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In My Ornament Era — Free Fair Isle Knit Ornament Pattern

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The In My Ornament Era Knit Ornament pattern is a free Fair Isle colorwork pattern by Marly Bird — a miniature hat worked in the round from the bottom up using approximately 100 yards of worsted weight yarn in three colors. Sized at approximately 3″ in diameter and 9½” in circumference, this adventurous beginner project is the perfect introduction to stranded colorwork, reading a colorwork chart, and working in the round on DPNs or Magic Loop.

⚡ Quick Answer:

In My Ornament Era is a free knit ornament pattern by Marly Bird. You need approximately 100 yards of worsted weight (#4) yarn in three colors, US 5 (3.75mm) DPNs or circular needles for Magic Loop, and basic knitting-in-the-round skills. It finishes at approximately 3″ in diameter — perfect as a tree ornament, gift topper, or handmade keepsake that lasts for years. 🎄

In My Ornament Era Free Fair Isle Knit Ornament Pattern by Marly Bird

Hey, bestie 💛

I have a confession: I designed this one for Sleigh the Holiday 2026… and then completely lost an afternoon making it in five different color combinations.

That's the magic of a project this small. It's fast enough to be dangerous. You knock one out while watching a Christmas movie, decide the green and cream version needs a twin, and suddenly you're three ornaments deep and completely okay about it.

But here's what I REALLY love about this one: it's a genuinely great first colorwork project.

We're talking a tiny circle of stitches, three colors, and a chart that you read from the bottom up. Everything that feels intimidating about stranded colorwork? This ornament gives you a safe, low-stakes place to practice it. Including two methods of working in the round — DPNs and Magic Loop — both covered step by step in the video tutorial.

One hundred yards. That's the whole project. Your scrap basket called… it has GREAT news. 🎉

🧶 Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you… and it helps support free patterns and content from my yarn-loving heart 💛 See my privacy policy here.
In My Ornament Era Free Fair Isle Knit Ornament Pattern – Pin for Later

Jump to the free pattern →

Why You'll Love This Pattern 💖

🎄 It's the perfect first colorwork project. Most colorwork patterns ask you to dive headfirst into a full sweater or an 80-stitch hat. This ornament is just 48 stitches on a needle — a tiny, low-stakes sandbox where you can practice Fair Isle without committing to 500+ yards of your favorite yarn. If you've been curious about stranded colorwork but nervous to try it, this is your entry point.

🧶 Scrap yarn? YES, PLEASE. The whole ornament uses approximately 100 yards across three colors — which means this is basically an excuse to dig out every gorgeous leftover you've been hoarding and turn them into actual decorations. Holiday red, cream, and green. Dusty blue with silver. Team colors for the sports fan who has everything. Your scrap basket was MADE for this.

⚡ Quick and deeply satisfying. Once you get the colorwork rhythm going, this ornament knits up in a single evening. It's that kind of project. Small enough to finish, substantial enough to feel proud of, and cute enough that one will absolutely turn into a collection.

🎁 It makes a gorgeous handmade gift. Tuck it on a gift bag instead of a bow. Hang it on the tree. Tuck it in a stocking. Slip it inside a card to a fellow yarn lover who gets it. Handmade gifts with this much personality never go out of style.

📖 You'll come away knowing: how to knit in the round on DPNs or Magic Loop, how to read and work from a colorwork chart, how to carry yarn floats without puckering your fabric, and how to shape a crown with k2tog decreases. That's a genuinely impressive skills checklist… hidden inside a little hat for your Christmas tree.

Quick Pattern Overview

In My Ornament Era is a miniature Fair Isle hat knitted in the round from the bottom up. You start with a ribbed brim, work through a three-color stranded colorwork section using the included chart, then shape the crown with simple k2tog decreases until the stitches are gathered and closed.

The pattern is written for three colors — but it loves to be played with. More than three colors? Go for it. Skipping the pom pom? Totally valid. Want to use jute twine instead of the crocheted hanging loop? That's actually really cute.

Optional finishing includes a tiny pom pom (adding major personality) and a clear ornament ball stuffed inside to help the finished piece hold its round shape on the tree.

In My Ornament Era Fair Isle Knit Hat Ornament – Profile View
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Your First Colorwork Project — Getting Started with Fair Isle 🌈

Fair Isle knitting — technically called “stranded colorwork” — is the technique of carrying two or more yarn colors across your work to create a pattern. When you're not actively knitting with a color, it floats loose behind the work, ready to pick up again when the chart calls for it.

It sounds intimidating. And I'll be honest: a full-size Fair Isle sweater IS a commitment. But a tiny ornament? That's the ideal training ground, and here's exactly why:

  • The stitch count is small — so the colorwork chart flies by
  • The colorwork section is only a handful of rounds, not 100 rows of a sweater
  • ~100 yards of scrap yarn means zero guilt if you need to frog and try again
  • The finished result is something adorable you actually want on your tree
Prism Path Knit Swoncho – Fair Isle Colorwork Sweater Pattern by Marly Bird

The one skill to focus on as you practice: managing your floats. A float is that carried strand of yarn sitting behind your work. The goal is to keep floats relaxed — not so tight that they pucker the fabric, and not so loose that they snag when you put the ornament on the tree.

