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Your Next Must-Make: Super Simple Crochet Shawl Free Pattern

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If you’re looking for your next summer make then look no further. You’ve found it. This Super Simple Crochet Shawl free pattern has everything you might want in a next new design. The yarn choice does all of the colorwork for you. The stitch pattern is easy without being boring. And the openwork design gives you an accessory you can make now and wear all summer.

easy crochet shawl pattern

The Right Yarn for The Job

Good yarn inspires me. Sometimes it’s the feel of the yarn. More often it’s the colorway. I’ll hold the yarn in my hands, mull it over, and let it speak to me. “Yarn, what do you want to be?” You might be surprised how often the yarn will answer you if you give it the chance! That’s precisely what happened with this project. This Super Simple Crochet Shawl free pattern emerged from the yarn itself.

I did have a project in mind – kind of. I wanted to create an accessory that I could wear to my son’s foot ball game. I also had in mind that I’d like to create a crochet shawl that I could easily turn into a cowl … or what ended up being a “shawlkerchief”. I had one ball of Red Heart’s Colorscapes Yarn in the colors that match my son’s team colors. So it all came together from there.

The Perfect Stitches for a Super Simple Crochet Shawl

When designing something super simple, it’s important to stick with basic stitches. And yet, you don’t want to be boring. After all, there are a million crochet shawl patterns out there. You don’t just want to replicate what’s already been done. So what I did here was took the most basic stitches – chains, single crochet, and double crochet. However, I combined them in such a way as to create small filet mesh. This is a form of mesh crochet in which you combine chains and double crochet stitches to create a beautiful, but simple, openwork design.

It’s a Great Summer Shawl

If you took a look at our summer craft tips, then you know that there are a few key traits you want in a summer crochet project. This is an openwork design so it lets the breeze in while you craft as well as while you wear it. Moreover, it’s a relatively small project so you won’t overheat while working on it. It’s a one-ball crochet project, so you don’t have to carry a lot with you if you want to take it traveling. Finally, this shawl is really versatile in terms of how you can wear it. Drape it over your shoulders. Or tie it into a kerchief. Use it in whatever way feels most comfortable to you depending on the summer weather.

Get The Super Simple Crochet Shawl Free Pattern

Are you ready to make your next great accessory? You can find this shawl pattern free here on the blog. Or on that page you’ll find a link to the Ravelry page.

super simple crochet shawl free pattern

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Here are some of my other beginner, easy, super simple crochet shawl patterns you might like:

Frequently Asked Questions

What yarn did you use for this super simple crochet shawl?

So here’s the thing… I used one ball of Red Heart’s Colorscapes Yarn for this project. The colors of the yarn actually inspired the whole design, which is pretty neat! It makes the colorwork completely effortless for you.

Is this shawl really beginner-friendly?

Honestly… yes! I designed it using the most basic stitches like chains, single crochet, and double crochet. I just combined them in a way that creates a lovely openwork design, sometimes called filet mesh, without being complicated.

Can this be worn as a cowl too?

That’s a great question! I actually had the idea of making it easily transformable into a cowl, or what I ended up calling a “shawlkerchief.” It’s super versatile, so you can wear it draped over your shoulders or tied up in different ways.

Why is this a good summer crochet project?

Yes! It’s perfect for summer because it has an openwork design that lets the breeze flow through while you work on it and while you wear it. Plus, it’s a relatively small, one-ball project, so it’s easy to take with you traveling and you won’t overheat while crafting.

Where can I find the free pattern for this shawl?

You’re in luck! You can grab the free pattern right here on the blog… just click the link that says “free here on the blog.” There’s also a link on that page to the Ravelry version if you prefer.

If You’re Not Part of the Marly Bird Spring KAL…

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Have you seen the most recent Marly Bird / Yarnspirations Spring Kal – the steeked cardigan that we’re working on right now? If not, then check it out, because it’s not too late to join. Plus, today I wanted to take a look back at all of the Spring KALs we did in past years. Once the knit-alongs are finished, the full pattern becomes available. Therefore, all of these are great patterns that you might enjoy giving a try.

Marly Bird spring kals

2021 Steeked Cardigan Spring KAL

Marly Bird Steeked Cardigan KAL

This year’s spring KAL has already started. However, it’s not too late to join in on the fun. Learn all about the Steeked Cardigan KAL here. You’ll see that we’re working on a knit cardi sweater with thumbholes, pockets, and steeking. These are great techniques for all knitters to work on. Some of the BiCrafty Bootcampers are even working on this Spring KAL – and they’ve only been knitters for a couple of months now!

