Knit Beginner Cityscape Shawl with Marly Bird
Updated August 2026: This post has been refreshed with current yarn substitutes for the discontinued Red Heart Colorscape, an updated link to the free pattern on Yarnspirations, and a gallery of patterns using Roll With It Tweed.
This unique shawl uses two different colors of a self-striping yarn to create a beautiful gradient color pattern. Made easy with a start-to-finish video tutorial, beginner knitters and shawl lovers will both love the Cityscape Shawl! The free pattern is available on Yarnspirations — no sign-up required.
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The Cityscape Shawl — Free Beginner Knit Pattern
Beginner knitters will love this shawl pattern. Most of the visual magic comes from the long color changes of a self-striping yarn — the yarn does all the gradient work for you! The original pattern called for Red Heart Colorscape, but that yarn has since been discontinued. No worries at all — I have two excellent substitute yarns listed below that give you the same stunning effect.
When you are starting out in knitting, it is always valuable to have someone walk through the pattern with you. In this video tutorial I work with you from start to finish to complete this shawl pattern — in both English and Continental style!
You will learn the simple knit stitches needed for this pattern: the knit stitch, knit front and back (kfb), center double decrease (cdd — decreases two stitches at once), slip slip knit (ssk), and knit 2 together (k2tog). The video covers every single one!
This pattern recommends a size US 10 (6 mm) needle. I suggest using circular needles to accommodate the number of stitches as your shawl grows.
Is the Cityscape Shawl Right for Beginners?
Short answer? Absolutely yes — and here is why I love recommending this pattern to newer knitters.
Every stitch in this shawl is a fundamental knitting basic: the knit stitch, a simple increase (kfb), and a couple of decreases. Nothing that will have you reaching for a stitch dictionary at midnight! If you have ever knitted a scarf or a dishcloth, you already have the skills to knit this shawl.
The real secret weapon is the yarn. A long color-changing self-striping yarn does all the visual heavy lifting for you — it transitions through gorgeous gradients on its own, so your finished shawl looks like you spent hours planning the color scheme when you really just cast on and started knitting. That is the magic of self-striping yarn! And with the video tutorial right above walking you through every single step, there is nothing to be intimidated by.
Video Tutorial
Yarn Substitutes for the Cityscape Shawl
Since Red Heart Colorscape has been discontinued, here are two great substitutes that give you the same self-striping color magic this shawl is known for. Both are worsted weight — just choose two colorways that complement each other for the A and B yarns in the pattern!
Red Heart Roll With It Tweed
Red Heart Roll With It Tweed is a #4 worsted weight yarn that combines separately dyed strands in contrasting colors to create gorgeous tweed-like fabrics with beautiful color variation. At 311 yards per ball and 100% acrylic (machine washable!), it is a practical and beautiful choice for this shawl. Check current availability — some colorways are clearance while supplies last.
Lion Brand Ferris Wheel
Lion Brand Ferris Wheel is a self-striping worsted-weight roving acrylic yarn with mesmerizing color transitions and a subtle ombré effect. Each 270-yard cake is perfect for shawls, and it comes in gorgeous colorways that will make the Cityscape Shawl look absolutely stunning. Available at Michaels in 3-packs — plenty of yardage for this project!
Tips for Knitting with Color-Changing Yarn
Self-striping yarns are genuinely magical to work with — but a few tips will make the whole experience smoother and way more fun!
- Work from both ends. This pattern alternates between two balls or cakes (A and B). Pull from the center of each or wind into a ball to keep them tidy.
- Don't fight the color changes. The yarn transitions on its own schedule — that is literally the whole point! Let it do its thing and enjoy the surprise.
- Keep A and B separated. A yarn bowl, bag, or even two mugs on your side table keeps the two balls from tangling with each other while you work.
- Carry colors loosely at the joins. When you switch between yarn A and yarn B, keep the tension relaxed at the edges or your shawl will pucker along the sides.
- Block your finished shawl. Blocking is the step that takes your shawl from “handmade” to “wait, you made that yourself?!” It opens up the stitches and really lets those color gradients pop. Follow the care instructions on your yarn label.
Pattern Materials
- Yarn: Self-striping worsted weight — try Red Heart Roll With It Tweed or Lion Brand Ferris Wheel; 2 balls/cakes in 2 colorways (A and B)
- Circular Knitting Needles: 6 mm [US 10]
- Optional removable stitch marker (see pattern Notes)
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
- FREE Cityscape Shawl Pattern on Yarnspirations — free download, no sign-up required!
How to Finish Your Cityscape Shawl
You've bound off your last row — almost there! Here's what to do to take your shawl from the needles to wearable.
Weave in your ends. You will have a few yarn tails from alternating between color A and color B throughout the shawl. Use a yarn needle to weave each end in at least 2–3 inches along the edge — this keeps them secure through washing and wearing.
Block it! I cannot say this enough — blocking is the step that transforms a handknit piece into something that looks truly polished. It opens up the stitches, evens out the fabric, and makes those color gradients really sing. Follow the care instructions on your yarn label: wool-based yarns love a wet blocking soak, while acrylic yarns respond better to a light steam or spray blocking. Don't skip this step!
Optional: Add fringe. Want to give your shawl a little extra personality? Fringe along the bind-off edge is a gorgeous finishing touch. Cut strands of yarn about twice your desired fringe length, fold in half, and pull through the edge stitches with a crochet hook. Totally optional — the shawl is beautiful on its own — but it's a fun way to make it your own.
More Free Knit Shawl Patterns
- Beginner Easy Knit Lace Shawl — The Waterline Pattern + Tutorial
- Free Knit Lace Shawl with Hearts
- Best Knitting Needles for Beginners — Full Review
- 100 Free Knit Patterns — The Ultimate Collection
More Patterns Using Roll With It Tweed
Roll With It Tweed has been one of my go-to yarns for a long time — here are more patterns I have designed with it. And good news: they all work beautifully with Lion Brand Ferris Wheel too!
Frequently Asked Questions
Great question! The original pattern used Red Heart Colorscape, but it has been discontinued. Two excellent substitutes are Red Heart Roll With It Tweed and Lion Brand Ferris Wheel. Both are self-striping worsted weight yarns that give you the same beautiful gradient effect that makes this shawl so striking — and beginner-friendly!
The Cityscape Shawl is a free pattern on Yarnspirations! Click here to download the free Cityscape Shawl pattern — no sign-up required. It is a straightforward beginner knit pattern with all the stitch instructions included.
I highly recommend it! While the Cityscape Shawl is a beginner pattern, having me walk through every step with you makes a huge difference. The video above covers every stitch in both English and Continental style — watch it as many times as you need!
You will need to know: the knit stitch, knit front and back (kfb), center double decrease (cdd), slip slip knit (ssk), and knit 2 together (k2tog). Don't let that list intimidate you — the video tutorial covers every single one from scratch!
The pattern recommends a size US 10 (6 mm) needle. I strongly suggest circular needles — as the shawl grows, you will have a lot of stitches on the needle, and circulars make it so much easier to manage!
Categories: Knit Shawl Patterns, Knitting, Our Free Patterns, YouTube Video Tutorial
