Ashford Shawl in Lion Brand Fishermen's Wool - 80957AD

Ashford Shawl in Lion Brand Fishermen's Wool – Free Knitting Pattern (80957AD)

The Ashford Shawl is a free downloadable knitting pattern from Lion Brand Yarn, designed to produce a classic, elegant rectangular shawl measuring approximately 20 x 60 inches (51 x 152.5 cm). Rated as an Easy skill level, this pattern is described as a great first project, making it an ideal choice for beginner knitters looking to build confidence while creating a beautiful, wearable accessory.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a classic rectangular shawl or wrap in a single size. The finished dimensions of approximately 20 inches wide by 60 inches long make it a generously sized piece, suitable for draping over the shoulders as a cozy wrap or styling as a traditional shawl. The simple, repeating stitch pattern gives the fabric a subtle textured surface that is both visually appealing and satisfying to knit.

Techniques Used

• Casting on – The shawl begins with a cast-on of 91 stitches, establishing the full width of the piece from the very first row.
• Working in a two-row repeat pattern – The body of the shawl is worked by repeating just two rows, making it easy to memorize and ideal for knitters who are still building their skills.
• Binding off – The shawl is completed with a standard bind-off once nearly all of the yarn has been used, ensuring minimal waste.
• Weaving in ends – The only finishing step required is weaving in the yarn ends, keeping the finishing process simple and approachable for beginners.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (k) – One of the two foundational stitches in knitting, the knit stitch forms the basis of both rows in this pattern.
• Purl stitch (p) – The purl stitch is the reverse of the knit stitch and is used in alternation with the knit stitch during Row 1 to create a textured ribbed or seed-like surface.
• Seed stitch / ribbing variation – Row 1 is worked as knit 1, purl 1 repeated across the row, while Row 2 is worked entirely in knit. This two-row combination creates a subtly textured fabric that lies flat and has a pleasant hand feel — a key advantage for a shawl that needs to drape well without curling at the edges.

The alternation between a knit/purl row and an all-knit row produces a fabric with more visual interest than plain stockinette, while remaining far simpler to execute than complex lace or cable patterns. This makes the Ashford Shawl an excellent vehicle for practicing both the knit and purl stitches in a practical, rewarding project.

Gauge

The recommended gauge is 18 stitches and 22 rows to 4 inches (10 cm) in the pattern stitch. Checking gauge before beginning is strongly advised, as it ensures the finished shawl reaches the intended dimensions and that the specified yarn quantity is sufficient.

Materials

• Yarn: Lion Brand Fishermen's Wool in Oatmeal (color 123) – 2 balls (item number 150-123). Lion Brand Fishermen's Wool is a workhorse yarn known for its natural, rustic character and durability, making it well-suited to a classic shawl design like this one.
• Needles: Lion Brand Knitting Needles, Size 8 [5 mm]
• Notions: Large-Eye Blunt Needles (set of 6) for weaving in ends

Who Is This Pattern For?

The Ashford Shawl is perfectly suited for beginner knitters who know or are learning the basic knit and purl stitches. With only a two-row repeat, no shaping, and minimal finishing, it offers a straightforward path to a finished, polished accessory. More experienced knitters will appreciate it as a relaxing, meditative project