Little House Shawl

Shown in child size, yarn is Malabrigo Sock in Primavera

Inspired by the wonderful series of books written by Laura Ingalls Wilder, I decided to design a lace shawl for our daughter, who recently started reading the books on her own. This surprisingly simple shawl is knit from the hem up, using very basic lace and shaping techniques. It makes for a great first lace or shawl project, as the only techniques needed to knit the Little House Shawl are: knit, purl, knit 2 together, and yarn over. Although it was designed specifically to fit the shoulders of a child, I was pleasantly surprised to find it makes a lovely shawlette for an adult, too, so I quickly cast on and made a second one for myself!

Shown in adult size, yarn is Lorna's Laces Honor in Hullaballoo

For more information on this pattern please visit our Ravelry page here:

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/little-house-shawl




This pattern was originally published in the Autumn 2011 edition of Rhythm of the Home magazine.

54 comments:

  1. This is a charming shawl and model. I've knit shawls with the old shale lace starting at the top and knitting down. These all seem to be triangular. I like the different look and possibilities of this shawl. Thank you for the pattern.

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  2. I am thinking of making this lovely pattern but would like it a bit longer. Is it possible to add 1-3 rows in the (K 7 row) area that is just after each decrease row? Would it change the shape too much? Thank you for the pattern

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    1. Because it would require me recalculating all of the decrease rows and having the pattern tech edited again, I would suggest rather than redoing all of the math, it would work beautifully for you to simply create the shawl using worsted weight yarn rather than dk weight yarn. Use the suggested needle size and about 800 yards of yarn for best results.

      Happy Knitting!
      Joanna

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  3. I have the same questions as kermn; can this be made longer and how would I go about doing that. Thank you. Pattie

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    1. Because it would require me recalculating all of the decrease rows and having the pattern tech edited again, I would suggest rather than redoing all of the math, it would work beautifully for you to simply create the shawl using worsted weight yarn rather than dk weight yarn. Use the suggested needle size and about 800 yards of yarn for best results.

      Happy Knitting!
      Joanna

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  4. This is just so lovely. Definitely will be listed in my queue to do next.

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  5. I think I would increase the number of stitches at the beginning. It looks like it would have to be in groups of 12? based on the wavy pattern...?
    Lisa

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    Replies
    1. Because it would require me recalculating all of the decrease rows and having the pattern tech edited again, I would suggest rather than redoing all of the math, it would work beautifully for you to simply create the shawl using worsted weight yarn rather than dk weight yarn. Use the suggested needle size and about 800 yards of yarn for best results.

      Happy Knitting!
      Joanna

      Delete
  6. Lovely pattern -- thanks. Since Old Shale is a multiple of 18 stitches, seems to me that to make it longer by 4 rows I'd cast on 396 +18 ( and +18 +18 or for however much longer I'd want to make it.) There's also the possibility of adding another couple of rows to the "Knit 7" rows. I have some DK weight that may work up nicely in this once the husband's cardi from hades is done.

    It's also friendly for a "comfort shawl" type thing for chemo wards or just friendly hugs. This shape of shawl stays in place over the shoulders nicely. If it's not in Ravelry already I'll be linking it soon.

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    1. Because it would require me recalculating all of the decrease rows and having the pattern tech edited again, I would suggest rather than redoing all of the math, it would work beautifully for you to simply create the shawl using worsted weight yarn rather than dk weight yarn. Use the suggested needle size and about 800 yards of yarn for best results.

      Thank you, too, for asking about Ravelry. It is listed there in the database so you can look at the many other Little House Shawls that have already been made!

      Happy Knitting!

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  7. can this be made bigger

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    Replies
    1. Because it would require me recalculating all of the decrease rows and having the pattern tech edited again, I would suggest rather than redoing all of the math, it would work beautifully for you to simply create the shawl using worsted weight yarn rather than dk weight yarn. Use the suggested needle size and about 800 yards of yarn for best results.

      Happy Knitting!
      Joanna

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  8. I think this will be a great first lace shawl for my grand daughter! Thank you for sharing!

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  9. Thank you for this pattern. They're like potato chips, can't make just one... I'm on my third.
    Thanks,
    Julie in San Diego

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    Replies
    1. Oh, Glad to hear it is so fun for you! Happy Knitting!
      Joanna

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  10. It' s beautiful page...
    Cristina

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  11. LOVE THIS LAURA INGALLS SHAWL DONT UNDERSTAND WHAT KIND OF YARN TO USE DO YOU MEAN USE SOCK YARN FOR THE CHILD AND ADULT ONE AS REALLY DONT KNOW WHAT SOCK YARN IS ETC THANKS LOVE THIS

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    Replies
    1. Sock yarn is a weight of yarn. For the child's shawl you will need fingering weight yarn. For the adult size you will need dk weight yarn. Yarn labels generally have the info you need to find the correct weight. I hope this helps!

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  12. FORGOT TO ASK DO YOU HAVE DIRECTIONS FOR THE LAURA INGALLS SHAWL FOR AN AMERICAN GIRL LAURA INGALLS DOLL OR 15 TO16 DOLL AND WHAT SIZE NEEDLE IF YTOU DO COULD YOU PUBLISH IT ON THIS SITE ON HOW MANY STITCHES ETC TO USE THANKS

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    Replies
    1. This pattern is not currently available in a doll size.

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  13. I have a customer who wants to see this

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  14. Lovely pattern--thanks for sharing. One little fix: under Gauge, 4" should be 10 cm

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for catching that- it should be fixed now!
      ~Joanna

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  15. Curious what style of cast-on you use or recommend for this pattern? Thanks in advance!

