It’s been four years since I swore off knitting shawls but, ahem, I’ve been thinking about that grand tradition of a shawl that can double as a baby blanket. So I’ve gone back through all the shawl patterns I’ve ever favorited to see if anything might tempt me into it. I’m not making any commitments, just saying these are a few that call to me, either newly or still, that seem suitable for this particular purpose—
TOP: Tensdale by Patricia Shapiro — probably my all-time favorite shawl pattern, baby friendly (nothing to poke or snag), and would look just as good in a bright color
MIDDLE LEFT: Dionne Shawl by Jeanette Sloan — on the one hand, I’m super curious to see what would happen if this motif were knitted at worsted gauge; on the other, lace plus baby fingers makes me a little nervous
MIDDLE RIGHT: Euclid by Isabell Kraemer — that is some serious cabling, especially at shawl dimensions, but looks like it’s all 1-over-1 crosses and easily memorizable, and it’s really lovely
BOTTOM LEFT: Ashby by Leila Raabe — another longtime favorite that has stuck with me, would be fun to knit but still baby-friendly fabric (See also Gansey Shawl, same thoughts)
BOTTOM RIGHT: Cloud Half Pi Shawl by Beatrice Perron Dahlen — a nice mindless pick-it-up-put-it-down project that would also let the color and yarn shine
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PREVIOUSLY in New Favorites: Leeni Hoi’s halos
I love the Gentle Armour shawls by Sylvia McFadden for this sort of thing.
Just finished the Euclid shawl and it’s beautiful!
I’ve always considered the perfect shawl to be some kind of large square that you could use as a blanket or fold and use as a wrap… I favour Shetland haps like Hansel, or patterns like Tilt, but I’ve yet to knit one ! I’ve also make Garter Goodness, and it’s so huge you can get lost in it !
Nightshift by Andrea Mowry is another beautiful, large, blankety shawl!
I’ve made a few large shawls and honestly, I miss a nice blankety shawl. I think it’s time for a hap – not to frilly but warm. Off to look at patterns ~ Thanks for the idea!
These are so beautiful! Not sure I can pick a favorite…
Yes to Hansel – just finished my third for a family baby. For myself I prefer a stole version, sometimes pinned into a poncho, seriously looking at another of Patricia Shapiro’s for this: Talbot: will make a great travel wrap.
I can’t seem t get into shawls even though I think so many are gorgeous. They always fall off and even buying some of the lovely stickpin closures are awkward. Maybe I need to practice wearing one.
Why are so many shawls done in sport weight? I’m nervous about using yarn that fine because it would take forever.
That’s interesting. I would only knit in 5ply or lighter because I fear it would be too hot and heavy otherwise. I guess it depends where you live though.
Thank you for the links. I love these!
The Ashby is a favorite and I plan to knit it after recovery from shoulder surgery…of course while recovering, I’ve amassed a long list of beautiful things to knit. LOL
I seem to remember reading somewhere that little holes are good in baby blankets, gives them some texture to explore with their cute little fingers. Maybe you need to find something with a little lace, bobbles, AND cables, so the baby can have the full experience…
Gorgeous patterns! I’m not much of a shawl knitter either, but lately I find myself eyeing the Field Wrap by Veronika Jobe, in the Farm to Needle book. It looks so cosy! And for your purposes, someone on Ravelry uses hers as a nursing wrap plus baby blanket.
Wrap a ton is warm and snuggly as can be. Adore mine. The pattern uses natural alpaca.which isa light and warm as can be.
ophs the shawl I adore is wrap agon not wrap a ton. the creativity of spell check is always a laugh or two!
Ashby is one of my ALL TIME FAVS!
I prefer a square shawl for the purpose of doubling as a baby blanket. Quill is my favorite.
I agree. A square baby blanket will get much longer use (and confuse all hope that the one we knit will become “the” blanket?). That said, I have often used shawl patterns as baby blankets, and have made far more blankets than shawls.
Somehow autocorrect snuck in there and changed “don’t we” to “confused”. Don’t we all hope that the one we knit will become “the” blanket?
I had to laugh when I saw that you have sworn off shawls. I do over and over again. Then I see a pretty pattern and fall for it. The problem is I never wear them! Personally, I love Ashby.
I love all these choices!
Funny, I just keep on knitting shawls. They come in handy in all seasons here in Maine. I just want to plug Itineris by Hilary Smith Callis. I upsized mine by using sport weight instead of light fingering to make it even more blankety (love that term). All garter, no holes. It’s become my road trip shawl, since I’m always chillier than my husband.