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.