✨ Designer Tip: Keep your Fair Isle floats relaxed. Spread the stitches across the right needle every few stitches so the fabric stays flexible and does not pull in around the colorwork section. A good rule of thumb: if you can't slide three fingers behind your floats, they're too tight.

Once you've made one ornament with a relaxed float hand? You'll never look at a colorwork sweater the same way again. That's how it starts. 😉

💡 Good to Know: Stranded colorwork naturally knits up slightly tighter than plain stockinette. This actually works in your favor for ornaments — a denser fabric holds its shape beautifully. Gauge is not essential for this project, so don't stress the swatch. Just enjoy the process!
DPNs vs Magic Loop – Two Ways to Knit Small Circumference Colorwork Projects

DPNs vs. Magic Loop — Two Ways to Knit Small in the Round 🧶

Working a tiny circular project like this ornament means choosing how you'll knit in the round. You have two great options:

Option 1: Double-Pointed Needles (DPNs)

DPNs are a set of short needles (typically 4 or 5 in a set) where you distribute your stitches across multiple needles and knit from one to the next, rotating as you go. They're the traditional method for small-circumference projects like hats, socks, mittens… and ornaments. The needles look like a little star or spider when you first get going, which feels chaotic — but within a round or two, you'll have it. And there's something deeply satisfying about working with DPNs once you get the rhythm.

Option 2: Magic Loop

Magic Loop uses a single long circular needle (32-60″ cable works best) to knit small circumferences. You pull the cable into a loop, divide your stitches in half, and knit around two halves at a time. If you're already comfortable with circular needles and don't want to invest in DPNs, this is your method. It works beautifully for colorwork because you're always working with the same needle orientation.

Both methods are fully covered in the video tutorial — including the No Cuss Cast-On for DPNs, which I promise will make your life easier. Watch it before you cast on!

💡 Good to Know: No matter which method you choose, use the same needle tip size: US 5 (3.75mm). The method is just about the needle configuration, not the gauge. KnitPicks makes great needles in both styles if you're looking to add to your collection.

Video Tutorials 🎬

Yarn & Materials for In My Ornament Era 🧶

This project uses approximately 100 yards total across three colors — roughly 35 yards per color. That's scrap yarn territory. Your stash is basically a pile of future ornaments waiting to happen.

My Pick: Premier Anti-Pilling Everyday Worsted

I made mine with Premier Anti-Pilling Everyday Worsted… and I am obsessed. Smooth, affordable, and the anti-pilling finish means your ornaments will look just as beautiful in year ten as they did the first December you pulled them out of the box. It comes in a gorgeous range of holiday-ready colors, and the stitch definition is excellent for showing off a colorwork chart.

Premier Anti-Pilling Everyday Worsted Yarn for Fair Isle Knit Ornaments
✨ Designer Tip: When choosing yarns for colorwork, look for smooth (not fluffy or fuzzy) fibers with good stitch definition. Fuzzy yarn blurs the color pattern — clear, crisp stitches are what makes Fair Isle pop. Premier Anti-Pilling is my top pick for this exact reason.

Other Worsted Weight Yarns That Work Beautifully

This is a great time to raid your stash! Any worsted weight (#4) yarn will work. Here are some of my favorites for colorwork:

  • KnitPicks Brava Worsted — 100% premium acrylic, machine washable, incredible color range, budget-friendly. A colorwork dream.
  • KnitPicks Wool of the Andes Worsted — 100% Peruvian Highland wool with beautiful natural stitch definition. A classic colorwork yarn.
  • Berroco Vintage Worsted — wool/acrylic blend, machine washable, gorgeous muted color palette perfect for traditional Fair Isle.
  • Cascade 220 Superwash — machine washable wool, one of the most popular colorwork yarns in the knitting world. Crisp stitch definition.
  • WeCrochet Mighty Stitch Worsted — wool/acrylic blend, great softness and warmth. Works well for colorwork with excellent washability.
  • Lion Brand Heartland — widely available at craft stores, great color selection, smooth texture. An easy grab if you need yarn today.
💡 Good to Know: This is a genuine scrap yarn project — you only need about 35 yards per color. You could use three completely different yarn brands as long as they're all worsted weight. Mix and match from your stash freely!
In My Ornament Era Fair Isle Knit Hat Ornament in Holiday Colors

Materials List

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In My Ornament Era Knit Ornaments in Multiple Holiday Color Combinations

In My Ornament Era || Pattern Details

Designed by Marly Bird

SKILL LEVEL

Adventurous Beginner

MEASUREMENTS

Ornament measures 3” [7.5 cm] in diameter and 9½“ [24 cm] in circumference.

