Knitting a Triangle Shawl – The Big Guide to Shape, Design, Size & Yarn
A triangular shawl is one of the most versatile knitting projects out there: anything is possible, from a small bandana to a large shoulder shawl.
This guide shows:
→ what shapes are available
→ what design possibilities exist
→ how to adjust the size individually
→ what yarn is suitable
→ a step-by-step guide
1️⃣ The Shape – Which triangle shape is right for you?
Depending on how often increases or decreases are worked, the effect of the shawl changes.
The Classic Triangle
Increases / Decreases:
→ every 2nd row
Result:
A clearly defined, striking triangle with straight lines.
Perfect for:
→ classic shoulder shawls
→ structured designs
→ graphic patterns
The Soft Triangle
Increases / Decreases:
→ every 4th row
Result:
A softly flowing, elegant shape.
Perfect for:
→ lightweight neckerchiefs
→ loosely draped shoulder shawls
→ beginner projects
The Bandana Triangle
Worked softly at the top, then classically – this creates longer ends for tying.
Increases / Decreases:
→ initially every 4th row
→ later every 2nd row
Perfect for:
→ shawls tied at the front or back
→ modern neckerchiefs
→ smaller projects
2️⃣ Design – Customizable
Design options:
→ solid color
→ two-tone
→ multi-color
→ wide stripes
→ narrow stripes
→ color gradient
→ scrap yarn utilization
Stripe Design
For the example shawl in the pictures, the color was changed every 4th row.
Of course, the stripes can also be designed wider or narrower.
Practical with the soft version:
Color change = increase row.
Alternative Edge Design
The instructions describe knitting an I-cord edge.
Alternatively possible:
→ work without I-cord
→ turn normally
→ crochet an edge later
→ use a contrasting color
3️⃣ Size – Completely variable
The size is freely selectable:
→ Mini shawl
→ Neck scarf
→ Large shoulder shawl
Knit the increase section until the desired size is reached.
Then begin the decrease section.
4️⃣ Yarn – Which is suitable?
Amraya Tweed
Needle: 3.5 mm
→ Thin and sturdy
→ Ideal for a bandana look
Example:
50 g Color 10
50 g Color CCQ4
Amraya Dream Weaver
Needle: 3.5–4 mm
→ Soft and cuddly
→ Ideal for neckerchiefs
Thicker Yarn
→ Chunky look
→ Perfect for cold days
For thick yarn:
→ Classic triangle: increase every 4th-6th row
→ Soft triangle: increase every 6th-8th row
Cotton (e.g., Gazzal Organic Baby Cotton)
Needle: 3 mm
→ Perfect for spring and summer
→ Light and comfortable
Instructions – Triangular Shawl
The instructions describe the basic concept using the soft triangle.
For the classic triangle, simply increase every 2nd row.
The stripe changes for the example shawl in the pictures occur every 4th row, but can be adjusted as desired.
Abbreviations
M = stitch
RS = right side
WS = wrong side
sl = slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in front
M1R = make 1 right-leaning increase from the strand between stitches
k2tog = knit 2 stitches together
ssk = slip 2 stitches knitwise, return them to the left needle and knit them together through the back loop (for decreases)
Increase Section
Cast on
Cast on 3 stitches
Basic Construction without I-Cord
R1: 3 M purl
R2: 3 M knit
R3: 3 M purl
R4: 1 M knit, M1R, 2 M knit
R5: 4 M purl
R6: 4 M knit
R7: 4 M purl
R8: 1 M knit, M1R, 3 M knit
R9: 5 M purl
R10: 5 M knit
R11: 5 M purl
R12: 1 M knit, M1R, 4 M knit
R13: 6 M purl
From R14 with I-Cord Edge
The outer 3 stitches form the I-cord edge.
If you wish to work without an I-cord, knit the edge stitches as normal and continue with the increases as indicated.
R14: 1 k, sl, 2 k, sl, 1 k
R15: sl, 1 k, sl, sl, 1 k, sl
R16: 1 k, sl, 1 k, M1R, 1 k, sl, 1 k
R17: sl, 1 k, sl, purl to 3 sts before end, sl, 1 k, sl
R18: 1 k, sl, knit to 3 sts before end, 1 k, sl, 1 k
R19: sl, 1 k, sl, purl to 3 sts before end, sl, 1 k, sl
R20: 1 k, sl, 1 k, knit to 3 sts before end, M1R, 1 k, sl, 1 k
Repeat R17–R20 until the desired size is reached.
Note for the Bandana Triangle
For the bandana triangle, first work in the rhythm of the soft triangle (increase every 4th row).
After reaching half the desired height, continue in the rhythm of the classic triangle (increase every 2nd row).
The decrease section is worked symmetrically in the same alternating rhythm.
Decrease Section
With I-Cord Edge
R1: sl, 1 k, sl, purl to 3 sts before end, sl, 1 k, sl
R2: 1 k, sl, knit to 3 sts before end, 1 k, sl, 1 k
R3: sl, 1 k, sl, purl to 3 sts before end, sl, 1 k, sl
R4: 1 k, sl, 1 k, knit to 3 sts before end, ssk, 1 k, sl, 1 k
Repeat R1–R4 until 6 stitches remain on the needle.
Decreases without I-Cord
R1: 6 M purl
R2: 6 M knit
R3: 6 M purl
R4: 1 M knit, ssk, 3 M knit
R5: 5 M purl
R6: 5 M knit
R7: 5 M purl
R8: 1 M knit, ssk, 2 M knit
R9: 4 M purl
R10: 4 M knit
R11: 4 M purl
R12: 1 M knit, ssk, 1 M knit
R13: 3 M purl
R14: 3 M knit
R15: Bind off stitches
Finishing
Last row: 3 M knit
Bind off stitches loosely.
✨ Happy Knitting!
I hope this guide helped you put together your perfect triangular shawl.
Have fun experimenting with colors, stripes, and patterns – your finished shawl is guaranteed to be unique.