Join the Marly Bird KAL Facebook group to see how everyone’s doing on this one.

Join this Spring KAL over on the Yarnspirations Sign-Up Page.

2020 Spring Knit Vest Pattern

Marly Bird Spring KAL Vest

Last spring we worked on the Spring Knit Vest. The yarn does all of the colorwork for you to create the beautiful effect of this vest pattern. We implemented a lot of summer craft tips to make this a great project to knit now and wear over the next few months. This knit vest is available in seven sizes. It includes instructions for figuring out your sizing.

Bonus: You can add sleeves to make it a knit sweater vest.

2019 Spring KAL: My First Knit Sweater

spring kal sweater

The Spring KAL event offers a terrific opportunity to learn how to knit new things. Therefore, we went with the “first knit sweater” in 2019. Spring gives us that energy and bounce to attempt new techniques and tackle big projects. Plus, with extra hours of daylight, we have more time for crafting. This is a comfy, cozy sweater that can easily become your go-to pullover.

2018 Spring KAL: My First Socks

first knit socks spring kal

Whether or not you’ve knit socks before, this is a great pattern to play around with this summer. After all, socks are the item that most people have in mind when learning to knit. Many of the BiCrafty Bootcampers might take an interest in this pattern. And socks are a perfect summer project because they’re lightweight and small so they aren’t too hot to work with during the warmest days of the year.

2017 Textured Triangle Shawl Knit-Along

triangle shawl spring kal

This is a knit lace shawl, which is another perfect spring / summer make. It is light enough to craft comfortably in warmer weather. Plus it’s a good layering piece for summertime when the temperatures can change dramatically once the sun goes down.

Summer Challenge: Knit All 5 Spring KAL Pieces

Looking for a good way to challenge yourself this summer? Work your way through all five of these patterns. At the end of the summer you’ll have a shawl, a vest, a cardigan, a sweater, and a great pair of socks. Don’t forget to take photos of Flat Marly with you as you craft, especially if you’re crafting on the go!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the latest Spring KAL project?

So here’s the thing… the latest Spring KAL is the 2021 Steeked Cardigan! It’s a knit cardi with thumbholes and pockets, and it’s a great way to learn steeking.

Can I still join the 2021 Steeked Cardigan KAL?

Yes! Honestly… it’s not too late to join the fun even though it’s already started. You can find all the details on the Steeked Cardigan KAL page.

What were the past Spring KAL projects?

Oh, we’ve done some fun ones… In 2020, it was a Spring Knit Vest, 2019 was “My First Knit Sweater,” 2018 was “My First Socks,” and 2017 was a Textured Triangle Shawl.

Is there a way to challenge myself this summer with these KALs?

Yes! You can totally do a Summer Challenge and work through all five of the past Spring KAL patterns. Imagine… a shawl, a vest, a cardigan, a sweater, and socks!

Where can I find the patterns for these KALs?

Honestly… most of the full patterns become available once the knit-alongs are finished. You can find links to each specific KAL’s details within the blog post, like for the 2021 Steeked Cardigan KAL or the 2020 Spring Knit Vest.

17 Summer Craft Tips to Boost Your Knit and Crochet Joy

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It’s fun to craft at any time of year. However, many people find it uncomfortable to work with yarn during the hottest months of summer. High temperatures don’t mean that you need to put your yarn down, though. These 17 summer craft tips will help improve your knitting and crochet joy despite the warmer weather.

knit and crochet summer tips

1. Select Summer Yarns

The most important of all the summer craft tips is to choose your fiber carefully. Wool is a winter yarn; cotton is a summer yarn. Other summer yarns include linen, hemp, bamboo, and silk.

Likewise, bulky yarns are usually better in winter (with some exceptions). In contrast, it feels cooler to work with thread, lightweight yarn or DK weight yarn during the summer. See our recommended yarns for each yarn weight here.

2. Look for Small, Quick Projects

You probably don’t want to have a big heavy blanket growing on your lap as you craft this summer. Therefore, you’ll want to look for small, quick projects. Knit or crochet dishcloths, amigurumi, pillow covers, scrubbies, and thin scarves.

3. Or Work With Motifs

If you do have a large project that you want to complete, then try to do so in pieces. In other words, one of our top summer craft tips is to look for motif-based projects. Choose projects that you can work in small bits and batches. Perhaps you might wait until the weather is cooler to stitch them all together at the end.