Gauge

​​20 sts = 4” [10 cm] in Stockinette St.

Note: Gauge is not essential for this item.

MATERIALS

Yarn

Approximately 100 yds [92 m] total of scraps of worsted weight yarn in 3 colors:

A (shown in light pink)

B (shown in green)

C (shown in red)

Needles

U.S. 5 [3.75 mm] set of 5 double-pointed needles, or size required for gauge.

Hook

Crochet hook in similar size for use in creating the (optional) hanging loop.

Notions 

Note: the ornament is not 100% necessary but it fills out the hat ornament nicely as it hangs. 

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ABBREVIATIONS

K – Knit

K2tog – Knit Two Together

P – Purl

RS – Right Side

St(s) – Stitch(es)

WS – Wrong Side

STITCH PATTERN

1 x 1 Rib

Worked circularly over an even number of sts.

Every Round: * K1, p1; repeat from * around.

CHARTS

Fair Isle Colorwork chart

In My Ornament Era Fair Isle Colorwork Knitting Chart
In My Ornament Era Fair Isle Knit Ornament – Color Reference

Fair Isle Colorwork chart – alternative color arrangement

In My Ornament Era Fair Isle Colorwork Chart – Alternative Color Arrangement
In My Ornament Era Fair Isle Knit Ornament – Alternative Color Arrangement

NOTES

  • Directions are for using 3 colors. More can be used, taking into account that this will change the appearance of the colorwork pattern.
  • Hat ornament is worked in the round from the bottom up.
  • A DIY ornament ball is placed into fabric after it is completed to help Hat hold its shape.
  • A hanging loop is crocheted onto the Hat, with an alternate option to use twine as the loop instead.
  • Do not cut unused colors unless instructed to do so; carry yarns up inside of project instead.
  • When working in Fair Isle colorwork (see Video Tutorials), keep the yarn floats on the inside with some give, or the fabric will become too tight. Spread the fabric out on the right needle after every few worked stitches to make sure it remains flexible.

VIDEO TUTORIALS

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In My Ornament Era Fair Isle Knit Ornament Pattern – Video Tutorial

In My Ornament Era || Pattern Instructions

BRIM

With A (shown in light pink), cast on 48 sts using the No Cuss Cast on (see Video Tutorials).

Join round being careful to not twist cast-on edge, and mark first st.

Work 3 rounds in 1 x 1 Rib, then knit 1 round.

BODY COLORWORK SECTION

Change B (shown in green), and knit 2 rounds.

Work 9 rounds in Fair Isle Colorwork, changing colors as indicated on chart.

⭐️ Fair Isle Colorwork chart above 👆

Cut A and C (shown in red), and continue with B only.

Knit 3 rounds.

SHAPE CROWN

Round 1: * K4, k2tog; repeat from * around.

Count: 40 sts.

Round 2: Knit.

Round 3: * K3, k2tog; repeat from * around.

Count: 32 sts.

Round 4: Knit.

Round 5: * K2, k2tog; repeat from * around.

Count: 24 sts.

Round 6: Knit.

Round 7: * K1, k2tog; repeat from * around.

Count: 16 sts.

Round 8: Knit.

Round 9: K2tog around.

Count: 8 sts.

Completed In My Ornament Era Fair Isle Knit Hat Ornament

FINISHING

Break yarn, thread tail into tapestry needle, and draw through each remaining st knitwise.

Pull tight like a drawstring to close.

Weave in all loose ends on WS.

Optional: Make a tiny pom pom and sew to top of Hat.

Crochet Hanging Loop (Optional)

Place slip knot on crochet hook, and slip stitch to top of Hat

Create a chain 9” [23 cm] long, then slip stitch again to top of Hat.

Fasten off.

Alternately: Use twine of the same length for Hanging Loop.

Insert DIY ornament ball into Hat to plump out the shape.

Favorite In My Ornament Era on Ravelry - Marly Bird

More Holiday Knit Patterns You'll Love 🎄

Love a small, satisfying knit? Here are more of my favorites to keep those needles moving:

In My Ornament Era Free Fair Isle Knit Ornament Pattern – FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the knit ornament pattern really free?

Yes! The full pattern is free to read right here on the blog. Scroll up to the Pattern Instructions section or click the “Jump to pattern” link at the top of the page. If you'd like an ad-free printable PDF, you can purchase that on Ravelry, Etsy, or my Shopify shop (to be added after the make-along).

What if I've never tried Fair Isle knitting before?

This ornament is genuinely designed with first-time colorwork knitters in mind! The colorwork section is just a few rounds, the stitch count is tiny, and the video tutorial walks you through every technique step by step. If you can knit and purl in the round, you can do this. I promise.

Can I use any worsted weight yarn, or does it need to be a specific fiber?

