How to Make a Shawl with Pockets: A Stylish and Practical Project
Embarking on a knitting project that combines both style and functionality is a delightful way to enhance your wardrobe. One such project is creating a shawl with pockets. This article will guide you through the process of making a shawl with pockets, ensuring that your final product is both beautiful and practical.
Materials Needed
Before you start, gather all the necessary materials. You will need:
– Yarn: Choose a yarn that is comfortable to wear and that matches your desired color scheme. For a shawl with pockets, a medium-weight yarn works well.
– Knitting needles: Select needles that are appropriate for your yarn. The size will depend on the yarn’s recommended needle size.
– Scissors: You will need a pair of sharp scissors for cutting the yarn.
– Yarn needle: This is used for weaving in the ends and for closing up the pocket openings.
Choosing the Pattern
Select a shawl pattern that you like and that can accommodate the addition of pockets. Look for patterns that have a large enough opening to fit a pocket or consider modifying a pattern to include pockets. Once you have chosen a pattern, it’s time to start knitting.
Knitting the Shawl
Follow the pattern instructions to start knitting your shawl. Pay attention to the increases and decreases, as these will determine the shape of the shawl. As you progress, you will reach the point where you need to add the pockets.
Adding the Pockets
To add the pockets, follow these steps:
1. Knit the shawl according to the pattern until you reach the desired width for the pocket.
2. Mark the center of the pocket area by placing a marker or a piece of contrasting yarn.
3. Knit across the marked area, leaving a gap of about 10 inches (25 cm) for the pocket opening.
4. After the gap, continue knitting across the rest of the row to maintain the shawl’s shape.
5. Repeat this process for the second pocket, ensuring that it is centered and the same size as the first pocket.
Finishing the Pockets
Once the shawl is complete, you will need to finish the pockets. Here’s how:
1. Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail for weaving in the ends.
2. Thread the yarn tail through the yarn needle.
3. Weave in the ends on the wrong side of the shawl, securing them firmly.
4. On the right side of the shawl, pull the yarn tail to create a loop at the top of the pocket opening.
5. Repeat this process for the second pocket.
Closing Up the Pockets
To close up the pockets, follow these steps:
1. On the wrong side of the shawl, thread the yarn needle with the remaining yarn tail.
2. Starting from the inside of the pocket, weave the yarn needle through the rows of the shawl, creating a ladder-like pattern.
3. Continue weaving until you reach the top of the pocket opening.
4. Secure the yarn tail by weaving it back through the loops and trimming the excess.
Final Touches
Now that your shawl with pockets is complete, take a moment to admire your handiwork. Your new shawl is not only stylish but also practical, providing a cozy place to keep your hands warm and your essentials close at hand.
In conclusion, making a shawl with pockets is a rewarding knitting project that combines the warmth of a traditional shawl with the convenience of having a pocket. With the right materials and a bit of patience, you can create a unique and useful accessory that will be cherished for years to come.