4. Learn A New Craft

Sometimes all that it takes to get over the “it’s too hot to craft” hump is to get so excited about your project that you don’t care about the heat. Therefore, you might want to take the opportunity to learn a new craft this summer. You’ll be so busy enjoying tackling those new skills that you won’t worry about the heat.

5. Or Learn A New Technique

You don’t have to try an entirely new craft in order to get excited about your work again. Learn a new knitting or crochet technique to boost the joy of summer crafting.

Bonus tip: take a class. Meeting people in an air-conditioned classroom while learning new crafting skills is a great way to enjoy the summer.

6. Set Up Your Space for Cool Crafting

The better your set-up, the more you’ll enjoy crafting. In summertime, this might mean setting up a fan or air conditioner in your craft space. Alternatively, you might move your craft chair away from windows with direct sunlight. Or simply pull the drapes and set up great indoor lighting.

7. Knit and Crochet in the Wee Hours

Do your crafting first thing in the morning. Alternatively, take out your knitting needles or crochet hooks after the sun has gone down. You can enjoy some wonderful summer crafting in those cooler hours of the day.

8. Make Things You Can Wear Immediately

free crochet sun hats patterns

This is another of our favorite summer craft tips. Craft summer wearables and accessories that you can enjoy using as soon as you’ve finished making them. For example, check out our 50 Free Summer Crochet Tops Patterns or 20 Free Knit Summer Tops Patterns. And to match, check out our roundup of the best crochet shorts patterns.

9. Make Projects With Kids

Kids can begin to learn knitting and crochet from a very early age. Therefore, these are great crafts to keep the whole family busy together in the summer. Come up with a project that you can work on together. This will add to the fun of the experience for everyone. Plus, you’ll save time and money trying to come up with family activities every day.

10. Do Crafts With Yarn Ends

Do you save your yarn ends? You know, the ones you snip off at the end of a project or the tiny bits leftover when you’ve won the yarn chicken game? If not, then you should start. And once you do, you’ll find that there are a lot of creative ways to use yarn ends. These projects are low-heat and fun for summer.

11. Take Yarn Traveling

You can take yarn project traveling with you on the road or in a plane. While there are a few exceptions about knitting needles on international flights, most plane travel allows both hooks and needles with no problems. This is a great way to pass the time on your summer travels. And don’t forget to take Flat Marly with you for a chance to win some prizes!

12. Join the BiCrafty Games

bicrafty games stitchalong

Celebrate the 2021 Summer Olympics with your fellow crafters. The BiCrafty Games are a knit and crochet mystery make-along. Learn all about it here.

13. Reconsider Your Hooks and Needles

If you love metal crochet hooks and knitting needles, then you’re definitely not alone. However, these sometimes get hot and sweaty during summer crafting. Consider switching over to bamboo for the summer months. Your hands will thank you.

14. Prep Project Bags

The summer can get really busy. Make crafting easier on yourself by getting your project bags ready in advance. Each bag should include the pattern, the yarn, the needles or hooks and any other additional notions necessary to complete that project. Place these in easy-to-grab places so that you can work on them when you’re ready. Then get the rest of your yarn out of the way this summer.

15. Set Up a Craft Table

Many of us work with our knitting and crochet in our laps. That’s normally fine. However, if you find that too hot during the summer months, then the solution is simple: set up a craft table. If you put your work on the table instead of your lap, you instantly cool off. This is one of those obvious-but-oft-forgotten craft tips.

Bonus tip: A portable laptop table is a great solution for on the go summer crafting.

16. Try Openwork Knit and Crochet Designs

These allow the breeze to come through as you craft. Moreover, they’re comfortable to wear / use during the warmer months of the year. If you haven’t done a lot of big open lacework in the past, then this summer could be a great time to give it a try.

17. Check Out Summer Craft Magazines

There are a lot of great craft magazines out there from both past and present. Plus there are tons of great knitting books and crochet books. Look for the ones that emphasize summer projects. They’re filled with summer craft tips that will help you enjoy yourself more this season.

What are your favorite summer craft tips? What’s your biggest gripe about summer crafting and what’s your biggest joy?

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of yarn should I use in the summer?

Honestly… you’ll want to choose your fiber carefully for summer crafting! Think cotton, linen, hemp, bamboo, or silk instead of wool. Lightweight yarns or thread also feel much cooler to work with when it’s warm out.

I don’t want to work on a big, heavy project in the heat. What can I do?

