The Stellar Stripes Knit Shawl is one of those pieces that feels just as special to knit as it does to wear. ๐โจ
This free hexagon knit shawl pattern is worked from the center outward, creating bold, rhythmic stripes that radiate in a striking geometric shape. The finished piece drapes almost like a full circle when worn, wrapping around your shoulders in the most satisfying way.
Even though the original yak yarn has been discontinued, this sport weight knit shawl is incredibly versatile and easy to substitute.
If youโre exploring different shapes and constructions, donโt miss my full guide to knit shawl patterns, where I break down triangle shawls, crescent shawls, asymmetrical wraps, and more.
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. To learn more please visit my privacy policy here๐
What You Will Love About This Pattern ๐
- Unique center-out hexagon construction
- Easy-to-memorize stripe rhythm
- Beginner-friendly increases
- Customizable size
- Lightweight sport weight yarn
- Nearly full-circle drape when worn
- Excellent travel knitting project
This is what I call a โSocial Knitterโ project. You can chat. Watch a show. Travel. And still make beautiful progress. ๐ฌ๐งถ
Quick Pattern Overview
The Stellar Stripes Knit Shawl is a beginner-friendly sport weight shawl worked center-out in a hexagon shape. Featuring simple increases and two-row stripes, this project is highly memorizable and easily customizable in size.
Understanding the Hexagon Construction
Unlike a traditional triangle shawl, this piece grows evenly outward in six wedge-shaped sections.
Hereโs what that means for you:
- The increases are consistent and predictable.
- Each wedge grows at the same rate.
- The shape builds naturally without complicated math.
- The shawl drapes differently than a triangle.
Because it grows evenly, the finished piece wraps more like a soft circle around your shoulders.
Thatโs what gives it that modern, almost cape-like feel.
And yes โ you can make it larger simply by continuing the increase repeats. Just remember that larger size means more yarn.
Concentration Level ๐ท
If we were assigning concentration levels like we did during Tournament of Stitches, this would absolutely be:
Netflix & Chill
or
Social Knitter
The two-row stripe repeat is easy to memorize. The increases are consistent. The rhythm settles in quickly.
Itโs engaging enough to feel satisfying but not stressful.
A Perfect Travel Knitting Project โ๏ธ๐งถ
This shawl is ideal for travel knitting.
Why?
- The pattern is memorizable.
- You only change colors every two rows.
- There are no complicated lace charts.
- Itโs worked flat.
- You can easily pause and resume.
When traveling, make sure your knitting bag includes:
- Stitch markers
- Small scissors (TSA-compliant if flying)
- A tapestry needle
- A tape measure
- A small notions pouch
I love using an Erin Lane knitting bag with a separate notions pouch to keep everything organized.
If youโre flying, be sure to read my guide on taking knitting needles on a plane so youโre fully prepared.
Travel knitting is about simplicity and portability. This shawl checks every box.
Stitch Markers & Lifelines (Beginner Support)
Because this shawl uses strategic yarn overs and increases, stitch markers are your best friend.
Place markers between sections to:
- Maintain correct increase placement
- Catch mistakes early
- Reduce counting stress
And donโt be afraid to use a lifeline.
If youโre new, adding a lifeline after a repeat gives you confidence. If something goes wrong, you can safely rip back without panic.
Knitting should feel empowering, not stressful.
Finished Measurements & Gauge ๐
Gauge:
15 stitches = 4 inches in Garter Stitch
Finished Size:
23.5โ at widest point
44โ at longest point
Gauge is flexible, but it affects:
- Final size
- Yarn requirements
- Drape
If knitting looser, youโll use more yarn and create a larger shawl.
If knitting tighter, it will be slightly smaller and more structured.
Choosing the Right Yarn ๐งตโจ
Letโs talk about the original yarn choice first โ because this is a teaching moment.
The original yarn was 100% yak.
Yak fiber is special because it offers:
- Lightweight warmth
- Natural softness
- Subtle halo
- Excellent insulation without bulk
- Beautiful drape
For a center-out hexagon shawl, that lightweight warmth makes the fabric fluid without feeling heavy.
Yak also adds a slight glow that enhances the stripe effect.
Since itโs discontinued, we need smart substitutes.
What to Look for in a Substitute
Because of the construction and drape, choose:
- Sport weight yarn
- Wool or wool blend
- Good elasticity
- Soft hand
Avoid cotton. It lacks elasticity and can feel heavy in this construction.