Any worsted weight (#4) yarn works! The most important quality for colorwork is smooth stitch definition — you want to be able to see each individual stitch clearly so the color pattern pops. Avoid fluffy or textured yarns (like mohair or bouclé) which will blur the chart. Check out the yarn suggestions in the Yarn & Materials section for my favorites.

Do I need DPNs specifically, or can I use circular needles?

You can use either! The pattern is written for US 5 (3.75mm) double-pointed needles, but Magic Loop on a long circular needle (47–60″ works great) is a totally valid option. Both methods are covered in the video tutorial so you can pick whichever feels more comfortable.

How long does it take to knit?

Most knitters finish in one to two evenings. The whole project is about 100 yards — it's a very quick knit once you get the colorwork chart going. It's a great take-along project for a movie night or a long car ride.

Can I make this without using three colors? What if I only have two?

Absolutely! You can simplify the colorwork to two colors by using one color for the main color and one contrast color throughout the chart. The result will look different from the original, but it'll still be adorable. You can also go wild and use MORE than three colors if your chart permits — this little ornament handles creativity beautifully.

In My Ornament Era was originally part of the Sleigh the Holiday 2026 Make-Along — a free annual event where knitters and crocheters stitch ornaments together! The VIP version gives access to the full ornament collection. The free pattern is the one right here on this page — you don't need VIP to make it.

Sleigh the Holiday 2026 Knitting VIP – Marly Bird Make-Along

Final Thoughts

Here's the thing about In My Ornament Era: it started as a make-along pattern, and it became one of my favorite things I've ever designed.

It's small. It's satisfying. It teaches real skills. It uses yarn you already own. It makes a gift that actually means something. And it looks completely adorable on a Christmas tree.

If you've been putting off trying stranded colorwork because it felt like too much… this is your sign to start here. On a tiny ornament. With your scrap yarn. With no pressure and everything to gain.

I cannot wait to see what color combinations you choose. 💛

If you cast it on, please please please share your progress… tag me @marlybird on Instagram or Facebook and use #MMMDI (Marly Made Me Do It), #MarlyBird, or #InMyOrnamentEra so I can see it. 💛

❤️ Your BiCrafty Bestie,
Marly Bird

A cartoon avatar of a person with glasses and a brown bun smiles warmly. Their green shirt and black jacket add a stylish touch, while colorful hearts surround them like loving temperature blankets, stitching together an aura of love and positivity. -Marly Bird

Easy Beginner Garter Stitch Bias Knit Shawl — Free Knitting Pattern

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Updated May 2026: This post has been refreshed with expanded content, a new yarn alternatives section, video tutorials, and an expanded FAQ.

The Easy Beginner Garter Stitch Bias Knit Shawl is a free knit shawl pattern by Marly Bird worked from a single corner outward in pure garter stitch. No purling, no charts, no complicated shaping… just a simple 2-row repeat that builds a beautiful diagonal drape all on its own. Any worsted or aran weight yarn works… and gauge does not matter. Keep going until your shawl is the size you love, then finish with the included garter edge bind-off.

If you have ever wondered how a shawl gets that gorgeous diagonal drape without any complicated shaping rows, this is it. This pattern uses a simple right-angle construction that starts from one corner and builds outward… the triangular shape creates itself as you go, and the result has that same beautiful diagonal look most knitters associate with bias knitting.

The only stitch you need is a knit stitch.
No purling.
No reading charts.
No counting complex repeats.

Just a satisfying 2-row pattern you will have memorized within the first few rows, worked in a self-striping or multi-color yarn that handles ALL the color changes for you. If you are a brand new knitter, this is one of the best first shawl patterns you will ever find. And if you are an experienced knitter looking for the perfect travel project… I see you, and this is it.

⚡ Quick Answer: The Beginner Garter Stitch Bias Knit Shawl is a free knitting pattern worked entirely in garter stitch — no purling, gauge doesn't matter, any worsted weight yarn works. The simple 2-row repeat grows on the bias for beautiful diagonal drape. Perfect first shawl for new knitters.
Four mannequins model a beginner garter stitch bias knit shawl in blue, purple, and white, each showcasing different drape styles.
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Hey, bestie 💛

I designed this shawl a while back using Red Heart With Love Stripes… and it instantly became one of my most-recommended beginner knitting projects. The original yarn has since been discontinued, but here is the thing… this shawl is so forgiving that it works with practically ANY worsted or aran weight yarn you love. Multi-color, self-striping, ombré, cakes… all of it is fair game. And because gauge genuinely does not matter here, you can cast on with whatever yarn calls to you from your stash, keep knitting until the shawl feels big enough, and then work the garter edge bind-off. Done. It is that simple.

I have pulled together a whole list of stripy, colorful yarn options below… including some new favorites that are really affordable. Let's get into it.