So here’s the thing… look for small, quick projects instead! Things like dishcloths, amigurumi, or thin scarves are perfect for summer. You could also work on projects in pieces, like motifs, and stitch them all together later when it’s cooler.

It’s just too hot to craft! Any ideas?

Yes! Sometimes all it takes is getting super excited about something new… try learning a new craft or a new technique this summer. You’ll be so absorbed in the fun of learning, you might not even notice the heat!

My hands get all sweaty with my usual hooks and needles. Help!

Oh, I totally get that! Many people switch to bamboo crochet hooks and knitting needles for the summer months. They just don’t get as hot and sticky as metal ones, and your hands will totally thank you!

How can I make my crafting space cooler?

Well… a few things can make a big difference! Set up a fan or air conditioner in your craft area, or maybe move your comfy chair away from any sunny windows. You can also just pull the drapes and rely on good indoor lighting.

44 Free Crochet and Knit Squares Projects

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Many projects are made of squares. They’re among the most common projects out there. However, crochet and knit squares don’t have to be boring! Find new ways to make projects with squares with these free patterns from Yarnspirations. Naturally there are a lot of blankets in the bunch. But you might be surprised at how many other types of patterns use squares as well. Of course, you can start by learning how to crochet the basic granny square. But there are tons of other choices, too.

5 image collage of items using crochet and knit squares as a base. Shade of blues knit blanket, mitered squares knit scarf (in red, orange, turquoise, and 2 shades of grey), simple scrubbies in various colors, squares shoulder bag in red with leather strap, Granny square blanket (crocheted in yellow, green, & white).

Crochet and Knit Squares Blankets

There are so many different ways to make crochet and knit squares into blankets. You can start in the middle, work in the round and end up with a square. The classic large granny square blanket would be the most obvious example of this. However, there are much more interesting designs as well.

Alternatively, you might make a bunch of different crochet and knit squares. Then you’d stitch them together for a patchwork throw, Sometimes they’re all the same size but make them in different sizes for a more unique design.

These blanket, afghan and throw patterns will all make you excited about using squares:

Diagonal Squares Throw - Free Knitting Pattern (Garter Stitch knitting in shades of blue with hints ofyellow, green, and grey). Squares worked corner to corner and joined to show Xs and diamonds.

Other Home Decor Made of Squares

Of course, blankets are a form of home decor. However, there are so many other things you can make to use around the house. Baskets, scrubbies, floor cushions and more can be square or made of squares. Some of the most fun pieces in this roundup are the stuffed animals that use crochet and knit squares.

Chic Carry All Bag - Free Crochet Pattern. Textured shoulder bag in red yarn. 2 large motifs worked from the center outward, joined with gusset to give bag depth. Leather shoulder strap joined to bag with large metal circles and tabs.

Crochet and Knit Squares To Wear

Squares are perfect to make scarves, sweaters, and shawls! You could string together a set of squares to make a simple scarf. A large crochet or knit square can be a shawl in and of itself. Two squares together form the basic foundation of a sweater. Plus, of course, you can combine squares of different shapes and sizes to make flattering, fitting clothing.

Miter Me This Chic Scarf - Free Knitting Pattern. Knit mitered squares in 3 sizes. Modular construction.

More Shapes to Make

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are squares such popular knit and crochet projects?

Squares are the ultimate modular crafting unit! They’re small enough to finish quickly (instant gratification!), portable for on-the-go crafting, and they combine into almost any finished project size. You can make one square as a test of a new stitch pattern, or make 100 and join them into a blanket. They use up stash yarn beautifully. And there’s something deeply satisfying about making a stack of identical (or wildly different!) squares and watching them accumulate into something bigger.

What’s the most popular type of crochet square?

The granny square is the undisputed queen of crochet squares… it’s been around for over a century and it never goes out of style. Classic granny squares, solid granny squares, floral grannies, star grannies, C2C blocks… the variations are endless. But this collection goes well beyond granny squares into mosaic designs, textured patterns, colorwork blocks, and more. If you can make a square, you can make anything in this collection.

How do I join crochet or knit squares neatly?

There are several joining methods! The join-as-you-go (JAYG) technique attaches each new square as you finish it… no separate seaming step. The slip stitch join creates a visible ridge that can be a decorative feature. The flat slip stitch join or mattress stitch seam creates an invisible join. The whipstitch is quick and casual. The “right sides together single crochet join” is very clean and sturdy. The method you choose affects the look and drape of the finished project… experiment with a few before committing to hundreds of squares.

What can I make with knit and crochet squares?

