. This construction is a mesmerizing dance of yarnovers and markers, resulting in a shawl that is as engaging to knit as it is to wear.

Understanding the Swirling Structure

The Swirl Shawl is a study in radial symmetry and motion. Unlike the Pi Shawl, which grows in a uniform circle, the Swirl’s increases are channeled into specific segments, creating a deliberate, flowing distortion.

  • The Core Principle: You start with 8 stitches, immediately dividing them with 8 markers. Every round, you work a yarn over increase just before each marker.

  • Why It Swirls: Increasing at the same fixed point in every section, round after round, forces the fabric to push outward in a series of gentle curves rather than a perfect circle. This creates the signature undulating, swirling edge.

A Practical Swirl Shawl Recipe

This recipe creates the foundational fabric. Once you understand the rhythm, you can easily substitute the plain knit rounds with any stitch pattern of your choice.

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Shape Instructions

Abbreviations:

  • CO: Cast On

  • K: Knit

  • Yo: Yarn Over

  • Rnd: Round

  • Pm: Place Marker

  • Sm: Slip Marker

  • St(s): Stitch(es)

Materials:

  • Yarn of your choice (fingering weight recommended for drape)

  • A set of 5 double-pointed needles (DPNs) to start; a long circular needle will be needed as the shawl grows.

Instructions:

Set-Up:

CO 8 sts. Join in the round, being careful not to twist stitches.

Rnd 1 (Place Markers & Increase): (Pm, k1, yo) around. (16 sts, 8 markers)

  • You now have 2 stitches in each of the 8 sections.

Establishing the Pattern:
Rnd 2: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 3 (Increase Rnd): (Sm, knit until 1 stitch before the marker, yo) around. (24 sts) This is the key round: you are increasing 8 stitches total, one just before each marker.
Rnd 4: Knit all stitches.

Repeat Rnds 3 and 4 until the shawl reaches your desired depth.

Bind off very loosely using a stretchy method (e.g., Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off) to maintain the flexible edge.

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Take Your Shawl Knitting to the Next Level with Forming Shawls and Their Charts!

Have you ever admired the intricate beauty of shawl designs but felt intimidated by their construction? This e-book is your ultimate guide to mastering shawl design and charting techniques.

You’ll Discover 15 Unique Shawl Shapes

  • 10 knit flat

  • 5 knit in the round

Each shape comes with detailed written instructions and charts to help you understand construction and design flow.

Skills You’ll Learn:

  • How to calculate stitch and row counts quickly

  • Adjusting garter tab cast-ons for your designs

  • Substituting increases to fit your project

  • Seamlessly working stitch patterns into shawl shapes

Bonus Resources:

  • Tips and Tricks: Expert advice to demystify shawl design

  • Video Tutorials: Step-by-step demonstrations of key techniques

Whether you’re a beginner ready to experiment or an experienced knitter looking to elevate your designs, Forming Shawls and Their Charts is the perfect tool to unlock endless creative possibilities in the world of shawls.

🎉 Download your copy today and start designing stunning shawls with confidence! 🎉

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Francoise Danoy
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