Picking the Right Yarn for Shawls

 By Esther Wheeler

We have some simple rules of thumb for picking yarn for shawls. Keep in mind, these are general rules, not hard and fast ones, and in the end the only set rule is to have fun and enjoy your project.

These rules can really apply to crocheting or knitting, depending on the tip.

Yarn for Shawls
                                                    Shawl knitted by Sherry Morrison

Picking Yarn for Shawls: Color Choices

If your shawl has more than one lace pattern or the lace is a focal point for the shawl, use a light solid for the lace pattern. Consequently, it will pop and draw the eye to your work. It is a good idea to frame the lace with a complementary color, either a solid or a variegated with no more than 2 color changes.

                                            Esther wearing her Zuzu's Petals Scarflette

If your shawl has stripes, complementary colors are a must, unless you want something eclectic. A variation of 3 solid colors makes a stunning shawl. On the other hand, a light variegated with a dark color contrast works just as well.

Of course, if you have fallen in love with a variegated yarn, you can put in in areas which require garter, stockinette stitch, or other simple stitch patterns. The plain knit stitches will emphasize the color variations. Put a solid in a lace pattern which contains a color that matches one in the variegated yarn. Find a pattern that highlights the colors by alternating solid lace with variegated garter/stockinette.

                                                             Klip's Malice Shawl

If you want to get wild and crazy with your shawl, or uses up some stash leftovers, try a wingspan or fan shawl. For example, you can order your colors from light to dark. Similarly, you can move across the color wheel on one of these shawls to great effect. Think eye appeal. Go bright/ Pick your colors in the same tone or hue for each color.

Picking Yarn for Shawls
                                                                        Wingspan Shawl

Pick colors you love so you don't get bored with the project and will enjoy it when it is finished and ready to wear.

Picking Yarn for Shawls: Size Choices

Common sizes that are best for shawls are usually lace weight or fingering weight. Of course, it is always a good idea to follow the yarn weight recommended by the pattern designer. I usually go with the designer recommended yarn weight. However, if you deviate from the recommended weight, be sure and do a swatch to test your yarn choice for gauge.


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