These 5 Gorgeous, Free Shawl Knitting Patterns Are So Easy

Even if you’ve never knitted a shawl before, any of these free shawl knitting patterns will produce a beautiful shawl that is much easier than it looks!

Ever find yourself thinking that you’re not skilled enough to knit a beautiful shawl?

I admit that — even after knitting several shawls and shawlettes — I still struggle to overcome that impression.

Part of that probably stems from my first-ever attempt at a lace shawl. It was a mystery knit-along, so I truly did not know what I was getting myself into.

If you’ve ever tried a mystery knit-along, you can probably guess what happened to me. In mystery knit-alongs, you may know what you’re making, but you don’t receive the full pattern right away. You receive a few lines one day, and then another few lines one or two days later, and then a few more lines one or two days after that.

This continues until the entire pattern is revealed. Ideally, everyone finishes together — thus “knit-along.” (*cue hysterical laughter*)

Yeah… not only did I not finish with everyone else, but I never finished at all. I didn’t realize until far too late that this was the wrong first lace shawl project!

Don’t let this be you! If you want to create your first shawl project, try one of the ones below instead. They’re beautiful but far, far easier than they look. Perfect for the beginning shawl knitter!

For more shawl knitting patterns, check out the Shawls & Wraps category on the blog!

Free Knitting Patterns for Shawls That Are Oh, So Easy

Red Heart Lace Knit Shawl: Not only does this shawl look impressive, but you can also knit it with inexpensive acrylic yarn. (Note that the Red Heart link calls this pattern “experienced,” but when you actually download the pattern from the Yarnspirations site, you’ll see it called “Easy.” The pattern repeat is only 4 rows long, and two are purl rows!)

Swirl Shawl: Here’s another lovely shawl that is incredibly easy to knit. I actually knitted this one myself years ago as a prayer shawl for a struggling friend. (I made it far smaller than what’s shown on the pattern page, because she lived in a very warm climate.)

Palm Fronds Shawl: This shawl really excites me! This uses lace-weight yarn to produce a beautiful, airy shawl. It is perfect for the knitter who wants to get started with lace knitting.

Mara Shawl: This is a lovely, warm triangular shawl. It’s perfect for a cool spring evening or a fall day.

Shell Lace Shawl: Want to knit a shawl with multiple colors? Try this lace shawl with a self-striping or variegated yarn; the lace pattern won’t get lost in the color, but will make it even more dramatic.

All of these shawls make great gifts or charity knitting donations. So grab one of these free knitting patterns and make a beautiful shawl, perhaps for the first time!