How To Knit An Easy Triangle Wrap
When I first started blogging about my projects, I shared an easy triangle shawlette and recently wanted to make a pattern that was very similar but with a lighter weight yarn. This particular wrap isn’t so much a pattern as it’s a “how to” make a super easy, completely beginner friendly triangle scarf. You start with just one, wee little stitch on your needle which is the point of your triangle and will increase from there. I’ve included a video tutorial for you to see just how easy it is to knit this up. It can be used as a shawlette, scarf, cover-up or just use this as a method to knit a triangle! It’s shockingly simple. There’s no counting and it’s mindless. Did I mention it’s easy? Yeah.
For those of you who are a bit more adventurous, I’ve added some drop stitches into the pattern. But you don’t have to do those!! If you work this triangle in the knit stitch only, it will turn out beautifully. If you want to add some drop stitches, why, go for it!
Official little explain-a-she-on:
This light and airy, easy triangle wrap can be worn like a scarf, small shawlette or simple cover-up. The open stitch work makes it the perfect accessory for warm weather and its versatility will take you from summer into fall. Use this as a light layer for festival season, swim suit cover-up, or as a statement piece to add some color and style to just about any outfit. The pattern is perfect for beginner knitters wanting to stretch their skills or any knitter that enjoys an easy project!
Video Tutorial “How To Knit Easiest Ever Triangle Wrap” HERE
As usual, the free pattern can be found below or you may purchase the inexpensive, ad-free PDF version from my ETSY shop HERE! Thank you!
You will need:
US Size 8 (5.0 mm) 24” inch – 36” inch circular knitting needles knitting needles
1 Skein Lion Brand Shawl In A Ball in Cleansing Quartz (150 g/518 yards) or comparable worsted weight yarn
Scissors
Tapestry Needle to weave in ends
Skill Level:
Beginner +
Abbreviations/Skills needed:
CO – Cast on
k – knit
yo – yarn over
(this pattern uses drop stitches)
Gauge isn’t important for this pattern.
Size
Shawl measures approximately 42” inches across at longest point and 32” inches from top center of piece to bottom point. Size will vary as tension varies from knitter to knitter. In addition, it’s easy to modify how large or small you make this wrap. Simply knit for more or less rows to make a larger or smaller piece.
Notes:
This is more of a “how to” than a strict pattern where you must follow gauge and exact instructions. It is very customizable for your knitting level and you may make it as large or small as you want! You should know the knit stitch and yarn over for this pattern. (I have shared a video to walk you through the stitches step by step if you need additional help) Drop stitches are created throughout the pattern, but these are optional. You may choose to make the wrap entirely in the garter stitch especially if you’re a beginner (See the garter stitch section of the pattern).
The wrap is worked from the bottom point, upward. By increasing as you knit, your wrap will become larger and wider as you make it.
NOTE: The drop stitch portion that I’ve included does not have increases. This means that it is straight at these sections and the shawl only gets wider at the garter stitch sections. This also creates a longer and skinnier shawl which is different than many shawls and is why I prefer it as a triangle scarf! Keep this in mind if you choose to make it!
Above: Beginning with just one stitch on your needle, you will increase as you knit creating a beautiful triangle as you work the pattern.
Pattern
Garter Stitch Section:
CO 1 stitch (In other words, make a slip knot and slip it over your left hand needle. You will knit this stitch in row 1)
Row 1 With one stitch on your needle, yo, k1 (1 stitch)
Row 2 yo, k across (2 stitches)
Row 3 yo, k across (3 stitches)
Row 4 yo, k across (4 stitches)
Repeat this pattern, creating a yo and knitting across each row for approximately 3” inches. Once you have completed three inches of this pattern, move onto the Drop Stitch Section of the pattern.
(If you prefer, you may make the entire wrap with this pattern from the Garter Stitch Section. This is a very simple method to knit a triangle wrap. You simply will not have the open look of the drop stitches as pictured)
Drop Stitch Section:
Row 1 Insert working needle into 1st stitch knit wise. Wrap yarn around needle two times (2 yarn overs) then pull yarn through as if to knit. Repeat this with each stitch across the row.
Row 2 Knit the 1st knit stitch, slide the yarn overs off the needle and continue to knit each knit stitch, sliding the yarn overs off the needle across the row.
Repeat rows 1 & 2 of the Drop Stitch Section four times.
Once you’ve repeated rows 1 & 2 for a total of four times in the Drop Stitch Section, you will repeat the Garter Stitch Section.
For the remainder of the pattern, continue to make 3” inches of garter stitch and 4 sets of Drop Stitch Section. Repeat this until you run out of yarn or until your piece measures approximately 42” inches across or it is as wide as you’d like.
Make it larger or smaller by decreasing or increasing the number of rows that you knit. You can also add fringe for extra boho flair if you have extra yarn!
I hope that you enjoyed knitting this simple triangle wrap!
-Jessica
Thank you to Lion Brand Yarn for supplying the yarn for this project!
What a great and easy pattern!!! Perfect project to take on vacation next month!! Thank you!!!!!