Marly Bird's Easy Beginner Garter Stitch Bias Knit Shawl, a free knitting pattern for beginners showing the diagonal drape in a colorful self-striping yarn

What You Will Love About This Beginner Knit Shawl 💖

🧶 It is 100% garter stitch. The entire shawl… body AND the garter edge bind-off… is knit stitch only. No purling. Ever. If you can knit, you can make this shawl.

📐 Gauge does not matter. This is genuinely rare in knitting patterns, and it is a huge deal for beginners. Grab your worsted or aran weight yarn, grab your US 10 needles (or whatever size is recommended on the label), and start knitting. Keep going until the shawl is the size you want it to be. The stitch count really does not matter… you just work until it feels right, then do the bind-off.

✈️ This is the ultimate travel project. The 2-row repeat is so simple you will have it memorized after the first few rows. You can set it down mid-row, pick it up two weeks later on a plane, and never miss a beat. No charts to track. No complex stitch patterns to re-orient yourself to. Just knit.

🌈 Self-striping yarn does all the color work for you. No ends to weave in between color changes. The yarn does the design work… you just enjoy watching the stripes appear.

📄 It is free right here on the blog. The full pattern lives free ⬇️ below… thank you for supporting the site by reading through the ads!

🎓 Two video tutorials walk you through everything. Part 1 covers the cast-on, setup rows, and body. Part 2 covers the garter edge bind-off. You are never on your own with this one.

Colorful Garter Stitch Bias Shawls in purple, blue, white, and gray are draped on three mannequins, showing knit texture.

Quick Pattern Overview

🧶 Craft: Knitting

🎯 Skill Level: Easy Beginner

📏 Finished Size (sample, after blocking): 88″ (223.5 cm) wingspan along increase edge / 56″ (142 cm) along straight edge / 47″ (119.5 cm) along bind-off edge. Because gauge does not matter with this pattern, your finished size will depend on your yarn and how long you knit. Keep going until it feels right!

🪡 Needles: US Size 10 (6 mm) 36″ circular knitting needle. The shawl is worked flat… circular needles are just used to hold the growing number of stitches comfortably as the shawl grows.

🧵 Yarn: Any worsted or aran weight yarn in a colorful, self-striping, ombré, or multi-color style. The original yarn (Red Heart With Love Stripes, Baroque Stripe) is discontinued. See the full yarn list below!

📐 Gauge: 14 sts and 28 rows = 4″ in Garter Stitch after blocking. But here is the beautiful thing about this pattern: gauge does not matter. Your shawl will just be a different finished size, and that is perfectly fine.

🏗️ Construction: Worked flat from one corner outward using right-angle construction. The shawl builds its triangle shape as you go, creating that gorgeous diagonal drape knitters love. Finished with a built-in garter edge bind-off that works directly onto the live stitches.

Is This Beginner Bias Knit Shawl Right for You?

This pattern is perfect for you if…

✅ You are a brand new knitter who has learned the knit stitch and wants a real project (not just a dishcloth)

✅ You want a shawl pattern where gauge does not matter and you cannot mess it up

✅ You love colorful, self-striping yarn and want a pattern that shows it off

✅ You need a portable travel project with a simple repeat you can memorize

✅ You want to learn bias knitting in the most beginner-friendly way possible

This pattern might not be for you if…

❌ You want a lace shawl with intricate stitch patterns (this is pure garter stitch)

❌ You prefer patterns with exact finished measurements (this one is flexible by design)

❌ You have never knitted before (learn the knit stitch first, then come back!)

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Love Colorful Self-Striping Yarn? More Patterns to Try! 🌈

One of the best things about self-striping and gradient yarn is that it works beautifully for SO many project types beyond shawls. Here are a few of my favorite patterns that absolutely shine in a stripy, colorful yarn…

Woman models a blue-green garter stitch shawl, showing its soft texture while seated on a wooden bench outdoors.
Bias Knit Scarf Pattern in Knitting for Dummies 3rd Edition – By Marly Bird

Bias Shawl vs. Right-Angle Construction — What's the Difference?

You will often hear this shawl called a “bias shawl,” and that name has stuck because of how it looks… that beautiful diagonal drape is exactly what most knitters picture when they hear the word bias. But technically, true bias knitting works differently: it uses increases on one side and decreases on the other simultaneously, which creates a fabric that runs on the diagonal from corner to corner.

This shawl is actually a right-angle construction… you start at one corner, increase on one sides to build out the triangle, and the result has that same gorgeous diagonal appearance without the complexity of true bias knitting. That is what makes it perfect for beginners.

So if you found this post searching for a bias shawl… you are in the right place. The look is the same, the technique is simpler, and the garter stitch does all the heavy lifting.

✨ Designer Tip: If you love the bias construction in this shawl, check out my collection of 20 Free Bias Knit Projects Made Corner-to-Corner… there are blankets, scarves, and more all using this same satisfying diagonal technique!
Collage showing a woman knitting outdoors, close hands working yarn, tools displayed, and plane wing over clouds above.

