The Bridesmaid Shawl

The Bridesmaid Shawl by Attic 166

Project Overview

The Bridesmaid Shawl is a beginner-friendly knitted shawl designed by Amanda of Attic 166. This elegant wrap serves as a sentimental gift for bridesmaids and other important wedding day attendants. The shawl combines intuitive construction with refined design details, making it an accessible project for knitters new to shawl patterns.

What Is Being Made

This is a two-piece knitted shawl that features a distinctive silhouette created by symmetrical eyelet sections and a center panel. The two pieces are joined together using a three-needle bind off technique, which creates a strong, finished seam down the middle. The shawl measures 43 inches in length before blocking (not including the triangular tips) and 19 inches in width. After aggressive blocking, the finished dimensions expand to 55 inches in length and 20 inches in width, demonstrating the transformative effect of blocking on the final garment.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques suitable for beginners:

• I-cord edging: A clean, professional finish applied to the edges of the shawl using a double-pointed needle, creating a smooth, rounded border
• Eyelet sections: Symmetrical openwork details that add visual interest and allow the yarn to drape beautifully
• Center panel construction: A structural element that creates the interesting shape at each end of the shawl
• Three-needle bind off: The joining technique used to connect the two knitted pieces with a secure, finished seam
• Stockinette stitch: The primary stitch used in the main body, creating a smooth, classic fabric
• Blocking: Essential finishing step that opens up the eyelet details and significantly increases the shawl's dimensions

Materials and Tools Required

The Bridesmaid Shawl is designed as an efficient, two-skein project. You will need 580 yards of DK weight yarn (approximately 200 grams), which equals approximately 2 skeins. The pattern was designed using Berroco Yarn Vintage DK in color 2184, though any DK weight yarn of similar yardage and fiber content will work. The required needles include U.S. 10 (6 mm) circular or flat needles for the main construction and a U.S. 10 (6 mm) double-pointed needle for the i-cord edging. Additional tools include stitch markers, stitch holders or waste yarn, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and blocking materials such as a blocking mat and pins to achieve the final dimensions.

Yarn Weight and Gauge

This shawl is worked in DK weight yarn, a lightweight yarn that creates a delicate, drapable fabric ideal for shawlettes and wraps. The stockinette gauge after normal blocking is 17 stitches by 24 rows over a 4-inch square, which helps determine the final dimensions and fit of the completed shawl.

Difficulty Level

Rated as a beginner project, The Bridesmaid Shawl is designed to be intuitive and accessible to knitters with basic skills. While it incorporates techniques like eyelets and i-cord edging, the straightforward construction and clear design make it an excellent choice for those expanding their knitting repertoire beyond simple scarves and blankets.