Blankets and throws are the classic, but squares are incredibly versatile! Bags and totes made from joined squares are beautiful and sturdy. Square pillows, pot holders, coasters, and table mats are quick projects. Garments built from squares… ponchos, cardigans, vest panels… have a fun patchwork quality. Wall hangings and decorative banners. Sampler projects where each square explores a different stitch. The square is the launching pad… where you go from there is limited only by your imagination.

How do I make sure all my squares are the same size?

Gauge… and counting. Work all squares to the same stitch count, the same number of rounds, and the same yarn weight and hook or needle size. Even tiny variations in your tension can add up across a blanket’s worth of squares. Blocking individual squares before joining is incredibly helpful… lay them all out flat, wet block or steam block to the same dimensions, and let them dry pinned in place. Squares that look slightly different in the pile can become surprisingly uniform after blocking.

How to Make Pom Poms with Clover PomPom Maker

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Clover crochet hooks are among the most popular crochet hooks. That’s not all that they make that’s awesome, though. For example, have you seen the Clover PomPom maker? There are pompoms on so many different knit and crochet patterns. It’s not a trend; it’s a design feature. It’s going to stick around. If you want to make it easier to make pom poms, then learn how to use the Clover PomPom Maker in this video tutorial.

*This post contains affiliate links. By clicking one of these links a portion of your purchase will go to the blog, the price you pay will not change. Thank you for your support of the blog*

how to use a pompom maker

Where To Use Pom Poms:

If you haven’t jumped on the pom pom bandwagon quite yet then let me tell you why I love them.

First of all, pom poms are great for everyone. They can be used on items made for men, women, children.

Second, you can easily add a little spice to any project by adding a pom pom. You can add it to a scarf, a blanket, a hat, a hooded sweater, the possibilities are endless. Really, it’s just a super simple way to add color, texture, and design detail to virtually any project.

Plus, they can be functional. Personally, I love using pom poms to cover the holes that are left at the top of hats. Pom Poms add a little something special to a basic hat. Or to anything else.

Pom Pom Makers:

Searching through Pinterest, you can find many different ways to make a pom pom. The most common ways are using a pom pom maker or using the ‘old fashioned way’ with cardboard. Each way of making a pom pom will give you slightly different results. Try out a few ways and see what you like best. It might be different for each project.

That said, a pom pom maker really makes your life a lot simpler. Using the right tool always does. If you love Clover crochet hooks, then naturally you might want to check out the brand’s pom pom maker. Of course, you might want different sizes of pom poms for different projects. The Clover pom pom maker comes in extra small, small, large, and extra large sizes. Plus they have a cute heart-shaped option for special projects.

Marly Bird’s Pom Pom Posts:

Have I talked you into giving pom poms a try? Take a minute to look at two of my older posts that also include pom poms.

First, I put together a photo tutorial of making your own pom pom to add as an embellishment on a package. See the tutorial on making a pom pom package topper. Try it on your next handmade package.

As mentioned before you can add also pom poms to blankets. You could add them to each corner or you could use them as a border option. See the photo tutorial of adding a crochet pom pom border on the blog. Have fun with pom poms once you’ve learned how to make them.

Pom Pom Maker Video Tutorial

Here’s the video tutorial for the Clover PomPom maker. It shows you exactly how to use it to make pom poms for all kinds of different projects. If you love Clover crochet hooks then you want to at least give this item a try.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use pom poms for?

Honestly, you can add a pom pom to almost anything! They’re great for adding a little spice to scarves, blankets, hats, or sweaters. Plus, they’re super functional for covering up those little holes at the top of hats…

Are there different sizes of the Clover Pom Pom Maker?

Yes! The Clover Pom Pom maker actually comes in a few different sizes. You can get it in extra small, small, large, and extra large. They even have a cute heart-shaped one for special projects!

Is it hard to use the Clover Pom Pom Maker?

So here’s the thing… while there are a bunch of ways to make pom poms, the maker really does make your life a lot simpler. Using the right tool always helps, and this one is pretty straightforward, especially with the video tutorial!

Can I only use the Clover Pom Pom Maker for crochet projects?

Nope! While the post mentions Clover crochet hooks, pom poms themselves aren’t just for crochet. You can add them to pretty much any knit or crochet project to give it that extra special touch.

Where can I see more of your pom pom projects?

Oh, you’re in luck! I have a couple of older posts with pom poms. You can check out my tutorial on making a pom pom package topper, or even how to add a crochet pom pom border to blankets. Have fun with them!

