K836-Basket Stitch Shawl

K836-Basket Stitch Shawl by Nazanin Fard

Project Overview

The K836-Basket Stitch Shawl is a beginner-friendly knitted shawl that combines elegant construction with decorative colorwork. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a right angle shawl measuring 46" X 38" (117 X 97 cm) after blocking. The design begins at one corner with strategic increases worked on one side, allowing the shawl to grow into its distinctive triangular shape while a basket stitch pattern develops across the fabric using contrasting yarn colors.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This shawl employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginners, making it an accessible project for those new to shawl construction. The pattern uses a corner-start method with one-sided increases, a classic approach that creates the geometric right angle shawl shape. The basket stitch pattern is the primary decorative element, worked using two colors of yarn to create visual interest and texture throughout the piece.

The pattern incorporates slip stitches as key stitch techniques, specifically Sl2wyib (slip 2 stitches with yarn in back) and Sl2wyif (slip 2 stitches with yarn in front). These slipped stitches contribute to the basket stitch effect and help create clean edges. The basket stitch is worked over a multiple of 6 stitches plus 4, with alternating right-side and wrong-side rows. Right-side rows are worked in the main color with knit stitches, while wrong-side rows feature the stitch pattern detail.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch (knit every row) for foundational rows and edges
• Basket stitch pattern for main decorative element
• Slip stitches with yarn in back (Sl2wyib)
• Slip stitches with yarn in front (Sl2wyif)
• Knit stitches for right-side rows

Materials Required

This project requires sport weight yarn totaling approximately 642 yards (588 meters). The yarn blend consists of 48% cotton, 39% bamboo, 10% silk, and 3% polyester, creating a fabric with excellent drape and breathability—ideal qualities for a shawl. The pattern calls for 4 balls of Pea (main color) and 2 balls of Lt green (contrasting color), with each ball containing 50 grams and 107 yards (98 meters).

Knitting needles size 6 (4 mm) are used for the main shawl construction. A crochet hook US size F (3.75 mm) is also included in the materials list, likely for finishing techniques such as edge work or binding off.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The stitch gauge is 18 stitches and 18 ridges over 4 inches (10 cm) in garter stitch after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is important for obtaining the intended finished measurements of 46" X 38" (117 X 97 cm). Blocking is recommended to even out the fabric and help the shawl achieve its final dimensions.

Difficulty Level

Rated as a beginner project, this shawl is designed for knitters with basic skills. The straightforward construction method, simple stitch techniques, and clear pattern repeats make it an excellent choice for those learning to knit shawls or expand their colorwork experience.