Economical Option ๐ฐ
Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Sport
Affordable, structured, reliable stitch definition.
Mid-Range Option ๐
Soft, warm, beautiful drape.
Sleek Option โจ
Smooth, saturated color, excellent drape.
Needle Strategy ๐ชก
Youโll use U.S. 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles with a long cable.
Even though the shawl is worked flat, the circular needle holds the growing stitch count comfortably.
As the shawl expands, stitches increase dramatically.
โจ Designer Tip:
An interchangeable needle set allows you to switch cable lengths as the shawl grows without changing needle size.
Investing in good needles makes larger projects far more enjoyable.
Looking for a full knitting needle review of my favorite needles? Or maybe you are trying to figure out how to store your knitting needles? Check out these posts I have here on MarlyBird.com
Styling the Stellar Stripes Shawl ๐
Because of the hexagon shape, this shawl wraps beautifully.
Ways to wear it:
- Draped evenly across both shoulders
- Wrapped forward like a soft cowl
- Secured with a decorative shawl pin
- Layered over a jacket
Shawl pins work especially well with this shape.
If you want styling ideas:
๐ Check out my guide to styling shawl pins
๐ Watch my videos on how to make your own shawl pins
This shape highlights decorative pins beautifully.
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- Shopify: https://shop.marlybird.com/products/stellar-stripes-knit-shawl-pattern
- Etsy: https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=vMRXoG90hiM&mid=4231730&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F4462435199%2Fknitting-pattern-stellar-stripes-knit
- Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/stellar-stripes-shawl-knit
Free Stellar Stripes Knit Shawl Pattern Details
SKILL LEVEL
Adventurous Beginner
MEASUREMENTS
Finished Measurements
23.5โ [59.5 cm] at widest point x 44″ [112 cm] at longest point
Gauge
15 sts = 4″ [10 cm] in Garter Stitch
MATERIALS
Sample Yarn
Bijou Basin Ranch, Sport (100% yak, 328 yds / 300 m, 3.5 oz / 100 g CYCA #2 sport)
1 skein: Blue (A)
1 skein: Gold (B)
Note: This yarn has been discontinued.
Suggested Alternatives
Knit Picks, Yakish Yarn
Knit Picks, Wool of the Andes
Baa Ram Ewe, Skipper
Berroco, Ultra Alpaca Light Yarn
Malabrigo, Arroyo Yarn
Knitting Needle
U.S. 7 [4.5 mm] circular needles, 40โ [100 cm] length cable or size required for gauge
Notions
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
- Tape measure
- Blocking Squares
- Blocking Pins
- Soaking Basin
- Eucalan Wool Wash
- Ball Winder and Swift
ABBREVIATIONS
BO – Bind Off
K โ Knit
Kfb – Knit Front and Back
P โ Purl
Pm – Place Marker
Pwise – Purl Wise
Sl – Slip
Slm – Slip Marker
SSK – Slip, slip, knit
St(s) โ Stitches
Tbl – Through The Back Loop
Yo – Yarn Over
SPECIAL STITCHES
โญ๏ธ Kfb (Knit Front & Back): Knit through front and back of next stitch – 1 stitch increased.
โญ๏ธ Ssk (Slip, Slip, Knit): Slip 2 stitches, one at a time, as if to knit. Insert left hand needle into the front of these two stitches and knit them together from this position (1 stitch decreased)
SCHEMATIC
NOTES
- The color pattern for this shawl is made by changing yarn color every 2 rows. It is not necessary to cut the yarn each time you change. Simply leave the old color hanging at the edge, and carry it up when itโs time to use it again.
- The shawl is worked back and forth in rows.
- The circular needle is used in order to hold the full length of the sts.
- Stitch markers can be used between yarn overs to help maintain placement on the row.
- Bind off this shawl knitwise and be sure to not make the bind off too tight.
- Gauge is not crucial for this project, but will affect required yarn amounts and finished sizes if different from the gauge given above.
