The pattern will tell you how many stitches to cast on. For this tutorial, we’ll cast on 3 and pick up 5.

Instead, rotate the work 90 degrees clockwise and pick up one stitch in each of the purl bumps along the side.

Now you’re back at the cast on row.

Pick up 3 sts from the cast on row. I typically do this all in 2 steps because it can be fiddly.

Here it is after you work a few rows.

You now have this funny looking little thing on your needles. Congratulations – this is the beginning of your shawl!

About the Instructor: Jody Richards

Jody is the founder and lead editor of Knotions. She loves poring over stitch dictionaries and trying out new stitches.

She’s also on a mission to get everyone to embrace the blocking. And, to avoid using garter stitch edges in knit swatches made for gauge.

And while she likes all things crafting (well ok, except that one thing), yarn crafts are her true love (and she has the stash to prove it).

It’s pretty simple to work, and I’ll show you how.

This edge is worked over 3 sts and 2 rows.

How to Add an SSE to a Project that Doesn’t Have It

If you want an I cord edge on a shawl that doesn’t have it, just replace the edge – usually garter stitch or seed stitch – with these 3 stitches.

Let’s say you have a shawl that has a 5-stitch garter edge. You would subtract 5 for each edge from the CO and then add 3 for each edge to it.

So, 2*(-5) + 2*3 = -10 + 6 = -4. You’ll CO 4 less sts.

Another way to think about it is that you’re replacing each 5-stitch garter edge with a 3-stitch SSE.

How to knit the I Cord Edge

RS row: Work your shawl per pattern, then, k1, sl1 wyif, k1 (here are those 3 sts I talked about).

WS row: Sl1 wyif, k1, sl1 wyif (the 3 sts again), work to end per pattern.

Basically, you’re knitting each st once over every 2 rows. On the opposite row, they’re slipped purlwise with yarn in front.

How it looks

Here’s what it looks like after a bunch of rows are worked.

And here’s the edge.

See? Tidy and easy. Give it a try on your next shawl. Just remember it uses 3 sts. If your shawl has a garter st border, this edge would replace it. So, remove the garter sts and add 3 sts for the I cord edge (see the note above for a bit more detail).

About the Instructor: Jody Richards

Jody is the founder and lead editor of Knotions. She loves poring over stitch dictionaries and trying out new stitches.

She’s also on a mission to get everyone to embrace the blocking. And, to avoid using garter stitch edges in knit swatches made for gauge.

And while she likes all things crafting (well ok, except that one thing), yarn crafts are her true love (and she has the stash to prove it).

The increases that you work can both add beauty to the shawl and, of course, create shaping! Read through this list and try them out on swatches if you haven’t worked them before. You might just find one you love!

Let’s go through a few increases and their benefits.

Single Increases

These increases are used often (not just in shawls), so it’s worth learning them.

It’s quite easy to make these – just work twice into one stitch. We’ll show you two of the most popular here.

How to Work Single Increases

• here’s how to work a 2sc
• here’s how to work a 2dc

Double Increases

3SC, 3DC

Work these just like the 2SC/2DC, but work THREE stitches instead of two.

DC, Ch, DC

I like this one because it’s a bit fancier. It creates an eyelet on each side, in every other row.

You have flexibility in where you work the DC that’s above the chain. I chose to work into the ch-sp, but you could also work into the chain itself.

This can also be done with other stitches (e.g. – SC, HDC, Treble).

How does it impact shape?

Most often, if the increases are on the edges, a Single increase will make the shawl grow slower width-wise.

Alternatively, a Double Increase (Two-Stitch Increase) on each edge will make the shawl grow faster width-wise. At the same time, the shawl will be less deep.

In addition, double increases can often require less effort to wear a shawl without a shawls pin or holding it, and they stay on the shoulders more easily as well.

About the Instructor: Jody Richards

Jody is the founder and lead editor of Knotions. She loves poring over stitch dictionaries and trying out new stitches. And while she likes all things crafting (well ok, except that one thing), yarn crafts are her true love (and she has the stash to prove it).

She’s a serial starter-of-projects and has a serious problem with finishing things without a deadline.

