Knitting has long been the favorite technique for shawl making because of the detailing and color patterning that is possible and the supple, drapable fabric the stitches produce. Knitted shawls have something special in common, a great fit and cozy comfort.

Knitted Fabrics
Knitted fabrics are made by intermeshing of loops of yarn, and can be composed of any kind of fiber, yarn, stitches or patterns for apparel, home-furnishing, and industrial end-uses. Knitted fabrics can be divided into two general types: weft knitted and warp knitted. Weft knitted fabrics are the knitted fabric in which a yarn forms loops across the width of the fabric; they can be either hand-made or machine processed. Warp knitted fabrics are knitted fabrics in which a series of yams run in the lengthwise direction to the fabric.

Designs & Motifs
The two basic stitches, knit and purl, can be worked alone or together and form the basis of dozens of designs as well as other stitches. Knitting requires two needles and a continuous strand of yarn. The basic stitches are created using both needles, wrapping the yarn over one needle and drawing the wrapped yarn through loops on the other needle. A variety of techniques, including diagonal knitting lace, short rows, entrelac, and intarsia are used while crafting knitted shawls.