BiCrafty Bootcamp Complementary Hat || Stranded Knitting…

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It’s time for the next part of BiCrafty Bootcamp knitting lesson 12. You have already worked the BiCrafty Bootcamp Complementary Hat pattern past the Latvian Braid. Awesome! Now, you are ready for some simple stranded knitting colorwork. This will form the next section of the hat.

stranded knitting colorwork

What Is Stranded Knitting?

This technique is our introduction to colorwork in knitting. Of course, you might already have incorporated playing with color into your knitting. After all, we learned how to change colors in knitting way back in lesson four when we learned to how to knit stripes. You might have opted to change colors for each section of the knit cowl. However, stranded knitting is more than just changing colors – it’s a true colorwork technique.

In this technique, you change colors within the same row. So, instead of creating stripes, you’re creating a pattern with color. Although you can work with multiple colors, stranded knitting usually uses two colors per row. Since the Latvian braid we added to the hat is also worked in two colors, this color technique is a great next step for this knit hat pattern.

What Are Floats in Knitting?

Stranded knitting is so-called because you carry the unused color behind the work creating a “strand” of color there. Those strands are also called floats. Sometimes you’ll need to tuck your floats as you knit. Learn more about this here. This is one of the major things people learn in knitting colorwork, so you’re truly more than just a beginner knitter now!

Is Stranded Knitting the same as Fair Isle?

Stranded knitting is a form of colorwork. There are many different types of knit colorwork, most of which use this technique. Not all of them do, however. For example, intarsia knitting is a colorwork technique that does not use stranded knitting. Fair Isle, on the other hand, does use this colorwork technique. However, Fair Isle is a very specific colorwork technique. It’s a specific type of pattern that comes from the Fair Isle region, thus the name. So, yes, Fair Isle uses stranded knitting … but not all stranded knitting is a Fair Isle pattern. All squares are rectangles but not all rectangles are squares.

BiCrafty Bootcamp Complementary Hat || Stranded Knitting Instructions:

The stitch multiple repeat for this part of the hat is 6. Therefore, it is necessary for us to increase from 100 stitches to 102. Do this by working 2 M1’s (video for how to do a M1) at some point around the first round. (I go over this in the live teaching video below as well).

We’re going to work with a chart now:

Knitting pattern grid featuring a chart with blue and purple colors, indicating main and contrasting stitches.

Continue with the following chart for this section of the hat. 

  • Read the chart from right to left. 
  • Each square of the chart represents a stitch in the repeat. 
  • Knit with the color identified in the square. 
  • Do NOT twist the yarn in this section! Hold the MC in the left hand (continental style) and the CC in the right hand (English style) when working the stranded chart.  

Keep the floats of the color not in use loosely stranded along the back of the hat. Do NOT pull the floats too tight!

Drop contrasting color (CC) (do not cut.)

Next Round: With MC, knit around

This Week’s Video Lesson

Here’s the live video where I show you how to do the colorwork for this part of the knit hat project:

Additional Patterns and Videos to Try

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Frequently Asked Questions

I’m new to colorwork, what exactly IS stranded knitting?

So here’s the thing… stranded knitting is a super fun way to add patterns with color to your knitting! Instead of just changing colors for stripes, you use multiple colors within the same row to create a design. It’s like painting with yarn, but you’re using two colors at a time for this technique.

What are those “floats” I keep hearing about?

Honestly… floats are just the strands of yarn you carry along the back of your work when you’re not using a particular color. They’re totally normal in stranded knitting! Just be sure to keep them a little loose… you don’t want them to pull your knitting all wonky.

Is stranded knitting the same thing as Fair Isle?

Yes! … but also no! Fair Isle knitting IS a type of stranded knitting, but it’s a very specific style from a particular region. Think of it like squares and rectangles… all Fair Isle is stranded knitting, but not all stranded knitting is Fair Isle. This hat uses simple stranded knitting, which is a great way to start!

I need to increase stitches for this part of the hat… how do I do that?

You got this! For this section, you’ll need to increase from 100 stitches to 102. The easiest way to do that is by working two M1 stitches somewhere in the first round. There’s a video linked in the post if you need a visual! Just follow along, and you’ll be all set.

When I’m working the chart, how should I hold my yarn?

Great question! The tip for this section is to hold your main color (MC) in your left hand and your contrasting color (CC) in your right hand. This helps prevent you from twisting your yarns, which can be a bit tricky when you’re just starting out with stranded knitting. Just keep those floats loose on the back, and you’ll do wonderfully!

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