And don’t get her talking about hand-dyed yarns.  You’ve been warned.

Let’s go through a few increases and their benefits.

Single Increases

These are the most common type of increases. Here are a few:

KFB

This is probably the most popular increase!

We’ve given you a tutorial on how to work it as well. This can also be called a “bar” increase because it, well, creates a bar. This can be helpful in certain designs and it can be disruptive in others.

YO

There are 4 ways to work this depending on the stitches both before and after the YO.

We show you all 4 ways in our tutorial!

M1

We give you details on how to make both the M1 and the M1R. Make one increases require you to use the running thread from the previous row. Given this, it might not be the best choice if you’re working stripes or your yarn has long color changes.

The difference in the left- and right-leaning has to do with the direction that you pick up that running thread.

Double Increases

While less common than their single-increase sisters, double increases can help shape the shawl differently because it adds stitches at a faster rate. The shawls worked with them are wider and shallower.

A few common double increases include:

DYO

A DYO is a larger eyelet. Here are both so you can see the difference.

We actually have 2 tutorials on the DYO!

Our picture tutorial on the DYO is here.

And our video tutorial on the DYO is here.

KFB KFB

You might also be thinking of M1 M1 as well. I tend to dislike working two M1s in a row because it can create a tight row since you add stitches by working into 2 running threads. This can be especially true if you knit more-tightly.

Truthfully, I’m also not a fan of the KFB KFB in a shawl. The increase creates bars and the two sides aren’t symmetrical. But, I wanted to show it here for completeness.

To work it, just make two KFBs in a row.

KYOK

I love this double increase because you only get a single eyelet. It seems like the best of both worlds. And for whatever reason, it seems to be a quicker one for me to work.

Here’s our tutorial on the KYOK.

Can I Substitute?

You sure can!

I’d recommend that you stick with another increase of the same amount of stitches. So, one single increase for another, or one double increase for another. This is important because both the shape and the stitch patterns will be assuming that rate of change. And, you should either ask the designer (first choice) or work a swatch (alternative) to see how it works with the stitch patterns.

You’ll likely have ones that you like or don’t like. For me, I’m not a fan of working an M1. I’ll often replace them with lifted increases. Both are less-visible and both have a right-leaning and a left-leaning version.

About the Instructor: Jody Richards

Jody is the founder and lead editor of Knotions. She loves poring over stitch dictionaries and trying out new stitches. And while she likes all things crafting (well ok, except that one thing), yarn crafts are her true love (and she has the stash to prove it).

She’s a serial starter-of-projects and has a serious problem with finishing things without a deadline.

And don’t get her talking about hand-dyed yarns.  You’ve been warned.

While I love a good Black Friday, Cyber Monday just feels more like Knotions, since we’re a digital magazine.

Sale

Just use the promo code SaveOnCyberMonday on either of our stores! Every pattern is on sale! Every eBook. Every bundle.

Everything!

Here’s a few things for you to be sure to have with you, so you can get the most out of it!

1. So it’s not silent – playlists, tv to binge (I like to play repeats here so I don’t need to pay close attention), podcasts/vlogs.
2. So you remember – Phone or other way to take notes.
3. So you can veg – Pick an area that makes you comfortable.
4. So you can count – Stitch markers so I don’t have to search the house when I need them (small lengths of yarn can work as well).
5. So you can cut ties – Scissors and even learn if you can break the yarn just with your hands.
6. So you can fix things – Small crochet hook when things go awry.
7. So you can get ahead – a Darning needle to weave in ends.
8. So you know how it works – Make sure you’ve read the pattern before you start, so you don’t need to stop.
9. So you can use them – If you either have a chart or more complex written instructions, make sure you have a way to place them (table, snack tray, etc.).
10. So you can see – Good lighting (do I need to say more here?).
11. So you don’t end up like a pretzel – Take plenty of breaks – set a timer if needed, get up and stretch (your legs, back, neck, shoulders, hands and fingers). It’s going to feel like you’re “wasting time” but this will allow you to knit/crochet longer. This article will give you several great tips!

Get the most out of your crafting day with these simple tips!.

Enjoy your day and make it as stress-free as possible.

