How to Knit Openwork Braided Shawl

Knitting a shawl is a great way to create a beautiful and practical accessory for any season. An openwork braided shawl is a particularly lovely piece that can be worn in a variety of ways. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the process of knitting your own openwork braided shawl.

Materials Needed

Yarn (in any color and weight of your choice)

Knitting needles (size appropriate for your yarn)

Stitch markers

Scissors

Instructions

Step 1: Cast On

Begin by casting on the required number of stitches for your chosen shawl size. A braided shawl can be knit in any size, so be sure to cast on the correct number of stitches for your size.

Step 2: Lace Pattern

The openwork braided shawl is created using a lace pattern. Follow the pattern instructions below:

Row 1: *K1, yo, ssk, k3, k2tog, yo, repeat from * to end of row.

Row 2: Knit.

Row 3: *K2, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k1, repeat from * to end of row.

Row 4: Knit.

Row 5: *K3, yo, ssk, k2tog, yo, k2, repeat from * to end of row.

Row 6: Knit.

Row 7: *K2, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k2, repeat from * to end of row.

Row 8: Knit.

Row 9: *K1, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, ssk, repeat from * to end of row.

Row 10: Knit.

Repeat these ten rows until your shawl is the desired length.

Step 3: Braided Pattern

Now it's time to create the braided pattern. This is done by working a simple cable pattern. Follow the pattern instructions below:

Row 1: *P2, k2, repeat from * to end of row.

Row 2: *P2, slip 2 stitches onto cable needle and hold in back, k2, k2 from cable needle, repeat from * to end of row.

Row 3: *P2, k2, repeat from * to end of row.

Row 4: *P2, k2, repeat from * to end of row.

Repeat these four rows until the braid pattern is the desired length.

Step 4: Finishing

Once you have reached the desired length, finish the shawl by knitting in stockinette stitch for 1 inch. Then, bind off all stitches and weave in any loose ends.

Tips for Knitting an Openwork Braided Shawl

Choose a yarn with good stitch definition to show off the lace and cable patterns.

Use stitch markers to keep track of where you are in the lace pattern and braided pattern.

If you're new to lace knitting or cable knitting, practice on a smaller swatch first to get comfortable with the techniques.

Blocking your finished shawl will help to even out the lace and cable patterns and make the shawl look more polished.

Experiment with different yarn weights and colors to create a variety of shawls for different seasons and occasions.

In Conclusion

Knitting an openwork braided shawl is a fun and rewarding project that results in a beautiful accessory that you can wear and enjoy for years to come. With the lace and cable patterns, this shawl is a stunning piece that is sure to draw compliments. Follow our instructions and tips to create your own openwork braided shawl.