how to style a triangle knit shawl
Featured Shawl Pattern: Sweetgrass Shawl
Have you ever wondered just how you’re supposed to style a triangle lace shawl?
Handknit shawls are quite pretty, but they can be difficult to style for everyday wear, especially if you are new to shawl knitting and lace knit shawls in particular. It’s one thing to embrace the challenge of knitting the shawls themselves, and an entirely different thing to embrace wearing your finished pieces.
It’s easy to wear your handknit shawls with confidence and pride.
So if you’re intrigued by handknit shawls and want to add one to your everyday wardrobe, but have no idea what to do with them once you’re done knitting them, this is the post for you.
Handknit Shawl Styling Tips
A well-styled shawl is all you need to take you from the market to the office. But if you’ve never knit or worn one before, knowing how to style your handknit shawl can feel tricky or even overwhelming. To avoid confusion about how to style a handknit shawl, here are my favorite tips for adding handknit shawls to your everyday wardrobe.
#1 LET THE SHAWL BE THE MOMENT
Elevate your favorite jeans and tee for school drop off with a vibrant lace shawl. Bonus points when it's knit with a truly decadent yarn to add extra dimension to your outfit.
#2 LEAN INTO THE ROMANCE
Forgo the basics and pair your shawl with your most feminine blouses, skirts, and dresses for an ultra-romantic look on a rare date night out.
#3 JUST TAKE IT WITH YOU
Add your shawl to your favorite day bag as an eye-catching accessory and conversation starter. You'll find yourself reaching for it more than you'd think.
Now that you know what to wear your handknit shawl with, let's talk about how to wear it around your neck.
How To Wear a HandKnit Shawl
Here are my four favorite ways to add handknit shawls to my everyday wardrobe. There are two classic ways, and two more that are a little unexpected but perfectly chic.
Two Classic Ways to Wear a Handknit Shawl
These are undoubtedly the most common and easiest ways to wear your handknit shawls. Sweetgrass makes this especially easy with the shallow triangle depth and wide wings.
Loop it around your neck to keep your neck warm and show off that delicate line of increases down the center front.
Drape the shawl casually around your shoulders to let the lace edging really shine while still protecting you from the office a/c. Who changed the thermostat, again?
Two Unexpected Ways to wear a Handknit shawl
Two new ways I've been incorporating shawls into my wardrobe lately are this chic double wrap and tying it around my bag.
For the double wrap, carefully fold the shawl lengthwise a few times to create a neat rectangle, then wrap the pieces around your neck and finish with a small knot. This adds a delightfully Parisian vibe to your most faithful tops in a way that screams cool-girl-next-door. But you know, in an approachable way. You're trying to make new mom-friends, after all. Just keep in mind that this method works best with your smaller shawls & kerchiefs.
When you're on the go, add the shawlette to your bag as a chic accessory. Not only does it elevate your everyday bag and hide the mundane things you need to keep in there (don't ask me how many diapers are in there), you'll also have your new favorite shawlette handy in case you catch a chill.
Ready to style your own handknit shawls?
Give the Sweetgrass Shawl pattern a look. Not only is it deceptively easy to knit, it’s a low-risk way to try your hand at adding handknit shawls to your everyday knit wardrobe.
Design Information
Sweetgrass is a shallow triangle shawl knit mostly in Stockinette stitch with a simple eyelet border and knitted-on lace edging. The stitch pattern of the lace edging is easy to remember, and instructions are provided in both charted and written formats. Sweetgrass is a great pattern for any shawl knitter, from the beginner to the adventurous.
The yardage requirements make this a great one-skein project. With the right yarn choice, this shawl can take you from summer into fall, and it will pair well with most outfits.
Please share your progress on Instagram by tagging me @kirstenjoel_designs and using the hashtag #sweetgrassshawl. I love to see all of your works in progress and finished objects!
