Knit a Heart-Shaped Garter Stitch Shawl

Top-down shawls are an immensely popular shawl shape because they are so versatile as well as easy to knit. In this video, shawl designer Jen Lucas gives you a recipe-style pattern for how to knit a top-down shawl in garter stitch that is heart-shaped. Extra increases are worked along the top of the shawl to elongate the top edge.

SUPPLIES

This shawl can be knit in any weight of yarn you like, and Jen gives some recommendations for yarn amounts and needle size.

• For Sock/Fingering Weight, you’ll need 400+ yards of yarn and a US Size 5 (3.75 mm) or US Size 6 (4 mm) circular needle, 24″ cable or longer
• For Sport/DK Weight, you’ll need 350+ yards of yarn and a US Size 6 (4 mm) or US Size 7 (4.5 mm) circular needle, 24″ cable or longer
• For Worsted Weight, you’ll need 300+ yards of yarn and a US Size 8 (.5 mm) or US Size 9 (5.5 mm) circular needle, 24″ cable or longer

You’ll also need stitch markers, tapestry needle, and blocking supplies.

HEART-SHAPED SHAWL

This shawl is worked from the top down and begins with a garter tab cast on. This cast on is used because it allows for a continuous garter stitch edge along the top of the shawl, which makes for a nice detail. Once the cast on is complete, set-up rows are worked, and stitch markers are placed. Two rows are then repeated for the remainder of the shawl. Six stitches are increased every two rows. Once the desired size of the shawl is achieved, the piece is bound off on the Right Side. Jen uses an elastic bind off for the shawl, as it provides more stretch to the bind off edge than a traditional bind off.

While yarn overs are used for the increases in this shawl, you can use whatever single increases you like. Once the shawl is complete, it’s time to block the shawl and weave in the ends. Jen shares her tips on how to block this shawl shape.

Get the PDF instructions for the shawl here.