The Elfish Shawl is part of the Knitvent 2024 collection: buy it here!

There’s a charming misconception about elves: that they spend all their time making gifts for others. But even the most industrious helpers need to take care of themselves.

Imagine a little elf, after a long day of toy-making, curling up with a cosy project just for them. It’s not selfish—it’s essential. Like those hard-working elves, knitters deserve to craft something special for ourselves now and then. It’s how we recharge our creative batteries and keep our generosity flowing. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup (even if that cup is full of hot cocoa and striped with candy canes!)

The Elfish Shawl invokes a playful spirit of self-care amid the joy of giving. This asymmetrical triangle shawl features bands undemanding garter stitch broken up by pretty eyelet rows to keep your needles dancing merrily along, and is finished with cheeky tassels to add a touch of whimsy.

Best of all, it only takes one skein of fingering weight yarn, so you don’t have to raid Santa’s stash to get it done. It’s the perfect “selfish” knitting project—though I prefer to call it “elfish” knitting!

Of course, if you’re feeling particularly generous (as elves often are), it also makes a delightful present. Whether you’re curling up by the fire after a long day of holiday errands or sneaking a few rows while supervising cookie baking, the Elfish Shawl is your invitation to embrace a little magical me-time in a busy gift-knitting season.

Finished Measurements:

After blocking:
137 cm (54”) across top edge
102 cm (40”) across cast off end

Yarn:
House of A La Mode Fiber Goods
House Fingering
80% superwash merino, 20% nylon; 366m/400yds per 100g skein,
1 x 100g skein
Colour: Berry

Sample used approximately 100g (366m/400yds) of fingering
weight yarn in total, including 15g (55m/60yds) for tassels

Needles:
4mm (US 6), 100cm (40”) long
circular needles (or size to obtain
gauge)

Notions
Tapestry needle
1 Stitch Marker

Gauge
22 sts/36 rows = 10cm (4”) in stockinette stitch after blocking

Exact gauge is not critical but may affect the amount of yarn needed if different.