Square & Circular Shawls in King Cole Baby 3Ply and 4Ply - 4943 - Downloadable PDF

Square & Circular Shawls in King Cole Baby 3Ply and 4Ply – Pattern 4943

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from King Cole (pattern number 4943) presents two beautifully distinct shawl designs: a Square Shawl and a Circular Shawl, each available in both Baby 3Ply and Baby 4Ply yarn weights. The result is four possible versions of these classic, heirloom-quality shawls, making this pattern an exceptionally versatile choice for knitters looking to create a treasured handmade gift or a timeless accessory.

Rated as intermediate in difficulty, this pattern is well suited to knitters who are comfortable with foundational techniques and ready to explore more refined stitch patterns and shaping methods. The various sizes offered across the designs add further flexibility for the maker.

King Cole also donates to the Pink Ribbon Foundation with every pattern purchase.

The Square Shawl

The Square Shawl is a classic, structured design worked flat to produce a neat, geometric finished piece. Its clean lines and traditional shape make it ideal as a baby shawl, a christening gift, or a lightweight wrap for any occasion.

• 3Ply Version: Worked in moss stitch, which creates a beautifully textured, reversible fabric. Moss stitch alternates knit and purl stitches in a specific sequence so that no two adjacent stitches on consecutive rows are the same, producing a dense, slightly firm fabric with excellent drape and stitch definition. The tension for this version is 31 stitches and 48 rows to 10cm over moss stitch.
• 4Ply Version: Worked over a stated stitch pattern with a tension of 28 stitches and 36 rows to 10cm over pattern, giving a slightly more relaxed fabric than the 3Ply version.
• Needles: Both versions use 3.25mm knitting needles, or the size required to achieve the correct tension.

The Circular Shawl

The Circular Shawl is worked in the round from the centre outward, producing a graceful, flowing shape that drapes elegantly. This construction method — beginning with a small number of stitches at the centre and increasing outward — is a hallmark of traditional circular shawl knitting and creates a symmetrical, medallion-like design.

• 3Ply Version: Worked in stocking stitch (stockinette), the smooth, classic knit fabric familiar to most knitters. When worked in the round, stocking stitch is achieved by knitting every round, producing a silky, even surface. The tension is 32 stitches and 40 rows to 10cm over stocking stitch.
• 4Ply Version: Worked over a stated stitch pattern with a tension of 28 stitches and 36 rows to 10cm over pattern.
• Needles: The 3Ply Circular Shawl requires 3.25mm double-ended needles or a circular needle, essential tools for knitting in the round. The 4Ply version uses 3.25mm knitting needles, or the size needed to achieve correct tension.

Yarn and Materials

All four versions of the shawl are designed to be knitted in King Cole Baby yarn, available in both 3Ply and 4Ply weights. King Cole Baby yarns are specifically formulated for delicate baby projects, offering softness, gentle care properties, and a fine, smooth finish that showcases intricate stitch patterns beautifully. The lightweight nature of both yarn weights ensures the finished shawls are airy and comfortable to wear or wrap.

Techniques and Stitches Used

• Moss stitch – a textured, reversible stitch pattern used in the Square Shawl 3Ply version
• Stocking stitch – a smooth, classic fabric used in the Circular Shawl 3Ply version
• Knitting in the round – used for the Circular Shawl, requiring double-ended or circular needles