Your Perfect Travel Knitting Project

I hear from knitters all the time who are looking for the ideal travel project… something portable, easy to pick up and put down, and simple enough to work while watching TV or chatting with friends. This shawl checks every box.

✈️ Airport and airplane friendly. No charts to reference, no complex stitch patterns to track. Just knit.

🎒 Fits in any bag. One ball of yarn, one circular needle, one stitch marker. That is it. These are my favorite knitting bags for all projects!

🛋️ Perfect TV knitting. The 2-row repeat is so simple you can knit without looking down once you have it memorized. We call this a perfect Netflix and Chill knitting project 📺

⏸️ Easy to set down and pick up. No complicated pattern to re-orient yourself to. Just find your marker and keep going.

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Build Your Skills with This Shawl

Even though this is an easy beginner pattern, you will learn real knitting skills that transfer to more advanced projects:

📚 Kfb (knit front and back)… a basic increase that adds one stitch. You will use this constantly in garment knitting.

📚 K2tog (knit two together)… a basic decrease that removes one stitch. Another essential skill for shaped garments.

📚 Reading your knitting… because you are watching the bias shape develop, you will learn to “read” your fabric and understand what is happening structurally.

📚 The garter edge bind-off… a technique that finishes and binds off at the same time. This skill transfers to other edgings and finishing techniques.

📚 Blocking… the finishing step that transforms your knitting. You will learn why blocking matters and how to do it properly.

Want to level up your knitting skills even more? Check out the BiCrafty Bootcamp at Marly Bird House for structured lessons that take you from beginner to confident knitter.

Striped knit shawl in blue, purple, and white draped on a mannequin; skein of Red Heart With Love Stripes yarn below.

Yarn & Materials

Original Yarn (Discontinued)

The original sample was knit in Red Heart With Love Stripes in the colorway Baroque Stripe (E400-1978). This yarn has been discontinued, but the good news is that this shawl works beautifully with ANY worsted or aran weight yarn. The pattern is so forgiving that you can substitute freely.

Substitute Yarns

Here are my favorite substitutes, organized by where to find them:

From Michaels

  • 🧶 Loops & Threads Impeccable Stripes… affordable and easy to find
  • 🧶 Caron Macchiato Cakes… beautiful warm neutrals
  • 🧶 Caron Blossom Cakes… gorgeous floral-inspired colorways (see my Caron Blossom Cakes post)
  • 🧶 Caron Upside Down Cakes… fun, unexpected color combinations
  • 🧶 Loops & Threads Soft Classic Ombre… soft gradient transitions
  • 🧶 Loops & Threads Carousel Twist… bright, cheerful stripes
🧹 A note on fiber care: Most of the yarns on this list are acrylic or acrylic-blend worsted weights, which means they are machine washable. This is a huge bonus for a beginner project… no hand washing required, and the finished shawl can go right in the washing machine on a gentle cycle. That also makes this shawl an excellent gift choice, since acrylic holds up beautifully to regular laundering. If you choose a natural fiber yarn (wool, alpaca, etc.), hand wash gently and lay flat to dry.

Needles & Notions

  • 🪡 US Size 10 (6 mm) 36″ circular knitting needle… circular needles hold the growing stitch count comfortably as the shawl gets bigger. The shawl is worked flat (back and forth), not in the round. Shop circular needles at Jimmy Beans Wool or Knit Picks.
  • 🔵 Stitch markers (including at least one removable marker)
  • ✂️ Scissors
  • 📏 Tape measure
  • 🪡 Tapestry needle (for weaving in ends)
  • 👜 Notions bag for supplies
  • 🏷️ Leather tags + rivets (optional… for a polished finishing touch)

Video Tutorials

I have two full-length video tutorials for this pattern, plus links to individual technique tutorials for every skill used in the pattern. Watch these before you cast on and you will feel completely prepared.

🎥 Part 1: Getting Started… covers the cast on, setup rows, placing your stitch marker, and the beginning of the bias shaping. Watch this before you cast on your first stitch.

🎥 Part 2: The Garter Edge Bind-Off… a complete walkthrough of the garter edge bind-off section, including how to set it up, how to join your live stitches, and how to finish the shawl beautifully.

🎥 Get Fix It Help… a complete walkthrough of the common mistake fixes for your knitting. This is a video you will want to save and come back to.

Individual technique tutorials:

Beginner Garter stitch bias knit shawl stripes in blue, purple, white, gray, and brown shown on a mannequin from three angles.

Easy Beginner Garter Stitch Bias Knit Shawl — Pattern Details

Skill Level

Easy Beginner

Finished Measurements (Sample, After Blocking)

  • 88″ (223.5 cm) wingspan along the increase edge
  • 56″ (142 cm) along the straight edge
  • 47″ (119.5 cm) along the bind-off edge

Note: Because gauge does not matter with this pattern, your finished measurements will depend on your yarn weight and needle size. Work until your shawl feels like the right size for you, then work the garter edge bind-off.

