simple knit shawl pattern For All Yarn Sizes

This simple knit shawl pattern is an easy and fun knitting project to make and I created it so that you can use any yarn weight/size. 

It's also a lovely knit pocket shawl too. I love having pockets for all my little knitting things. And these pockets are nice and big so things won't fall out.

And this is an easy beginner knitting pattern too which means that this is suitable for all knitters. I just love the simple knitting projects.

This shawl pattern is quite big almost like a blanket shawl and it's just great for those chilly evenings.  

I use mine all the time when I curl up on the couch to knit.

Knit Shawl Pattern - Close Up View

Knit shawl pattern

I chose a very simple stitch pattern for my shawl so that it's easy enough to knit while watching TV or chatting with friends. 

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Here's a closer view of the knit shawl to give you a better idea.  It's a simple knitting pattern to make. Love the big pockets!

Knit shawl pattern

I made this blanket shawl with DK weight yarn however you can use this pattern with any yarn weight.  

Honestly? I wasn't exactly prepared for how long my shawl would take to knit with DK weight yarn. haha Because the yarn is so thin it took quite awhile.

It was still fun to knit but I was anxious to get it up here to share with you. 

But you can turn this into a quick knit shawl if you choose a nice thick yarn.  

The color of my pocket shawl is very light so I want to give you a clear view of the knitting stitch pattern I used.

This is called the garter block stitch pattern and it's super simple to knit. 

The garter block stitch pattern was used for my simple knit shawl pattern

It's an easy knit and purl check pattern and you'll have it memorized in no time. And it's fun and simple

This will be really nice in a cotton yarn for Spring and Summer.  

Or you can use a nice thick and cozy yarn for the Fall and Winter. It's a very versatile pattern.

How Much Yarn Do I Need To Make A Shawl?

These numbers are approximate but will give you a good idea about how much yarn to buy.  

You'll notice there are two chunky weight yarns and two super bulky weight yarns. 

The reason is to accommodate the knitting gauge and to give you a more accurate idea of the yardage. 

  • DK approx. 5.5 sts per inch approx. 1200 -1250 yards
  • Worsted approx. 4 sts per inch approx. 990 – 1000 yards
  • Chunky approx. 3.5 sts per inch, approx. 775 – 800 yds
  • Chunky approx. 3 sts per inch, approx. 685 – 700 yards
  • Super Bulky approx. 2.5 sts per inch, approx. 650 – 675 yards
  • Super Bulky approx. 2 sts per inch, approx. 550 – 600 yards

How To Use Shawl Pattern With The Yarn You Have

While knitting gauge isn't really important for my simple knit shawl you'll still need to take a look at your yarn label to see what yarn size/weight it is. 

And you'll also need to know what needle size the label suggests. If you're not sure what to look for please refer to my yarn label page.

Find the yarn size on your yarn label, then choose the suggested needle size and cast on the amount of sts your yarn comes closest too down below.

  • Baby Sport weight/DK yarn, cast on 115 sts.
  • Worsted/Medium, cast on 105 sts
  • Chunky 3.5 sts per inch, cast on 95 sts
  • Chunky 3 sts per inch, cast on 85 sts
  • Super Bulky 2.5 sts per inch, cast on 75 sts
  • Super Bulky at 2 sts per inch, cast on 65 sts

Now all you need to do is continue with my shawl pattern instructions

Click on this link to download my knit shawl pattern

Knit Shawl Pattern Details

Skills Required: Cast on, bind off, knit, purl

Gauge: Not important for this project

Approx size: 65 inches long X 20.5 wide

Materials: Light sport weight yarn, 1250 yards Needles US 6 / 4mm

Knit Shawl Pattern Instructions

For Chunky and Super Bulky Yarn only:  Knit 10 rows Garter Stitch

For DK and Worsted yarn knit 20 rows of Garter stitch

Continue as follows:

Row: (RS) 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 – Knit

Row: 2, 4 and 6: Knit 10 (border), Knit 5, *purl 5, knit 5, repeat from * to last 10 stitches (border), knit

Row: 8, 10, and 12: Knit 10 (border), Purl 5, *K5, P5, repeat from * to last 10 stitches (border), knit

Repeat rows 1 – 12 for pattern until work measures approx. 63 inches or the length you prefer.

For Chunky and Super Bulky yarn ONLY - Finish by knitting 10 rows Garter stitch.

For DK and Worsted Weight yarn - Finish by knitting 20 rows of Garter stitch.

Bind off loosely

Do you want to include pockets? If not then you’re all finished. Yay! 

Want Pockets On Your Knit Shawl?

Read on and I’ll give you some tips on how to place the pockets evenly

Knit 2 pockets. The pockets are approximately 10 inches wide and 6 inches long

Number of stitches to cast on for your pocket and yarn size

Sport Weight: Cast on 55 sts

Worsted/Medium: Cast on 40

Bulky 3.5 sts per inch: Cast on 35 sts

Bulky 3 sts per inch: Cast on 30 sts

Super Bulky 2.5 sts per inch: Cast on 25 sts

Super Bulky 2 sts per inch: Cast on 20 sts 

After casting on the amount of stitches you need for your pockets and yarn size, knit garter stitch for about 6 inches or length you want. Bind off loosely.

Where and How to Attach Pockets to your Knit Shawl

My pockets are 3" up from the bottom edge and approximately 5 1/2" in from both sides.

Here's a trick to attaching the pocket so it will be straight.

You will need contrasting waste yarn and tapestry needle. 

With your tapestry needle simply baste into the fabric (weaving into every other stitch) all the way around where you want the pocket to be.

What you're doing is marking where you need to sew the pocket. Now you can sew the pocket on more easily and it will be straight. 

Then just remove the waste yarn and you're done.

I hope you enjoy this knit shawl pattern. Now you can snuggle up with a nice cup of hot chocolate and enjoy!


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