VIDEO TUTORIALS
- Long-Tail Cast-On >> Click Here for Video Help <<
- Knit Stitch (continental style) >> Click Here for Video Help <<
- Purl Stitch (continental style) >> Click Here for Video Help <<
- How to Knit Lace >> Click Here for Video Help <<
- How to Add Lifeline >> Click Here for Video Help <<
- How to Tink >> Click Here for Video Help <<
- How to Bury Ends >> Click Here for Video Help <<
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I appreciate your support and readership. You are the reason I can keep doing what I love and sharing it with others. So, thank you from the bottom of my yarn-loving heart! Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no cost to you.
STELLAR STRIPES KNIT SHAWL PATTERN
BEGINNING TAB
Using A, cast on 2 sts, and knit 2 rows.
Turn work 90 degrees, pick up 1 st from edge, turn work 90 degrees, pick up 2 sts from cast on edgeโ5 sts.
BODY
Row 1 (RS): Knit.
Row 2: Sl 1 pwise, pm, kfb 3 times, pm, k1โ8 sts.
Change to B.
Row 9: Sl 1 pwise, knit to end.
Row 10: Sl 1 pwise, slm, * yo, knit to 1 st before marker, yo, k1, slm; repeat from * 4 more times, yo, knit to last marker, yo, slm, k1โ49 sts.
Repeat the last 2 rows 4 more times, being sure to change colors every 2 rowsโ97 sts, 15 sts in first section, 16 sts in each other section, 2 edge sts.
Next 4 rows:
Change to B.
Row 1 (RS): Sl 1 pwise, knit to end.
Row 2: Sl 1 pwise, slm, yo, purl to last st, yo, k1โ99 sts, 16 sts in first 5 sections, 17 sts in last section, 2 edge sts.
Change to A.
Row 3: Sl 1 pwise, knit to end.
Row 4: Sl 1 pwise, slm, * yo, knit to 1 st before marker, yo, k1, slm; repeat from * 4 more times, yo, knit to last marker, yo, slm, k1โ111 sts, 18 sts in first section, 18 sts in each of 4 center sections, 19 sts in last section, 2 edge sts.
Repeat the last 4 rows 21 more timesโ405 sts, 82 sts in first section, 60 sts in each of 4 center sections, 81 sts in last section, 2 edge sts.
Using A, knit 6 rows.
STRETCHY BIND OFF
K2, * sl 2 to left hand needle, ssk, k1; repeat from * until 1 st rem.
Fasten off.
FINISHING
Weave in all loose ends.
Wet block to measurements.
Blocking Your Hexagon Shawl ๐ฆโจ
Blocking makes a huge difference here.
Because this is a geometric shape, you want to:
- Emphasize the six points
- Shape the wedges evenly
- Maintain symmetry
When wet blocking:
- Align to a grid
- Gently stretch each point
- Avoid overstretching
- Pin evenly
You can exaggerate the points slightly to enhance the hexagon shape.
Steam blocking is also an excellent option, especially with superwash yarn.
For full tutorials:
๐ How to Wet Block Knitting
๐ How to Steam Block Superwash Yarn
๐ Blocking Must-Haves Guide
Blocking is the transformation moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a good beginner knit shawl pattern?
Yes. It uses simple increases and garter stitch stripes.
Can I make this shawl larger?
Yes. Continue the increase repeats and purchase additional yarn.
How much yarn do I need?
Follow the pattern yardage. Add extra if sizing up.
Can I use acrylic?
Yes, but blocking results will differ.
Can I use cotton?
Not recommended due to lack of elasticity and drape.
What if I run out of yarn?
You can stop earlier or finish with a contrasting border.
Is this worked in the round?
No. Itโs worked back and forth in rows.
Is this similar to a triangle shawl?
No. It forms a hexagon and wraps differently.
Does gauge matter?
It affects size and yardage, but exact fit is flexible.
Is this part of a shawl collection?
Explore more designs in my Knit Shawl Patterns Guide.
More Knit Shawl Patterns Youโll Love ๐งถ
If you love this construction, explore even more shapes and styles in my complete Knit Shawl Patterns Guide.
Thereโs a shawl for every mood. If you love a sport weight knit shawl with extra texture, take a peek at the Eowyn Cable Knit Shawl… a textured right triangle with snug cables and double moss stitch.
Final Thoughts โจ
Stellar Stripes is modern, beginner-friendly, travel-ready, and endlessly customizable.
It teaches shaping.
It builds confidence.
It wraps beautifully.
And if you decide to make it bigger?
Even better.
โค๏ธ Your BiCrafty Bestie,
Marly Bird