Gauge

14 sts and 28 rows = 4″ (10 cm) in Garter Stitch after blocking

Gauge note: Gauge is not critical for this pattern. Your shawl will simply be a different finished size depending on your yarn and needles. Cast on and enjoy the process!

Materials

Yarn: Any worsted or aran weight yarn in a colorful, self-striping, ombré, or gradient colorway. See full yarn list above.

Original sample yarn: Red Heart® With Love® Stripes, Baroque Stripe (E400-1978)… 2 skeins. Discontinued. Use any of the substitute yarns listed in the Yarn section above.

Needles: US Size 10 (6 mm) 36″ circular knitting needle. The shawl is worked flat. Circular needles are used simply to hold the growing number of stitches comfortably.

Notions: Stitch markers

Tapestry needle 

Scissors

Tape measure

Notions Bag for Supplies

Leather tags (optional)

Leather rivets (optional)

⭐️ Marly Bird Amazon Storefront ⭐️

Abbreviations

  • CO — cast on
  • k — knit
  • k2tog — knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease)
  • k2togtbl — knit 2 stitches together through the back loops
  • kfb — knit into the front and back of the same stitch (increase)
  • RS — right side
  • SM — slip marker
  • st(s) — stitch(es)
  • WS — wrong side

Schematic

Asymmetrical shawl knit in striped garter stitch with blue, gray, and white hues; labeled measurements and start point shown.

Pattern Notes

Construction: This shawl is worked flat from one corner outward using garter stitch throughout. The shawl grows on the bias… meaning it grows diagonally instead of straight across like a traditional triangle shawl. Simple increases and decreases create the asymmetrical shape while keeping the knitting relaxing and easy to follow. After the desired size is reached, a decorative garter stitch bind-off is worked directly onto the live stitches. This edging finishes the shawl while binding off the remaining stitches at the same time.

Right Side and Wrong Side: Because the shawl is worked entirely in garter stitch, both sides look very similar. After completing the setup rows, place a removable marker on the Right Side of your work. This marker will help you keep track of which side is the front of the shawl as it grows.

Stitch Marker Placement: The stitch marker placed during the setup rows marks the shaping line of the shawl. Do not remove this marker. Whenever the pattern instructs you to “SM,” simply slip the marker from the left needle to the right needle without knitting it.

Joining a New Skein: To maintain the stripe sequence, begin the new skein at the same point in the color repeat whenever possible. Compare the colors at the end of the current skein to the beginning of the new skein and adjust as needed before joining.

Measuring Your Shawl: Measure the shawl periodically as you work. The sample shawl measures 88″ along the increase edge (wingspan) and 56″ along the straight edge. You may continue knitting beyond the sample measurements if you have sufficient yarn and would like a larger shawl. You can also stop earlier for a smaller shoulder shawl.

Understanding the Garter Edge Bind-Off: The garter edge bind-off is worked directly onto the live stitches of the shawl. During the bind-off process, one live shawl stitch is joined to the edging on every Wrong Side row. As you continue working, the number of live shawl stitches gradually decreases until all stitches have been incorporated into the edging. If it appears that your shawl stitches are disappearing… don't worry! That means you're doing it correctly.

✨ Designer Tip: If you're new to knitting, place a removable stitch marker every 20 rows. These markers make it much easier to count rows and track your progress if you need to put the project down and come back later.

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Easy Beginner Garter Stitch Bias Knit Shawl — Pattern Instructions

Set-Up

Using the Long Tail Cast On, CO 2 sts.

Row 1 (WS): Kfb, k1. — 3 sts

Row 2 (RS): Kfb, k1, kfb. — 5 sts

Row 3 (WS): Kfb, place marker, knit to end. — 6 sts
Place a removable marker on the Right Side of the work at the increased edge.

💡 Need extra help? Watch the Part 1 video tutorial before continuing.

Body

Row 4 (RS): Knit to marker, SM, knit to last st, kfb in last st. — 1 st increased

Row 5 (WS): Kfb, knit to 2 sts before marker, k2tog, SM, knit to end. — stitch count remains unchanged

Repeat Rows 4 and 5: Continue repeating Rows 4 and 5 until the shawl measures approximately 88″ along the increase edge (wingspan) and 56″ along the straight edge… or your desired size, ending after completing a Right Side row.

✨ Designer Tip: Leave enough yarn to complete the garter edge bind-off. If you are unsure, begin the bind-off when approximately 10% of your yarn remains.

Garter Edge Bind-Off

Ready to finish your shawl? Watch the Part 2 video tutorial for a complete walkthrough of this section.

Do not bind off the shawl body.

The garter edge bind-off is worked directly onto the live stitches and serves as both the decorative edging and the bind-off.

