Tara Shawl Wrap Knitting Pattern

Tara Shawl Wrap Knitting Pattern by Lion Brand

Project Overview

The Tara Shawl is a beginner-friendly knitting pattern designed to create a comfortable wrap measuring 20 x 60 inches (51 x 152.5 cm). This straightforward project is ideal for knitters new to the craft, offering a fast and easy introduction to fundamental knitting techniques while producing a practical, wearable garment.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a rectangular shawl wrap that functions as a versatile accessory for layering and warmth. The finished dimensions of 20 x 60 inches make it suitable for draping across the shoulders or wrapping around the body. The shawl features decorative fringe along the short ends, adding visual interest and texture to the completed piece.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Tara Shawl employs Garter stitch as its primary construction method, which involves knitting every row. This fundamental stitch creates a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges and is one of the most basic and versatile stitches in knitting. Garter stitch is ideal for beginners because it requires only one basic knitting motion repeated throughout the entire project, eliminating the need to switch between knit and purl stitches.

The pattern includes fringe finishing, a decorative technique applied to the short ends of the shawl. The fringe is created by cutting multiple strands of yarn and securing them through the edge of the piece using a crochet hook. This technique adds movement and visual dimension to the finished wrap.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Tara Shawl pattern calls for Lion Brand Homespun® Yarn in the colorway Painted Desert. The project requires 4 balls of this bulky weight yarn. Homespun is a uniquely-textured yarn composed of 98% acrylic, engineered to work up quickly and easily due to its substantial weight.

The pattern specifies Lion Brand Knitting Needles in Size 10.5 (6.5 mm), which are appropriately sized for the bulky weight yarn. Additionally, a large-eyed blunt needle is needed for weaving in yarn ends during the finishing phase.

Gauge and Construction Details

The recommended gauge for this pattern is 12 stitches and 20 rows equal 4 inches (10 cm) in Garter stitch. Checking gauge before beginning the project ensures that the finished shawl will match the specified dimensions and that the materials provided will be sufficient. Adjusting needle size—using smaller needles if your gauge is too loose or larger needles if your gauge is too tight—allows you to achieve the correct tension.

The shawl is constructed by casting on 60 stitches and working in Garter stitch continuously until the piece measures 60 inches (152.5 cm) from the beginning. Once the desired length is reached, stitches are bound off to secure the fabric.

Finishing and Fringe Application

After the main knitting is complete, yarn ends are woven in using the large-eyed blunt needle. The fringe is then added to both short ends of the shawl using the following method: four strands of yarn, each approximately 13 inches (33 cm) long, are cut and held together. These strands are folded in half, and the fold is drawn through the edge of the shawl using a crochet hook to form a loop. The yarn ends are then pulled through the loop and tightened to secure the fringe.

An important note regarding Homespun yarn: due to the unique texture of this yarn, fringe will naturally fray when cut. Knitters who prefer a non-frayed appearance have several options, including knotting the fringe ends, knitting or crocheting the fringe instead, or applying hairspray or fray check to the cut edges.

Skill Level and Pattern Details

This pattern is rated for Beginner skill level, making it accessible to knitters with minimal experience. The pattern number is 80977AD, and there are currently no corrections listed for this version of the pattern.