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Giveaway: Shawls, Wraps & Scarves

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classic elite shawls wraps and scarves

Ofelia is the winner!

This is the time of year when people in the Northern Hemisphere start thinking about knitting for the cooler weather to come, so I thought it would be appropriate to share a giveaway for a book that would help a lucky knitter do just that.

Classic Elite Shawls, Wraps & Scarves is an interesting one because it includes 20 different stitch patterns or design ideas each executed in three different ways. A lace pattern is shown in chunky, lightweight and mohair yarns, for example, or a zigzag pattern can be seen on a little wrap, a longer capelet and a buttoned cowl.

There’s a lot of lace in this book and also some cables (check it out on Ravelry for the full pattern list). It’s fun for aspiring designers, too, because it shows how a designer can play with a stitch pattern or a color or a design element and come out with projects that are quite different.

If you’d like a chance to win a copy of this book, leave a comment on this post before the end of the day Sunday, September 20. I’d love to know what your favorite knit item is for keeping warm in the cooler months. I’m becoming quite the shawl person lately (simple stitch patterns, not fancy lace) but I don’t know if I could survive without fingerless gloves I can wear indoors.

Thanks for visiting, commenting and sharing and good luck!

 

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Looking for more amazing shawl patterns? Check out these Knitting patterns we found on Etsy.

Comments

  1. I only crochet & loom knit, but I would love to win this for my Mother-in-love. She would in turn, share it with my sister-in-love.

  2. Lovely! I’ve been making shawls lately, but have made scarves, cowls, fingerless gloves, and mittens; mostly for others. I think it’s time to make a shawl or cape for myself to wear at home for this winter. 🙂

  9. Live in Florida where scraves, wraps and cowls are a mainstay during the chilly evening nights. Accents and accessories change
    outfilts, add color, and are such fun. Passionate knitter who delights in every creation knitted.

  10. I love to knit small shawls that can be worn as scarves! This looks like a great book and is one that both my sister and I can enjoy.

  15. About to make my first shawl. Always try to make something for myself but always end up giving them away. Its more fun that way!! Thank you for the give away! So nice.

  18. My favorite is a cross between a scarf and a shawl. it can keep the neck warm or wrapped around shoulders & clasped it can be a cute topper.

  20. My favorite item is something a friend made, beautiful long cable knit white shawl with hand pockets on each end.

  23. I have not made a shawl, but would like to try. I have made quite a number of scarves, hats and fingerless gloves.

  28. I’m really a sweater girl… This year I’m undertaking a 3/4 length Aran “car-coat”. However, I always need to supply my college age kids with cold-weather scarves, hats & mitts – they love the fingerless gloves with the little mitten cover .

  29. When the weather starts to get cooler, I either make Shawls or Cardigans, depending on my mood, and the amount of time that I have. Lately it seems that I’ve been making mostly shawls, so that’s what I’ve been on the lookout for, as far as patterns – something different from the norm. My fingers automatically began to itch, as soon as I saw the patterns in this book from Classic Elite!! Each pattern has its’ own merit, and I’m thrilled to be in the running to have a chance to win this great book!! Thank you so much!!

  31. I love shawls too! I like to sit out on my front porch during cool mornings, and a shawl is always what I wrap up in. Great giveaway, thank you

  33. I love knitting and wearing cowls to keep warm and have recently fallen in love with the Mobius cast on!

  36. I generally have a few go-to sweaters for keeping warm, but I want to start knitting and wearing more shawls. This book looks wonderful. Thank you for this amazing giveaway!

  37. I love to knit scarves, and other things that aren’t fitted because I can make them for anyone and don’t have to worry about it fitting.

  38. I would love to win this! I have a wonderful assortment of shawl pins I plan to give as gifts so want to make an equally wonderful assortment of shawls to go w/ them

  43. I live in cold country and can’t believe I haven’t made myself a shawl yet! Although I did make one for a gift. The book would be great. I’m sure theres a shawl pattern in there that would be just right. thank you

  44. I like the infinity scarf but other have asked me to make them scarves. I am also one to wear a sweater in the colder months as well.

  46. I would love to win this for my mum. Last year she knitted me several hats and scarves so she would love this book.

  48. I love knitting shawls for people who are in emotional need to heal. My daughter and daughter-in-law wear my knitted cowls and other creations, even my son and son-in-law sport scarves and cowls. My best friend recently experienced grief and this book would be a cheery addition to help her keep active in her knitting world and bring relief from grieving.

Have you read?

10 Knitted Christmas Bauble Patterns for a Tree Full of Handmade Charm

There’s always room for one more Christmas decoration, especially when it uses yarn you already own. That’s my reasoning, anyway. Those little leftover balls that aren’t quite enough for a hat suddenly look much more promising when you start thinking about knitted baubles.

I love the idea of adding a few handmade ornaments to the tree each year. They don’t all have to match, either. A traditional colourwork ball beside a slightly cheeky Christmas pudding feels far more interesting than a tree where everything arrived in the same box.

These knitted Christmas bauble patterns include flat-knit designs, festive characters and detailed colourwork ornaments. Most are free, with a paid collection included for anyone who wants plenty of designs to work through. Some suit newer knitters; others are small projects for practising skills you already know.