It is a good, mindless one. So happy you like it Brenda…thanks for all of your support!
Another project for me to start along with my 5 other ongoing projects!
Lol! I know the feeling Rhonda!
OMG, Jessica, this is absolutely gorgeous! I can’t wait to make this! Thank you so much for sharing!!!!!
I’m so glad that you like it Jane!
I’m very confused. I saw this a couple of days ago and I read that you used two balls of lion brand textures yarn for this So I ordered my two balls of yarn and came on your blog to read the pattern again to make sure I had the needles it calls for and now I see you say you are using shawl in a ball. In k going crazy? Lol
Oh no! It’s totally okay though Kathy – I made a very similar pattern last year with Textures! You may have seen that one. You can still follow the very same pattern though and it will work out. You simply should use the needle size that the Textures calls for. Or use even a larger size for a more open look and for it to work up quicker!
Thanks Jessica lol! So I’m not going crazy then. I picked up the shawl in the ball today because I’m very determined. Haha. But I do have the textures coming Wednesday. So can you please tell me what pattern of your that you used for the textures? I guess I will just have to make both! 😉 thanks for all you do!
Hey Kathy,
Hey Kathy! For your textures, please follow this same pattern as with the Shawl In A Ball, only use the larger needles that I used with this pattern here -> https://www.mamainastitch.com/knit-shawlette-pattern-with-video-tutorial/
The textures pattern is not written very well written at all (guess I hadn’t been doing this long enough – lol!) and is identical to the Shawl In A Ball pattern, only it uses larger needles.
Please delete the other post….
This will make great Mother’s Day gifts. Did you make it with the whole skein, or can more than one be made from a skein? (I asked a similar question under your YouTube tutorial; please excuse the double posting. )
Hi Denise – This one in the photo was made with the entire skein. Thanks for asking!
I found your pattern for lion brands textures yarn. It is right here in this pattern. I would have seen it if I had read more throughly. That’s what I must have clicked on when i ordered my yarn but that’s ok I will make my daughter one to wear with her swimsuit. Thanks so much!
FYI/ I love lion brands shawl in a ball yarn! It’s working up beautifully
Awesome! So happy to hear that Kathy!
Do I need to use circular needles, or are king ones ok?
You can do it on long needles, but depending on how large you make it there’s a chance you’d have to transfer it onto circulars if your needles can’t hold it any longer.
Hello Jessica, Enjoyed the new website especially the headings/buttons. It had a clean simple “feel” with large photographs … ^..^ ^..^
Thanks Mary! I’m glad that you like the large photos. I really wanted the photos to be larger than the last one. Thanks so much for letting me know!
Hi Jessica…Andrea from Boise…the closet blog reader(lol) well, I guess I can’t call myself that anymore because every few days I go directly to your blog… Not only do I find wonderful ideas and beautiful patterns, it is so refreshing to find someone who kindly responds to others promptly, as if they were old friends. One of the reasons I don’t read many blogs is it so often they are so negative, or their readers are unappreciative and mean spirited. (Of course, a lot of exceptions, I’m sure) and people are so self-centered… After I read yours with all the wonderful ideas, and read the questions and responses, I totally feel uplifted… it truly makes me believe in the adage that “one person can make a big difference in many lives.” Have a beautiful week and I am looking forward to many more of your wonderful projects and your readers questions and your answers. Also, thank you, thank you for taking up what I know is quite a bit of precious time, to make things so easy by doing step-by-step and taking time to do the wonderful videos… You are indeed a kind and unselfish person. Love the new Triangle scarf post!!!!
Hi Andrea (closet reader – ha ha) ! WOW! Thank you so much – you talk about the kind readers and you are most certainly one of them. I’m so humbled by your sweet comments and that you would take the time to write to me. It really is a true highlight of blogging to be able to “meet” gals like you! This blog does definitely take time but it is a real joy. Every now and then I don’t completely feel like writing out a pattern….I’d like to make it and forget it. But at the very same time, I LOVE sharing them here on the blog!! I can’t really imagine my life without it any more. Lately I’m not as quick to respond to some comments and questions because life has gotten so very busy, so it makes me happy that you still see that I do try. 🙂 Thank YOU for making my day my friend!! I’m so happy that you like the Triangle Scarf post. You have a beautiful week there in Boise! xo
I am in the middle of knitting this great pattern. Thank you for all your great instructions and hints! I am an intermediate beginner and this is a great pattern! Thank you very much for sharing!!!
Hi Ruth! I’m so happy to hear that it’s working out for you as an intermediate beginner!! You’re welcome too – it’s fun to share. 🙂
Thank you for posting this lovely pattern. I am finding this very easy to do. I made a minor change to the one that I am making. After you have about 12 stitches on the needle I switched to doing 5 knit stitches and then 2 purl stitches then 5 again. Knit the next row.
I love the dropped stitch side to it as well
Very cool! Thanks for sharing how you modified it!
Hi…..I am knitting your shawl in a ball and also including the drop stitch section…I am a new knitter and I am a little perplexed…do you just keep knitting until you run out of wool and then cast off all the stitches…..is there no decreasing involved? I absolutely love your patterns ..thank you!!!
