Shawl knitting patterns for shawls constructed to stay in place on the shoulders including Faroese, short row shaping, and other designs. Many of the patterns are free. Updated 5/15/23
To get the knitting patterns, scroll down the page to the individual pattern you want and click on the link to that pattern.
These patterns are not my designs but links to other designers who have generously shared their patterns. If you have questions about how to knit a specific pattern, please contact the designer directly.
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Free Patterns
Raglan Type Shoulder Shawl
Shoulder shawl with collar designed to sit securely on the shoulders. Great showcase for self-striping yarn. Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Lainy Haule.
Lisa's Garden Shawl
Lace half circle shawl shaped with short rows to wrap nicely around the back and help stay on the shoulders. 2 sizes. Fingering weight yarn. Designed by Herbstblatt Regina.
Alfarería Shawl
This shawl is a top-down Faroese-style with mosaic colorwork worked with two colors. The back gusset panel helps keep the shawl on the shoulders. Named for a Spanish word for pottery because the pattern resembles pottery decoration. 2 sizes. Fingering weight yarn. Designed by Sarah Ellis for Knitty.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See the Ravelry page
- Get the recommended Malabrigo Yarn Mechita yarn at Amazon
Midnight Moon Shawl
Crescent shaped shawl uses garter stitch short rows for shaping, with a band of stocking stitch between sections, so it shapes to the shoulders. A faux fur edging adds a luxurious touch. Designed by Brian Smith.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the recommended Cascade Yarns ® Cascade 220® Sport yarn at Amazon
- Get the faux fur yarn at Amazon
Dazzling Dominoes Shawl
Elegant shawl-like wrap with an elegant design constructed of 5 wedges, making it greater than a half circle, ensuring a secure fit on the shoulders. Designed by Deborah Tomasello.
Small Faroese Shawl
Shawl knit in the faroese style with a gusset panel in back that helps shape the shawl to the neck and back to stay on the shoulders. Knit with garter stitch and a 4 row ribbed texture. DK weight yarn. Small top down Faroese shawl designed by Cate Leonard.
Northern Rose Shawl
Lace shawl that combines Shetland and Faroese styles to incorporate garter lace with stay put shoulders. Worsted or Fingering weight yarn. Designed by Barb Padwicki. Web version is free.
Cloud On Her Shoulders Shawl
Light shoulder shawl knit in garter stitch with a curved back and neckline so it sits securely on the shoulders, and does not roll or fold uncomfortably against the back when seated. Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Diana Troldahl who asks that you consider knitting a shawl for someone who needs extra comfort. Pictured projects by dogfoster and SandraAtStamp
More Free Patterns
Glimfeather Cabled Shawl
Top down shaped shawl with gorgeous cables in a Faroese design with trapezoid back, side panels, and shoulder shaping to help it stay on the shoulders. It is approximately 28” from the neck to the bottom and 102” tip to tip. Designed by Laura Wile. Worsted weight yarn. Pictured project by Laura Wile.
Shoulder Shawl with Pockets
Shoulder shawl with pockets and shawl collar worked in one piece in garter stitch except for the pocket linings. It is shaped using short rows to help it stay on the shoulders. Great showcase for self-striping yarn. Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Lainy Haule.
Waves Shawl
Garter stitch half circle shawl with a ruffle at the bottom that looks like it's shaped to hug the shoulders securely. Aran weight yarn. Designed by Doris Kaltenberger.
Wheelwright Shawl
Circle shaped shawl knit in 24 stockinette wedges shaped with short rows to form a circle and a half with a rounded inner edge to wrap around on the shoulders. DK weight yarn. Designed by Purl Soho.
Reading Stay Put Shawl
Garter stitch shoulder shawl with garter stitch lace in a triangle shape designed to stay in place on the shoulders. Fingering weight yarn. Designed by Danielle Landes. Pictured project by akaMishka
Leaf Lace Faroese Shawl
Top-down, leaf lace shawl shaped to stay on your shoulders. The Faroese shoulder shaping keeps the shawl in place and the wings are long enough that they can be bound in the back as a wrap. Designed by Makoshark.
Seven Eighths Shoulder Shawl
This shawl is constructed so that it remains in place as you wear it. Knit with eyelet stripes and segments that are each one eighth of a circle to shape around your shoulders. A collar is added to keep your neck warm. Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Lainy Haule.
Norwegian Warmth Shawl
The shawl is constructed so that it remains in place as you wear it and features a lace design along the edge and a shawl collar to keep your neck warm. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Lainy Haule.
Spirit of a Dove Prayer Shawl
This prayer / contemplation shawl sits on the shoulders naturally so that you don't need a pin or button if you don't want. It's an easy pattern to knit while praying or contemplating. Mindful knitting instructions are also offered, as well as a brief contemplation, and additional resources. DK weight yarn. Designed by Anne Grenchus. Pictured project by mmacgregor
Patterns for Purchase
Soraya's Faroese Shawl
Faroese shawl featuring two different heart patterns (one lace, one cabled) in the body with a knit-on border that takes up the motif of lace and cables again. Soraya means “good queen”, and also “little treasure” - so wrap yourself in this shawl treasure and feel like a queen! Designed by Tanja Luescher.
Gentle Shawl
Fully reversible triangle shawl with a secret -- simplified short-row shaping curves it securely around your shoulders. The simple lace border and subtle collar are worked while you knit the shawl with an easily-memorized row repetition. Designed by Diana Troldahl.
Sarah's Shawl
Top-down Faroese Shaped shawl. The increases at the beginning of the shawl form shoulders that help it stay in place. Choose to knit in Aran or DK gauge, and garter stitch or stockinette. Designed by Rachel McKinney.
Meandering Pathway Shawl
This versatile shawl comes in two sizes, which are both worked upward from the delicate lace edging. Eyelets take a circuitous route on the back panel while shaping is worked in the lace body, for a cropped triangular shape loosely based on Faroese shawls. Designed by Kira K Designs.
Patterns for Purchase
Milestone Shawl
The center panel framed by curving wings was inspired by Faroese shawls and creates a shape that sits nicely on your shoulders or wrapped around your neck. The diamond texture stitch is both written and charted. Designed by Kira K Designs.
Jo's Pride Hooded Shawl
Lace shawl knit from the bottom up to the top of the hood. Shoulder shaping produces an excellent fit. This pattern is both written out and charted. This shawl was designed as a tribute to Little Women by Louisa May Alcott as a garment that might have been worn by Jo as an evening coverup in those Civil War days. Instructions included for adding beads. Designed by Sivia Harding. 2 sizes. Fingering weight yarn.
