Nan's No Fuss Shawl by Katherine Walters

Nan's No Fuss Shawl

Knitting
February 2025
Light Fingering ?
5.5 stitches and 8 rows = 1 inch
in stocking stitch
US 6 - 4.0 mm
416 - 427 yards (380 - 390 m)
One size, but customizable
English
This pattern is available for free.

Sorry for the problems with the pdf. I’ve edited the blog page to show the full instructions.

Please note, for instructions on how to do an i-cord cast off, I did a YouTube search when I first learned. One of my favorites was this one


Everyone can use a small shawl. Small shawls like this one keep the chill away, are easy to wear and are not so much wool or so precious that you can’t wear it every day.

Nan’s No Fuss Shawl fits the bill perfectly. The crescent shape helps it stay on the shoulders. The overall size makes it possible to turn it around and wrap it closer to your neck as a kerchief scarf as well. Made with less than one ball of sock yarn and simple stitches, it is an economical and beginner friendly shawl project.

The project uses knit, purl, yarn overs and a 3-stitch I-cord bind off. Super wash sock yarn is recommended for this project to ensure a nice drape. I used a merino/nylon blend from Leo and Roxy Yarn Co. Basics Fingering.

Depending on how large you want to make your shawl (this one will cover the shoulders with a modest amount draping the back), you will use most of the ball. Just be sure to reserve enough yarn for the I-cord cast off! Conversely if you want a much larger shawl, make sure to have a second ball of yarn on hand.

If you wanted to turn this into a stash buster, you could use bits of leftover sock yarn to make a colorful shawl. Remember, this is to be a practical garment, ready to be put to use at home, in the garden, in hospital, or on vacation!