The Gradual Beginner Shawl pattern is designed to be an accessible beginner knitting pattern that walks a new knitter through a series of steps to build their skills. The pattern is for a symmetrical triangle shawl with four sections, each building on the skills learned in the last section.

This pattern is a little different from a standard knitting pattern. It goes into much more detail and explains each skill in words. It’s written to a fifth-grade reading level. It has links to videos other people have made to show each new skill visually. It comes with a troubleshooting document so beginners can look up the solutions to common problems. There’s also a condensed, standard pattern for knitters who are comfortable with the skills involved and simply want to make the shawl. It teaches the right-handed English style of knitting (a left-handed version is coming soon!). This pattern is designed to accommodate a wide variety of gauges and doesn’t call for a specific gauge.

Skills covered include: backwards loop cast on, knit stitch, purl stitch, eyelet increase, knit two together decrease, crochet cast off. To complete the pattern, you will need about 400 yards (200 grams) of worsted-weight yarn, a US size 9 circular knitting needle with a 40” cord, a darning needle, and a way to count your stitches (pen and paper is fine).

Important note: This pattern is free because everyone deserves the chance to learn to knit. It is available to use in knitting classes and to be distributed by local yarn shops as long as none of the documents are changed from the original. Please do not copy and paste parts of this pattern or modify it in any way. This pattern may not be sold for money, it must always be given away for free.