Setup Row (WS): CO 2 sts. Kfb, k2togtbl (working one cast-on stitch together with one live shawl stitch). — 3 sts remain on needle

Row 1 (RS): Kfb, k1, kfb. — 5 sts

Row 2 (WS): Knit 4, then k2togtbl using the final edging stitch and the next live shawl stitch.

Row 3 (RS): Knit 5.

Repeat Rows 2 and 3: Continue repeating Rows 2 and 3 until all remaining live shawl stitches have been incorporated into the edging. As you work, the edging stitch count remains the same while the number of live shawl stitches gradually decreases. When all shawl stitches have been joined to the edging, bind off all remaining stitches loosely.

Finishing

Weave in all ends. Wash the shawl according to the yarn label instructions. Lay the shawl flat on blocking mats or towels and gently shape it to your desired finished measurements. Allow the shawl to dry completely before removing pins.

Blocking helps smooth the garter stitch fabric, evens out the edges, and allows the shawl to reach its full size… it makes a noticeable difference, so don't skip it!

Blocking Tips

Blocking is the step that takes this shawl from “nice” to “wow.” Here is how to do it right:

🧼 Wash it first. Fill a basin with cool water and a small amount of wool wash (or mild dish soap for acrylic yarns). Submerge the shawl and let it soak for 10-15 minutes. Do not agitate… just let the water do its work.

💧 Remove gently. Lift the shawl out of the water (don't wring!) and press it gently against the sink to remove excess water. Roll it in a clean towel and press again. The shawl should feel damp but not dripping.

📐 Pin it out. Lay the shawl flat on blocking mats (or clean towels on a carpeted floor). Shape it to your desired measurements, gently stretching the edges. Pin the corners and along the edges to hold the shape while it dries.

⏳ Let it dry completely. This usually takes 12-24 hours depending on the fiber content and your environment. Resist the urge to unpin it early… the shawl needs to be fully dry to hold its blocked shape.

✨ Designer Tip: For acrylic yarns (like most of the substitutes on this list), you can also “kill” the yarn with steam for a permanent block. Hold a steam iron just above the pinned shawl (don't touch the iron to the yarn!) and let the steam penetrate the fabric. This sets the stitch definition permanently.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this really a bias shawl?

Great question! Most knitters call this a “bias shawl” because of the gorgeous diagonal drape… and if that is what you searched for, you are in the right place. Technically, true bias knitting uses simultaneous increases and decreases to create fabric that runs on the diagonal. This shawl uses right-angle construction instead… you start at one corner, increase to build the triangle, and get that same beautiful diagonal look with simpler shaping. Same drape, easier technique!

Why does gauge not matter for this pattern?

Because this shawl is designed to be worked until it reaches your desired size, exact gauge is not critical. If your gauge is different from the pattern, your shawl will simply be a different finished size… but it will still work up beautifully. This makes it perfect for beginners who are still learning to achieve consistent tension.

Can I use a different weight yarn?

Absolutely! This pattern works with any yarn weight from DK to bulky. Just use the needle size recommended on your yarn label. A lighter weight yarn (like DK) will give you a lacier, lighter shawl. A heavier weight (like bulky) will give you a thicker, cozier wrap. Adjust your stopping point based on how much yarn you have.

How much yarn do I need?

The original sample used approximately 2 skeins (about 700 yards total) of worsted weight yarn. However, because you control the finished size, you can make this shawl with more or less yarn. If you want a smaller shoulder shawl, one skein might be enough. For a larger wrap, you may need 3 skeins or more.

What is the garter edge bind-off?

The garter edge bind-off is a technique that creates a decorative edging while simultaneously binding off the live stitches of your shawl. You cast on a few stitches for the edging, then work them back and forth while joining one live shawl stitch on each wrong side row. The result is a neat, finished edge with a subtle garter ridge detail.

Can I make this shawl bigger or smaller?

Yes! That is one of the best things about this pattern. Simply continue the body repeat until your shawl reaches the size you want, then work the garter edge bind-off. For a smaller shoulder shawl, stop when the wingspan measures about 60″. For a larger blanket-style wrap, keep going until it is 100″ or more.

Do I need to know how to purl for this pattern?

No! This entire shawl… including the decorative bind-off… is worked using only the knit stitch. If you can knit, you can make this shawl. You will also learn kfb (knit front and back) and k2tog (knit two together), but both are simple variations of the basic knit stitch.

Final Thoughts

This beginner garter stitch bias knit shawl holds a special place in my heart because it is exactly the kind of project I wish I had when I was learning to knit. No complicated techniques. No scary charts. No anxiety about gauge. Just the simple pleasure of watching garter stitch grow into something beautiful… row by row, stitch by stitch.

If this is your first shawl, I am so excited for you. And if you are an experienced knitter looking for something relaxing and portable… I think you will love it just as much. The bias construction creates such a satisfying drape, and watching those self-striping colors develop is genuinely addictive.

Tag me when you finish yours… I would love to see it! 💛

❤️ Your BiCrafty Bestie,
Marly Bird

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