Christmas Baubles Knitted Flat

The free Christmas Baubles—Knit Flat pattern from Tat’sgrans Treasures is worth a look if knitting tiny rounds doesn’t appeal. It includes three sizes and charted words such as Peace, Hope, Love and Joy, worked using intarsia. The flat construction is approachable, although the lettering adds a challenge beyond basic stocking stitch. I’d choose this for meaningful gift ornaments, particularly when one of those words suits the person receiving it.

Christmas Pudding Bauble

The free Christmas Pudding Bauble by Amanda Berry has all the appeal of a festive pudding without anyone debating whether they actually like eating it. Knitted flat in DK yarn, it combines shaping, colourwork and seaming, with a little holly topper to finish. It’s best for confident beginners with some experience rather than someone learning their first knit stitch. At approximately 6 cm tall, it would make a lovely tree decoration or an extra treat tied onto a wrapped present.

Rudolf & Friends Character Baubles

The free Rudolf & Friends Ornaments by Claire Fairall bring a playful touch to a handmade Christmas tree. These character baubles are knitted flat, and the instructions include illustrations for assembly and embroidery. Hobbii lists the pattern as suitable for beginners, making it a useful option for knitters who would rather practise finishing details than stranded colourwork. The finished ornaments measure approximately 8 × 6 cm and would also look cheerful tucked into a handmade wreath.

Cute Christmas Baubles With Little Faces

The free Cute Christmas Baubles from Marianna’s Lazy Daisy Days turn small amounts of DK yarn into cheerful character decorations. Worked flat and seamed, they use simple shaping, stuffing and added facial details to create their personality. They suit knitters comfortable with knit, purl, increases and decreases who enjoy a little assembly afterwards. I rather like Marianna’s idea of using them on the Christmas dinner table before adding hanging loops for the tree.

Rudolph’s Nose Christmas Bauble

The free Rudolph’s Nose Bauble from DROPS Design is a useful choice when you want a traditional ball-shaped ornament. Designed in DROPS Flora, it uses knitting in the round with increases and decreases to create the shape. Choose this if you’re comfortable handling a small circumference and want a project focused on construction. I’d make a few in coordinating colours to bring a little consistency to an otherwise wonderfully mismatched handmade tree.

Merry Mints Bauble

The free Merry Mints Bauble from DROPS Design offers another festive option, this time designed in DROPS Cotton Merino. The instructions include working back-and-forth rows and shaping, so it’s worth considering if you prefer that approach to tiny rounds. Read through the construction before starting and pay attention to the instructions for working yarn overs to avoid unwanted holes. This would be a nice project for a knitter who enjoys seeing a shaped decoration emerge from a small piece of knitting.

Caorann Fair Isle Christmas Bauble

The free Caorann Christmas Bauble by Sarah Berry brings delicate Fair Isle detail to a small ornament. It uses fingering-weight yarn and 2.5 mm needles, with instructions sized for an approximately 60 mm bauble insert. Worked in the round, the design includes both written and charted directions for its repeated segments. I’d save this one for knitters with some colourwork experience who want to make a particularly special keepsake.

A Dated 2026 Christmas Bauble

The free 2026 Christmas Bauble by Smaatterier combines the year with two traditional Selbu rose motifs. It’s knitted in the round using stranded colourwork across the middle, with either fibre filling or a suitably sized plastic bauble inside. The charted design is listed as intermediate and finishes at approximately 6.5 cm tall. This is a lovely choice for marking a first Christmas in a new home, a family milestone or simply another year of making things by hand.

Colourful Christmas Balls From Two Strands

The free Christmas Balls by Mary Ann Stephens are full of colourwork detail, with optional touches such as duplicate stitch and nupps. The designer also discusses I-cord hanging loops, which give the ornaments a pleasingly substantial finish. These are better suited to knitters comfortable following charts and managing several colours than complete beginners. Follow the updated download directions in the post to find the patterns on the designer’s current website.

ARNE & CARLOS Christmas Ball Collection

The paid Twenty-four Christmas Balls 2024 collection by ARNE & CARLOS includes a basic ball pattern and 24 different motif charts. The ornaments are worked in the round using stranded colourwork, with a linked tutorial to help you follow the process. Although the designer lists the collection as beginner level, I’d be comfortable knitting in the round and making increases and decreases before starting. This is the pick for someone who wants a whole collection of coordinated ornaments rather than just one small project.

Choosing Yarn for Knitted Baubles

Small decorations are tempting stash projects, but check the yarn weight before diving into that leftover basket. A thicker yarn can make a much larger bauble, while changing the yarn in a fitted cover may stop it fitting the recommended insert.

For colourwork, choose shades with enough contrast for the motif to show. Two lovely colours can look surprisingly similar once they’re knitted together, especially on something this small.

Smooth yarn also makes it easier to see your stitches. Save the fluffy, sparkly and slightly mysterious leftovers for a pattern where you’re confident they’ll work.

Getting a Nicely Rounded Finish

If your pattern uses stuffing, add it gradually and spread it evenly. You’re aiming for a rounded ornament without stretching the stitches so far apart that the filling shows through. For designs worked over an insert, check the diameter and follow the instructions for when to put it inside.

Give the finishing a little time, too. A neat seam, securely woven ends and a tidy hanging loop help a small decoration feel properly finished.

I’d start with a pair for the tree and one to give away. Of course, once you’ve laid out all those yarn colours, “just three” may become a rather flexible arrangement.