Knit a Comforting Shawl in Lace and Cables

As we were scrambling around that last weekend when we left the house somewhat normally (which was less than three weeks ago!) I decided I wanted to start a new knitting project that would be my “isolation project” (though the way this is going there will probably be more than one, and I need to finish things I was already working on as well).

I decided I wanted to knit a shawl, and am finally doing Find Your Fade, since I never managed one back when that pattern was everywhere. I’m on the fourth color, though I am trying to rotate projects now so it’s slower going.

The Beaufort shawl from Berroco would be another great choice for some comfort knitting in these times. It’s a simple rectangle shape, so you don’t have to pay that much attention, but it includes bands of lace and cables to make it interesting.

It’s worked in their Summer Silk yarn, a blend of silk, cotton and nylon, which is perfect for spanning the seasons.

You can grab the free pattern on their website.

[Photo: Berroco Yarn.]

Looking for more Cable-styled knitting patterns? Check out these Cable Knit Patterns on Etsy

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Not too long ago my daughter and I had a discussion about what a chestnut really looks like. The nut itself is small and brown, of course, but on the tree they’re covered with this weird kind of spiky, kind of fuzzy shell. It’s a wonder anyone ever figured out they were edible.

If you didn’t know that, you might wonder why this project is call Chestnut balaclava, but now you know.

This fun design from Yevheniia Pyroh is covered with spikes just like a chestnut shell, and is even the same color, though of course you can make yours whatever color you like. It uses two strands of fingering weight yarn held together (which it says is fingering weight but you could try a light/DK yarn and see if you get gauge with it if you’d rather).

There are two different design options in the pattern. One is a more fitted balaclava style hat (it doesn’t cover the face but does go around the neck) and a looser fit hood.

It’s worked primarily in garter stitch, with shaping done by knitting and purling in the same stitch and through various decreases (including a knit 3 together).

The pattern is charted but also explained in words. It’s worked flat to the size you want, and then joined into a hood shape with ribbing at the neck. The opening for the face is finished with I-cord.

This hood/balaclava would definitely be a conversation starter and in different colors it might read more dinosaur than chestnut, which could also be fun. The sizing is totally custom so you can make it fit whatever head you’re stitching for.

If you want to try it for yourself (and I’d love to hear about it if you do!) you can download the free pattern from Ravelry.

[Photo: Yevheniia Pyroh]

Balaclava Knitting Patterns

Colorwork Balaclava Knitting Pattern [Knitting]

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