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    1. Great question! I used the long-tail cast-on for this shawl. Happy Knitting!

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  16. Hi...thanks so much for this pattern. It is a beautiful design with soft lines. It looks like it flows. And, having read thru the other questions and responses, you provided some good feedback that is valuable for me to know. Thanks!

    And, I love that yarn - the color is gorgeous.

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    Replies
    1. You are welcome, I hope you enjoy it! Thanks for taking the time to read the comments... happy knitting!
      ~Joanna

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  17. I just love this pattern. I am almost done knitting and wondering how/if you blocked the shawl?

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    1. Thank you! I like to use a soak method when blocking. My friend has a great tutorial on this:

      http://www.myzigzagstitch.com/2010/04/26/how-to-do-it-blocking-wool/

      Happy Knitting!

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  18. HI, just found this pattern quite by accident and think it's wonderful. However I have already bought the yarn for another pattern which requires size 3 needles! I would prefer to make your shawl (adult) so I guess with my yarn it will come out much smaller, do you think it will still be suitable for an adult? (she's small and slim, 5ft 3)
    Thanks.

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    1. Thank you, I am glad you like the pattern! I think you will be happiest making this shawl for someone 5' 3" using the instructions as written above for the adult size. I would hate to see you do all of the work and have it be too small for her! Happy Knitting!

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  19. Dear Joanna,
    Thank you very much for replying all my queries mail after mails while taking my first baby step in internet transaction.It was pleasure purchasing those lovely books from you.Waiting eagerly to read those books to my daughter and also can't wait to knit new project.My Christmas projects are all near finish.So very much ready for new project.Most of thank you very much for sharing your knitting knowledge to me.
    Regards Norbu

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    1. Dear Norbu,
      Thank you so much for reaching out to me over the miles. I love how knitting brings people together. I wish you the happiest of knitting!
      Joanna

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  20. Dear, Joanna.
    Thank you for sharing your beautiful shawl.
    I'd like to share with my knitting friends.
    I'm a korean. The english pattern is difficult to some of korean knitters.
    I ask your permission for translation of your pattern.
    Could I translate into korean?
    and share with my friends in my blog?
    please, answer me.

    Regards.

    Okmin

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  21. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  22. Hello Joanna, I am so delighted to discover it is you who designed this lovely little shawl, after loving your Phoebe book so much. My daughter is 5 years old and also we are reading through the beloved series. My question is...I have 380 yds of madeline tosh worsted weight. Do you think if I cast on 18 sts less like the commenter above mentioned, it might be enough yarn? I know the pattern is as written, and it would be tough to re-calculate, but perhaps you have had feedback that this might work? Thank you so much. Also, rather than a shawl pin for this (my young daughter might lose it), what kind of closure would you recommend for the neck? Thank you so much.
    xo Jules

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    1. Hi Jules, thanks for writing in! I am so glad to hear your daughter is enjoying these books. I am not sure if you reduce the stitch count by 18 you will have enough yarn for this… I have not tried it myself so I can't say if it will work or not, but based on feedback I have had, and that the worsted weight yarn will be used up much more quickly because of its weight, I would really suggest doing one of the two versions of the pattern as presented. Another option for a closure would be to create a simple buttonhole (yo, k2tog) near the top edge of the shawl and having a button closure. I hope that helps!

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  23. Great idea for the closure...and I think I'll find a complementary colour for the lacy part. Thanks for the inspiration...I'll let you know how it works out! xo

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    1. That is a great idea- using another color on the lace section, I think it will be lovely! Keep me posted on your progress!

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    2. Hello Joanna...I wanted to let you know I finished this shawl lickety split and posted it on my blog here http://alittlecraftynest.typepad.com/a-little-crafty-nest/2014/02/little-house-on-the-prairie.html My little girl loves it and now I am going to make three for her dollies. Thank you for this...it is a treasure!
      xo Jules
      P.S. I opted for a shawl pin in the end, but now that I know the pattern, I will go with a button enclosure. :)

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    3. It is just lovely! Thanks for sharing, Jules!

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  24. I would like to double the size of this width or longwise and I know all about you having to recalculate, so I'm just asking since it is mostly knit and purl would there be any reason I couldn't cast on 396 X2 and just do it that way?
    I have only been knitting for 4 months and not very sure of myself

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    1. You could try doubling the stitch count but you will likely run into issues when it comes to the decrease rows. The simplest way to make the shawl bigger is to use a larger weight yarn such as about 1000 yards of worsted weight. Hope that helps!

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  25. I never knit a shawl before and had been wanted to make one but couldn't fine the pattern that I am comfortable with. this shawl looks simple and your instruction is clear. So I think I found the right shawl. thanks or sharing.

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  26. I would like to make the Little House Shawl in the adult size, but I am thinking that I would like to use a lighter yarn like the Malibrigo, etc. By doing so, will my shawl be the child's size or is there a way for me to adapt the pattern?

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    1. If you would like to make a larger shawl out of the lighter weight yarn you will need to recalculate all of the decreases and stitch counts. It would take some time and effort but it is possible! Either way, happy knitting!

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  27. I knit prayer shawls for my church, and think your pattern is gorgeous! I usually use Lion Brand Homespun, which is a chunky yarn, and size 11 or 13 needles. I know it will come out pretty large, but my prayer shawls are usually about 18"x60" or so. I'm thinking one of their painterly colors, or maybe using some of my leftover yarns to make this - it's going to be beautiful! Thank you for posting this pattern!

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    1. That sounds like a lovely idea for this pattern, someone will be very blessed!

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    ReplyDelete

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