Hi Sharon! That’s correct. There’s no decreasing involved. Just knit away until you’re ready to cast off. 🙂 Thanks for your kind words about my patterns!
Thank you so much. It is such a pleasure to peruse your site. Your patterns are very well written and easy to follow and being a beginner knitter I have been able to accomplish a few of your patterns without wanting to tear my hair out!
You’re welcome! I’m so happy to hear that you like browsing my blog! Makes me so happy that you find the patterns to be easy to follow. 🙂 No tearing out hair is always a good thing. 😉
Hi, Jessica, I’m super-excited to start this project as a) I’ve been looking for a summery wrap, and b) it’s just pretty darned gorgeous. (Thanks for sharing!) Problem is my store is out of Shawl in a Ball. They did have Scarfie – which is bulky instead of worsted. Do you think it’d still be semisheer and summery if I went up in needle size? Would I need more or less yarn? Or do I have to stick to worsted weight yarn? : / Thanks for your thoughts on this.
You can get really creative with this one Cindy! Use whatever yarn you like with the corresponding needles. Of course, using a chunkier yarn will give you a heavier wrap, but that’s okay. Scarfie will work well but it will be a bit bigger and chunkier. 🙂
I just found your pattern and am starting it with scarce yarn yo wear in the fall. Thank you so much for your clear instructions, and for coming up with a triangle shawl that I don’t have to keep track of stitch markers!
Hi Lisa! Aww – you’re welcome! I hope that it turns out well for you and thanks so much for taking the time to write to me and let me know.
Thank you so much for the tutorial of the easiest triangle and the drop stitch. I am a self taught knitter and was getting frustrated with some of the patterns that I tried for a triangle scarf because they used markers. I was able to follow your tutorial and was pleased with the outcome. Thank you again for the great explanation. I will continue to persevere with knittitting and not cave into going back to crocheting which is my comfort zone.
Hi Jeanne!
You’re welcome! I’m so glad that this one worked out for you! I am not into counting stitches, stitch markers and complicated projects either. There are some people that love it, but I’m not typically one of them. You should be proud of yourself for being able to do this triangle shawl! While it’s simple, it can be a challenge for a new knitter. I hope you continue to enjoy knitting and crocheting!
I am an experienced knitter and I found this really stupid. Why would you do it like that? My way was easy. You have to be VERY dexterous to manage this. Why bother?
Hi Vicki,
Everyone has their preferences on how to knit. While you have your way that you enjoy, there are many people that like this method as you can see here in the comments section. I don’t think any method is stupid as long as it works for you.
Thank you for this wonderful easy pattern.
Can you use any yarn for it?
Yes, you can use any yarn and needles. Of course, the look will be slightly different but the pattern still works out!
could this pattern also work if you knit one row then purled the next and keep alternating that way?
Thanks
I’m a beginner.
I have made 2 of these so far. One drop stitch and one garter, the garter is my favorite, but both are beautiful. I am planning on making these as Christmas gifts for my sister-in-laws but most of our family are larger women is there a good way to make it wider without using 2 skeins and having it too long? Maybe add 2 or 4 stitches to each row as you go instead of just one?
Hi there, how would you adjust this pattern to say, make the “v” part half that size, and then the straight length at least 60 or so inches. Signed, “always math challenged but especially with knitting!”
I’d have to do some math on this one too Lisa! From your question though, you’d need to increase with more stitches on each row….how many though I’m not sure.
Thanks Jessica…I may have found a pattern that will help me figure it out. Love your color choices btw!
I’m attempting to make this now as I binge listen to the Lazy Genius Collective Podcasts. I love how simple but delicate it is. Thanks!
Awesome! You’re welcome!
I am making this now in the Community Coral colorway (same yarn as yours, SIAB). I love it! I did look for it on Ravelry bc I like to see other users finished projects before I start something new. I found your profile and many of your patterns, but did not see this one. I’d love to see it there, and add a photo of my FO when I am done!
I read everyone’s comments and am so happy to have ano3 shawl to make…loved ur simple pattern…thanks a ton
Where do I find the video for the easy knit shawl
First of all thank you for your YouTube post/Channel. I wanted to do an easy/beginner shaw pattern so I Googled just that and your YouTube link came up along with some others. However, after viewing them all I like yours the best =)
Question: why are your YO in a clockwise direction, that’s backwards? Are they suppose to be backwards YO? Will it matter?
Thank you,
Robin
I’m a pretty new knitter, but trying to get my stitches more consistent. This project is lovely! I found the drop stitches make my edging a little uneven. Maybe it will be better after blocking. If not, should I try to crochet an ending with a picot or something to mask the loose drop stitch section?
Thank you for 5e great patterns and instructions.
Yes, it is uneven with the drop stitch sections. With a heavy steam blocking, it should even out nicely. If not, you certainly can try a crocheted edge….or just embrace the edge as is. Hope this helps, Kathy! You also can make this without the drop stitches, and only garter stitch, which will give you that clean edge.