Oh, and one more – gather them all together in a bag, so you’re sure to get everything whenever you have a chance to get in a little extra crafting.

BTW, a bag doesn’t have to mean that it’s only for when you go out. Keep everything together in the bag and even bring it with you wherever you are in your house!

About the Writer: Jody Richards

Jody is the founder and lead editor of Knotions. She loves poring over stitch dictionaries and trying out new stitches.

And while she likes all things crafting (well ok, except that one thing), yarn crafts are her true love (and she has the stash to prove it).

Our STEM 2023 PDF is chock-full of exclusive patterns! On the Saturday of launch we’ll send an update of the full PDF, with the:

• Caroline’s Skies by Rachel Wolfe
• Both Sides of the Story by Mary E. Rose
• Daisy World by Mary E. Rose

Take a peek at the whole preview:

If you don’t see the preview above, then it’s being blocked by your ad blocker. Add knotions.com to the allow list to see the video!

I started this series over a year ago!

People loved it and I planned to do a bunch more.

And then I promptly forgot 🙁

The Return

This is a great book and I’m thrilled that I discovered it!

It works for just about any craft that uses yarn. And maybe a few that don’t.

Truthfully, I only found it when prepping for this email.

But now that I’ve done it, I really think you should take a look at it. It’s a great book! I’m sure it looks familiar to some of you too…

Those of you who know me, probably know that I know Carol (the author). But I’d never feature something if I didn’t truly think it was worthwhile to you all.

Multi-Craftual

This book hits on a topic that I’ve used many (many) times.

Regardless of whether you’re a knitter or not, the beginning of the book is a treasure trove!

Don’t Miss the Projects

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a knitting project or not. And whether you want a sock weight one or not – the projects are such a great resource!

• picking colors
• ideas for a certain dyeing type
• or maybe, just a lovely little edging!
• and fun things to incorporate in other areas of your life

If you like this book and want to put it in your library, you can get it at Amazon for $29!

About the Instructor: Jody Richards

Jody is the founder and lead editor of Knotions. She loves poring over stitch dictionaries and trying out new stitches.

She’s also on a mission to get everyone to embrace the blocking. And, to avoid using garter stitch edges in knit swatches made for gauge.

And while she likes all things crafting (well ok, except that one thing), yarn crafts are her true love (and she has the stash to prove it).

Our Shawl PDF is chock-full of exclusive patterns! On the Saturday of launch we’ll send an update of the full PDF, with the:

• Havoc Shawl by Helen Gipson
• Memories Down Candy Lane by Lori Wagner
• Victorian Ferns by Helen Silva

Take a peek at the whole preview:

If you don’t see the preview above, then it’s being blocked by your ad blocker. Add knotions.com to the allow list to see the video!

Buy the Preview

Make sure you watch the preview above to get a 27% off promo code for buying our Shawl PDF during the pre-sale!

And, to be clear, the PDF will be updated next Saturday with the final patterns. For now, you’ll get a placeholder.

Buy Now

Not (yet) a newsletter subscriber?

If you want earlier access to the previews, sign up for our newsletter. You’ll also get newsletter subscriber exclusives, notifications of when we go live and a few other perks as well!

CABLE Issue

Lace Issue

Charts and Diagrams Issue

Our Blue PDF is chock-full of exclusive patterns! On the Saturday of launch we’ll send an update of the full PDF, with the:

• Song Sung Blue Shawl by Mary E. Rose
• Moods of the Sea Shawl by 2WorldsTog
• Loche Ness Scarf by Janice Allen

Take a peek at the whole preview:

If you don’t see the preview above, then it’s being blocked by your ad blocker. Add knotions.com to the allow list to see the video!

Buy the Preview

Make sure you watch the preview above to get a 27% off promo code for buying our Blue PDF during the pre-sale!

And, to be clear, the PDF will be updated next Saturday with the final patterns. For now, you’ll get a placeholder.

Buy Now

Not (yet) a newsletter subscriber?

If you want earlier access to the previews, sign up for our newsletter. You’ll also get the newsletter subscriber exclusives, notifications of when we go live and a few other perks as well!

CABLE Issue

Lace Issue

Charts and Diagrams Issue