Traditional Knitted Shawls - illustrations

Models 1 and 2

Rounded edge

Models 3 and 4

”Bindsjal”

Faroese shawl

Traditional Knitted Shawls

(Source: Vibeke Lind Sticka efter gamla nordiska mönster, ICA-förlaget 1985, also available in English))

In Scandinavia triangular shawls have traditionally been used as outer garments. They were often made in garter stitch, which looks the same on both sides and can be patterned with e.g. stripes, holes or a knitted or crocheted lace edging or fringes.

Model 1

Cast on 1 stitch. Knit once through the front and once through the back of the stitch. Turn, lift the first stitch and then knit once through the front and once through the back of the next stitch. Continue in this way and knit the center stitches in garter stitch. Carry on until you have reached the size you want.

Model 2

As Model 1, but stitches are cast on for the desired width at the top and one stitch is decreased on each row until one stitch remains.

In Models 1 and 2 the top can be rounded by knitting short rows. Knit to the center, lift on stitch and turn. Each of the following rows is knit a little shorter until the right shape is obtained. Then you knit across all stitches to the opposite corner and repeat the procedure until that side looks the same.

Model 3

Knit two triangles at the same time, starting at the center of the neckline. Cast on three stitches.

Row 1: Knit 1 stitch in the front and 1 stitch in the back of the first stitch. Wrap the yarn round the needle from the back to make 1 stitch. Knit 2.

Row 2: Knit 1 stitch in the front and 1 stitch in the back of the first stitch. Wrap the yarn round the needle from the back to make 1 stitch. Knit centre stitch. Knit remaining stitches.

Row 3 and all the following rows: Increase in the first stitch and make one before the centre stitch. Knit all other stitches.

Model 4

As model 3, but stitches are cast on for the desired width at the bottom edge and decreased after the centre stitch and at the end of each row until three stitches remain.

”Bindsjal” - shawl to tie around the body

The ”Bindsjal” is extra wide so that it can be crossed at the front and tied behind the back. It can be knit as Model 2, but two stitches are decreased at the beginning of each row until 2/3 of the stitches remain. The rest of the shawl is knit as usual.

Faroese shawl

Knit as Model 4, but with a few extra stitches at the edges and a wedge at the centre for a better fit. Instead of a centre stitch a wedge is knitted across about 10% of stitches that are slowly decreased so that about a third of them remain when the side triangles are ready. These stitches are then cast off at the neckline. To inprove the fit even more some additional stitches can be reduced inside the side triangles over the last 18cm.

The Faroese shawls are usually decorated with hole patterns a few cm in along the lower edge and have fringes.