Tara Shawl in Lion Brand Homespun - 80977AD

Tara Shawl Knitting Pattern – Lion Brand Homespun (Pattern 80977AD)

The Tara Shawl is a free downloadable knitting pattern from Lion Brand Yarn, designed as a comfortable, generously sized wrap that is ideal for beginners. Worked in the luxuriously textured Lion Brand Homespun® yarn, this shawl measures a finished 20 x 60 inches (51 x 152.5 cm), making it a versatile accessory that can be worn as a wrap, shawl, or scarf. Because it relies on a single, straightforward stitch pattern worked flat, it is described as a fast and easy first project — perfect for anyone just learning to knit.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a classic rectangular shawl or wrap. The generous dimensions — 20 inches wide and 60 inches long — make it substantial enough to drape comfortably over the shoulders or wrap around the body for warmth. The finished piece has a cozy, textured appearance that comes naturally from the character of Lion Brand Homespun® yarn, which features a soft, loopy, chenille-like construction that adds visual interest even to the simplest stitch patterns.

Techniques and Construction

The Tara Shawl is knitted flat, meaning it is worked back and forth in rows rather than in the round. The construction is entirely straightforward — there are no increases, decreases, or shaping rows to navigate, which makes it an excellent confidence-building project for new knitters. The pattern also incorporates fringe as a finishing detail. Lion Brand specifically notes that because of the unique texture of Homespun® yarn, care should be taken when creating the fringe, acknowledging that this novelty yarn behaves differently from smooth, plied yarns.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch – The entire shawl is worked in garter stitch, which is achieved simply by knitting every row. This is the most fundamental of all knitting stitch patterns and requires knowledge of only a single stitch — the knit stitch. Garter stitch produces a fabric with horizontal ridges on both sides, giving it a pleasant elasticity and a reversible appearance, both of which are highly desirable qualities in a shawl or wrap.
• Fringe – A finishing technique in which lengths of yarn are folded and attached along the short edges of the shawl to create decorative tassels. This adds a classic, bohemian touch to the finished piece.

Gauge

The stated gauge for this pattern is 12 stitches and 20 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in garter stitch using size 10.5 [6.5 mm] needles. Matching gauge is important to ensure the finished shawl reaches its intended dimensions of 20 x 60 inches and that the specified quantity of yarn is sufficient to complete the project.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Lion Brand Homespun® in colorway Painted Desert (color code 790-407) — 4 balls required. Homespun® is a bulky-weight novelty yarn known for its soft, textured, loopy surface that mimics the look of handwoven fabric. Its thick-and-thin construction and rich, variegated colorways make it a popular choice for wraps and home décor projects.
• Needles: Lion Brand Knitting Needles, Size 10.5 [6.5 mm]. The larger needle size works in harmony with the bulky weight of Homespun® to produce a soft, drapeable fabric at the correct gauge.
• Notions: Large-Eyed Blunt Needles for weaving in ends and finishing.

Skill Level and Sizing

• Skill Level: Beginner — suitable for those who know only the basic knit stitch.
• Size: One size only — 20 x 60 inches (51 x 152.5 cm) finished.
• Corrections: None noted at time of publication.